District Praises JFK's Val and Sal

Plainview-JFK High School formally announces Andrew Ren the valedictorian and Ari Turkiewicz the salutatorian of the Class of 2011. The District is proud of both young men for their continued hard work and outstanding record of academic excellence throughout their high school careers. 

Not only has Andrew successfully completed the most challenging curriculum the district has to offer, completing 12 Advanced Placement classes, he has been awarded an AP Scholar with Distinction, a National Merit Commendation, DECA State Award, the Silver Medal in the Long Island Math Fair and an Honorable Mention in the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair.

He was also awarded a Silver Medal in the National Spanish exam and is a scholar athlete. 

He has held numerous leadership positions, including President of the Wall Street Investors Club, Executive Board Member of DECA and Treasure of the Science Olympiad. He was captain of the Varsity Cross Country Team, Varsity Swimming, and Varsity Track and Field.

Indeed, Andrew may also be the only valedictorian who can also lay claim as a successful a cappella beat boxer! He will attend Columbia University in the fall to study business.  

Ari has worked tirelessly for near-perfect grades in the most challenging classes the school has to offer, completing 13 Advanced Placement courses.

As President of the Mathletes, Treasurer of Increase the Peace, a member of Moot Court and various honor societies, he is a dynamic leader.

He was a semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Competition, a Finalist in the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, and Bronze Medalist in the Long Island Math Fair and a National Finalist with Honors in the USNCO Chemistry Olympiad. He also received a Silver Medal in the AATSP National Spanish Exam and was a member of both the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.

He spends his free time conducting extensive research on both the high school and university level. Ari was awarded the 2011 Scholarship for Academic Excellence and is looking forward to studying chemical engineering at Columbia University. 

POBJFK is proud of Andrew and Ari and their varied accomplishments and looks forward to hearing about their many successes when they leave for college.