Wantagh High School Valedictorian Will Attend Harvard University

WANTAGH, NY — With graduation season in the coming weeks, the Wantagh School District has its top seniors from the class of 2021.

Senior Melanie Volz is this year's valedictorian, while Hayden Maitra is the salutatorian, the district announced.

Volz finished her high school years with a 107.286 grade point average and is an advanced placement scholar with distinction. She also qualified for the AP Capstone Diploma. She'll attend Harvard University in the fall.

Maitra, who had a 106.178 GPA, is planning to attend Binghamton University in the fall. He is a patrol leader for the Boy Scouts and is working toward becoming an Eagle Scout. Maitra is a standout athletically as a member of the track, winter track and cross-country teams.

Wantagh High School Principal Dr. Paul Guzzone said the students have shown a strong work ethic since middle school.

"Most important are the skills you have developed to become valedictorian and salutatorian," he said in a statement.