NEW ROCHELLE, NY — New Rochelle High School has designated its top ranked students in the Class of 2019 – valedictorian Eliza Crocker and salutatorian Zachary Stone.
Both of the seniors have taken the most rigorous math and science classes, while also making time for extracurricular activities.
Crocker is captain of the Mathletes, president of the school’s Junior State of America chapter, a member of the Math Honor Society and the National Honor Society and an executive with the Ignite mentor program.
“The reason I love New Rochelle so much is that it has the size to give me so many opportunities to pursue what I want to study,” Crocker said. “It gives me that flexibility to explore what I’m interested in, fulfill all my credits and have time to do other things. That’s been so amazing and it has really given me insight into what I want to do in the future.”
Stone plays varsity tennis and serves as financial chairperson of Hope from the Heart, benefiting children with cancer. He is a member of the Math Honor Society, the National Honor Society and treasurer of the Economics Team. He is also a member of Model Congress on which he is the chairperson of the Human and Animal Rights Committee.
He said the District’s diverse culture has prepared him for more than college courses.
“I think the extreme diversity of this community has prepared me for the actual world and what I will experience after high school,” he said. “I’ll encounter all different types of people with values that diverge from mine and I’ll be able to understand their points of view.”
Outside school, they have other interests. Crocker is an avid year-round sailor – even in the winter, when she joins in the “frostbite” races at the Larchmont Yacht Club. In June, she crewed on a team racing from Newport, Rhode Island, to Bermuda, a distance of 635 nautical miles.
Stone participated recently in an overnight run for breast cancer research with Hope from the Heart.
“These students are stellar examples of our student body,” said Interim Principal Joseph Starvaggi. “Eliza is a true scholar and a math whiz. Her talents extend beyond the classroom, where you really see her spirit for adventure. Zach is a role model for all students. He is an insightful student with a positive attitude. His volunteerism is from the heart.”
Crocker and Stone, talking about their new titles, were sure to share the spotlight with their schoolmates.
“There are so many people who are very talented and who also ranked high,” Stone said. “We have to recognize that.”
Crocker added; “I’m really excited to see where my classmates end up in the world.”