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2022 | Vol.8 No.9
Your NewsMag
Top Of Their Class... Meet Mepham High School Valedictorian and Salutatorian Valedictorian Helena Fu Helena Fu has been recognized as a National Merit Semifinalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, an All-County Artist. Helena is among the first cohort of Bellmore-Merrick students to complete both the AP Capstone and Mandarin curriculum. As an AP Capstone student, Helena conducted original research entitled “Sustainability Without Borders: The analysis of international eco-housing models and their sustainable concepts, and theoretical design of a sustainable apartments model in Manhattan, USA” Helena conducted her research under the mentorship of Vivien Li, a waterfront expert, urban developer, and designer; who often speaks about climate resilience and ur-
ban development. Helena earned a perfect score on her AP Research exam. Not only did Helena earn the top score of a 5, she is one of only 375 students worldwide to earn every possible point on the exam. Helena is a multifaceted and talented young woman. She has excelled in the most challenging courses. She is President of the Chinese Honor Society and member for four additional honor societies. Helena has made significant contributions to the Environmental Club, the Class of 2002 and Badminton team. Helena participated in online coursework with Stanford University and Delft, University of Technology in the Netherlands. Salutatorian Justin Dioguardi Justin Dioguardi has achieved the well-deserved title of Mepham’s Class of 2022 Salutatorian. He has challenged himself throughout his high school tenure with his rigorous course selection; taking a high concentration of Advanced Placement, Honors, and Dual Enrollment classes. Justin has been named an AP
Scholar with Distinction, which highlights his outstanding academic success. He was also commended by his AP Chemistry teacher, Mrs. Parlagreco, with the Outstanding Scholastic Achievement Award, which is given to one student each year who shows exceptional skills throughout their Chemistry studies. He is an integral part of Mepham’s Advanced Science Research program, where he conducted a Covid-related experiment that tested whether in-person spectators affected the performance of players at sporting events. Along with his educational achievements, Justin is well respected by his peers and the faculty alike. He is viewed as a leader, as he was voted by his class-
mates to hold executive board positions in the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and English National Honor Society. Justin derives much of his own happiness from helping others. He serves as the Vice President of the Leo Club and encourages others to remain as active as he is. Throughout his time in this club, Justin has cleaned beaches to protect the environment and built a home for a less fortunate family through a Habitat for Humanity event. He has taken it upon himself to further his love of aiding the community by volunteering with the Operation SPLASH organization. Justin has shown consistency and commitment through his active involvement in Spring Track since Freshman year. Each season, he saw substantial growth in his running abilities due to his relentless effort at practice and drive to succeed by running on his own time. His curiosity was evident as he ventured outside his sprinting comfort zone to also pursue long jumping. Justin begins his next chapter majoring in Economics at Northwestern University.
