Leader Reporter Named NHP Valedictorian

By Rupert Deedes

After winning a prestigious national Semi-Finalist spot for the National Merit Scholarship two weeks ago, North Shore Leader reporter Priya Persaud, has now been named Valedictorian of New Hyde Park High School, class of 2023.

"Becoming Valedictorian is an incredible honor that I achieved through hard work, effort, and pure determination. I thank my caring and ever supportive parents, all my inspiring teachers, and some wonderful friends who provided guidance and support in every step of this spectacular journey." stated Persaud. "These past six years at New Hyde Park High School have been absolutely amazing; I have had phenomenal opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities and to interact with a diverse group of people. This is a great honor that I will cherish for the rest of my life."

Persaud has been a reporter for the Leader for the past three years, and has balanced her academic excellence with cutting-edge reporting for the Leader, and outside work at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, doing medical research.

"Priya is a true star," stated the Leader's Assistant Editor Chris O'Neill. "It is a great honor - but frankly no surprise to us - that Priya is the Valedictorian. She personifies academic excellence, community service, and intellectual rigor. We here at the Leader are all so proud of her."

Persaud has not yet decided what college to attend next year, but is looking at possible MD-PhD programs in medical research as a future career.

At New Hyde Park High School, Persaud is Captain of the Varsity Tennis team; President of the Book Club; President of the Science National Honor Society; Secretary of Science Olympiads; Treasurer of her Class of 2023 Student Board; and Treasurer of the Spanish Club.