We are proud to announce Joshua Alms and Ryan Rowe as Walt Whitman High School’s 2021-2022 Valedictorian and Salutatorian! Joshua, Whitman’s Valedictorian, and Ryan, Whitman’s Salutatorian, were notified alongside their proud parents, guidance counselors, BOE President, and district and high school administration.

“Congratulations for your hard work and dedication in what you both do inside and outside of the classroom. I know mom and dad have a tremendous impact on your lives with the guidance they’ve provided,” shared Walt Whitman High School Principal, Mr. Ken Costa. “I wish you all the best and we are all excited to see what the future brings for you both.”

“We are obviously thrilled to hear the wonderful news!” shared Kimberly and Marc Alms. “Joshua always had a passion for learning, and when he saw the many academic opportunities that Walt Whitman High School had to offer, he made himself a goal to embrace those advanced courses.  We always said we’d support his goals, provided he make equal time for non-academic hobbies, all while enjoying the journey with grace and happiness.  He seemed to balance it all very well and we are so proud of his accomplishments.”

The ability for these two hard working young men to balance their academic work loads while embracing all that high school has to offer is truly commendable. And to be good friends receiving this distinction together makes it all the more special.

“Ryan, you have always loved school and from an early age have wholeheartedly embraced your educational journey,” said Ryan’s mother, Lora, who shared a personal congratulations to the Salutatorian. “Ryan’s classroom experiences from kindergarten through 12th grade have been filled with teachers, staff, and administrators who have taught, supported, and inspired Ryan to reach such high levels of success. Ryan, your sacrifices and perseverance have not gone unnoticed. I commend you on the conscious choice to surround yourself with positive, healthy, and amazing friendships. Your character is ever present in all that you do. You are honest and kind. You bring hope for the future, joy in the present, and represent beautiful memories of things past. The future is so bright for you!”

Congratulations to Joshua and Ryan on this notable achievement! We look forward to all that the future has in store for you both!

Guidance counselors Carolyn Dooley (left) and Crystalia Shepherd (right) were happy to join in announcing Joshua and Ryan as being top of their class.

"Always remember your family loves you and we are so proud of you. This is your time. This is your moment. You deserve it!" shared proud mom, Lora Rowe, in congratulating her son Ryan.

Proud parents Kimberly and Marc Alms with Joshua, Whitman's 2021-2022 Valedictorian.

Joshua, Whitman’s Valedictorian, and Ryan, Whitman’s Salutatorian, were notified alongside their proud parents, guidance counselors Ms. Shepherd and Ms. Dooley, Assistant Principal for Guidance Mr. Blair, WWHS Principal Mr. Costa, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Murphy, Superintendent Dr. D’Elia, and BOE President Mr. Ciappetta.