Oyster Bay announces this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian

Rose Lindstrom and Michael Olivero have been named valedictorian and salutatorian of Oyster Bay High School’s Class of 2025. The titles recognize their high achievement in this year’s graduating class. 

“We’re incredibly proud of this year’s Valedictorian, Rose, and Salutatorian, Michael,” said Oyster Bay High School principal Melissa Argaman. 

“Their academic achievements are truly exceptional, but what really impresses me is their kindness, compassion and humility,” she said.

Lindstrom and Olivero serve as co-presidents of the Model UN together.

Lindstrom said she has always valued her education.

“This accomplishment means so much to me,” she said. “I’ve held myself to a high standard ever since I was a little kid, so when they revealed that I was the valedictorian, I was overjoyed.”

“It was very satisfying to know that all my hard work over the years paid off,” she said.

Lindstrom has a wide variety of academic interests, she said.

“My favorite classes are social studies and math classes, although I find every class I’ve taken to be interesting,” Lindstrom said.

The social studies department has cultivated her love for the humanities, Lindstrom said. 

“All of the teachers in the social studies department have been essential in my journey as a student,” she said.

The support of the teachers has helped her explore her interests, she said. Her favorite class so far was AP Human Geography, which explored geography through a cultural lens.

“We always completed creative activities with real-life implications, and that was one of my favorite classes,” she said.

In 2023, Lindstrom was one of 27 students internationally to score a perfect score on AP Seminar, an English course offered at OBHS. The College Board recognized her achievement. She stood out as the top 0.04% of students, according to district officials.

Continuing her focus on the humanities, Lindstrom said she intends to study art history in college. 

She is considering double majoring in another subject, though she hasn’t decided what that will be. She is torn between business, economics, French and international studies, she said. She said she hopes to continue her education in graduate school after receiving her undergraduate degree.

Outside of her academic interests, Lindstrom plays an active role in the high school community. She is the co-editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, the co-president of Model UN and the captain of the girls’ varsity tennis team. She is also on the varsity golf team and a student athlete mentor.

“Every team I’ve joined has been so supportive, and being in these programs helped me grow as a person,” she said.

Olivero said he’s always loved learning and problem-solving. As he’s matured, his passion has evolved.

“Since I was young, I have had a passion for problem solving demonstrated through my interest in jigsaw puzzles,” he said. “This love for problem-solving developed into an interest in mathematics as I grew.”

He said he has always taken pride in his academics. He said in the fourth grade, he was chosen for the Atlantis enrichment program, which sparked his dedication to learning.

“Earning salutatorian has meant the world to me,” Olivero said.

His achievement has made him realize the importance of his hard work, as well as the support of his family.

“When I initially shared the news with my family, I realized that this achievement had not only made me proud, but also my family who had supported me throughout my academic career,” he said.

While his course load hasn’t always been easy, Olivero said it has been rewarding.

One of the most impactful courses, he said, was AP Chemistry. 

“I am not innately a science person,” he said.

Although the class is known for its difficulty and heavy workload, he said he dedicated his time to studying and overcoming these challenges. Olivero said he spent hours studying in extra help sessions.

“This class has taught me that when I commit to a task, I am able to deliver on my responsibilities,” he said.

Outside of the classroom, Olivero is involved in many extracurriculars. He is the captain of the lacrosse and football teams. Additionally, he has taken on leadership positions in the National Honor Society, Model UN, Science Honor Society, Math Honor Society and the school’s Quill and Scroll chapter. 

He is an active member of the Student Athlete Leadership Program, and is one of the district’s two trumpet players that performs Taps.

“Participating in a multitude of activities has taught me the importance of multitasking and staying involved with different people and communities,” he said.

Both Lindstrom and Olivero look forward to the rest of their senior year.

“I’m looking forward to watching all of my classmates take the next step in life,” Lindstrom said. “Since our school is so small, I’ve formed close relationships with a lot of my peers, and I can’t wait to see them succeed in the future.” 

“I am most looking forward to experiencing events with my fellow students and teammates one last time,” Olivero said. He said he is particularly excited about his last lacrosse season with the high school’s team.

As the school year progresses, the school’s staff and administration prepare to send off the Class of 2025 in June.

“Rose and Michael have made the most of their time at Oyster Bay High School, embracing all we have to offer,” Argaman said. “We’ll miss them dearly next year but have no doubt that they will continue to achieve great things.”