See this year&#39;s valedictorians, salutatorians&nbsp;and more.

Long Island

LI Life

LIGRAD2025_storygallery

These high school students received the highest distinction this year. Get to know Long Island&rsquo;s more than 150 seniors.

LFVAL25_Grid

Long Island's 2025 valedictorians

Meet Long Island's Class of 2025 valedictorians

new vals.jpg

animation_1748453789

One is an Eagle Scout. Another is a Nassau County Supreme Court intern and another is a Save a Pet volunteer. Get to know more than 130 salutatorians from the Class of 2025.

<a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/li-life/long-island-valedictorians-2025-xb6ytmxs">Also, see this year&rsquo;s valedictorians</a>.

LFSAL25_Grid

Meet Long Island's Class of 2025 salutatorians

Sals Grid.jpg

animation_1747945619

Mercedes Hamilton

A Long Island high school will soon be in&nbsp;the limelight as&nbsp;15 sets of twins&nbsp;graduate this month&nbsp;from Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School.&nbsp; 
Some of the twins created a way to help the 30 of them navigate all the requests for photos and interviews. 
&quot;The twin girls — because we know that we’re going to have to take charge — made a group chat,&quot; said Sydney Monka, laughing with her brother, Ben. &quot;We’ll be like, ‘Hey guys, we have this going on. What are we wearing ... Make sure to tell your twin.’ &quot; 
The Monka twins said&nbsp;though it was&nbsp;initially strange to do a news interview&nbsp;at school,&nbsp;it was&nbsp;fun to see themselves on websites and broadcasts afterward. 
Rebeccah&nbsp;and Josh Grossfeld said the attention had&nbsp;been surprising and exciting. 
&quot;We knew there were a lot of twins in our district, but it wasn’t really that crazy to us because it’s just always been like that,&quot; Rebeccah Grossfeld said. 
Principal Heather Dvorak said the school anticipated a lot of excitement surrounding the Class of 2025. 
But this school’s seen double before — and even triple. In 2014, Plainview’s graduating class had nine sets of twins and one collection of triplets. 
<h2>A sense of community</h2> 
Dvorak said the unique connection and strong bonds among the twins brought the senior class together. 
&quot;Each class has their own unique culture and vibe,&quot; Dvorak said. &quot;This year, I knew coming in that they we're gonna be very unified. ... They just had this sense of community and pride.&quot; 
Kayla and Emma Leibowitz, recognized as the senior class’ dynamic duo in the yearbook, are one of three sets of twins in their friend group. 
&quot;We’ve been best friends since elementary school,&quot; Kayla&nbsp;Leibowitz said. &quot;They get it ... they’re kind of like us — they bicker and then they’re best friends.&quot; 
The Monka twins said navigating K-12 was helpful with a built-in best friend. The two motivated one another as they grew older. 
&quot;Trying to push as hard as we can to beat the other one is what helps us be so successful,&quot; Ben Monka said, pointing to several honors cords atop their graduation gowns. 
<h2>Branching out</h2> 
Dvorak said most of the twins would&nbsp;be heading to different colleges this fall. For many, it will be the first time away from one another for a prolonged period. 
&quot;We’re always together. I don’t think we’re ever really apart from each other,&quot; Emma Leibowitz&nbsp;said. 
Kayla Leibowitz will go to Syracuse University, while Emma will attend&nbsp;Binghamton University. Despite&nbsp;being only an hour away, the two foresee it being difficult after years of sharing closets and doing everything together. 
The Monkas also said it would&nbsp;be hard to be apart, with Sydney heading to University of Connecticut&nbsp;and Ben going to Binghamton University. Ben Monka says he often wakes his sister for school in the morning, while Sydney reminds him to complete important tasks. 
&quot;I keep checking my phone, we’re going to be like six hours away,&quot;&nbsp;Sydney Monka said. &quot;It’s weird ... I didn’t realize how much I depended on him.&quot; 
Josh Grossfeld will be attending George Washington University in Washington, D.C., this fall, while Rebeccah will be at the University of Maryland. The twins look forward to being independent at their respective campuses, while still being close enough to visit. 
&quot;It’s always nice knowing that you have your sibling at arm’s reach,&quot; Josh Grossfeld said. &quot;She can text me if she needs help with something and I can just take the train over.&quot;

