They excel in academics, proudly wear the black and gold as athletes and give back to their community. There are many similarities between Wantagh High School seniors Skylar Mondelli and Gabriel Avitabile, including both earning speaking roles at the June graduation ceremony.

Skylar is the Class of 2025 valedictorian with a weighted grade point average of 108.526, followed closely behind by Gabriel and his 108.293 GPA. The scholars have made the most of their high school careers, both in and out of the classroom.

During a physical education class, Skylar was visited by Principal Dr. Paul Guzzone, who asked her to come to his office. Soon he confirmed what she was thinking – she was the valedictorian.

“Once he told me the news, I was very excited,” Skylar said. “It shows that all of the hard work I put into this ended up paying off.” 

“I was shocked,” added Gabriel, who was called down to Dr. Guzzone’s office to learn he earned the second rank. “I was so happy. It’s a culmination of all I’ve done throughout the years.”

Skylar got her start at Mandalay Elementary School and Gabriel had his first years at Wantagh Elementary School. Since coming to high school, both have taken double-digit numbers of Advanced Placement and college-level courses. The rigorous schedules have prepared them well for college, where Skylar wants to study to be a nurse anesthetist and Gabriel plans to major in engineering.

A school day rarely ends for them when the final bell rings. Skylar is a three-sport athlete, with four years on both the varsity volleyball and spring track teams, and three years on varsity basketball. This year, she will do winter track instead of basketball. She also is president of the Wantagh Foundation for Furthering the Sciences, co-vice president of Health Occupation Students of America, vice president of the World Language Honor Society and a member of the Key Club and the National English and Science honor societies. 

Skylar plays the flute in the wind ensemble and volunteers with Shooting Stars, a local program that promotes fitness for children through developmentally appropriate activities. 

Gabriel is president of the World Food Club and Art Club, treasurer of the Fashion Club and a member of Art Portfolio Development, Future Business Leaders of America and the National, English, Math and World Language honor societies. Through his work with the Art Club, he has contributed to several murals including at the middle school and the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter.

He plays the trumpet in the wind ensemble, has been a two-year member of the varsity swimming and spring track teams, and joined the varsity volleyball team this year. Gabriel does fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and volunteers with the St. Frances de Chantal Church youth group.

Both seniors will earn an AP Capstone Diploma in June and are pursuing the Seal of Biliteracy – Skylar for Spanish and Gabriel for Italian and Spanish. As juniors, Skylar received the Harvard Book Award and Gabriel earned the Chicago Book Award.

The soon-to-be graduates are very appreciative of their time in Wantagh schools. Skylar said the wide-range of course offerings allowed her to make a schedule that focused on her interests. 

“There are so many wonderful opportunities I’ve been exposed to here,” she said, “and there’s so much guidance and support at Wantagh High School. I had an extremely positive time here. I wouldn’t want to be at any other school.”

“I feel very lucky to be here and I’m grateful for the opportunities that I’ve gotten,” Gabriel added, citing an environment with supportive administrators, teachers and classmates. “There’s so much to learn here at Wantagh High School.”

Dr. Guzzone described Skylar and Gabriel as humble and driven, and will be proud to share the podium with them at graduation.

“Beyond GPA, they’re just model students,” he said. “What they do for our student body and our community beyond school hours is just tremendous.”