New Hyde Park Memorial High School has recognized Aisha Abdelhamid and Nicole Joseph as the Class of 2019’s valedictorian and salutatorian.
Throughout Aisha’s studies at New Hyde Park Memorial, she has always taken an untiring approach toward learning, which has allowed her to maintain a 103.08 weighted grade point average. Teachers consistently remark that Aisha takes real ownership of her work and are impressed by her leadership qualities. Aisha’s thoughtful approach to her schoolwork has anchored her as a well-rounded student. She has worked closely with her teachers, always striving to do better, even during her senior year as the school’s valedictorian.
In 2017, Aisha was named a 2017 Northwell Health Medical Marvels finalist and a Martin J. Kelly Writing Contest winner. She has also served as the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, contributed to the school’s magazine, Treasure, and is a National Honor Society tutor. Aisha is in the Talented and Gifted program, a member of the Italian Club, the Red Cross Club and the Science Olympiad, a district riflery team member and a local library reader. She has studied multiple languages and placed fourth in the National Italian exam. Aisha is a Shotokan karate member and the president of the Muslim Student Association.
Nicole Joseph’s extraordinary inner drive for knowledge has consistently taken her beyond the requirements of school. Her delight for learning is evident and infectious, and her hardworking personality has carried over to all disciplines. She loves to learn and has a thirst for knowledge that is second to none. She is able to apply what she learns to real-world situations and is always willing to help fellow classmates who are struggling with various topics. Currently, Nicole is tutoring multiple students on a weekly basis. She works hard with each student and really cares about their academic outcome. She takes pride in helping others.
Outside of the classroom, she is involved in many extracurricular activities. As designer for the school yearbook, The Lance, Nicole taps into her innovative side. From creating the visuals of the yearbook to communicating with photographers and writers to design a compelling story, she works countless hours as an integral participant in its layout. Additionally, Nicole has excelled in the school’s Model United Nations. She and her partner won Best Position Paper at the Rutgers Model UN Conference in 2016 for their representation of Argentina in the Commission on the Status of Women. Nicole is co-captain of the varsity girls track team, where she competes in the 300-meter and 600-meter dashes and is co-president of the International Culture Club, where her responsibilities include coordinating and emceeing the yearly performance, designing T-shirts and advertising for the show. In her free time, Nicole enjoys walking her Labrador retriever, Cookie. She also enjoys dancing, reading and writing.
