A wave of pride swept through the audience at the recent Mineola school board meeting as students were honored for their outstanding academic achievements. The spotlight shone brightly on Alicia Lynn, the school valedictorian, and Mikaela Apter Quinn, the salutatorian, both recognized for their exceptional dedication and performance throughout their high school years.

In addition to these top honors, several students received accolades from the College Board's National Recognition Programs, which celebrate high-performing underrepresented students. The awards included recognitions for First Generation, Hispanic, and African American students, highlighting their academic excellence and potential.

Among the awardees were Anthony Avilla, Jason de Jesus, and Liliana de Jesus, who were recognized for their achievements in the First Generation Recognition Program. Other notable recipients included Andres Garcia and Dejana Hernandez, who received Hispanic Recognition Program Awards, and Christina Webb Padilla, who was honored in the African American Recognition Program.

The meeting not only celebrated individual accomplishments but also underscored the importance of diversity and inclusion in academic success. As the evening progressed, the community came together to applaud these young scholars, setting a tone of encouragement and support for future students. The recognition of these students serves as a reminder of the hard work and perseverance that leads to success, inspiring others to strive for excellence in their own educational journeys.