Congratulations to the Valedictorian and Salutatorian!

It is a yearly tradition at nearly every high school that each graduating class has one student named valedictorian and one student named salutatorian. This year at Shore Regional, two phenomenal students received these honors. The valedictorian for the Shore Regional High School Class of 2023 is Cindy Zheng and the salutatorian is Sydney Shapiro. Each of these young women were exemplary students throughout their high school careers and worked hard to achieve their respective awards. Both recipients were not only great students, but were actively involved in the school community. In honor of both of their amazing achievements, both students were interviewed to highlight all of their accomplishments as well as how they got to where they are today.

Valedictorian Cindy Zheng

To what or whom do you attribute the work ethic that you needed to accomplish this achievement? 

CZ: My parents have undoubtedly contributed to my work ethic the most. They are always working hard every day at our family restaurant in order for me and my siblings to get the education that they couldn’t get, so I wanted to work diligently and make them proud too. 

Was receiving a high academic honor such as this a goal of yours when you entered high school?

CZ: I never wrote it down as a proper goal anywhere because I felt like I was aiming too high, but Valedictorian was definitely something that I always kept at the back of my mind from the moment that I started freshman year. I wanted to work toward it, and it often served as motivation.

What subject did you enjoy the most in high school? Why? 

CZ: The classes that I enjoyed the most throughout high school were the music classes for sure. Music has always been a large part of my life, so whether it was IB Music class during junior/ senior year or band class during freshman/sophomore year, music is a subject where I can destress and express myself outside of rigorous academics.

What teacher(s) had the greatest impact on your success throughout your time at Shore Regional High School? Why?

CZ: Mr. Attilio and Mr. Nicol have helped me in numerous ways. While Mr. Attilio has greatly helped me with my musical abilities for four years and Mr. Nicol has taught me a great deal of math for two years, they have both taught me leadership skills. I think being a great leader is just as important, if not more, as good academic performance, so they have set me up for success both at Shore Regional and in the future.

What advice would you give to your fellow graduates as you all embark on the next chapter of your lives together? 

CZ: This may sound silly, but view your losses as blocks. The more you lose and fail, the more blocks you’ll have to build yourself a staircase to the top. Keep building up just as we’ve done as a class for the past four years.

What are your personal plans for after graduation?

CZ: I plan on continuing my education at Rutgers University, where I’ll be majoring in Accounting and continuing into college marching band.

What advice would you give to underclassmen?

CZ: Just do your work. While academic success does heavily rely on doing well on assessments, it is also contingent on the completion of work, whether classwork or homework. Spend that extra 5-10 mins to improve your assignment even just a little, and it’ll reflect in your grades. And of course, don’t forget to have fun after working hard.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

CZ: I see myself hopefully working for a good company and being able to give back to my parents.

What is your favorite memory from your four years at Shore?

My marching band memories have truly been unmatched. Last year while we were waiting for a football game to start, we had a couple extra hours to spare. Some of us in the band decided to take a trip to Goodwill, and at the store, I had found a small teddy bear. I thought it would be cute, and it wasn’t until I picked it up and turned it around that I noticed it was quite creepy. It had a human face and was crying. We all agreed that this would be the perfect gift for Mr. Attilio. We bought it for him, and since then, Spaghetti “Teddy” has pretty much become the mascot of the Music Department.

If you could tell your freshman self one thing about the last four years, what would you tell them?

CZ: Keep working toward what you want, but you can also take it a bit easier. Senior year will be worth it. 

Anything else you’d like to add?

CZ: School is definitely tough and stressful which can often result in long nights of schoolwork, but don’t forget to take care of yourself and make sure you’re okay above anything else.

Salutatorian Sydney Shapiro

To what or whom do you attribute the work ethic that you needed to accomplish this achievement? 

SS: I attribute my work ethic to my dad. He is a lawyer, and I constantly see him answer emails and take phone calls in his free time to help his clients. The way he works is truly inspiring as he does not stop reviewing something until it is perfect. He pushes me to do the same with all of my essays, and all of my tests. Watching him be successful has motivated me to do the same. 

Was receiving a high academic honor such as this a goal of yours when you entered high school?

SS: My sister who is five years older than me has won this award as well. We are competitive and I wanted to one up her. Freshman year I took all honors classes to set myself up for success. However, it wasn’t until senior year when I could feel that I was at arms length of it. I continued to take IB and AP classes, and it paid off!

What subject did you enjoy the most in high school? Why? 

SS: I enjoyed English the most. I do not think I am the best at English, however, my classes were usually discussion based which helped me learn to read between the lines. Hearing others’ interpretations of things has opened my eyes, and allowed me to be a better writer and reader. 

Which teacher(s) had the greatest impact on your success throughout your time at Shore Regional High School? Why?

SS: Many teachers have impacted me throughout high school and have allowed me to succeed. However, Mrs. Bertalomi has left a true impact on me. It wasn’t the class itself that has left an impact, but her as a person. Mrs. Bertalomi’s kindness and authenticity has made me a better person. She truly lives each day to the fullest. Not only were her classes fun and a relief from a stressful day, but she knew how to make everyone smile. 

What advice would you give to your fellow graduates as you all embark on the next chapter of your lives together? 

SS: To my fellow graduates, I would say to enjoy everything you do and take advantage of all your opportunities. Time goes by quickly, and before you know it another four years will go by. Stay in the moment and take in everything!

What are your personal plans for after graduation?

SS: I plan on attending Penn State University as an advertising and public/relations major. However, I have a feeling it will change as I am very indecisive, and have many different ideas for my future. 

What advice would you give to underclassmen?

SS: I would tell the underclassmen to focus on true friendships. It is easy to get sucked into friendships to fit other people’s view of you. However, your real friends will be by your side no matter what, and those are the people you want on your team for life. These are the friends that will stay in your life beyond high school. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

SS: In 10 years I see myself traveling and making memories with friends. I don’t want to miss out on vacations and traveling to other countries because of a job. I am hoping at that point I will be able to balance a work life and a social life. 

What is your favorite memory from your four years at Shore?

SS: Winning Shore Conference my Junior and Senior year for field hockey is unforgettable. However, doing the entrance and participating in BOTC and winning was also amazing. Even all of the lunch periods with my friends will always hold a place in my heart. 

If you could tell your freshman self one thing about the last four years, what would you tell them?

SS: I would tell myself to not stress over the small things. I would work myself up over assignments and tended to miss out on hanging with my friends. My senior year I was finally able to balance both, but I wish I learned this sooner. 

Anything else you’d like to add?

SS: I just want to thank everyone for an amazing four years, and allowing me to thrive at Shore!