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Class Of 2007 Valedictorian And Salutatorian
Valedictorian Garden City High School Class of 2007 Valedictorian Richard Gustavson is a gifted student of calculus with a weighted grade point average of 100.87 percent. "Richard has the ability to see through the course content to the very essence of the calculation," Mathematics Curriculum Coordinator Stuart C. Dods, who taught Richard in advanced placement calculus, says. As co-captain of the Mathematics Team during senior year, Richard was instrumental in guiding the team to competition at the all-state level, and he enthusiastically shares his appreciation for mathematics with others as a math tutor. "Richard is a patient and sensitive teacher," Mr. Dods says, "and his explanations are clear, concise, and on target." Richard is the recipient of a National Merit Scholar Commendation and excels in the arts. He served as photography editor of the school newspaper, the Echo. A trumpet player, he is a principal in the concert band, wind ensemble, marching band, and jazz ensemble, and played Taps at this year's Veterans Day Memorial Service. He is a member of the Music Honor Society and provides music lessons for several future trumpet section leaders. Richard also is active at the Garden City Community Church, where he has taught Sunday School and assisted with many church functions. "I rank Richard among the best students that I have taught and consider his potential to be without limit," Mr. Dods says. Richard plans to attend Cornell University in the fall and predicts that his major area of study will be history. He will deliver the valedictorian speech at graduation on Sunday, June 24. At Senior Awards Night on June 4, Richard accepted the American Legion Scholastic Award for Excellence in Senior Social Studies, United States Marine Corps Award for Scholastic Excellence, Nassau County Legislature Student Citizenship Award, Margaret McNally Mathematics Department Award, Mathletes Gold Medal Award, Thomas D. Miner Science Department Award, Advanced Placement European History Award, Highest Ranking Seniors Award, and Valedictorian Award. Elaine Tanella, Salutatorian With a weighted grade point average of 99.31 percent, Garden City High School Class of 2007 Salutatorian Elaine Tanella combines great natural ability with a highly developed work ethic. Elaine's salutatorian speech, delivered at Senior Awards Night on June 4, focused on life lessons of modesty and the realization that, although high school has provided a strong foundation for the future, there is much to learn going forward. A member of the National Honor Society, Elaine has a long-standing interest in Italian language and culture. She is a member of the Italian Honor Society and Italian Club, and served as the Italian Club's vice president during senior year. Last summer, she spent a month in Italy in an Italian language immersion program through SUNY at Stony Brook. A skilled photographer with an interest in physics, Elaine was a finalist in this year's American Association of Physics Teachers Lexmark Photo Contest. She has a strong interest in music and art, as well, having completed an advanced placement class in art this year. As a member of the track team, Elaine is a three-time winner of the School Athlete Award. Since sophomore year, Elaine has participated in the Miracle Club and also is an active member of the youth group at St. Joseph's Church. Although Elaine's career path may involve Mathematics and Science, she nevertheless has not ruled out an emphasis on the arts. Elaine plans to attend Pennsylvania State University, where she has been accepted into the honors program. At Senior Awards Night on June 4, Elaine accepted the United States Marine Corps Award for Scholastic Excellence, Nassau County Legislature Student Citizenship Award, Frances Di Maria Viviani Italian Scholarship, Art Department Award, Art Supervisors Association Award, Harold S. Turkel Science Award, Highest Ranking Seniors Award, and Winfield Thompson Salutatorian Award.
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