Herricks High School announced Jeylin Lee and Ashley Lam as the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, for the Class 2023. Keeping with tradition, the students were revealed during morning announcements on Nov. 23 with parents, grandparents, siblings and faculty present to celebrate these incredible accomplishments.
“Enjoy the moment and the year to come, because this is a special year for both of you,” Principal Joan Keegan said.
Jeylin has remained at the top of her class in terms of course rigor, completing Spanish 5 AP via the Language Immersion program in her sophomore year, conducting four years of science research, as well as enrolling in the most challenging courses offered at Herricks in calculus and physics. She was also named a National Merit Semifinalist. Jeylin is an elite musician which is best reflected by her performance for Midori Goto at the 43rd Annual Kennedy Center Honors. She was one of eight students selected nationwide for this honor. She is a three-year starter on the varsity volleyball team and was awarded All-County honors in 2021. Additionally, Jeylin enjoys competing in marathons and has completed six races since 2017. She serves on the executive board for three clubs including Mathletes, Coding Club and Science Olympiad. Since 2021, Jeylin has worked in Dr. Tim Duong’s lab at Montefiore Medical Center to contribute to the study on predictors and outcomes of diabetic ketoacidosis in the context of COVID-19.
Ashley has progressed through some of the most challenging math courses and electives offered at Herricks including AP Computer Science and calculus. She has maintained the same level of commitment and achievement in science, demonstrated by her four years of science research and current enrollment in physics. She utilizes her passion for education, particularly in STEM, by competing in academic competitions and has recently received the Rensselaer Medal, Meritorious Award from the Long Island Science Congress and won first place at the WAS Lighting Invitational Science Fair. She is also a talented musician who has been part of the Chamber Orchestra for three years and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Ashley was recently recognized as a National Merit Semifinalist. She serves as president of the Coding Club and Mathletes as well as being involved with Freshman Focus. Additionally, she is an active volunteer at Sloan Memorial Kettering Cancer Center and Robotics for All.
The district congratulates Jeylin and Ashley on this outstanding achievement.
