District Announces the Top Students of the Class of 2025 at NHS and CHS
The Middle Country Central School District is proud to announce the top students of the Class of 2025 at Newfield High School and Centereach High School. Diya John and Jashandeep (Jash) Singhare the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of Newfield High School, and Shawn Edbert and Ben Taciakare the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of Centereach High School.
Newfield High School Valedictorian Diya John will complete her senior year with more than 50 college credits and the status of AP Scholar with Distinction. She was also selected as the winner of the Principal’s Leadership Scholarship awarded by the Suffolk County High School Principal’s Association.
In addition to her exceptional academic record, Diya is a member of the Districty’s Legislative Outreach Community Committee, Glamour Galz, Mock Trial Team, Dr. Gerold’s Leadership Club and the National Quill & Scroll Honor Society. In addition, she’s an active member of Newfield’s newspaper The Quadrangle, a member of the Foreign Language Honor Society, National Honor Society president, and General Organization president.
“As President of the Newfield National Honor Society, Diya is a natural leader and role model to her peers,” said Diana Cook, the district’s Library Media Specialist and National Honor Society advisor. “She is diligent, detail oriented, and truly cares about the success of her club. Diya is always willing to help others and goes the extra mile to make sure her fellow officers and club members will be successful in everything they do from event planning, to fundraising, to volunteer work for the community. She is the true example of a model student; always willing to help others, and always with a smile.”
Outside of school, Diya is a volunteer teen book reviewer for the Middle Country Public Library, an art and book buddy, a member of the library’s teen advisory council and a youth volunteer with the American Red Cross’s Disaster and Humanitarian Relief efforts. She also crochets in her spare time and donates her creations to causes throughout Long Island.
This fall, Diya will study psychology at Stony Brook University as a member of the WISE program, an honors program for students pursuing STEM majors and careers. Her plans also include attending medical school with a goal of following in her mother’s footsteps and becoming a psychiatrist.
Newfield High School Salutatorian Jashandeep (Jash) Singh graduated with the rank of AP Scholar with Distinction. He is a member of the Newfield High School Pit Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, has twice been an all-county viola player, and has earned the Varsity music award for outstanding musical achievement. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Mock Trial Team, Foreign Language Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society. and has earned the rank of AP Scholar with Distinction.
“Jash embodies all of the characteristics set forth by our chapter: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character,” said Ms. Cook. “He especially fits the ‘character’ trait by being a model student, an example to his peers, and an all-around nice guy who is a pleasure to be around. Jash is always willing to help at community events and represents our school and our chapter with pride.”
Outside of Newfield High School, Jash is a volunteer at Mather Hospital and Middle Country Public Library as a Green Teen, where he creates crafts for children, plans events and takes care of the library garden. Jash also partakes in Sewa, of selfless service, at his Sikh temple by serving food every Sunday to his congregation.
In the fall, Jash will study biology at Stony Brook University. He plans on attending medical school with a goal of becoming a general surgeon or working in internal medicine.
Centereach High School Valedictorian Shawn Edbert will graduate in June having completed 12 AP level classes and the potential to start college as a sophomore. He has played the French horn since elementary school and was selected to join the NYSSMA All-State band. He is a member of the Centereach High School Wind Ensemble and the Pit Orchestra for the school’s drama productions. Shawn was the captain and MVP of this year’s Varsity golf team, of which he was a member throughout high school, and led the CHS Robotics team to the World Championships in Texas this year.
“Shawn exemplifies excellence in and out of the classroom,” Centereach High School Math Teacher and Genereal Organization Teacher Laura Melfi said. “He is a quiet leader, one who leads with humility, integrity and kindness. His character and dedication make him a great role model.”
This fall, Shawn will be studying at the University of Pennsylvania, where he plans to major in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Fluid Dynamics.
Centereach High School Salutatorian Ben Taciak will graduate this year having taken 16 Advanced Placement classes and one additional college level course. Ben is the CHS General Organization President, through which he planned the school’s evening Pep Rally, Homecoming Cougar Carnival, Trick or Treat Street, Volleyball Marathon, Class Competition and other successful community events.
In addition, Ben is the CHS National Honor Society President and a member of the Math team, Science Olympiad and Unified Basketball team.
“Ben is one of the most compassionate students she has had the privilege to work with,” said Ms. Melfi. “His kindness and willingness to help others shines through every day. He excels academically and has proven to be a phenomenal leader as president of Student Activities.”
Ben will attend SUNY Binghamton in the fall and plans to study Finance with a goal of becoming an investment banker.
For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.
