New Rochelle Announces Class Of 2021 Valedictorian, Salutatorian

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — A computer aficionado and an aspiring architect were announced the valedictorian and salutatorian of the New Rochelle High School Class of 2021.

Daniel Long, who has always been fascinated with computers, is the valedictorian. The salutatorian is Talia Hughes, whose interest in how people relate to the space around them has solidified into a love of architecture.

Both students said their passions for their chosen fields were sparked by the specialized courses they have taken at the high school.

Long said he was drawn to computers, and the iconic figures in the field, early on.

“I would idolize people like Bill Gates and Elon Musk who can do things with them that no one else can,” he said.

Long took the Advanced Placement computer-science course and is taking the third of the three AP physics classes the school offered. Even outside school, he has taken coding classes and programming lessons.

When he’s not on the computer, he’s shooting hoops on the school's basketball team or in his backyard.

Hughes always liked making things, including small models of fanciful, unrealistic buildings.

“I’ve always been interested in how the space around me affected me. Different shapes and different elements of design have an impact on people’s brains,” she said. “They can calm people down and they can make something more exciting. They have different purposes.”

When she began taking architecture classes at the high school, she got hooked. She’s a fan of Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, designer of iconic structures such as the Oculus, the transportation hub with a soaring design at the World Trade Center in Manhattan.

“They’re very clean and precise,” she said.

Hughes is a member of the school’s archery club, and in her spare time, she takes equestrian lessons and enjoys reading.

“Daniel and Talia are model New Rochelle High School students,” said Interim Principal Steve Goldberg. “They exemplify the possibilities that open up when students apply themselves and take advantage of the variety of courses we offer.”

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