Twin brothers Devon and Dylan Lee have been named the valedictorian and salutatorian for the Herricks High School Class of 2024.
Devon and Dylan learned that they had been named valedictorian and salutatorian through an announcement over the school PA system while they were in orchestra.
Many of their friends had their phones out to record the big moment, which roused suspicion. Ultimately, however, they managed to keep the secret and the twins were shocked to learn of their top ranking. They were then called to the main office where their family was there to congratulate them. Their sister Jeylin, Herricks class of 2023 valedictorian, joined via FaceTime, as she is currently studying astrophysics at Cal State.
The twins credit the support of their family as the secret of their success.
Devon said, “Our parents were really supportive of us this whole time. They never really put pressure on us to be that perfect student. They just wanted us to try our best, and that was all that mattered to them. I think that their support really helped us achieve what we have so far. Our sister also really helped us. She paved the way for us a little bit. We’ve always looked up to her, and we’ve always had close sibling relationships as well. So she definitely was a factor, because we always had a role model to look up to.”
When asked about how they feel about their impending separation, the twins were both excited and anxious.
“The past few years we’ve had almost identical schedules, this year and last year especially. So I’m with him for most of the day. Being separate from him will definitely be different because we always know what the other person is doing. We have the same teachers most of the time, the same work, so we can always help each other or keep on track of things together. So being on our own without that same person right beside you and taking the same steps will definitely be different,” said Dylan.
Devon Lee’s journey to valedictorian honors is a testament to hard work and unwavering commitment not only to his academics, but also the community. He showcases his academic expertise through the successful completion of Spanish 5 AP through the Language Immersion Program and in enrolling in the most challenging courses offered at Herricks High School: Multivariable Calculus and Physics C/ME.
Devon is an exemplary student-athlete who has led the Herricks boys volleyball team to back-to-back conference championships and has earned him All-County recognition and a spot among the top 50 Long Island players. He has also used his skill to help younger students by co-founding a volleyball summer clinic. Not one to back down to a challenge, Devon has completed four half marathons and one full marathon and looks forward to many more.
An accomplished cellist, Devon’s extensive musical recognition include performing at Carnegie Hall, earning NAfME All-State and All-Eastern Orchestra honors, as well as securing a commendable second place award in the New York Laureate International Music Competition.
Beyond his athletic and artistic pursuits, Devon is actively involved in mentoring and tutoring younger students and enjoys taking time to share his knowledge and experience to aid in the personal and educational development of his peers.
After graduation, Devon will be pursuing a degree in computer science at Cornell.
Dylan Lee has achieved salutatorian status by displaying focus and determination as he tackles his rigorous course load while taking on a multitude of extracurricular pursuits. His academic accomplishments include scoring at the top of the class in the most challenging courses that the school has to offer, including MultiVariable Calculus, Physics C/ME and Spanish 5 AP via the Language Immersion Program.
Dylan’s commitment to cultural understanding, promoting musical talent, advancing STEM education and supporting charitable causes has led to taking on leadership roles in several clubs, including as president of the Asian American Cultural Club and Herricks Jazz Band, vice president of the STEM Club, secretary of the Coding Club and treasurer of Academix, as well as involvement with Mathletes and Science Olympiads.
As a determined student-athlete, Dylan has been recognized as an All-County volleyball player and has contributed his athletic and leadership talent to the school’s championship team. He has also exhibited great skill as a runner, achieving notable first-place finishes in a 10k and two half marathons and two full marathon finishes.
Dylan has showcased his musical talents as part of the Herricks Chamber Orchestra, NAfME All-Eastern Symphony Orchestra, New York Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Nassau Principal Metropolitan Youth Orchestra. With this deep love of jazz, Dylan’s involvement with the Herricks Blue Jazz Band has had a strong impact on the program. Not only did he place third at the 2023 National Jazz Festival, but he also dedicates a great deal of time and energy into strengthening the jazz community within Herricks, ensuring that the musical culture remains vibrant.
Dylan plans to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering at Yale following graduation.
