The Garden City High School 2009 valedictorian, Sarah D'Antonio embodies superb academic achievement and genuine kindness. Though a valedictorian is chosen each year, Sarah's success has proven to be quite unique. With incredible standardized test scores and an unbelievable academic record, Sarah D'Antonio excites the faculty at Garden City High School with her matchless ability. And what's even more striking is the ease with which she takes her tests and completes her assignments. Learning appears so natural one would almost think that studying was unnecessary for Sarah - though that is definitely not the case.

Although Sarah's achievements appear effortless, she puts in plenty of extra time to do her work. This image of simplicity only reflects Sarah's quest for knowledge and love for learning. Grades for Sarah are truly superfluous in that they only serve as a confirmation of her mastery. Not only does Sarah thirst for knowledge, but also, the way in which she learns is so non-threatening that it inspires her classmates. Her leadership abilities are truly exemplified by the example that she sets. Sarah's peers respect and admire her, which was evident this year when she won the senior-nominated award of homecoming queen.

In addition to her superior success in the classroom, Sarah has been a pillar of community service. Serving as a CCD teacher for St. Joseph's Church and volunteering to tutor are just a few of the weekly activities Sarah does. Her activity sheet, though extensive, hardly justifies the genuine disposition behind her work; she recognizes her gifts and plans to make her mark on the world.

In all of the unique skills that Sarah possesses, her greatest quality is her temperament and approach to life. Sarah D'Antonio views life as an ocean of opportunity in which no wave will go unridden. Her passion extends from her academics and community service to her music and religion, with nothing more important to her than her family. This fall, Sarah will be attending Princeton University, where she will be inspiring her classmates, challenging life's certainties, stimulating the creative minds around her, and carrying on the great tradition of Princeton's excellence.