South Side High School has announced its valedictorian and salutatorian for the class of 2026.
At the district’s Feb. 25 Board of Education meeting, Principal Patrick Walsh named Megan Chiara, 17, the senior class valedictorian and Abigail Gruner, also 17, salutatorian.
“It’s really such an enjoyable experience each and every time,” Walsh said. “Once the students get over the fear of being called down to the principal’s office and realize it’s a positive moment, it becomes one of the most enjoyable things I get to do.”
Walsh also addressed the parents in attendance. Gruner’s mother, Janet, is the Board of Education’s secretary.
“While we’re recognizing students who have done such a tremendous job, I also want to thank all the parents who are here tonight,” he said. “Thank you for your hard work, cooperation and partnership, because when we work together, we know we can do great things for the kids of this community.”
Chiara said she was honored to be named valedictorian. “I’m really excited,” she said, “and I’m especially excited to share this journey with Abby, because we’re really good friends.”
Chiara is active in student government, musical theater and volunteer work with Backyard Players, and competes on the junior varsity cross-country team.
She will portray Roxie in South Side High School’s upcoming production of “Chicago,” and mentors students with special needs, encouraging confidence and inclusion.
Her academic interests center on math and science, and she plans to major in computer engineering, with a focus on improving assistive technology.
“I’m really passionate about AAC devices,” Chiara told the Herald. “They’re used for alternative and augmentative communication by people who are nonverbal and have special needs, and I really want to work on devices like that in the future.”
Walsh commended her academic record and character.
“Her academic success is not solely reflected in her exceptional grades, but in her ability to find enjoyment and a love of learning,” he said of Chiara. “She has excelled as a full IB diploma candidate across all disciplines. She is an exceptional young woman with boundless potential, and her humble spirit is something I truly admire.”
Gruner told the Herald that her experience at South Side High School helped shape her success. “I’ve been lucky enough to have some really amazing teachers who made it possible for me to achieve what I did in my classes,” she said, “and I think that was a big part of what got me here.”
Gruner maintains a demanding academic schedule, and earned distinction in several honor societies while also serving as captain and goaltender of the Nassau County champion varsity soccer team. During that county championship match against Garden City on Nov. 2, Gruner not only made two dynamic penalty-kick saves, but also scored during the extra session to help the Cyclones capture their third county title in the past five seasons.
As a community volunteer, she works as a classroom assistant, youth coach and mentor to children with disabilities. She also co-leads Bethany’s Buddies, an organization supporting women and families in need, and founded Cards to Fight Cancer, a fundraising effort benefiting Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Gruner is still deciding where she will attend college, but is considering studying cognitive science and math, inspired by an essay she wrote. “I wrote about treatments for depression and how they compare and work, especially on a chemical and psychological level, and I find that really interesting,” she said.
Walsh praised her achievements. “Whether in the classroom, on the field or in our community, she consistently demonstrates leadership, empathy and a drive to make a meaningful impact,” he said. “She has worked so hard to achieve so very much here at South Side High School. We are extremely proud of her.”
Making South Side history, the school is preparing to send off Chiara and Gruner as they begin a new journey, carrying with them all they have learned along the way.
"We are extremely proud of both Megan and Abigail,” Walsh wrote in an email to the Herald. “They have demonstrated a consistent level of excellence that is truly commendable. We know they are both on their way to great futures. Congratulations to them and their families.”
The high school declined to release Chiara’s and Gruner’s grade-point averages.
