The Junior-Senior High School is proud to announce seniors Zackary Hirashima as valedictorian and Gianna Wayar as salutatorian for the Class of 2020.

Zackary is currently taking five AP courses. In addition to his interests in reading, science and research, he is a talented runner on the track team, devoted volunteer, and a modest leader. He takes on many roles within the district, including being treasurer of the Class of 2020, co-captain of the varsity boys track and field team, president of the Student Council, president of the National Honor Society, president of the AV Club, co-captain of Canstruction, treasurer of the Yearbook Club, treasurer of Quiz Bowl, Treasurer of the Class of 2020, drumline captain/section leader. He’s also a member of the Robotics Club and Varsity Competition Cheer-leading. He also played on the JV football team and was the president of the National Junior Honor Society as a freshman and vice president as a sophomore.

His academic awards include Award of Excellence Hofstra University, Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award, Saint Michael's College Book Award for Academic Achievement with a Social Conscience, Varsity Scholar Athlete Award for Boys Track and AP Scholar with Honors. Along with working at Carvel, he also volunteers for many organizations, including Lupus Alliance of Long Island/Queens, Island Harvest Food Bank, Holiday Foster Children Party, and was an after-school teacher's assistant during his freshman and sophomore years. He is still waiting to hear back from many of the schools he sent applications.

Gianna challenges herself academically and has seen the benefits as an AP Scholar with Honor, and Supermaster on the US History, English 11 and Italian.

Her leadership is evident, as she is the captain of the varsity cheerleading team, co-president of Student Council, secretary of National Honor Society, Vice President of Yearbook, a member of New York State Mentoring Program and a member of Student Athletic Leadership Program. Gianna has performed in Rock Rivalry and is also the songwriting chair.

The district congratulates Zackary and Gianna for this achievement and wishes them the very best in their future endeavors.