Meet the Valedictorian and Salutatorian at East

Being Valedictorian didn’t sink in for Janine Perri until she started writing her graduation day speech.

“I really thought about the journey I’ve had at Sachem and all the experiences we’ve had,” said Perri, who finished top in her class at Sachem East this year and will speak during Friday evening’s graduation ceremony on the football field at the school.

Perri, who will attend Villanova University and major in some combination of English, history or economics with a goal of law as the end game, finished just before Varun Bhuchar in the class rankings. He’s going to study political science and history at Dartmouth.

Perri is grateful for the extra curricular opportunities Sachem provided her. From being editor of the school paper to writing for the literary magazine, appearing on the Long Island Challenge television show or being a part of the orchestra and drama club, Perri was not short on being as well-rounded as possible.

Asked what one word described her high school career, she said “whirlwind.”

The Holbrook native took 11 Advanced Placement courses in high school and is fond of the relationships she built with many English teachers at the school. She’s ready to move on though.

“Being able to branch out and explore new horizons,” she said is what she’s looking forward to this fall, “getting involved in my campus community.”

Bhuchar was fond of the television show Law & Order and may also pursue that career track. Politics, however, in his mind could use some fresh young blood.

“Politics is a lot more important then people give it credit,” he said. “People dismiss it and say it’s an old person’s game. The system’s broke and I think there are ways to fix it.”

Bhuchar, who lives in the small section of Ronkonkoma that is on the East side of the school district, was a varsity tennis player, a member of the Long Island Challenge team and involved in the Italian and National Honor Societies. He took 14 Advanced Placement exams.

“We’ve been waiting 13 years to get to the crosswalk where we’re at,” he said. “Tomorrow the light is finally telling us we can walk across the street. I’m excited.”