Elwood-John H. Glenn High School’s Class of 2023 valedictorian James Rourke and salutatorian Emily LaMena were recently announced as the school’s top two academic students. Rourke and LaMena were both recognized at the Elwood School District Board of Education’s Nov. 10 meeting, led by Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Bossert.
A National Merit Semifinalist and AP Scholar with Distinction, Rourke will graduate Summa Cum Laude, taking 10 AP courses. He is a member of Student Council and former Class of 2023 treasurer, currently serves as Habitat for Humanity president and Best Buddies co-president, and is an Eagle Scout.
Rourke’s athletic accomplishments are also impressive. An All-League and All-Conference soccer player, he was the second-leading goal scorer in his conference before an unfortunate recent injury. Rourke is a county champion in track and part of the relay team currently holding 4x100 record, and serves as captain of winter and spring track teams. This year, he was a News12 Scholar Athlete Award winner.
LaMena, also a National Merit Semifinalist and AP Scholar with Distinction, will graduate Summa Cum Laude, taking 11 AP courses. She is a member of the school’s National Honor Society and World Language Honor Society, and earned the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award and Coccia Institute for Merit and Scholarship Award.
Likewise, LeMena also boasts an outstanding athletic resume. A five-year varsity track and four-year varsity spring and winter cross-country runner, she serves as captain for all three teams and earned All-League, All-Division, All-County, All-Region, All-State and All-Federation status in track as well as being a national qualifier, team MVP and NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete. She also plays club soccer with Stony Brook Soccer Club G2005 Arsenal. LeMena is a member of Mathletes, the Community Service Club and Habitat for Humanity, and volunteers as a soccer coach and with the Elwood Public Library.
“Both Jimmy and Emily are mature, humble, grateful for the opportunities their families have given them, and lead by example,” John Glenn Principal Corey McNamara said. “Both have taken the most rigorous course load that we have to offer here. Their resumes are lengthy, but these two young adults make us and their families very proud.”
Date Added: 11/21/2022