Caiden Lung and Nora Kane were recently announced as the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of the Class of 2024. Both have excelled in their academic pursuits, earning exceptionally high GPAs. Lung and Kane have collected many accomplishments, experiences, and bits of wisdom as they have pursued their interests in academics and beyond throughout high school.
Lung has not only excelled in academics but has also climbed to the top in athletics, playing two varsity sports: volleyball and lacrosse. Lung led the boys’ volleyball team in its inaugural season and has played lacrosse on both a varsity level and with his travel team, Legacy Taz. Lung will continue his lacrosse career at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, while also exploring his interests in mathematics, computer science, and artificial intelligence.
Lung has also taken on many active roles in extracurricular endeavors. He is vice president of the National Honor Society, captain of the mathletes team, and webmaster of Key Club. He is also co-president of the Science Bowl, which he co-founded with Kane. Both have led the team to an impressive performance in their recent competition.
The summer going into his senior year, Lung conducted independent research regarding developing treatments for Covid-19 with the help of artificial intelligence. His research added to his interests in science, math, and technology, which developed from his favorite classes, AP Chemistry and AP Calculus BC.
When asked about the moment the valedictorian title was announced, Lung shared, “I was in chills. It was an unreal moment, and I realized all my hard work had paid off. It was very exciting and put a smile on my face for the rest of the day.” Lung shares his accomplishment with his parents who he describes as his greatest inspiration. “They always emphasized the value of hard work and perseverance. Their work ethic and commitment inspired me to approach my own goals with the same level of determination. They pushed me to become the best version of myself and to never give up. Without their constant encouragement, love, and guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Kane has also taken on a large role in her extracurriculars related to both athletics and academics. She has swam as a part of the girls’ swim team throughout her four years of high school and recently led the team as co-captain. She has also taken on crucial roles in mathletes, Science Bowl, pit orchestra, and chamber orchestra. Kane has also been announced as a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Kane has taken a particular interest in physics and has advanced to studying the subject independently. She even conducted independent research in physics at Brookhaven National Laboratory, studying machine learning in stabilizing high-energy particle accelerators. This impressive research has led her to make it to round two of the highly competitive Long Island Science and Engineering Fair. “I worked on my project full-time this summer, and it’s amazing to see that effort be rewarded by senior scientists in the field,” Kane shared. In the future, she plans to continue exploring her passion for physics and research.
When asked about the moment the salutatorian title was announced, Kane shared, “I was extremely excited to see all my hard work pay off.” Kane also credits her success to her mom. “My mom always puts in her all to give me every opportunity possible,” Kane shared.
Science research teacher Kathleen McAuley has taught both Lung and Kane. “Both Caiden and Nora represent the science research program with integrity and dedication at each competition they enter. We are so proud of their hard work, which has paid off both in the research program and across their academic achievements as well. I am so proud to have taught both Caiden and Nora the last three years and know they will continue on to achieve great success throughout the rest of their academic careers,” McAuley commented.
Lung and Kane also provided advice for younger students. Lung shared five main points of advice: “Stay curious, set goals, take care of your health, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and find balance.” Kane added another point of advice: “Have fun, as high school is only four years. Explore your interests and make the most of the opportunities you have as a high schooler.”
Principal Matthew Sarosy also spoke highly of both Lung and Kane. “Both Caiden and Nora possess the unique combination of ability and drive to earn the designations of valedictorian and salutatorian. The LHS community is proud to have them represent the Class of 2024,” Sarosy commented.
