Lynbrook High School announces 2026 Top of the Class
Congratulations to the Lynbrook High School Top of the Class for 2026, Valedictorian Jack Murray and Salutatorian Aidan Michaels!
Being the Top of the Class is not the first time Jack and Aidan have been paired together. As part of the district’s Project L.I.F.T.O.F.F. initiative, their project, “How does microgravity affect the growth of the wine cap mushroom?” was sent to the International Space Station through the district’s participation in the Student Space Flight Experiments Program, a program of the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education in the U.S. and the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Space Education internationally. In November 2023, the two traveled to Florida to watch a NASA rocket launch, which carried their experiment for testing by astronauts to the I.S.S. The project was made possible through a strategic partnership with Nanoracks, which worked with NASA under a Space Act Agreement as part of the utilization of the I.S.S. as a National Laboratory.
Jack and Aidan also share the role co-vice president of the LHS Chess Club, through which they have made several trips to West End Elementary School to teach and play against younger students.
Aidan, the Class of 2026 Salutatorian, prides himself on his work in the Science Research program. Using roundworms, Aidan studied mechanisms that combat fungus with maximum efficiency – which has practical use, he described, as fungi infections are a cause of death and illnesses worldwide. For his research, Aidan worked with Eric Eisenstadt, a scientist and former Harvard University professor with a background in microbial physiology. Aidan serves as a captain on the LHS Mathletes team and is a member of the LHS Brass Ensemble and Wind Ensemble as a French horn player and the Jazz Band as a trumpet player. Additionally, as a varsity soccer player, he was named All-Conference and Scholar Athlete for Nassau County, as well as named News 12 Scholar Athlete, and is on the varsity track and field team. In addition, he was named a National Merit Finalist. Aidan also served as a mentor to younger students in the Science Research Summer Program and Camp Invention.
Jack, the Class of 2026 Valedictorian, is a leader among several groups at LHS. He is the president of the Science Bowl, which competed in the Brookhaven Laboratory Competition and won third place across Long Island – the best performance the team has ever shown. He is also a leader in the Robotics Club, which recently qualified for the Long Island regional robotics competition. Jack founded the Dungeons and Dragons Club and takes on the role of a player among peers in a fantasy setting, regularly showing his creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, Jack is passionate about the arts. He plays violin in the LHS orchestra and in the Chamber Orchestra. He is also the Lighting Manager for LHS and enjoys being part of the musical and play productions. Outside of LHS, Jack was proud to have earned the rank Eagle Scout. For his Eagle Scout project, Jack cleaned up an outdoor classroom at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning at the Tanglewood Preserve, allowing preschoolers to utilize the space.
Aidan plans to major in biology and continue his microbiological research, while Jack hopes to study engineering and continue exploring his love for science.