Newsday's Extraordinary Seniors

June 19, 2020

Each year, we ask high schools across Long Island to nominate students to be Newsday Extraordinary Seniors. This is not an academic distinction — though many of those nominated excel at academics — but an award of spirit and community impact. Herewith, we share those chosen as Newsday’s 2020 Extraordinary Seniors, with the caveat that every student on Long Island has likely brought exceptional effort to their schoolwork during the coronavirus pandemic.

Huntington High School senior hopes to change the world

"I think I broke down a stereotype," says Daniela Ramos Campos. "This year, I showed my school that it doesn't matter where you come from or who you are."

Teen with compassion, authenticity spends hours mentoring kids in sports

Brian Merritt was born with a severe genetic disorder resulting in thickened skin over nearly the entire body, but says “I don’t pay attention to it. I go about my day."

Ebola, Zika outbreaks triggered interest in studying epidemiology

"While I didn't study coronavirus, there are some mirroring results between COVID-19 and influenza," she says.

Walt Whitman senior finds purpose after cousin's suicide

"What makes her so spectacular is that she understood the pulse of the school, everything that's going on today with mental health issues," said an adviser for Natural Helpers.

Valley Stream senior's attention to others propels STEM competitions

"I found tutoring and just helping other students to be one of the best ways I could give back." Justin Cange says about mentoring fellow students in science and math.

Greenport senior fills 'hole in the research' about honeybees

Joe McInnis has spent four years working in a corner of a piano repair workshop alongside a retired veterinary pathologist from Plum Island.

'Global sense' informs senior's role as science mentor

"There wasn't much emphasis on science in elementary school," says Alaha Nasari, who mentored students in grades 3 to 6 in biology, chemistry, physics and other subjects last summer.

Chance meeting on a plane leads to building school in Senegal

"When we couldn't use words to communicate with our host family and others," said Aiden McCormack, "I would play music."

LI teen makes American dream a reality and gives back to native India

Hicksville High School senior Dhanush Sivasankaran, who was born in India, helped develop a cracker that is fortified with nutrients and antioxidants to address the "often overlooked problem of malnutrition" in his native country.