John “JR” DiBenedetto, one of the top Academic Leaders of West Islip High School’s Class of 2021, and selected as valedictorian, was recently recognized as part of the Suffolk County School Superintendents Association’s annual tradition of honoring the accomplishments of the county’s highest academic achievers.

Hosted by SCSSA President Ronald Masera, the organization’s 27th annual valedictorians celebration was presented virtually on June 3 due to the pandemic, highlighted by a keynote speech from “The Energy Bus” author Jon Gordon.

Superintendent Bernadette Burns hosted a “viewing party” that day for DiBenedetto and his family at Beach Street Middle School. Also on hand to congratulate the senior were Principal Anthony Bridgeman and school counselor Virginia Mullins.