Valedictorian and salutatorian announced

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After countless hours of putting in hard work, seniors Kate Chiulli and Nicholas Condoleo have been chosen as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, for the Class of 2023.

Chiulli and Condoleo are actively involved in extracurricular programs at Lynbrook High School. Chiulli, who is the print editor in chief at the school’s paper, Horizon, has a GPA of almost 105. Condoleo, who worked over the summer at a science research program at Hofstra University, has a GPA of just over 103.

“I was in shock for a good five minutes,” Chiulli said after hearing her name in the announcements saying she is this year’s valedictorian. “It was an incredible achievement and I was really happy to get it.”

Condoleo had a similar reaction when he heard that he was this year’s salutatorian. “I thought it was a great honor,” he said. “It really showed how my hard work really paid off.”

Some of this hard work that Condoleo put in to get this achievement involved several programs he took part in. At the science research program at Hofstra University, Condoleo completed a college-level research project. This involved taking a close look at hair fibers. Condoleo studied how protein can be extracted to affect the hair’s structure and bonds for potential cosmetic applications.

Condoleo is also the captain of the Science Olympiads and Mathletes. Through the club, Condoleo was able to express his competitive side in various competitions against other Long Island teams. Condoleo also recently answered science-related trivia in the Science Bowl at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Additionally, Condoleo is a member of the Italian Club, which has helped him more effectively communicate with his grandparents, who are immigrants.

Chiulli has also put in a lot of time and effort to receive her title as valedictorian. She has been playing the violin since second grade and is also the president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. The Honor Society helped Chiulli hone her own skills and now she helps younger students do the same through tutoring.

Outside of Lynbrook High School, Chiulli volunteers at the Tanglewood Preserve in Rockville Centre where she helps care for animals in various exhibits. “I’m going to hopefully study large animal veterinary medicine,” Chiulli said after being asked what she wants to study in college. She is not yet committed to a school after graduating.

Condoleo, who also isn’t committed to a school yet, knows what he wants to study. “I plan to major in biomedical engineering and medical devices,” he said.

Principal Matthew Sarosy praised both students for their hard work. “I think both Nick and Kate are great examples for the younger students,” he said. “If younger students have that goal of becoming valedictorian or salutatorian, they can look up to Kate and Nick to see what they have to do in order to receive those accomplishments as well.”