AMHS Class of 2011 Salutatorian: Maressa Villa

Maressa Villa is the Amityville Memorial High School (AMHS) Class of 2011 Salutatorian with a top academic ranking. Her GPA is 101.70.

Combining her dedication to academics with a love for athletics, Maressa has truly molded herself into a well-rounded student. Achieving High Honor Roll as a member of the National Honor Society, Maressa was enrolled in both honors-level and Advanced Placement courses. Her AP Physics teacher, Mary-Ellen Loiacono, said that “no problem or concept is beyond her grasp.” Ms. Loiacono describes Maressa as someone who excels independently and with a group, and who never lets her dedication to other activities interfere with her schoolwork

Athletically, Maressa has participated in Winter and Spring Track as well as JV Softball and Soccer. She is also an accomplished gymnast. She has captained the AMHS team for MSG Varsity’s academic quiz show “The Challenge.” Other awards and acknowledgements include the Pathfinder of the Year Award, the AATSP LI Chapter NSE Oro Award, and the denomination of Most Improved JV Soccer Player. Maressa was also a member of the National World Languages Honor Society.

“In our meetings and interactions, Maressa reminds me of her desire to achieve ‘above the bar’ in the classroom and has worked to balance her heavy academic schedule with her extracurricular activities,” said her guidance counselor, Andrew Akapnitis. “She has exhibited a strong work ethic, leadership, and devotion in everything she does. Her service to others shows the kindhearted type of young woman she is.”

Maressa’s volunteerism is apparent through her work with NYC Blood Drive, the NYC marathon, her fundraising and teaching efforts with the Pathfinder Club, and her efforts to assist with the building of a community park in Wisconsin with the Courage to Stand Camporee.

Maressa will attend La Sierra University where she is expected to study Biology.