Huntington High School seniors Grace Wildermuth and Alexander Bellissimo have been named co-valedictorians of the Class of 2021.
Ms. Wildermuth and Mr Bellissimo will give addresses at Huntington’s 160th commencement exercises on Friday, June 25. This marks the first time the school has named co-valedictorians since 1978.
“Huntington High School can boast of an outstanding Class of 2021 characterized by its collective character, intelligence, range of accomplishments and resilience,” Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “Grace and Alex epitomize it all. They remain dedicated to their personal growth, continue to exploit their interests and have always represented the school community in the finest manner possible. I know I speak for all in sharing our pride in their achievements and in wishing them well as they move toward the next stages in their lives and toward making the world a better place.”
Huntington’s top two seniors have captured the respect and admiration of their classmates and teachers and excelled in every way possible. Their transcripts are filled with the titles of the most challenging Advanced Placement courses that Huntington offers.
“These two fine young Blue Devils have put forth a great deal of effort over their academic careers thus far and overcome obstacles along the way,” Principal Brenden Cusack said. “I am grateful for these wonderful students, who represent the very best Huntington has to offer.
They were very excited to learn the news and we are all so very proud of them. As could only happen during a year of so many other unprecedented circumstances, we find our top two students in a tie. I wish both of these outstanding students a hearty congratulations and I am looking forward to seeing their achievements in the future.”
The two high powered seniors are held in very high esteem by the high school’s faculty. The have both pushed themselves to excel and also participated in an assortment of extracurricular activities.
“I am proud to be named co-valedictorian and honored to share this position with Alex,” Ms. Wildermuth said. “I’m grateful for all the wonderful teachers at Huntington that have made learning engaging and interesting.”
Ms. Wildermuth is in the process of deciding which college she will be attending, but she “really likes” Vanderbilt University and Northwestern University. “I plan to study music in college with a double major or minor in another subject; probably history,” the senior said.
The co-valedictorians has distinguished themselves in every way and are highly regarded by their fellow Class of 2021 members.
“I am very honored to receive this and proud of myself for all of the hard work I have put into my four years at Huntington High School,” Mr. Bellissimo said.
The teenager hasn’t finalized his college plans yet. “As of now, my the top choices that I have been accepted into are the University of Virginia and the University of Texas at Austin,” Mr. Bellissimo said. “I am interested in studying electrical engineering/computer science.”
