Forty-nine Walt Whitman High School seniors saw their names added to the school plaque that honors the achievement of its high-scoring SAT/ACT Scholars. The students’ outstanding academic achievement was recognized at the annual ceremony and breakfast on March 19th as their proud families looked on.

 

The school recognition is awarded to seniors who score at least a 1300 on the SAT or a 29 on the ACT.  SAT or ACT scores are used by many colleges and universities to make admissions decisions.  The top score on the SAT is 1600 while the high score for the ACT is 36. 

 

Walt Whitman principal Dr. John Murphy praised these high achieving students for their academic excellence but also for their perseverance when things were not easy. “Times when the work felt overwhelming, when doubt crept in, and when obstacles stood directly in your path. What defines you, what makes you who you are, is that you did not stop. You dug deep, you persevered, and you found a way to move forward … You will find that as we get older, we tend to start to make excuses for why we don’t accomplish goals and try new things … I hope you never experience that or forget the energy and drive that you possess today. Remember the passion and purpose you have right now and how that drive and energy can open doors to your future,” said Dr. Murphy.

 
Those in attendance heard inspiring words from keynote speaker, Walt Whitman High School’s 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year, Ms. Tina Abbondandelo. “In many ways, today is bittersweet. We are getting ready to let you go so you can spread your wings and follow your dreams. But as you go, never forget the roots you grew right here in South Huntington. Always remember where you came from and the people who helped you along the way,” said Ms. Abbondandelo.

 

Special congratulatory remarks were offered by the Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vito D’Elia before the scholars were called up by Walt Whitman High School Assistant Principal, Jon Varlamos, to receive their certificates. In addition to the certificates, each student’s name is  inscribed on the SAT/ACT Scholars plaque that goes on permanent display at the high school and commemorates their commitment to education for years to come.

 

Congratulations to Walt Whitman High School’s 2026 SAT/ACT Scholars:

Jake App, Wafa Awan, Andrew Badalamenti, Alexander Bass, Nicole Bell, Jack Biblow, Tyler Biblow, lan Black, Arianna Campanella, Joseph Carapazza, Emily Cary, Nicolas Castillo, Tracey Cesar, Soha Chaudhry, Ever Chavez Hernandez, Liana Chetty, Erica Chung, Jordan Churchman, Wilson Cruz, Eli Dalton, Anthony Depalo, Lauren Dinstell, Samantha Dinstell, Jonathan Duffy, Ibrahim Farooq, Joseph Ferguson, Alexander Gillet, Brianna Goodwin, Isabel Hassman, Kevin Hernandez Medina, Kaylee Herold, Lucas Hill Mendizabal, Dylan Lemke, Shay Lublin, Matthew Malafronte, Lucia Maniatis, Tatiana Marr, John Miller Henson, Sean O'Connor, Lucien Saint Cyr, Aryaa Shah, Ayaan Siddiqui, Shayaan Siddiqui, Kritz George Miguel Taku, David Teixeira, Jade Tintera, Noah Turano, Jake Williams, and Ryan Yuen.

 

Photo Gallery

 

Senior Lucy Maniatis started the morning ceremony with the singing of the National Anthem. 

 

Those in attendance heard heartfelt words from keynote speaker, Walt Whitman High School’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year, Ms. Tina Abbondandelo.

 

Supervisor of Guidance Grades K-12, Mr. Corey Blair, congratulated the high school students being honored and gave them credit for their high scores earned.

 

Scholars were honored one by one as their names were called to receive their certificates from Principal Dr. John Murphy, BOE President Nicholas Ciappetta, BOE Trustee Geraldine Clark, and Superintendent Dr. Vito D’Elia. 

 

Walt Whitman High School Principal, John Murphy, proudly presented the plaque with the newly inscribed SAT/ACT scholars from the Class of 2026.

 

Students and their parents took the opportunity to stand and get their photo taken with the plaque. 

 

Friends celebrate together at the ceremonial breakfast, certificates in hand, before heading back to class.
 

Thank you to the South Huntington School Nutrition Services for providing this morning’s guests with a delicious breakfast!