Herricks High School Announces Class of 2026 Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Photo caption: Herricks High School proudly announces Aarthi Palaniappan (valedictorian) and Angelina Liu (salutatorian) for the Class of 2026. (L–R): Aarthi Palaniappan and Angelina Liu. Photo courtesy of Herricks Public Schools.
By Williston Post Staff
Herricks Public Schools proudly announces Aarthi Palaniappan as the valedictorian and Angelina Liu as the salutatorian of the Herricks High School Class of 2026. Both students embody academic excellence, leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to service — reflecting the very highest ideals of the Herricks community.
Valedictorian Aarthi Palaniappan has excelled as a scholar, leader, musician, and community advocate. She has held numerous leadership roles, including President of Science Olympiad, Vice President of Mathletes, Executive Treasurer of Student Government, Director of Strategy for the Junior Economic Club of New York City, and Vice President of Production for the Yearbook Committee. A gifted bassoonist and All-State musician, she shares her love of music with younger students and serves as a mentor and inspiration.
Beyond her academic achievements, Aarthi’s curiosity and drive extend to research and service. She recently completed an internship at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and submitted her research to the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search. She is also the founder of Threads of Tomorrow, a nonprofit that raises funds for underdeveloped countries, and an active leader in Leukemia Together, demonstrating her dedication to creating meaningful change.
Salutatorian Angelina Liu has distinguished herself through rigorous academics, scientific research, musical excellence, and service to the community. Through Herricks’ Science Research Program, she conducted an advanced study on ovarian cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Zuckerman Research Center, aiming to improve understanding and outcomes for a disease often diagnosed too late.
Angelina has pursued an exceptionally challenging academic path, including AP Statistics, Multivariable Calculus, and coursework toward the Seal of Biliteracy. As an accomplished violinist, she serves as concertmaster of the Herricks Chamber Orchestra, first-chair violinist in the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra’s Principal Orchestra, and is recognized as an All-State musician. She also founded the Nassau Music Scholars Program, providing free music lessons to children who otherwise may not have access.
Herricks Public Schools extends heartfelt congratulations to Aarthi Palaniappan and Angelina Liu for their remarkable achievements and their lasting contributions to the Herricks school community.
