Mr. John Bifolco, Principal of MacArthur High School, is proud to announce the valedictorian and salutatorian of the class of 2007.

Michael Kohanim, with an average of 99.86, is the class valedictorian. His academic record is replete with accomplishments that reflect his outstanding skill in the mathematical sciences. Michael is a Commended Student in the 2007 National Merit Scholarship Program, an AP Scholar with Honor, a Rensselaer Medal recipient for math and science, and a four-year Platinum Renaissance cardholder.

Michael's competitive spirit has garnered a silver medal at the Hofstra University Al Kalfus Long Island Math Fair, the MacArthur High School AMC 12 Mathematics championship, and a seat on the Nassau County All-Star Mathematics Team for 2007.

Michael's extra-curricular activities mirror his interests and extol his leadership. He is the President of Mathletes, Mu Alpha Theta (the Mathematics Honor Society), and is a member of the National and World Language Honor Societies. He actively participates in Model Congress, the Science Olympiads, the Astronomy Club, the Mock Trial Team, and the Varsity Quiz Bowl Team.

Michael credits his enjoyment of math and science to teachers Kevin Cambria and George Donovan: "Both Mr. Cambria and Mr. Donovan are my coaches [Mathletes, Science Olympiads] so we share common interests and goals, and they bring humor into their classrooms, which isn't that easy to do. Statistics and physics can be fun."

As president of the Chess Team, Michael has been instrumental in bringing a fledgling club to the Nassau County Championship this year, at which MacArthur placed second from a field of veteran high school teams.

Michael complements his scholastic achievements with community service that includes: volunteering in the pharmacology and radiology departments at New Island Hospital; assisting with the after-school enrichment program at Gardiner's Avenue; and supervising kindergarteners at the Levittown/Island Trees Summer Recreation Program.

Michael has yet to decide on post-secondary plans, but counts Stony Brook, U Penn and Cooper Union among his universities of choice. Whether he pursues actuarial or legal studies, he hopes that his valedictory honors continue to fuel his ambitions, and that they adequately reflect his school spirit and pride.

Bianca Velayo, with an average of 98.02, is the salutatorian of the class of 2007. In addition to having achieved the second highest GPA in her class, she has been on the Principal's High Honor Roll for every semester from ninth through 12th grade. She is a four-year Renaissance Platinum cardholder, a member of the National and Math Honor Societies and is the president of the World Language Honor Society.

Bianca's leadership emanates not only from her scholastic accomplishments, but also from her active participation in student government and extra-curricular activities. She has been the Corresponding Secretary of both the junior and senior class, and the recording secretary of the Key Club. Bianca is a Peer Leader, co-president of the Astronomy Club (which experienced a 300 percent increase in membership since her election) and an active participant in the Art Club, the Mathletes and the Science Olympiads.

What distinguishes Bianca from peers replete with academic success is her visibility and vibrancy. Her distinctive voice proclaims the daily p.m. announcements, and in any single day, Bianca could win a math competition, plan the senior prom, organize the Breast Cancer Fashion Show, or stir the fans as one of the varsity cheerleaders.

Community service and involvement constitute an impressive aspect of Bianca's schedule: Bianca has planned and promoted food drives, blood drives, coat collections, and the senior citizen prom. She is active in her church as a teacher's assistant in Bible school, a gardening angel, and a coach of the CYO track team.

Challenge motivates Bianca, and she cites English teacher Gale Morsette as a role model. "Ms. Morsette works the A.P. students hard, but somehow she makes us want to go to class. What she demands of her students prepares them for the real world. She knows what to expect of us and she, and we, succeed. She always manages to give us a life lesson in each class period. She's taught us to be grateful-that there are those in the world who have half of what we have, and they're happy."

Bianca plans to pursue a medical degree in dentistry after undergraduate work at either Villanova or University of Pennsylvania. Her salutatory status is highlighted by a diverse activity roster, and crowned by her contagious smile and laughter.