At the Deer Park School District’s April 22 Board of Education meeting, Deer Park High School celebrated the top 10 academically ranked students of the graduating Class of 2025. With their proud families attending, school administrators and guidance counselors honored valedictorian Reza Zorakhsh, salutatorian Adib Shaikh and the remaining top 10 ranked seniors: Shubat Alam (third), Matthew Flores (fourth), Valerie Ponte (fifth), Gloria Min (sixth), Lissha Varghese (seventh), Utku Uysal (eighth), Hassan Rehman (ninth) and Naeil Alim (10th).
“You’re obviously here for your academic qualifications and accomplishments,” Principal Charlie Cobb told the seniors. “But it’s all the other little things that have rounded you out as a student to get to this point in time. Many of you will go on to college, some will work in the workforce, or may have other plans after high school. Know that what you’ve accomplished here is just a stepping stone for what you look to do after Deer Park High School.”
“To our valedictorian, salutatorian and the other top eight students of the Class of 2025, you have been an exemplary example of hard work, true grit and personal success,” Board President Donna Marie Elliott said. “You have been an important part of life in Deer Park, navigating tough days and celebrating great days during your high school careers. Once you graduate, you will be part of the Deer Park Falcons alumni. To be a member of this group is to feel a sense of pride that you are a part of a great community who from far and wide, still have devotion to Deer Park and to each other. No matter what road you travel, no matter what experiences you have, during your worst days and during your best days, never forget that you are a Falcon and that you have a group of people cheering for you and ready to support you whenever you need it.”
John Quincy Adams Primary School first grader Joshua Cyrius was also recognized for finishing in second place countywide in the Suffolk County Bicycle Safety Poster contest. Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly was on hand to present Cyrius with a certificate.
In staff recognition, John F. Kennedy Intermediate School aide Tina Caruso was honored for her expertise in saving the life of a choking student by performing the Heimlich maneuver.
“Tina demonstrated incredible bravery and quick thinking,” Superintendent James Cummings said. “Thanks to her fast response and calmness under pressure, the student was able to recover safely. Because of Tina’s diligence and heroic actions, what could have been a tragic situation, had a happy ending. We are incredibly grateful for her presence, professionalism and care for our students.”
Date Added: 4/24/2025