Record 21 Valedictorians at Jericho High School

Jericho High School, a non-magnet public high school in Nassau County, Long Island, announced that 21 of its roughly 300 seniors earned A+ grades in every course and were designated valedictorians—a school record. Ranked among the nation’s top non-charter public schools by U.S. News & World Report, the school uses a letter-grade system where a 97-100 score yields an A+. Valedictorian status is based on the letter grade, not the precise numeric score.

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All 21 students met the A+ requirement, forming a single valedictorian cohort. Thirteen spoke with media in the lobby while eight attended a science event in Arizona. Each has secured admission to selective colleges such as Yale and Georgetown.

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The valedictorians emphasized collaboration over competition; Liv Akiva said peers worked together on projects despite not sharing classes. Many pursued rigorous curricula; Andrew Han highlighted AP Econ and AP Government as subjects of interest and valued by colleges, while others took AP Biology. Harnoor Joneja highlighted leadership through the nonprofit Empower Her Health, which combats period poverty and promotes health education.

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The principal confirmed the 21 seniors met the A+ criterion for valedictorian status. Superintendent Robert Kravitz said the grading policy provides equity and opportunity for all students, enabling high-achieving non-AP students to qualify. Co-principal Cummings announced that the ceremony will position the valedictorians at the front of the procession and include a community video of their achievements.

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Because valedictorian status relies on letter grades, it is unclear whether any of the 21 students received scores below 100, and the sources lack external verification of the record number of valedictorians.

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• “We have 21 students who’ve gotten an A-plus in every class they’ve ever taken in high school,” — Principal, Jericho High School

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• “It gives all of the students some equity and opportunity,” — Robert Kravitz, superintendent, Jericho Union Free School District

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• “we’ve still collaborated on projects. It’s definitely nice to work with them.” — Liv Akiva, co-valedictorian

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• “helping [to] educate women and girls about their health care and helping them to take power over their own health.” — Harnoor Joneja, co-valedictorian

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Jericho High School will implement the revised commencement format, placing the 21 valedictorians at the front of the procession and releasing a video tribute. The students will begin college in the fall at institutions such as Yale, Georgetown, and other selective universities. The grading policy may spark broader discussion as districts consider equity-focused criteria for top academic honors.

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