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Imagine earning a grade point average over 107 and still not being the valedictorian of your high school class.
Such is the case for Sayville High School senior Taylor Carpentieri, who will settle for being the Class of 2025’s salutatorian.
That’s because her A+++ classmate Gioia Racanelli’s average was just a fraction of a point better.
Racanelli and Carpentieri have been officially named this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, by Sayville schools. Both are highly involved in extracurricular activities at and away from school.
Racanelli serves as senior class president and is a three-year varsity athlete and current captain of the cheerleading team. Five times, she has earned academic All-County honors.
Her involvement at school extends to the National and World Languages Honor Societies and peer leadership. Outside of school, Racanelli serves as a volunteer coach for youth cheerleading.
She remains uncommitted for college and is exploring multiple areas of potential study, the school district said.
The high school’s varsity cheer team was thrilled with the news of Racanelli being named valedictorian, sharing their excitement in an Instagram post.
“Her dedication, discipline and drive are an inspiration to our entire program!” reads the post. “We are SO beyond proud of you Gioia!”
Carpentieri is Cornell bound
Carpentieri is a senior class officer and the president of the Science National Honor Society. As a member of the Say-Bay Blue Swim Team, she serves on the Student Athlete and School Climate advisory committees and is a member of Athletes Serving Others.
Carpentieri plays clarinet for the school’s wind ensemble and is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Outside of school, she is a competitive equestrian rider. She intends to study biological sciences at Cornell University this fall.
“Gioia and Taylor are both remarkable students who have exhibited commendable dedication throughout their academic careers,” Sayville High School Principal Stephanie Bricker said. “They have both worked incredibly hard throughout their time in the district, and I am excited to see all that they accomplish in the future.”
Sayville schools Superintendent Marc Ferris added, “All of us in the Sayville School District pride ourselves in preparing the leaders and innovators of the future. Gioia and Taylor have proven themselves throughout their time in Sayville schools and I expect great things from them in the future.”
Top photo: Sayville High School’s Class of 2025 valedictorian Gioia Racanelli (left) and salutatorian Taylor Carpentieri (right).
