Roaring Success: Meet Croton-Harmon's Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Croton-Harmon High School is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of its Class of 2025 Valedictorian Sonia Mukherjee and Salutatorian Ava Andrews. Both students have demonstrated unwavering dedication to their studies, a passion for learning, and a commitment to making a difference in the world.

A Journey of Hard Work and Dedication

Sonia and Ava have been Tigers since first grade and kindergarten, respectively, and appreciate the community developed in a small school setting. When asked what inspires them to achieve academically, both students credit their families for instilling in them the value of education. “It is education that brought my family to the U.S. and has allowed them to flourish, in turn granting me infinite opportunities,” Sonia shared. Ava emphasized her belief that a person gets out of education what they put into it, adding, “Approaching all of my learning tenaciously and inquisitively makes the process more meaningful and rewarding.”

Excellence in STEM and Research

Sonia and Ava share a deep appreciation for STEM subjects, with Sonia favoring mathematics and Ava drawn to science. Sonia enjoys the problem-solving aspects of math, noting that although there is a correct answer, there is room for creativity to arrive at the answer. "Sonia not only had a natural affinity for math but also a genuine curiosity about it," shared Isabella Zappa, her math teacher. "She worked diligently to master complex concepts and was always eager to support her classmates. I have no doubt that she will be a trailblazer in the STEM field, and I'm excited to see where the future takes her!"

Ava is fascinated by science’s ability to explain the world and drive innovation. “Understanding how things work is empowering,” said Ava. “Plus, it’s hard not to be in awe of all the advancements that have been made thanks to science.” Her science teacher, Zhanna Glazenburg, praised Ava’s dedication and teamwork. "I am very proud of Ava and feel that this honor is well earned. In addition to being a great student, Ava is a stellar athlete, and I feel her presence on the basketball court describes her as a student well: Ava never misses a shot. She is always there not only to score herself but to support the rest of her team when they try to score. Not only is Ava a great student, she is an amazing and supportive friend—always ready to lend a word of support and encouragement."

Their commitment to scientific research has been evident through their participation in the Science Research program. Sonia’s work at NYU’s Center for Genomics and Systems Biology led her to publish a 20-page research paper titled A Comparative Analysis of Topologically Associating Domains in Rice Species/Varieties, which examines genetic and epigenetic markers in rice varieties to improve stress responses and resilience. "Through my research, I hope to contribute to a better understanding of how we can equip crops to combat environmental stressors," Sonia explained.

Meanwhile, Ava’s research at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory focused on improving fusion reactor materials, specifically analyzing the role of liquid lithium in enhancing energy efficiency and minimizing reactor damage, contributing to the future of clean energy. "My goal was to contribute to fusion research, propelling its path to a commercially viable energy source," she said.

Looking Ahead

As they prepare for the next chapter, both students plan to pursue careers in STEM. Sonia is planning to study Biology, while Ava is deciding on a college to study Electrical Engineering. From research and problem-solving to collaboration and innovation, they are eager to apply the skills they honed in high school to their college courses.

Making an Impact

When asked how they see themselves making a difference in the world, Sonia emphasized the importance of adaptability. "To me, progress comes from embracing change and thinking ahead," she said. Ava spoke more specifically about her passion for environmental sustainability and desire to effect change through her work in engineering and clean energy. "I definitely see myself making an impact on the health of our environment," she noted.

Reflecting on Their Journey

Reflecting on their high school experiences, both students offered valuable advice to their younger selves. Sonia emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between school and life, while Ava advised, "Procrastination is the enemy of enjoying the present moment and the future.”

A Bright Future

The entire Tiger community is incredibly proud of Sonia Mukherjee and Ava Andrews for their outstanding accomplishments. Their dedication, curiosity, and drive will undoubtedly lead them to great success. Together, we celebrate their achievements and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in the world.