Twin Sisters Named Long Beach HS Valedictorian And Salutatorian

LONG BEACH, NY — Twin sisters Uma and Maya Arengo were named the Long Beach High School class of 2021 valedictorian and salutatorian last week.

The sisters are no strangers to success — they have each earned numerous achievements in a variety of areas throughout their years in the district. A plentiful collection of individual and shared victories demonstrates both seniors’ determination, talent and dedication to their endeavors.

Uma and Maya are IB Diploma Candidates, co-vice presidents of the math team, AP Scholars with Distinction, National Merit Semifinalists, National Hispanic Recognition Program honorees and past participants in the Institute of Merit and Columbia University Science Honors Program. They competed in the Long Island Math Fair, where Uma earned a gold medal and Maya won bronze, and are involved with the Fragments literary magazine. Uma contributes to the Tide school newspaper as co-editor.

In addition to their many academic interests, Uma and Maya are also musicians. Maya plays the viola and has performed in LISFA and All-County ensembles, while Uma is a violinist.

They both have valuable words of advice for younger peers in terms of balancing workloads and activities.

“It’s better to look at the big picture and not get hung up on little things,” said Uma.

“Make sure you’re managing your time well so you have time to relax, but are also getting your work done,” said Maya.

Uma is considering majoring in mathematics and minoring in Spanish, while Maya plans to study chemical engineering.