Huntington’s Class of 2024 Valedictorian & Salutatorian Named

Charlotte Gordon has been named valedictorian of Huntington High School’s Class of 2024. Benjamin Edgar-McNerney is the class salutatorian. The two scholars will address an expected crowd of 2,000 at the school’s 163rd commencement exercises on Friday, June 28 at Blue Devil Stadium.

Huntington’s top two seniors have earned the affection and respect of their classmates and teachers and excelled in every possible way. Their transcripts are filled with the most challenging Advanced Placement courses that Huntington offers.

“I was ecstatic to learn that my hard work these past few years has paid off and that I’ve been recognized as the valedictorian of the Class of 2024,” Ms. Gordon said. “As for college, I’m still waiting to hear back from several schools. So far, I’ve been accepted into University of St Andrews in Scotland, Kings College London and Stony Brook University. I’m interested in taking courses related to both biology and the humanities and plan to pursue a career in scientific research.”

One of the founding members of Huntington’s Social Justice Ambassadors Club, Ms. Gordon is currently president of the high school’s Key Club chapter. The teenager has served as a New World Club mentor, helping students new to the country acclimate to the high school environment. She has tutored elementary grade students who need a little bit of extra help with their reading and math skills. As a bilingual graduate of the district’s dual language program, she is able to speak to the youngsters in Spanish as well as English to ensure their understanding.

“Both Charlotte and Ben have been true role models here at Huntington High School as they are not only the strongest academic students here, but they are also involved in so many other aspects of school life from clubs to honor societies and athletics,” Principal Brenden Cusack said. “Both of these amazing students have truly made the most of their experiences here and it is so wonderful to see that the fruits of their hard work have paid off with this honor. I offer Charlotte and Ben my sincere congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment. I am looking forward to their remarks at our 163rd commencement ceremony in June.”

Ms. Gordon is the editor-in-chief of The Dispatch, Huntington High School’s student newspaper. She is also concertmistress of the honors symphony orchestra.

Last spring, Ms. Gordon was selected to participate in the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference at Adelphi University, where she learned tactics to advocate for the community as well as herself.

Publicist of the high school’s Environmental Club, Ms. Gordon has interned and worked at

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s Dolan DNA Learning Center. She also continues to work as a bookseller in Oyster Bay at Theodore’s Books, owned by former Congressman Steve Israel.

Benjamin Edgar-McNerney

Mr. McNerney is not only a top scholar, he’s a county runner-up in fencing and a Huntington star in the sport. The teenager has also been a key member of the Blue Devil marching band and served as a chemistry lab assistant.

The senior founded a profitable 3D printing company. “It taught me about establishing a business, working as a team and mastering 3D printing technology,” Mr. McNerney said.

Mr. McNerney has also been a key player in Huntington’s robotics program. “I learned the basics of JavaScript and electronics and designed launching mechanisms for our robot,” he said. “This taught me that failure is important in a creative process.”

The senior has volunteered with the high school’s Habitat for Humanity chapter, helping to erect housing in communities struck by natural disasters. Mr. McNerney has worked at Kerber’s Farm, filling a variety of roles from food preparation and cooking to customer service, animal caretaker and training of new hires.

“Congratulations to Benjamin and Charlotte for this outstanding honor,” Huntington Superintendent Christian Bowen said. “They have put forward so much hard work and dedication on a daily basis to achieve academic excellence. We wish them well in the remainder of the year and look forward to hearing about the great things to come. Well done!”

Huntington High School’s valedictorians and salutatorians since 2000 include:

2024 Top Scholars

Huntington Class of 2024 valedictorian Charlotte Gordon with school officials.

Huntington Class of 2024 salutatorian Benjamin Edgar-McNerney with school officials.

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