The Middle Country Central School District is proud to recognize an exceptional group of students whose academic excellence, leadership, service, and character exemplify the very best of the district’s schools. The district recently honored its May Students of the Month from Dawnwood Middle School and Selden Middle School, as well as the valedictorians and salutatorians of the Class of 2026 at Centereach High School and Newfield High School.
Centereach High School’s Valedictorian, Lukas Wolpiuk, earned an outstanding weighted GPA of 103.5 and a 1550 SAT score while completing 13 AP courses and two college-level classes. Lukas is president of the Environmental E-STEM Club and SAAD Club, a member of the National Honor Society, and a participant in the district’s Cohen Strong Mental Health Team. He has also represented the district in advocacy efforts in Albany and Washington, D.C. Lukas will attend Brown University to study Urban Studies.
Salutatorian Zarif Khan achieved a 102.4 weighted GPA and a 1520 SAT score. He is a National Merit Commended Scholar and AP Scholar with Distinction, earning scores of 5 on all AP exams taken to date. Zarif is active in the Philharmonic Orchestra, History Club, and several honor societies, while also volunteering at the Middle Country Public Library. He plans to study biomedical engineering at Stony Brook University.
Newfield High School’s Valedictorian, Justin DeRosalia, earned a 103.8 weighted GPA and completed 14 AP and college-level courses. A talented musician and athlete, Justin participated in marching band, jazz band, varsity soccer, and multiple honor societies. He has received numerous music and academic honors, including the Long Island Scholar Artist Award. Justin will attend the University of Virginia to study mechanical engineering.
Salutatorian Julia Zabinsky achieved a 103.5 weighted GPA while balancing rigorous academics with leadership and community service. Julia is active in several honor societies, environmental stewardship programs, and community beautification efforts throughout Suffolk County. She plans to attend LIU Post to pursue Veterinary Technology and Pre-DVM studies.
Dawnwood Middle School proudly recognizes Sophie Larcher as its May Student of the Month. Sophie has earned a remarkable 96.9 average this school year and maintains a 97.2 overall average across sixth and seventh grades. Teachers praise Sophie for her maturity, creativity, and intellectual curiosity. She is a member of the eighth-grade orchestra, art club, and National Junior Honor Society, while also volunteering for beach cleanup and beautification efforts at Cedar Beach and West Meadow Beach. Sophie enjoys horseback riding, drawing, reading, and writing, and is currently working on a book of her own. Inspired by famed primatologist Jane Goodall, Sophie hopes to become a zoologist in the future.
Selden Middle School has named Elizabeth Charles its May Student of the Month in recognition of her outstanding academic performance and exemplary character. Elizabeth currently holds a stellar 95.8 GPA and is admired by her teachers for her focus, perseverance, and kindness. Teachers describe Elizabeth as hardworking, thoughtful, and eager to learn. She excels academically, particularly in mathematics, and has already set her sights on becoming a surgeon. Outside of academics, Elizabeth enjoys swimming, listening to music, drawing, and painting. Faculty members praise her quiet determination and positive attitude, noting her willingness to challenge herself and support those around her.
The Middle Country Central School District congratulates all of these remarkable students for their achievements and contributions to their schools and communities. Their accomplishments reflect the district’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership, creativity, and service.