At the November 19 Hicksville Board of Education meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton recognized the following students for their outstanding accomplishments to the Hicksville school community.
Kayla Kulier for being a standout member of the Varsity swim team since 7th grade, earning Conference Swimmer of the Year as a newcomer and achieving All Conference honors in multiple events. Throughout her high-school career, she has consistently qualified for the NYS Championships, competing in events such as the 500 Free, 200 IM, 200 Free, and 100 Free. In 11th grade, she earned All-State honors by finishing 10th in both the 200 and 500 Free, while also receiving All Division recognition in diving. She currently serves as a two-year team captain, holds numerous school records and has managed the boys’ team since 8th grade. At the most recent Divisional Championship, she placed 1st in the 50 Free, 2nd in the 500 Free (qualifying again for states), and contributed to 2nd-place finishes in both the 200 and 400 Free Relays helping the 200 Free Relay break the school record once more.
Gabrielle Howell and Daniel Winn were recently honored with the Nassau Zone Physical Education Award, a prestigious recognition given to students in Nassau County who exemplify exceptional physical performance, strong academic achievement, and outstanding leadership. This award celebrates individuals who consistently demonstrate a commitment to personal fitness while also inspiring others to lead healthy, active lifestyles. Through their dedication, positive attitude, and willingness to serve as role models, Gabrielle and Daniel have contributed meaningfully to promoting lifelong wellness within their school community, making them truly deserving recipients of this distinction.
Valedictorian Ian Kim has earned an exceptional GPA of 104.67. By the end of this year, Ian will have completed 14 AP classes and has already scored a 5 on all 12 AP exams taken. He achieved a perfect ACT score on his first attempt, is a National Merit Semifinalist, and has participated in prestigious research programs, including the Garcia Research Program and Columbia SHAPE, where he conducted original research in hydrogen fuel cells and biomedical engineering.
Ian’s leadership and service extend far beyond the classroom. As President of NexGen Inspires, he has helped introduce young children across Nassau County to science through hands-on learning. His dedication to community service includes volunteering as a tour guide at the Cradle of Aviation Museum and participating in mission trips to Nicaragua and the Philippines. At Hicksville High School, he leads as captain of the Science Olympiad team, President of the Science Honor Society, Vice President of the Math Honor Society, and a committed member of the Marching and Jazz Bands.
Salutatorian Kapish Pharma is known for his humility, kindness, and quiet confidence, Kapish stands out as a dedicated scholar in the district’s double-accelerated STEM Program. With a GPA of 104.0286 and success across 27 AP, Honors, and college-level courses including Advanced Linear Algebra and Biochemistry.
Kapish is a well-rounded student whose extracurricular involvement reflects both passion and purpose. He interned at a pulmonologist’s office, gaining firsthand medical experience, and serves as a Natural Helper supporting new students. His contributions extend to the Science Olympiad A-Team, Marching Band, and the soccer and tennis teams, earning Scholar Athlete recognition. As Lead Volunteer at his temple, he guides youth programs and fosters community through service and cultural pride.
The Top 10 students for the Class of 2026 are:
1. Ian Kim (Valedictorian)
2. Kapish Pharma (Salutatorian)
3. Talib Shah
4. Tasmiya Rahman
5. Lauren Mason
6. Abdul Raheem
7. Shelby Fraser
8. Amin Nasari
9. Anusha Shah
10. Sara Bakhteri
The ten are ranked out of 455 students in this year’s class. They are each outstanding scholars and have demonstrated exceptional dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence throughout their high school careers. Their achievements reflect countless hours of hard work, determination, and a true commitment to learning. Beyond their impressive academic records, many of these students have also made meaningful contributions to the school community through leadership, service, and extracurricular involvement.
Ian Kim, Tasmiya Rahman and Anusha Shah were celebrated for being Semifinalists in this year’s National Merit Scholarship Program. The National Merit Scholarship Program is recognized as one of the most competitive and prestigious academic competitions in the United States. This elite status is determined entirely by a student's performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), where Semifinalists represent the highest-scoring test-takers in each state. This places them in an incredibly rare group, as only about 16,000 students nationwide, less than one percent of all U.S. high school seniors earn this recognition. By achieving this benchmark, these students have demonstrated the academic rigor needed to compete for Finalist standing and approximately 7,140 National Merit Scholarships, placing them among the brightest young minds in the country.
Dr. Fulton closed his report by congratulating and applauding the students’ again for their dedication and hard work. He expressed his confidence that their talent, character and drive will lead each of them to a successful future.
Front Row (l-r): Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton, Hicksville Board of Education Trustee Patricia Bulerin, Hicksville Board of Education Trustee Sunita Manjrekar, student Kayla Kulier, Hicksville Swimming Coach Sheri Epstein, Hicksville Athletic Director Matt Calarco. (Back Row) Hicksville High School Principal Ray Williams.
Front Row (l-r): Hicksville Board of Education Secretary Erin Guida, Ex Officio Student Board Member Christina D’Costa, students Gabrielle Howell and Daniel Winn, Hicksville Athletic Director Matt Calarco. Back Row (l-r): Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton and Hicksville High School Principal Ray Williams.
(l-r): Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton, Hicksville Board of Education President Annette Beiner, Kapish Pharma, Ian Kim and Hicksville High School Principal Ray Williams.
(l-r) Front Row: Kapish Pharma, Sara Bakhteri, Shelby Fraser, Tasmiya Rahman, Abdul Raheem. Back Row (l-r): Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton, Hicksville Board of Education Vice President Linda Imbriale, Lauren Mason, Amin Nasari, Ian Kim and Hicksville High School Principal Ray Williams.
Missing from photo: Talib Shah and Anusha Shah.
(l-r): Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton, Hicksville Board of Education Trustee Sunita Manjrekar, Tasmiya Rahman, Ian Kim, Hicksville Board of Education Trustee Irene Carlomusto and Hicksville High School Principal Ray Williams.