East Rockaway High School is proud to announce the valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2025, two outstanding students whose dedication, leadership and perseverance have set them apart. This year’s top honors go to Timothy Poland, named valedictorian, and Joey Lu, named salutatorian.

With an extraordinary overall GPA of 106.166, Timothy Poland has earned the highest academic distinction in his class, boasting a nearly perfect transcript. His achievements extend far beyond the classroom, exemplifying excellence in scholarship, leadership and community service.

Timothy’s remarkable academic record has also earned him the prestigious AP Capstone Diploma, reflecting his impressive performance on Advanced Placement exams and his consistently high GPA. A natural leader, Timothy served as class president for three years after holding the position of vice president in ninth grade. His leadership extends across numerous school organizations, including his roles as president of the National Honor Society, president of the Key Club, president of the student council, captain of the CANstruction team and captain of the cross-country team.

Coming from a family of educators, Timothy inherited his leadership skills and confidence from his father, a charismatic social studies teacher, and his compassion, patience and attentiveness from his mother, a special education teacher. His passion for education and mentorship is evident in his dedication to the Student Leadership Club, where he works with elementary students and in his involvement with the Unified Basketball Team, where he collaborates with students in the Life Skills program. In addition to his academic and extracurricular commitments, Timothy also holds a part-time job at his family’s restaurant, further showcasing his strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.

Joey Lu, an exceptionally driven student, has earned the title of salutatorian through her unwavering commitment to academic excellence. Her impressive grades, outstanding Regents and AP exam scores, and ability to tackle challenges with a solution-oriented mindset set her apart as a top scholar in her class.

Joey’s accomplishments include earning both the Seal of Biliteracy, which recognizes her proficiency in multiple languages, and the Seal of Civic Readiness, highlighting her dedication to community engagement. Despite the demands of her rigorous academic schedule, Joey works tirelessly at her family’s restaurant six to seven days a week, balancing school and work with remarkable discipline and sacrifice.

A well-rounded student, Joey has made significant contributions to the school community through various activities and leadership roles, including serving as vice president of the National Honor Society, being a key contributor to the yearbook committee, representing her class in Quiz Bowl competitions, participating in badminton and CANstruction, and managing lighting for a student-run play.

Joey’s deep-rooted sense of responsibility and work ethic are values she has cultivated through her real-world experiences at the restaurant. She follows in the footsteps of her older brother, who was named valedictorian of the Class of 2024, continuing her family’s tradition of academic excellence.

Both Timothy Poland and Joey Lu embody the values of hard work, leadership and community engagement that define East Rockaway High School. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to their peers and a testament to their dedication and perseverance. The entire school community celebrates their accomplishments and looks forward to the bright futures that await them.

Congratulations to Timothy and Joey on their well-deserved honors!