Shoreham-Wading River

Kelvin Ma

VALEDICTORIAN

GPA: 102.65 (weighted)

College plans: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Major: computer and electrical engineering

Math whiz: Since freshman year, Kelvin has been the top scorer on the Shoreham-Wading River Mathletes team, his favorite school activity. He was a countywide league high scorer and placed second among the top five scorers in the Suffolk County Math Teachers Association. He has earned the AMC School Winner title for the past three years and represented SWR on the Suffolk County All-Star Math Team. He also helped form Shoreham’s only team to compete in the Moody M3 math challenge, for which they took home a $1,000 prize.

Elite test taker: Kelvin scored a 5 — the highest possible score — on every Advanced Placement exam he took, garnering him an AP Scholar designation. He even completed the AP Biology exam without taking the course. Kelvin also achieved a perfect score on the PSAT and a near-perfect score on the SAT. Additionally, he was a College Board National Merit finalist.

Extracurriculars: Kelvin participated in the high school’s NEXUS community service program and led an effort to recycle plastic waste with the tennis team. In addition, he was on the varsity volleyball and track teams.

Parting words: “I don’t think there’s really one real strategy … you do what works for you. There’s no magic formula.”

Nicholas Maritato

SALUTATORIAN

GPA: 101.17 (weighted)

College plans: Johns Hopkins University

Major: biomedical engineering

Doing it all: Nicholas was on the SWR volleyball team and also ran winter and spring track and field. A longtime Boy Scout, he has attained the rank of Eagle Scout. In addition, Nicholas has volunteered at St. Charles Hospital and as a camp counselor. He also tutored, was NEXUS club member, assisted in an annual beach cleanup and worked with HGTV and Jane Street Entertainment to remodel a house for a family in need.

Musician: Nicholas played trumpet in the school’s jazz band, concert band and pit orchestra and played first trumpet in all-county band for six years. Outside of school, he plays the drums, piano and guitar and hopes to continue playing in college.

Academic achievements: Nicholas was a National Honor Society member and an AP Scholar with honors. He made the principal’s list every quarter in high school. Nicholas won the AP Chemistry Award, Excellence in French 4 Award, Excellence in Physical Education Award and the New York State Scholar Athlete Award. He also earned an honorable mention at Moody’s Mega Math Challenge. He was ranked a Suffolk County All-Academic Elite for having one of the top 12 grade-point averages among varsity volleyball players in Suffolk County.

Parting words: “Keep on top of your work early and get it done as soon as possible, when assigned.”