Lynbrook High School seniors Kaylie Hausknecht and Sam Cohen were recently recognized as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, for the Class of 2019. Both are outstanding students who aside from their strong academic skills and achievements, have made a positive impact on the Lynbrook community.
As valedictorian, Kaylie has collected many accolades while attending Lynbrook High School. Junior year, she was one of only five finalists selected in a pool of students from across the country for her entry in the Genes in Space contest. Among her many achievements as a senior, Kaylie was recognized as a National Advanced Placement Scholar, a Regeneron Science Talent Search semifinalist, a Coca-Cola semifinalist and a finalist in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Competition. She is highly involved in the high school as a science research student and is the president of the National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society and Science Olympiad team.
As salutatorian, Sam has earned numerous individual awards as an exceptional writer in Lynbrook High School’s newspaper club, Horizon. Here he makes his mark as Horizon’s editor-in-chief. He also joins Kaylie as a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Competition and is president of both the Tri-M Music Honor Society and the Student Government Association. Sam’s leadership roles continue as treasurer of the National Honor Society and marine club board member. His passion for music is evident, serving as jazz band pianist, concertmaster in the school’s orchestra and violinist in the school’s chamber orchestra.
In addition, both students are co-captains of the mathletes team and co-presidents of the Math Honor Society. They take pride in serving their community both inside and outside of school, tutoring others and volunteering. Kaylie volunteers with SIBSPlace and a local Hebrew School, while Sam has shared his gift of music with others at North Shore LIJ during the summer. Both students will bring their talents to Harvard University in the fall.
Principal Joseph Rainis praised the students for being top of their class. “It could not have happened to two nicer people,” he said.
Congratulations, Kaylie and Sam!