Newark High School has announced its Class of 2026 Valedictorian and Salutatorian.
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Ethan Klock, whose current grade point average (GPA) is 99.36 and is the son of Elizabeth and James Crowley is Valedictorian.
James Pellegrini, whose GPA is 99.13 and is the son of Nola and James Pellegrini Sr. is Salutatorian.
Klock plans to attend RIT in the fall where he will major in computer and political science and minor in finance.
Pellegrini will also attend RIT where he will major in mechanical engineering.
“I am so very proud of both of them,” said NHS Principal Kelley A. Zielke. “Not only have they both achieved an exceptional level of academic success, but they have also participated in events, clubs, sports, and music throughout their education. I will be excited to see what they both do in their next chapters and am confident that not only will they excel in their endeavors, but they will make Newark proud! Best of Luck Ethan and James. You will be missed in the halls of NHS.”
Klock is senior class vice president, a member of Student Council, one of two student Board of Education members, a member of the Principal’s Council and was named a Commended Student in the National Merit Scholarship Program in November.
He also has competed in Masterminds for 4 years, is a Link Crew member and link leader this year; has been a member of Drama Club for 3 years and in March portrayed Kyle in “Legally Blonde”; has been a member of Vocal Jazz for 2 years and participated twice in All-County Choir; has played soccer for 5 years, beginning in eighth grade; has played tennis for 4 years and has been Varsity team captain this year and last; is an indoor and outdoor track team member this year; and was on the Bowling team for 3 years.
Klock is graduating with 40 credits (12 courses) from FLCC and 9 AP tests (7 courses).
At NHS Pellegrini has competed in Masterminds for three years and is Varsity Captain this year. He has been a member of the Math Team in his junior and senior years. He was a member of Spanish Honor Society in 10th grade. He has been a Drama Club member this year and last and was the lightboard operator last year for “Mamma Mia” and is currently the lighting designer for the upcoming One Act.
He has taken 5 AP courses, several Gemini/dual enrollment classes and has taken Project Lead the Way course during all four high school years.