Education

liTWINS250611

Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School Class of 2025 has 15 sets of twins

15 sets of twins graduating this month at 1 LI high school

liTWINS250611_photos

Fifteen sets of twins are getting ready to graduate from Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School.

liTWINS250611_video

15 sets of twins to graduate Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School 

Plainview

Old Bethpage

Newsday

'Such a unique experience'  

onecms_b01195f7-74bb-4c7f-9a8b-3c7dcf9e3b77_719899b0-45ef-4469-a758-9f07ad92dac5.jpg

LFCOV250608

LFBARR250608_photos

LFCERC250608_photos

LFMOOR250608_photos

LFSHAN250608

LFJACK250608

LFLOPE250608_photos

LFPICK250608_photos

LFMCCE250608_photos

LFPHIL250608_photos

William, &quot;Billy&quot; McClelland, is known as &quot;The Mayor&quot; in the halls of Comsewogue High School. The 19-year-old senior&nbsp;works in the school&#39;s coffee shop, Brew Crew Cafe where he is greeted with smiles from his classmates.&nbsp;

Extraordinary Senior: William, "Billy" McClelland

'He brightens your day'

LFMCCE250608_video

onecms_68fc4ff4-3ade-4173-a805-b1a2e61c4d67_4549ea6c-3de4-4aa3-b27d-41a3b9472f8e.jpg

Meet 10 extraordinary Long Island high school seniors

From making viral NBA videos to the cover of Girl Scouts Do-si-dos, meet LI's Extraordinary Seniors

animation_1749066589

Dandan Zou

The Farrell brothers have shared much in life. 
They have lived in a bedroom together for nearly 18 years; they have similar interests in the cello, martial arts and model UN; and they will both attend <a href="https://www.princeton.edu/">Princeton University</a> in the fall to study physics. But more immediately, they&nbsp;will share a stage next month as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJVGAE8vJC3/">valedictorian and salutatorian of Mount Sinai High School</a>. 
Tabish and Airas Farrell, 17, are the first set of twins to earn the top honors since the school’s first class graduated in 1993, said Peter Pramataris, principal of Mount Sinai High School. 
&quot;I don't think I'd be where I am without him,&quot; Tabish, who was named valedictorian, said of his brother.&nbsp;&quot;You can get only so far by yourself.&quot; 
<h3>'The battle was over'</h3> 
When the brothers were called to the principal’s office some weeks ago, they said they wondered if they had gotten in trouble. On their way there, Airas said he went over his actions&nbsp;in the days prior. But the news was excellent, and the twins&nbsp;realized they will share yet another meaningful moment in their lives, in addition to the many birthday celebrations, musical performances at <a href="https://www.carnegiehall.org/?sourceCode=50125&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=1044383712&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADFv2FVfnf4o135uPl3fhBVLHTLlU&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwlrvBBhDnARIsAHEQgOSMoQNCR-EBdvSSTzk72dzNFXuqS3IGZ-bxbe0QXfPvUaBmgo1yvTgaAjh8EALw_wcB">Carnegie Hall</a> and leadership roles in student government as well as the school board’s student representative position. 
For Tabish, the news came as&nbsp;a relief. 
“Airas and I both … dedicated a lot of our life to this, obviously with the support of others,” he said. “That weight was taken off the shoulders when I heard it officially, like I could take it easy. The battle was over.” 
Tabish’s GPA was 106.19 and Airas’ 105.89, Pramataris said. 
“That comes with a price,” the principal said of the twin’s high achievement. “People don't realize what kids sacrifice to be at that level, whether it's&nbsp;just time with friends or going to an event. Maybe they had to stay home and study for that AP test.” 
The brothers are both interested in quantum physics. Airas said he would like to become a researcher on quantum computing while Tabish said he intends to keep the door open when he’s in college before deciding what career he will pursue. 
<h3>Succeeding together&nbsp;</h3> 
For the Farrells, they believe having each other has&nbsp;helped them excel. 
“If I'm getting stuck somewhere and he's not, he can explain it to me. Or we just exchange ideas and get a deeper understanding of what we're learning,” Tabish&nbsp;said. “It's really been like having your best friend by your side all the time.” 
<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Airas and Tabish Farrell play cello at Mount Sinai High School." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/0c289ad3-7a2f-4bf8-b003-3b4d698f7a47" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/0c289ad3-7a2f-4bf8-b003-3b4d698f7a47', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/0c289ad3-7a2f-4bf8-b003-3b4d698f7a47"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/0c289ad3-7a2f-4bf8-b003-3b4d698f7a47/LITWIN2505XX-13.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3" />Airas and Tabish Farrell play cello at Mount Sinai High School.</a> 
Airas said his brother has at times given him a fresh perspective on situations. 
“If something happens in the day, I get another view on it,” he said. “If I perceive someone as being aggressive, he can be like: ‘No, that's not what happened. They're just trying to be funny or something like that.’ I've always had a second view, like seeing double of things.” 
Having a twin has also instilled in Airas a sense of empathy toward others. 
“Because I've lived in tandem with another person&nbsp;… I feel I've grown to know what's going on with other people and be able to understand them beyond what they just say,” he said. 
Their mother, Homira Farrell, said her sons are also community-minded. Along with other Muslim students, she said the two&nbsp;petitioned school officials to have Eid al-Fitr recognized&nbsp;as a school holiday. For the 2025-26 school year, the district has marked it as a superintendent’s conference day so students would have the day off. 
“They ensured that future Muslim students would celebrate it with their families without missing school, … benefiting countless students today and for years to come,” she said. 
<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Family photographs of Tabish and Airas as babies." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/6ec2a47d-87b3-48cc-9d94-4219cf784b8b" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/6ec2a47d-87b3-48cc-9d94-4219cf784b8b', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/6ec2a47d-87b3-48cc-9d94-4219cf784b8b"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/6ec2a47d-87b3-48cc-9d94-4219cf784b8b/TWINS-COMP3.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3" />Family photographs of Tabish and Airas as babies.</a> 
<h3>Looking to the future</h3> 
Born on a hot summer day in 2007, the brothers were separated by one minute. And they have slept in the same room since, despite their parents’ offering of a spare bedroom. 
“If I ever do something, he can always hold the threat that he knows where I sleep over me,” Airas joked. 
Their living arrangement will soon change, as the brothers will be&nbsp;assigned to different residential buildings on their college campus.&nbsp;It’s a bit unnerving, Airas said, but the brothers agreed it could be&nbsp;exciting as well. 
“I don't think it'll be an obstacle, just something new,” Tabish said.

