NHP Memorial Valedictorian And Salutatorian Chosen

NEW HYDE PARK—Sewanhaka Central School District officials have announced Olivia Wong and classmate Adithya Krishnan will lead New Hyde Park Memorial High School’s Class of 2021 as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

In a news release distributed by the district, Wong was described as “a stellar student, a talented musician and artist, and a compassionate person.” Wong, whose interests and strengths are varied, loves science, reading, writing, music and art, the release stated. She is the principal violinist in the school’s orchestra and string ensemble, as well as in the Sewanhaka Central High School District orchestra, and she participates in the All-County Orchestra and the New York State School Music Association’s All-State Symphonic Orchestra.

Wong’s art has been selected for display in LIU Post’s student art gallery and she is the editor-in-chief of the school’s newspaper, The Chariot. This past year, she and a friend started a virtual tutoring program for students needing assistance due to Covid-19 and raised over $1,000 which was donated to Island Harvest.

Krishnan was described by school officials as an “intelligent and academically driven student,” scoring impressively on the Preliminary SAT which earned him the recognition of being a National Merit Commended Student. He is an active member of numerous extracurricular activities, including Science Olympiads, Mathletes and New Hyde Heroes Club. He also serves as the secretary of Spanish Club, plays piano, trombone and tuba for the Jazz Band, as well as the sousaphone in the marching band.

Krishnan is well-versed in ancient South Indian Tamil percussion music and performs with the New York Parai Musical Group, which he and others founded. He has also dedicated countless hours to volunteer at the Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation in both the physical therapy and occupational therapy departments.