HHS Class of 2025 Valedictorian and Salutatorian Announced

Isabella Careccia-Johnson has been named valedictorian of Huntington High School’s Class of 2025. Nicholas Plachta is this year’s salutatorian. The exceptional duo has enjoyed spectacular four year runs packed with academic and co-curricular success.

Ms. Careccia-Johnson and Mr. Plachta will give addresses at Huntington’s 164th commencement exercises on Friday, June 27 at 6 p.m. in Blue Devil Stadium. A crowd of more than 2,000 is expected to attend.

Principal Rochelle Brown called the two top students to her office separately to inform them of the designation. Waiting there were Superintendent Beth McCoy and Director of School Counseling and Testing Dr. Ricky V. Papandrea Jr. Each of the teenagers was excited to hear the news and both called their moms, who were both overjoyed.

“I am thrilled to congratulate our remarkable Valedictorian Isabella Careccia-Johnson and Salutatorian Nicholas Plachta on their outstanding achievement,” Mrs. McCoy said. “These  students have demonstrated exceptional dedication, resilience and intellect throughout their educational journey and I couldn’t be prouder of them.”

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 most challenging Advanced Placement courses that Huntington offers.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to receive the honor of being Huntington’s Class of 2025 valedictorian,” Ms. Careccia-Johnson. “My peers are some of the hardest working students I know and they have set a high bar for excellence, but at the same time they have demonstrated kindness and an appreciation for creative thinking. It has been a privilege to be in class with them.”

The senior is still in the process of finalizing her college plans. She intends to study journalism with an emphasis on news.

“The past four years have been challenging, rewarding, and above all else, memorable,” Ms. Careccia-Johnson said. “I thank Huntington’s incredible teachers, guidance counselors, administrators and staff for making my high school experience truly great. I am most grateful to the Art Department, English Department, and Social Studies Department, as well as my Latin teacher, Mrs. [Kristin] Fortunato, for their unwavering support. Go Blue Devils!”

Mr. Plachta plans to attend Georgetown University and study public policy. “I’m really blown away at this privilege and opportunity,” the senior said. “I would like to thank the teachers, staff and fellow students for making this experience as fun and rewarding as it was. From my time at Washington, to the plays at Woodhull, and starting sports in Finley, this ride at Huntington has definitely been eventful and rewarding. Huntington is a community of people from all different experiences, backgrounds and ideas and I think that’s really shown in our school system. Every day at Huntington has been a privilege and a reward and I would like to thank everyone for helping me succeed in such a great community. Let’s go Blue Devils!”

“I am ecstatic to name my first valedictorian and salutatorian in my career as Huntington High School principal,” Ms. Brown said. “It is always a distinct honor and pleasure to acknowledge and announce these students especially as it culminates so many years of hard work and dedication. I am proud of these students and their fantastic accomplishments. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for them.”

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