Valley Stream South High School will graduate two students at the top of the class of 2026: Vijay Singh, valedictorian, with a 111.03 grade point average, and Alexa Kosinski, salutatorian, with a 110.79 GPA.
Both students distinguished themselves not only through academic achievement but also by participating in a wide array of extracurricular activities that enriched the school community.
Guidance counselor Michelle Lopez noted that both students are composed and steady in their approach to challenges.
“My vals and sals have been very overwhelmed, a little bit excitable,” Lopez said. “[Singh and Kosinski] are very even-keeled, and nothing seems to fluster them. I admire that, because I know behind the scenes, they work really hard.”
Lopez added that the school provides resources, such as wellness clubs and restorative circles, to support students at all achievement levels, helping high-performing students manage stress while remaining engaged in academics and community activities.
Vijay Singh: Leadership through learning
Singh, 17, has been active in multiple academic and extracurricular roles. He serves as captain of South’s varsity Quiz Bowl team, “Its Academic,” and leads the school’s mock trial team. In addition, he serves as vice president of the math honor society and participates in both the English and history honor societies. Outside academics, Singh plays tennis.
“I’m not sure if it was always the goal to be valedictorian specifically,” Singh said. “But just to be around a lot of great people and learn from them, and to just do the right thing, and then that came as a consequence after doing that.”
His participation in “Its Academic” and mock trial provided opportunities to collaborate with peers and to develop leadership skills. Mentorship from his math teacher and club advisor, Ross Lipsky, has been influential in shaping his approach to challenges and decision-making.
Despite consistent success, Singh faced periods when he was not at the top of his class, which required sustained effort to recover and excel. Achieving the position of valedictorian reflects both his academic diligence and his ability to navigate challenges.
Looking forward, Singh plans to pursue a degree in engineering, though he has not finalized a specific school. His perspective emphasizes learning from others and approaching new experiences with curiosity and persistence.
Alexa Kosinski: Academic excellence and community service
Kosinski, 18, balanced rigorous academic coursework with extensive extracurricular involvement, including gymnastics, cheerleading and track. She participated in mock trial and student government, and she co-founded the club Heart and Soul, which provides community outreach and mentorship opportunities in the medical field. Kosinski also earned the rank of Eagle Scout this year, reflecting her long-term commitment to leadership and service.
“I think from a young age, my parents definitely instilled in me a sense of curiosity, which really drove me to learn everything that I was able to because it was amazing to be able to learn so much new information every time I went to school,” Kosinski said. “I was also so lucky to be surrounded by an excellent group of people who shared similar motivations and wanted to learn.”
Collaborating with peers who shared similar goals was crucial, particularly during her junior year, which she described as especially challenging in balancing academics, extracurriculars and personal responsibilities. Her role in clubs and leadership positions allowed her to develop skills in organization, teamwork and service while maintaining high academic standards.
Her achievement as salutatorian represents recognition for her dedication and her ability to manage a demanding schedule. Kosinski will attend Vassar College in the fall, intending to major in biology with a pre-veterinary focus, and hopes to continue to veterinary school after graduation. She encourages younger students to pursue learning for the sake of curiosity and interest, rather than focusing solely on grades, and emphasizes the importance of surrounding themselves with supportive peers who share their motivation and values.
“Definitely don’t give up and don’t let a few bad grades or a few bad days get you down,” Kosinski said. “I think it’s really important to be able to maintain a positive mindset, especially, like I said, junior year, it gets really difficult, and it feels like there’s no end and that things are just going to go on forever and get worse. But if you’re able to sort of convince yourself that everything is happening for a reason and that you’re able to find happiness in each day, then you’ll really be able to get through anything.”
Looking ahead
Both Singh and Kosinski exemplify the values of South, combining academic achievement with meaningful engagement in school and community activities. Lopez hopes graduates will carry forward the lessons of collaboration, persistence and service as they move beyond high school.
As the Class of 2026 prepares for graduation, Singh and Kosinski leave a legacy of achievement, humility and dedication. Their accomplishments illustrate the ways students can excel academically while remaining engaged in leadership and service, providing a model for future South students.
