The South Huntington School District is proud to announce its top two students for Walt Whitman High School’s Class of 2026: Valedictorian Shayaan Siddiqui and Salutatorian Jade Tintera.

Shayaan will attend Johns Hopkins University this September, majoring in Chemistry on a Pre-Med track. He plans to pursue a career in healthcare, with a specific interest in cardiology, radiology, or anesthesiology. His goal is to use his skills to bridge cultural gaps in medicine, ensuring that people from backgrounds like his own have better access to health information.

His parents emigrated from Pakistan, and Shayaan grew up watching his father work two jobs to provide for the family. “Seeing him working constantly to give us the life he wanted for us, it's always been in my mind to push myself further to mirror what I've seen him do my entire life. My mother has also been a big influence on my life, the way she's raised us. I've seen [my parents] give everything they have. Why wouldn't I do the same?” said Shayaan.

Shayaan graduates alongside his fraternal twin brother, Ayaan, who is also among the Top 20 students in this year’s senior class. “He's always been there to push me a little bit, but it's always been friendly. No hard feelings,” said Shayaan.

A relentless work ethic has earned Shayaan numerous honors, including the completion of 13 AP classes. He is a National Merit Finalist, an SAT/ACT Scholar, President of the Mathletes, and Captain of the Science Bowl Team. Additionally, he has been inducted into the National Honor Society, as well as the English, Math, Social Studies, World Language, and Science Honor Societies. He also serves as a delegate to Walt Whitman’s Executive Student Government Organization and is a member of the school’s Muslim Student Association.

As a student in the science research program, Shayaan was awarded a grant from the New York Institute of Technology for his work using drones to identify trees infested with the invasive spotted lanternfly. This research also earned him honors from the Long Island Science Congress and the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair.

Shayaan spent his first seven years of school, from kindergarten through sixth grade, in South Huntington’s Dual Language program, where half of his lessons each day were taught in Spanish. He will graduate with the New York State Seal of Biliteracy.

For Jade Tintera, being named salutatorian is an affirmation of her decision to consistently prioritize schoolwork, even when doing so proved difficult. “I've always tried hard in everything I do—academics, athletics, anything—to make my parents and myself proud,” Jade said. “This is a recognition of all that hard work. As a Christian, I believe in doing everything to the best of my ability. Also, college was always a goal, and doing well in school is a big part of reaching that.”

Her academic excellence has helped Jade secure her dream of attending Fordham University this fall on a full-tuition scholarship, where she will major in Finance. A lover of math and problem-solving since kindergarten, Jade said, “I like that in math there is always a 'right' answer.” She is considering a career in financial advising, investment, and wealth management to promote financial literacy and help others make sound financial decisions. Jade gained an early taste of the business world through Walt Whitman High School’s Virtual Enterprise (VE) business program.

Jade’s academic resume is extensive. She was named an SAT/ACT Scholar and holds membership in the National Honor Society, as well as the Science, English, Social Studies, Math, Business, World Language, and Tri-M Music Honor Societies.

In the realm of science, Jade’s research project—which investigated how “electroculture” affects plant growth—earned her second place at the New York State Science & Engineering Fair “Andromeda” competition. She has also been recognized by the Town of Huntington Hispanic Advisory Task Force with a $1,000 scholarship.

Despite her heavy course load, which has included 12 AP classes, she has remained dedicated to music and sports. Jade competed in both Indoor and Outdoor Varsity Track and Varsity Tennis throughout all four years of high school, serving as Captain for each and earning All-League and All-Long Island honors. A violinist since the fourth grade, she currently serves as First Chair in Walt Whitman’s Chamber Orchestra.

Jade also makes time to help her community through various high school organizations, including the Girls Leaders Organization, Natural Helpers, and the VE Mentorship Club. She also serves as President of the Bible Club. “My faith motivates me. I'm very involved in my church’s activities committee and youth ministry,” she explained.

Like this year’s valedictorian, Jade was enrolled in South Huntington’s Dual Language program from kindergarten through sixth grade and will graduate with the NYS Seal of Biliteracy. Inspired by her mother’s Dominican heritage, Jade was determined to master Spanish to better communicate with her grandmother and great-grandmother.

Congratulations to Shayaan and Jade, and the rest of our top graduates: Kiash Arjune, Nicole Bell, Tyler Biblow, Nicolas Castillo, Tracey Cesar, Erica Chung, Jordan Churchman, Wilson Cruz, Anthony DePalo, Lauren Dinstell, Samantha Dinstell, Ibrahim Farooq, Alexander Gillet, Isabel Hassman, Jillian Kobel, Lucas Hill Mendizabal, Ayaan Siddiqui, and Kritz George Taku. We wish all of our graduates much success as you leave Whitman to pursue your dreams!

Walt Whitman High School’s 2026 Commencement ceremony is scheduled for Friday, June 26th at 6 PM.