Center Moriches High School announced Alexandra DeMatteo as the Class of 2024 valedictorian and Tori Rudnick as salutatorian.
Valedictorian Alexandra DeMatteo’s academic foundation was firmly planted in the Advanced Placement curriculum. Her academic excellence led to her involvement in the Foreign Language Honor Society, where she serves as president, the Music Honor Society, where she is secretary, as well as membership to the English, Math, Science and Social Studies Honor Societies. Notably, DeMatteo earned the Seal of Biliteracy after taking Advanced Placement, college level Spanish. Additionally, DeMatteo was the class president in her freshman and junior years. She holds leadership roles in several school clubs including the vocal club and art club.
This school year, DeMatteo was selected by the New York State School Music Association as an All-State musician to perform in the 2023 Winter Conference.
DeMatteo is also an assistant teacher at the Stage Door School of Dance. Additionally, she was the original actress in the role of Via in the pre-Broadway workshop of the new musical adaptation of “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio.
Salutatorian Tori Rudnick is actively involved in the Center Moriches High School community. She is a member of eight honor societies spanning different academic areas including the New York State Science Honor Society, where she serves as vice president, and the Tri-M Music Honor Society, where she served as president during her junior year. For the past three years, Rudnick has performed alongside drama club productions as a member of the pit band.
She also performs in the symphonic band at the high school. Her musical excellence has earned her positions in selective ensembles throughout her high school career including the All-State Symphonic Band and the NYSCAME Orchestra and Band. Rudnick is also a member of the art club at Center Moriches High School. Her works have been featured in several exhibitions including at the Parrish Museum and Congressional Art Show.
Since 2020, Rudnick has been a member of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York. Currently, she plays with the Suffolk Principal Orchestra. Membership to this organization has allowed Rudnick to perform at Carnegie Hall and overseas. Additionally, she has been a dancer for 14 years and takes classes at Royalenova Performing Arts.