Schools

Meet Glen Cove's Valedictorian: Rahul Nath

Nath is Class of 2011's top academic achiever.

For the first time in three years,  has displayed the name of this year's valedictorian: Rahul Nath.

Born and raised in Glen Cove, Nath, 18, began his journey as a student at  and followed the district path to ,  – and finally Glen Cove High School – where he will graduate at the top of his class during Friday’s ceremony.

Nath said he has a weighted average of 102.72.

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“To graduate at the top of the class is humbling and demonstrative of the hours teachers and my parents put towards shaping me into who I am today,” Nath said. “As for how I became Valedictorian, I think the majority of my class still have no idea and nor do I. I like to think it's because of my good looks and my ability to laugh in the face of danger, but it might have to do with my grades a little too.”

Nath – who is attending Williams College in the fall – said he has tentative plans to study the sciences or economics.

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“I don't know exactly what I'd like to be yet, but it should involve changing the way one would eat cereal in the morning,” he said. “You know, making a difference in the world.”

During this year’s Senior Awards ceremony, Nath won seven different awards for his achievements in community service, mock trail, drama and science.

He is also a designated AP Scholar with Distinction from the College Board, having received awards for excellence in AP Calculus, Biology and European History. In total, Nath completed 10 AP courses.

Not only has Nath achieved Principal’s Honor Roll since his freshman year, he was also named a Long Island Scholar by the Institute of Creative Problem Solving for Gifted and Talented students.

And the resident’s success extends outside of the classroom. 

A four-year member of the Wrestling squad, Nath earned All-Conference status for three of those years and a Superintendent’s Cup nomination this winter. He also played football, lacrosse and tennis during his four years at GCHS.

Nath served as first chair trombone player with the Jazz Ensemble and as Vice President and bass section leader with the Select Chorale. He achieved All-County in Chorus last year and has performed with the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra Choir.

Nath said his short-term plans include: learning to drive a stick shift, learning to play bridge and the bagpipes, learning to speak rudimentary Latin, and learning to count cards effectively.

“A piece of my advice I'd like to give my fellow students would probably be to use their judgment when questioning authority,” Nath said. “To do so respectfully but wisely.”

Guidance counselor and NHS advisor, Francine Perez, said Nath is a bright hardworking young man with a “magnetic personality.”

“He is mature, responsible, and can be relied upon in all facets of his life,” Perez said. “I have seen tremendous growth and consistency in him, and seeing him become a young man to whom everyone is drawn has been a pleasure.”


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