Herricks High School has announced that Keneil Soni and Chloe Chang have been named the Class of 2022 valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. In addition to this great honor, both students were named National Merit Semifinalists in the 67th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
Throughout his time at Herricks High School, Soni has earned a number of impressive achievements such as being named a Scholar Artist from the Long Island Arts Alliance, as well as earning a coveted spot with Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Ensemble. Soni is the first horn player ever from Nassau County to be invited to play with the ensemble and is one of only 13 hornists selected in the entire country. In addition to these accomplishments, Soni also serves as president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and the FED Challenge and is captain of the school’s varsity cross-country team.
“My dad was a key factor in helping me realize that one of the biggest lessons that you can take away from life is that knowledge is power,” said Soni.
Salutatorian Chloe Chang also has an impressive resume. In addition to her scholarly success, Chang was selected as one of 11 winners in the New York Times’ Sixth Annual Critical Review contest. She is president of the Model UN and Amnesty International clubs and serves as captain of the varsity girls tennis team.
“Not only are the teachers at Herricks great, but they are role models who I look up to,” said Chang. Of her accomplishment being named salutatorian, she notes, “It feels bittersweet. Years of hard work have gone into this.”
Looking to the future, both Soni and Chang share a common goal in wanting to attend medical school to become doctors.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Keneil and Chloe through their years in middle and high school,” said Principal Joan Keegan. “They’re thoughtful, kind, poised, and professional. We congratulate them on this tremendous achievement.”
