By Gregory Marzano
Throughout the last six years, students from the Class of 2021 have worked tirelessly inside and outside of the classroom. Due to their dedication and hard work, Olivia Wong and Adithya Krishnan have been named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.
Outside of the classroom, valedictorian Olivia Wong is involved in many performing groups at New Hyde Park. She plays the violin in the school orchestra and string ensemble and has performed as the concertmaster of the All-District Orchestra. This year, she participated in All-State Orchestra. Outside of school, she has played with the Children’s Orchestra Society for six years, including a concert at Carnegie Hall. Besides her musical expertise, she is also a Twirler at NHP and the president of National Art Honor Society and World Language Honor Society. Additionally, Wong tutors students in New Hyde Park, helping them to reach their academic goals. She is also the current editor-in-chief of The Chariot, collaborating with writers and editors to aid in publishing an informative paper for the school. Apart from her contributions to the school, she enjoys watching movies with her brothers and has grown to love photography after taking AP 2-D Art and Design. In the fall, Wong plans to enroll at Thomas Jefferson University. She will be studying to become a physician assistant in their 3+2 program.
Source by Saanvi Mirchandani
During a Chariot meeting, Olivia Wong works hard to edit and layout articles.
Wong’s determination and diligence can be affirmed by students and teachers alike.
“Olivia is one of the most hardworking people I know. Throughout high school, she has always put 100% into every endeavor, assignment, or task, and you will never see Olivia not trying or not putting effort into something. She cares about everything she does, and it still amazes me how she balances everything. It is no shock that she is our valedictorian. Her hard work and dedication to school throughout high school is something every student should look up to. Olivia’s hard work motivated me to get everything done as well, and I couldn’t be more proud of her,” said senior Ari Boldur.
Source by Saanvi Mirchandani
Nasheed Choudhury and Olivia Wong participate in frog dissection in AP Biology class as teacher Ms. Gelber looks on.
“Olivia is one of the most talented, dedicated musicians that I have ever had the privilege of working with. She is extremely dedicated, hardworking, and a delightful young lady. To say that the orchestra and I will miss her is a great understatement. Olivia is also a force to be reckoned with. There exists within her a determined, strong-willed individual who always works for the highest standards and ideals in the orchestra. I will certainly miss her,” said orchestra teacher Ms. Tomkiw.
Adithya Krishnan, the salutatorian, has played the tuba in the band and jazz band at New Hyde Park as well as at the All-District music festival. Krishnan is also involved in music outside of school. He leads the NY Parai Musical Group, a Tamilian cultural drumming group, which he founded, and he composes video game music in his free time. He has also helped other students at NHP prepare for the SATs in hopes of assisting them in their academic endeavors. During his free time, he enjoys watching anime and has watched nearly 200 of them. In the fall, Krishnan plans to attend Brooklyn College and will be enrolled in their BA/MD combined medical program. After four years at Brooklyn College for undergraduate studies, he plans to matriculate to SUNY Downstate Medical Center for medical school and hopes to become a surgeon.
Source by Saanvi Mirchandani
Adithya Krishnan practices tuba during band class.
Students and teachers at NHP can attest to Krishnan’s hard work and enthusiasm.
“Adithya is one of the most kind and hardworking people I know. I truly appreciate his friendship and advice he's given me over the past several years, and I've truly enjoyed getting to know him in band and in the classroom. I'm so proud of how far he has come, and I hope he knows I'm rooting for him as he leaves for college and can't wait to see all the great things he does,” said junior Miranda Lin.
“Adithya is an outstanding member of the Music Department, and leads by example in reliability, musicianship and involvement. From regularly performing in the Sewanhaka District Music Festival and District Marching Band to composing sophisticated video game soundtracks and teaching his brother how to play tuba, Adithya is a model student musician. He has performed in Disney World, New Orleans, New York City and Boston, and frankly, he deserves a medal for carrying a 40lb tuba on his shoulder for four years. Adithya fulfills his commitments without complaint, keeps a positive and grounded attitude and inspires the students around him to reach for excellence. Congratulations, Adithya!” said band teacher Ms. Bagley.