LITWIN250525

LITWIN250525_photos

Twins Tabish and Airas Farrell named valedictorian and salutatorian of Mount Sinai High School

Mount Sinai High's valedictorian and salutatorian are twin brothers heading to Princeton together

The Farrell twins were named valedictorian and&nbsp;salutatorian at&nbsp;Mount&nbsp;Sinai High School and&nbsp;they&#39;re also both attending the same university in the fall. NewsdayTV&#39;s&nbsp;Virginia Huie reports.&nbsp;

LITWIN250525_video

Top honors for twins at Mount Sinai High School

Mount Sinai

'I'm super happy that we're both one and two'

LITWIN2505XX

LFCOV250511

LFBEAG250511_grid

LFKALU250511_grid

LFDICE250511_grid

LFPOWE250511_grid

LFLOYST250511_grid

LFRAMP250511_grid

LFMARC250511_grid

LFDHAR250511_grid

10 years later: See what 8 Long Island 2015 valedictorians are up to now

What are they up to now? See where life has taken these 8 LI 2015 valedictorians.

LFDICE250511_photos

animation_1746646529

Michael R. Ebert

LFACHI250608

lfACHI250608_photos

Long Island 2025 student award winners

Long Island 2025 high school graduations

onecms:ab4e71c5-bbcf-4d89-9485-05e257cf07a4

Most Popular

Newsday TV shorts

Vertical videos

Paws of War rescued dogs from an illegal puppy mill in Tennessee. The animals are now going to forever homes of veterans. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

A heartwarming story that will give paws

Travel reporter Carissa Kellman experiences the luxurious perks at local hotels with no check-in required.

Daycation: You don't have to spend the night to enjoy these amenities at nearby hotels

Hundreds of people attended the candlelight vigil in Lindenhurst Monday evening for Edeedson Cine Jr., who was fatally stabbed while working at CVS on Christmas.

