Jack Murray and Aidan Michaels were honored as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, for the Class of 2026. Both are contributing members of the LHS community who have focused their efforts on academic and extracurricular activities. Over their four years, they built impressive resumés that have earned them these honors.
Valedictorian Jack Murray is a high achiever in all his academic pursuits. Although he has not yet committed to a college, he plans to major in either science or engineering. “I have always cared a lot about school and my grades, and I have put so much effort into everything I do,” Murray expressed. He participates in multiple extracurriculars and holds a leadership position in several of them. He is the president of the Science Bowl, treasurer of National Honor Society, founder and president of the Dungeons & Dragons club, a member of the Robotics club, a participant in Science Olympiad, a co-vice president with Michaels of Chess Club, co-captain of Mathletes, and a member of Boy Scouts, where he is an Eagle Scout and assistant scoutmaster. Murray is also the lighting manager for LHS’s drama productions. “I plan to continue being involved in theatre tech and lighting as an extracurricular in college,” he said. Murray operated the lighting board and did spotlight for school productions such as Mamma Mia!, Grease, and Lost Girl. “One of my favorite lighting projects was working with Ms. Underhill to design a lighting program for the chamber orchestra’s performance in the jazz and pop concert,” he reflected. In his free time, Murray likes to read, to play piano, spend time with his family, and engage with photography.
Murray takes great pride in his accomplishments such as being a National Merit Commended Student, being an AP Scholar with Distinction, participating in the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) math competitions, and being a member of chamber orchestra. A major accomplishment for Murray was winning Project LIFTOFF as a freshman with Michaels; their projects were sent to the International Space Station that year.
“Jack and Aidan have represented the Class of 2026 in the most positive ways through their time at LHS,” Principal Matthew Sarosy said. “From [Project] LIFTOFF to being named the valedictorian and salutatorian, I am grateful to both for being such a wonderful representation of our building,” Sarosy added. Through Project LIFTOFF, Murray shared that science teacher Charles Vessalico had become his mentor over the years. Vessalico worked closely with Murray over the course of the project and even helped him improve his public speaking and presentation skills. “Mr. Vessalico and I have a running joke that he always finds a way for me to speak in public,” Murray recalled.
When asked about his biggest motivation and advice he would give to students who are striving to become valedictorian, he advised, “Be self-driven, as achieving something that takes so much effort is made easier if you, not someone else, wants it. However, I would also say that I didn’t plan for this; it was never my goal to become valedictorian, just to do well…The memories you have of time with your friends are much more valuable than any ranking, and they are the things that will carry with you through life.” Murray also acknowledges his family for supporting him through everything, both in and out of school. He is also grateful for his younger sister, Annie, who is his “best friend and biggest supporter.”
Salutatorian Aidan Michaels also applied himself thoroughly throughout his time at LHS. Although he has not yet committed to college, Michaels plans on pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology. He was drawn to biological research through LHS’s science research program. “Through this program, I have conducted a number of microbiological experiments. I really enjoyed doing these experiments, and I realized that I want to continue conducting experiments as a scientist. It opened my eyes to what I am truly passionate about,” Michaels expressed. He participates in multiple extra curricular activities; he is the historian for the Tri-M Honor Society, co-vice president of Chess Club (with Murray), a senior captain for the Mathletes team, and a varsity soccer player. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, along with the Science National Honor Society and the National Mathematics Honor Society. “As a vice president and historian, I help organize meetings and recruit new members. As a senior captain, I help teach younger students about math…all of these extracurricular activities center around my passions and enable me to explore what I want to pursue after high school.” Outside of school, he also spends his free time watching movies, listening to music, and reading.
Over his four years, Michaels has accomplished much such as being a National Merit Finalist, which he is currently waiting to see if he has won a scholarship for, an All-Conference soccer player, an All-County French horn player, and a winner of Project LIFTOFF. “I’ve always taken the more difficult route academically,” Michaels shared. “I’ve taken a lot of AP classes and have done everything I can to succeed.” Similar to Murray, Michaels also gained a mentor through science. Dr. Eric Eisenstadt, a former Harvard professor and scientist, worked closely with Michaels for his senior research project. Michaels said, “Eisenstadt was crucial in helping design and conduct my experiment… His passion for science is an inspiration for how I want to approach my work.”
According to Michaels, he did not expect to be the salutatorian even with all his hard work. His biggest supporters are his family, specifically his parents, whom Michaels claims have shaped him into the person he is today; he explained the reason for his success: “I want to succeed for them.” When asked if he had any advice to give to younger students, he replied, “[Do not] let one mistake get to you. Everyone falters occasionally, and if you just get back up and keep going, everything will work out.”
As Murray and Michaels move forward with their academic journeys and their respective fields of study, Sarosy offers advice for the future: “Continue to search for something [that] you are passionate about…My hope is that [Aidan and Jack] can use their powers doing something that brings them joy.”
