Jericho High School's top graduates have been selected for the class of 2001. Valedictorian Kristin Meliambro and Salutatorian Julie Ivans leave Jericho with a long list of honors and achievements. They were honored at the school's graduation ceremony, which was held on June 24 at the Tilles Center.

Kristin Meliambro was recently named the Valedictorian of Jericho High School for the 2000-2001 academic year and graduated with honors.

Meliambro will be continuing her studies at University of Pennsylvania in the fall and enter as a biology major with plans to be part of the pre-medical program at the school. She also received a scholarship to Brandeis University, was awarded the Brookville Lions Club Community Service Award and received the 2001 Presidential Outstanding Academic Achievement Award.

Throughout her high school career, Meliambro was involved in many activities including the National Honor Society, Italian Honor Society, varsity softball and basketball, peer tutoring, AIDS awareness club and Youth Decide. Outside of school, Meliambro volunteered at St. Paul's Church and was an assistant teacher for their religious education school. She also volunteered at North Shore Hospital in Syosset.

Meliambro was also elected into many positions throughout her high school career such as the secretary of the National Honor Society and vice president of the Italian Honor Society.

Meliambro's mother was a major inspiration for her throughout her schooling. "My mother inspired me in terms of hard work and dedication," said Meliambro. Advanced Placement biology teacher Mrs. Bott, motivated Meliambro toward a science career. "She was so enthusiastic and the most encouraging teacher that I have ever had," said Meliambro. "She was so creative and she taught a very difficult subject. She brought the students up to that level and still made it fun and exciting."

Meliambro realizes the great opportunities that the Jericho School District has to offer. "Hearing stories about underprivileged kids who work their way up was always a good inspiration for me to work hard since I had so many opportunities in Jericho," she said. "I did like learning. It made me open-minded and tolerant. I really enjoyed being a part of the Jericho School District."

During her valedictory address at graduation, Meliambro said to fellow graduates, "Now is the time to reach deep down inside and pull out the best of ourselves, to discover what makes us personally tick and to determine how we can use it to make the world a better place. There is always someone who is better at one thing or another. Every person is your superior in at least one way. But no one should outdo us in the passion with which we pursue our individual endeavors."

Julie Ivans graduated from Jericho High School with honors and was named salutatorian. She will attend New York University in the fall as an undecided major.

Ivans received the Ben Lang Memorial Scholarship and the 2001 Presidential Outstanding Academic Achievement Award this past academic year.

Throughout high school, Ivans was involved in many activities including the National Honor Society, editor-in-chief of the JerEcho, the school's newspaper, co-president of the Spanish Honor Society and involved in SADD.

Besides her academic interests, Ivans was also involved in many volunteering activities. She did a great deal of volunteering for the AHRC and also volunteered through her temple throughout high school.

Ivans' parents, Linda and Ron Ivans, provided a strong support system for Ivans. "My parents always encouraged me and they have always stressed that grades are not the most important thing, but rather that I do my best," said Ivans.

Ivans worked closely with Dr. Michael Hartnett, an English teacher at the high school, throughout her involvement with the school newspaper. "He was very supportive and helped me a lot during high school," said Ivans.

In her salutatory address to the class of 2001, Ivans said, "Sometimes the greatest lessons in life are not learned from books. Jericho High School's graduating class of 2001 will have vivid memories of high school. However, graphs, diagrams and textbooks did not shape our high school experience... There is no doubt that textbook readings and regents examinations were a part of our high school experience. However, on the same note, such educational tools did not solely define our four years at Jericho High School. Instead our teachers creatively instilled in us a fuller comprehension of the subject matter. Through class trips and unique lessons, we will maintain many memories of our high school years."

Both students look forward to pursuing their dreams and attending college, but leave Jericho with fond memories and an excellent education.