Lynbrook High School is proud to announce that seniors Kate Santoli and Erick Diaz were named the Class of 2025 valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. Both students excel in academic pursuits and are vocal leaders in their school community.
Santoli credits the Key Club, for which she is the co-president alongside Diaz, as one of the most rewarding experiences she has had at Lynbrook High School. With the support of fellow members, she helped organize successful events such as blood drives and popcorn fundraisers to benefit others in need. Through Science Research, she found her academic drive: cognitive neuroscience. As a student in the program since her freshman year, Santoli’s prolonged research into the subject has inspired her future studies at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Santoli also lends her knowledge of science to younger peers through a tutoring service, which she founded independently after tutoring students for the National Honor Society. At LHS, she serves as the president of the National Math Honor Society and facilitates the induction of new members to the National Science Honor Society as a member of the board.
Diaz mirrored Santoli’s emphasis on the personal importance of the Key Club, through which he established his closest connections with peers. He especially enjoyed hosting activities for seniors, such as bingo night at a local assisted living center. Through the Science Research program, Diaz found his passion while pursuing studies over two summers at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. He researched the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, which he plans to continue at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. In addition to the Key Club, Diaz serves as the president of Birthday Wishes, which throws parties for underprivileged children, and is the co-president of the Scope Club, which fundraises to help younger students attend summer camp. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and vice president of the National Science Honor Society and National Math Honor Society.
Santoli and Diaz share a strong bond as part of a “tight knit” group at LHS, Diaz said. “It’s rewarding to see each other going on this successful track,” he added. “We have a friendly competition – we help each other out.”
“We both work really hard, and we like helping each other in school and outside of school,” Santoli said.
After being named Top of the Class, Santoli and Diaz’s Science Research peers presented them with a celebratory cake. Both seniors thanked their parents for their support, as well as teacher and Key Club advisor Dr. Ben Tieniber, science teachers Kathleen McAuley and Chuck Vessalico, and English teacher Roseanne Mitchell. The district congratulates both on their outstanding achievement.
Date Added: 2/21/2025