Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School is thrilled to announce the valedictorian and salutatorian of the Class of 2026. Our valedictorian is Isabella Mirenda, while our salutatorian is Gabriella Suriani. Both students have attained remarkable academic success while also taking active roles in our school community. 

Isabella (Bella), who has not yet committed to the college of her choice, earned a weighted GPA above 4.78. Her favorite courses included AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, AP Psychology, and AP Biology. Bella plans to major in engineering, and her experience with AP Chemistry has her leaning toward chemical engineering at this time. 

Bella also has been very active in our music department, singing alto in three choirs (Virtuoso Voices, Select Choir and Concert Choir), and playing clarinet in the concert band and marching band (where she was a section leader). She also has served as secretary of the French Club and as a Girl Scout ambassador.  

Bella participates diligently in class to help process and absorb the learning material. She said that being an active learner has helped her greatly in high school.  

“I’ve found it important to not just do what the course is asking of me but to also push myself to find out what more I can do if I set my mind to it,” she said. “Schools and educators are giving you the tools to explore, but having the drive to do it yourself means so much more and opens a lot more opportunities. This makes you more likely to succeed and want to succeed.” 

Gabriella (Gabby), who has committed to Wake Forest University, earned a weighted GPA above 4.71. Her favorite courses included AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Statistics, AP Biology, and AP U.S. Government and Politics. Gabby will be a biochemistry and molecular biology major on the pre-med track, and may also explore the field of public health.  

Gabby was heavily involved in the SPFHS Model United Nations program. She served as an officer of the Model UN’s World Health Organization, managing 50 delegates and helping plan a conference of 1,500 people. Gabby also will serve as a delegate this summer for the Model UN’s Conference on National Affairs. She also has served as co-coordinator of the SPFHS Raider Peer Tutoring program, treasurer of the Senior Support Club, and member of the SPFHS girls swim team. Gabby also serves as a mental health advocate through the Prevent Suicide New Jersey planning committee, and as a swim teacher and coach at the JCC. 

“The biggest thing about my high school experience has been community,” Gabby said. “I enjoy showing up. I genuinely like the content and the classes. When you genuinely enjoy what you’re doing and you surround yourself with a community you love, it makes it really easy to show up and succeed.”