Newsday’s Extraordinary Seniors

This year’s class of Extraordinary Seniors has teen spirit blended with full-grown ambition.

If they have their way, gone will be the days of non-crystal clear water, the world’s cultures separated by biases, fear and inaccessibility and impoverished children with no school supplies or hope for bright futures. ZIP codes and uphill battles have no bearing on their wherewithal, which includes overcoming the toughest of odds and bridging the distance between peers at other schools by focusing more on their similarities than their differences.

Each year, Newsday receives nominations from principals, teachers and guidance counselors in Nassau and Suffolk counties highlighting students who go above and beyond in pursuit of personal excellence and the greater good. We celebrate their courage, grit and noble aspirations as they pay it forward and reach back to help those in need.