February 15, 2017

Steve Yeh has been named valedictorian of Huntington High School’s Class of 2017. Miranda Nykolyn is this year’s salutatorian. The splendid duo has enjoyed sensational four year runs filled with academic and co-curricular success.

Mr. Yeh and Ms. Nykolyn will give addresses at Huntington’s 156th commencement exercises on Friday, June 23 at 6:30 p.m. in Blue Devil Stadium. A crowd of more than 2,000 is expected to attend.

“Steve and Miranda are outstanding representatives of a terrific group of young people who will be gracing the halls of Huntington High School as students for only a few more months,” Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “The pair has accomplished so much in and beyond the classroom over the years, paving the way as genuine peer leaders, role models and champions of the school community. They will leave their legacies in countless ways. My sincerest congratulations to both and to their families! The honors are well deserved and just a taste of the great things to come for them.”

Huntington Class of 2017 salutatorian Miranda Nykolyn. (Rudi Fasolino photo.)

Huntington’s top two seniors have captured the respect and admiration of their classmates and teachers and excelled in every way possible. Their transcripts are filled with the titles of the most challenging Advanced Placement courses that Huntington offers.

“These are two wonderful, hardworking students who have not only impressed us with their academic prowess, but who have also had a lasting impact on their school community,” Principal Brenden Cusack said. “I am so happy for both Steve and Miranda. They are truly deserving students whose unwavering commitment is simply outstanding.”

Mr. Cusack was expected to announce this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian last Friday, but a snowstorm closed the district, delaying the announcement until Monday morning.

Huntington Class of 2017 valedictorian Steve Yeh. (Rudi Fasolino photo.)

“It was quite surreal when I was called down to the main office,” Mr. Yeh said. “I was, of course, overjoyed to hear of the news from Mr. Cusack. I would like to thank all of my teachers and counselors from my days at Jefferson Primary, Woodhull Intermediate, Finley Middle School and Huntington High School and my family. I owe everything to them and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am or who I am today without them. My congratulations to Miranda as well.”

Mr. Yeh is still in the process of deciding where he wants to attend college. He expects to make a decision within the next two months. Several of the top schools in the country are in the mix.

“All of my teachers have inspired me as they are examples of people who are genuinely passionate not only about their respective subjects, but also about helping others learn and grow,” Mr. Yeh said. “Every day at the high school is a day during which I learn something new. It’s not only the classes and clubs that make high school what it is; it’s also about seeing your friends in the hallways, staying after school to study and finish up work in the library and getting to know people who come from all different walks of life and have different ideas and goals. Those are the little things that I love about Huntington High School. With that being said, I hope to make the most of out the coming months I have left here!”

Ms. Nykolyn is in the process of finalizing her college plans now. She plans to study chemical or aerospace engineering and hopes to work in the pharmaceutical or the cosmetic industry. She’s also interested in designing spacecraft.

“I am so appreciative of this honor and I want to congratulate Steve, as well,” Ms. Nykolyn said. “We have been lucky to be surrounded by a highly achieving class and we have to attribute that success to all of our excellent teachers at Huntington. I would also like to thank my parents for all of their support throughout the years. I look forward to seeing the future success of all of my classmates.”