Meet Malverne's 2012 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

In addition to the member Karen Aker, another big announcement was made at Tuesday's Board of Education meeting.

Assistant Superintendent Richard Banyon told the public that the valedictorian and salutatorian for Malverne High School's graduating class of 2012 have been named.

Lisa Scott was bestowed the distinguished title of valedictorian and Priscilla Varghese earned salutatorian.

In light of the that erupted last year after the district miscalculated the rankings of the Class of 2011 and initially named the wrong students valedictorian and salutatorian, Board of Education Trustee Patrick Coonan responded to Banyon's announcement, asking, "Is it right?"

"It is right! We've been working on this for days," Banyon assured both the board and residents in attendance. 

The district described Lisa Scott as an "impressive individual" who has continually challenged herself by taking some of the school’s most rigorous classes, including several Advanced Placement and college-level courses. In addition to achieving the highest grade point average (98.101) in her graduating class, Lisa's hard work has also has earned her the designation of AP Scholar and a place on the school’s high honor roll every quarter.

This year alone, Lisa is serving as president of the National Honor Society, president of the Key Club, and treasurer of the Black Studies Club. She is also a member of the select choir and an integral part of the school’s award-winning marching band.

An active volunteer, Lisa participates in the drama club at her church, Calvalry Heritage in West Hempstead, and volunteers in their summer school program. Lisa has also actively volunteered as a peer tutor at the school and has organized the school’s annual Breast Cancer Walk.

She has received scholarships from each of the schools to which she has been accepted, and is the recipient of a $1,000 Lakeview Key Women’s Scholarship Award. Although undecided on where she will attend in the fall, she intends to major in psychology.

Salutatorian Priscilla Varghese has also continually impressed her teachers and peers. In addition to her numerous honors and Advanced Placement courses, she has actively participated in the school’s science research program and received hands-on experience at laboratories while completing science-related internships for the purpose of advancing her research and studies.

Although focusing on her academics has remained her priority, Priscilla also manages to participate in countless extracurricular activities. She currently serves as treasurer of her class, vice president of the National Honor Society, and co-captain of the award-winning Robotics team, and is a member of the Key Club, Newspaper Club, Science Honor Society and the color guard.

As a result of her hard work, Priscilla has been named an AP Scholar with Distinction, and MVP of the Robotics team and has had her photography featured at an exhibit in NYC by the Professional Women Photographers Organization.

Priscilla volunteers her time as head photographer at the First Church of God in Elmont, and assists at the church’s winter Vacation Bible School.

Also the recipient of many academic scholarships including the Lakeview Key Women’s Scholarship, she is undecided on where she will attend college in the fall. Priscilla intends to major in a biochemistry and minor in photography.

The district congratulated both of these women "for their dedication to excellence over the past 13 years."