Vigil held for slain CVS worker

Dozens gathered in cold and rainy weather in Central Islip to protest alleged ICE detention conditions at the federal courthouse. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

Protesters rally against ICE detention conditions in Central Islip 

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed speaks to local wineries on the best sparkling wines for your midnight champagne toast.

Out East: Local champagnes for the new year

Some tips and tricks if you're planning on reveling in Times Square this New Year's Eve.

Times Square on New Year's Eve: What to know

Beginning next month, MetroCards will be a thing of the past and the cost of LIRR tickets will rise. Newsday transportation reporter Alfonso Castillo has more.

MTA fare and toll hikes coming in 2026

After Carey High School senior James McGrath Jr. lost both of his parents by age 11, he relied on his older brother and two sisters to help guide him through life.

Carey High's James McGrath has siblings' support after losing parents

The federal "no tax on tips" policy allows workers who typically receive tips to receive up to a $25,000 tax deduction for certain gratuities until 2028.

No tax on tips: What it means for LIers

Laney McGowan died after a long and courageous battle with Dravet syndrome, a severe form of genetic epilepsy. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'We always prayed and we wished they would have a cure'

Latest Videos

Latest videos

Victim's father speaks at vigil

Newsday transportation reporter Alfonso A. Castillo moderated a town hall where a panel of experts discussed making Long Island roads safer. "I think success is zero deaths on the roadway," said DMV Deputy Commissioner for Traffic Safety Mary Tanner-Richter.

'We have to change our mindset'

'We have to say it's not okay'

Take a look back at the exclusive stories Newday journalists brought you in 2025, from investigations to interviews with celebrities.

Look back at NewsdayTV's top exclusives and highlights of 2025

Residents and town officials are preparing for Friday night's snowstorm. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

Can you dig it?

Sign up for the NewsdayTV newsletter

Long Island Newsletter Widget

Long Island Article Bottom Module

Long Island Video Playlist

Long Islanders on Saturday cleared out snow from the post-Christmas storm. NewsdayTV's Jamie Stuart reports.

The state Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection was meant to reimburse people who had money stolen by dishonest lawyers. With payments in those cases now surpassing $100 million over the fund's history, the fund is struggling. Newsday investigative reporter Joshua Solomon reports.

State fund that reimburses victims more often can't pay in full

'It's like an insurance policy'

Floral Park's Dominick Critelli, a 104-year-old World War II veteran, will perform the national anthem on his saxophone before the Islanders-Rangers game on Saturday night at UBS Arena.

'I love this country'

Coastal flooding and heavy wind gusts are possible as a Nor'easter could hit Long Island this weekend. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

Strong rain, wind forecast for weekend

Drones and helicopters flew over the sites of the fires in Suffolk Monday as investigators determined the cause of the fires. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Burn ban remains in effect

Scenes from Westhampton on Saturday evening as firefighters battled the brush fire.

Watch: Firefighters battle Westhampton fire

The nonprofit paid for renovations to the Massapequa home of former NYPD officer William Meurer, who was severely injured on the job in 1994 and later diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

'Now he has every option'

Mamdani made universal child care a cornerstone of his campaign. NewsdayTV's Macy England talks with experts on how his plan could impact Long Island.

'I think it's an awesome idea'

Ed Born, a WWII veteran, had a 100th birthday celebration parade in his Hicksville neighborhood. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie has more.

'Didn't do anything more than any other serviceman would do'

Toys of Hope is asking for donations after the organization says several hundred toys from its holiday drive were stolen Saturday.

'A holiday nightmare'

Homepage Trending

New Year's Eve on LI

Newsday Investigations

Long Island Teacher Spotlights

All-Long Island teams

<a href="https://www.newsday.com/video/newsdaytv-top-stories">Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories</a>

Newsday TV

NewsdayTV Top Item

Let's Go: Daytime hotel getaways ... Paws of War puppy adoptions ... Newsday's 'Dangerous Roads' town hall ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV

Let's Go: Daytime hotel getaways ... Paws of War puppy adoptions ... Newsday's 'Dangerous Roads' town hall

App Nativo Ad Unit Slot

LI Life - megaslot

Get up-to-date news and events on Long Island. Newsday has all the top stories, video and photos.

Most Popular

Latest Videos

Stay logged in.