General Douglas MacArthur High School seniors Zarif Jamal and Benjamin Campbell were named the Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. General Douglas MacArthur High School is thrilled to announce its Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian. Zarif Jamal was named the valedictorian, while Benjamin Campbell was named the salutatorian.

Zarif, MacArthur's valedictorian, named Science Olympiad as his favorite club. It's his first year as co-president, a role which involves organizing events and participating in frequent competitions, such as their regional competition, for which they medaled in four out of four events. They will soon continue to the state competition. Last summer, Zarif took on a variety of learning roles at the Nassau University Medical Center, observing how doctors interact with patients and help run the hospital. He has also served as a junior EMT for the Bellmore-Merrick EMS. The valuable experience has fueled Zarif's interest in pursuing a career in orthopedic surgery. Although he is not yet committed to a college or university, he hopes to take his medical experience to his family's home country, Bangladesh, in order to help those in need. Additionally, Zarif is a member of the National, Math, World Language and Business honor societies and plays on the tennis and badminton teams. He takes pride in his work for Science Research, which won him a third-place prize for his findings on the relation between

Benjamin, MacArthur's salutatorian, takes pride in his role as captain of the tennis team, which has been the catalyst to forming close bonds with his peers. Along with Zarif, Benjamin competes as part of the Science Olympiad team and was hopeful for a strong performance in their upcoming state competition. Benjamin greatly enjoys helping his younger peers, which he does in several ways, including through tutoring as the vice president of the National Honor Society. He also helps to run a robotics team outside of school, through which Benjamin encourages younger students at nearby schools to form teams of their own. A musically gifted student, Benjamin is in his 10th year playing the cello and recently helped start the school's first cello choir. He also is a member of the chamber ensemble, is the vice president of the Tri-M Honor Society, president of the Math Honor Society and a member of the Business and World Language honor societies.

Zarif and Benjamin noted that they have been friends for many years, expressing joy that they share the honor of being top of their class, but also sadness that their time at MacArthur is coming to an end.

"It has been an absolute honor and privilege working with these two spectacular and high achieving young men," MacArthur Principal Joseph Sheehan said. "Their exceptional work ethic in the classroom coupled with their dedication to enhancing our school culture has been paramount in ensuring their continued and future success."

The District congratulates both students and wishes them luck as they continue to pursue their passions.