Kelsey Neves is Locust Valley High School’s salutatorian for 2024
Kelsey Neves, a student with a passion for English and social studies, is the salutatorian of Locust Valley High School’s Class of 2024. Neves’s achievement is a testament to her dedication and hard work throughout her academic career.
Neves, who will attend Hofstra University in the fall, plans to major in English with a concentration in creative writing.
“I’ve always been interested in science, but my interest in English really got highlighted in my last year of high school, especially taking IB English,” Neves said. “I found my love for it there, but I still appreciate science. I’m definitely more English and social studies-centric now.”
With a weighted average of 107.4, Neves has completed seven International Baccalaureate courses and three Advanced Placement courses. Her coursework included subjects like French, physics, forensics, and international relations. She was also an active member of the Model U.N. club, band, journalism, computer art and design, ceramics, and sculpture classes.
Neves has been recognized as a National Merit Commended Student and a National PTA Reflections Literary Program winner. She has also participated in the All-County music festival and is pursuing a seal of biliteracy.
Reflecting on her time at Locust Valley High School, Neves expressed her gratitude for the opportunities and support she received.
“I think we’re really lucky to have the programs we have available to us. We have a lot of AP and IB courses that allow us to challenge ourselves. I was able to take IB history and IB English, which aligned with what I wanted to do with my future,” she said. “We also have amazing teachers in those courses who really push you to do your best.”
Neves’s extracurricular involvement is extensive. She was the editor of the school’s art and literature magazine, “Perspective,” and served as president of the Fashion Club. Additionally, she was involved in the National Art Honor Society and the Language Honor Society for French. Her leadership and creativity extended to her role in the Gender-Sexualities Alliance Club and her contributions to the school’s mental health awareness club’s newsletter.
Neves said that balancing her academic and extracurricular activities required careful time management.
“It’s difficult to strike a balance between academics and personal enjoyment. It’s important to take your mind off stressful things and do something you enjoy,” Neves explained. “For me, extracurriculars were a great way to do that. I would stay after school for an hour to work on projects and then go home to do my homework.”
Principal Patrick DiClemente recognized Neves and valedictorian Riley Haas at the district’s board of education meeting on Oct. 18.
“Kelsey’s diligent efforts, passion for success, and overall attention to pursuing all the opportunities at Locust Valley High School have resulted in her status as the salutatorian,” DiClemente said.
When asked about her reaction to being named salutatorian, Neves shared her surprise and excitement.
“When I was younger, I kind of expected myself to be up there in my class rankings. But as I got older, I tried not to put too much pressure on myself because it stressed me out,” she said. “When I heard the news about being salutatorian, I was shocked. I had put it out of my mind for so long.”
Looking ahead, Neves said she is excited to continue to explore her passion for writing at Hofstra University. Despite this, she added that she will really miss the ‘Falcon community’ of Locust Valley.
“You get very used to being around the people here, in kind of your comfort space, and now moving on, it’s not a complete disconnect, but it’s just not going to be the same,” Neves said. “I think I’ll just miss everyone that made it such a great time here for the past four years.”
