Jericho High School in Nassau County, Long Island, New York, made headlines in 2026 when it named 21 students as valedictorians, breaking its own record. According to ABC7 New York, the school uses an unweighted letter grade system rather than GPA decimals, meaning any student who earns straight A+ grades in every class qualifies as valedictorian. This year, 21 seniors achieved that distinction, surpassing the school’s previous record of 15.
According to USA Today, many of these students took demanding courses such as AP Physics, AP Economics, and multivariable calculus while also balancing sports, music, and community service. One student co founded Empower Her Health, an initiative providing free menstrual products and education, while others earned National Merit Scholar recognition or excelled in athletics and the arts.
According to USA Today, many of these students took demanding courses such as AP Physics, AP Economics, and multivariable calculus while also balancing sports, music, and community service. One student co founded Empower Her Health, an initiative providing free menstrual products and education, while others earned National Merit Scholar recognition or excelled in athletics and the arts.
