The valedictorian and salutatorian of Franklin D. Roosevelt High School’s Class of 2005 are still enjoying the success of their high school careers, but they soon plan to embark on two very different journeys.
Valedictorian Michael Agne, who is finishing his high school career with a grade point average of 102.1 percent, is headed to Columbia University to pursue a degree in chemistry.
Agne said that he enjoys math, and chemistry is an interesting field where he can learn and practice his skill with numbers. Advanced placement chemistry was his favorite class.
Agne explained that earning valedictorian honors required a strong commitment.
“It’s not just a one-year accomplishment. It takes at least four years to earn it,” he said.
He’s not yet sure of a career choice, but hopes it’s in the chemistry research field.
Brittany Perotti, on the other hand, fully plans to stay out of the lab. Her choice? She’s going to the University of Connecticut to study journalism.
“I want to go into sports journalism if I can,” said the All MHAL Academic Team soccer player. “Sports are my passion.”
“I’m really flattered,” Perotti said about earning the salutatorian title with a grade point average of 100.69. “It was a long time coming.”
Both students said they enjoyed their experiences at F.D.R. High School. They said they liked their fellow students, making it a point to say that there was something unique and different about everybody at the school.
“It was eventful, but the people made it worthwhile,” said Agne.
Perotti described the school community on the whole as “accepting” of its members. Some of the faculty members have become her friends, she says, and she will miss them.
Although both were academic stars, neither shied away from after-school life. Perotti played soccer and was on the swim team, and served on the school’s Prom Committee. Agne participated in the school’s Math League.
Before going off to college, Agne said he wants to spend some time with his friends, which will be “bittersweet.” A sports fan through and through, Perotti plans to visit Shea Stadium to take in a few New York Mets games this summer.