Valedictorian, Salutatorian For Southold's Class Of 2021 Revealed

SOUTHOLD, NY — The Southold Union Free School District announced the Class of 2021's valedictorian and salutatorian this week.

"The honors of salutatorian and valedictorian are not awarded for a single moment, event, or grade," the district said. "These honors are meant to distinguish students who have demonstrated a tireless dedication to their academics, and commitment to Southold Junior-Senior High School, over the course of four years," Southold School Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mauro and High School Principal Terence Rusch said in a statement. "Despite a global pandemic, shifting instructional models, and the myriad of health and safety guidelines – these two students have truly risen to the occasion and have proven to be extraordinary."

Benjamin Ward was named this year's valedictorian, the district said.

The valedictorian is the student with the highest cumulative grade point average in their graduating class; Benjamin has a cumulative GPA of 99.52.

"This student is highly motivated, kind, and leads by example," the district said.

He is a National Merit Scholarship letter of commendation recipient, an AP Scholar award winner, a scholar-athlete, a member of the National Honor Society, and has achieved high honor roll.

He is a member of the varsity tennis and cross country teams. He is president of the quiz bowl team and has been a national finalist; he is a founding member and president of the Student Ambassador Club, a broadcast awards nominee with SOHO TV, a member of the environmental club, and writes for the school paper, the Sentinel, the district said.

He also participates in community service at the First Presbyterian Church of Southold.

"Probably his most famous role, though, is as 'The Voice of Southold'. Each morning for the past five years, this student has been responsible for delivering our daily morning announcements and the Pledge of Allegiance," the district said. "During an uncertain and difficult time, this student’s morning greeting proved to be steadfast and supportive when our community needed it. To make it a great day or not — the choice is truly up to you."

Benjamin plans to study international affairs in the fall.

The salutatorian has earned the second-highest cumulative GPA in their graduating class.

This year, Hanna DeSimone, with a cumulative GPA of 98.12, was named the Class of 2021's salutatorian.

"This student is creative, athletic, and ambitious," the district said.

She is a scholar-athlete, an AP student, a member of the National Honor Society, and has achieved high honor roll. She is a four-year member of the varsity tennis team, participates in varsity track and field, performs in the select orchestra, was elected treasurer in the interact club, and is a senior class officer. She has also worked as an anchor for SOHO TV.

Hanna also enjoys competitive dance and is also an entrepreneur as the owner/operator of her own jewelry business.

She plans to study marketing in the fall..