With a weighted GPA of 103.64, Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School’s valedictorian Kiran Ahmad is an AP Scholar with Distinction and has received numerous STEM-related honors. She’s been recognized for her participation in SUNY Farmingdale’s STEP program and has received awards from the SUNY Research Foundation Program.

Kiran is a member of the National Honor Society and the school’s Voice to Voice Women’s Empowerment group. She’s also a member of Key Club, Mathletes, Student Council, One Mind Club, Global Ambassadors, SOUL Club, DECA and many more. As part of her STEM research projects which she has presented across Long Island, she has done mentorships with professors at SUNY Farmingdale. She’s participated in summer college coursework at SUNY Farmingdale since 2018. Kiran is also an American Red Cross volunteer and fluent in four languages.

“I’ve learned from these last four years that you have to believe in yourself,” Kiran said. “And you always have to work hard and keep pushing your limits.” Although she isn’t certain where she will attend college, Kiran is applying to both Yale University and Cornell University and plans to major in a STEM-related field.

Sofia Lounici is this year’s salutatorian with a weighed GPA of 103.58. She is also an AP Scholar with Distinction and has been involved in numerous clubs such as Drama Club, Lost History Club, Voice to Voice Women’s Empowerment group, Key Club, Global Ambassadors, Math Team and Quiz Bowl.

Sofia also has participated in lacrosse, soccer, and track and field during her time at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School. She’s participated in various community service opportunities such as Dominican Village Festival of Lights, Black History Month program, Kiwanis Club Chinese auction and the Hispanic Heritage Month Festival.

While she’s not certain what college she will be attending yet, Sofia is interested in applying to Columbia University and Brown University and plans to major in chemistry. She said her part-time job working at a fast food restaurant has helped her to be more efficient and hone her communication skills. During these past four years at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School, she has learned to “trust the process.” “Many times a bad grade would get me stressed out,” Sofia said. “Now I’ve learned it’s just a small piece of the whole experience. I encourage everyone to go beyond their limits. Step out of your comfort zone, learn your potential and it’s amazing what you can accomplish.”