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Center Moriches High School announced that seniors Alexandra DeMatteo and Tori Rudnick are the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of its Class of 2024.
The school district described DeMatteo as a well-rounded student with a full Advanced Placement curriculum and incredible accomplishments inside and outside the classroom.
DeMatteo served as president of the high school’s Foreign Language Honor Society and as secretary of the school’s Music Honor Society. She is also a member of the English, math, science and social studies honor societies.
Additionally, DeMatteo was the class president in her freshman and junior years and holds leadership roles in several school clubs. As a senior, DeMatteo was picked by the New York State School Music Association as an All-State musician.
Her passion for the fine arts extends outside of Center Moriches High School. DeMatteo is an assistant teacher at the Stage Door School of Dance in East Patchogue and was the original actress in the role of Via in the pre-Broadway workshop of the new musical adaptation of “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio.
Rudnick is a member of eight honor societies, including the New York State Science Honor Society, where she serves as vice president, and the Tri-M Music Honor Society, where she served as president during her junior year.
For the past three years, Rudnick has performed alongside drama club productions as a member of the pit band. She also performs in the symphonic band at the high school.
Rudnick’s musical excellence has earned her positions in selective ensembles throughout her high school career, including the All-State Symphonic Band and the NYSCAME Orchestra and Band. A member of the high school’s art club, Rudnick’s artwork has been featured in several exhibitions.
Outside of school, Rudnick dedicates much of her time to enhancing her skills in the arts. Since 2020, she has been a member of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York. Currently, she also plays with the Suffolk Principal Orchestra. She has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City and at venues overseas.
Additionally, she has been a dancer for 14 years and takes classes at Royalenova Performing Arts Center in Center Moriches.
The high school’s 2024 graduation ceremony is scheduled for June 29.
