Miller and Cheung Rise to the Top as Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Valedictorian Lori Miller and Salutatorian Yanna Cheung pose with Midwood’s college counselors and Principal Robert Quinlan. Photo: @midwoodcollegeoffice

By DORIS CHEN

As Midwood’s Class of 2026 prepares to graduate, two students stand at the top of their class of over 1,000: Valedictorian Lori Miller and Salutatorian Yanna Cheung.

Miller, who will attend Harvard University, plans to major in computer science with a concentration in artificial intelligence analytics. She said her interest came from a “burning passion to create” and from wanting to follow in the footsteps of her father and great-grandfather.

“I wanted to do something more modern, something everlasting,” Miller said. “AI is always going to keep growing.” She said she hopes to eventually use technology to create opportunities for those who may not have access to strong support systems or financial resources.

Cheung will attend the University of Michigan, where she plans to major in biology and health on a pre-optometry track. “I hope to spread humanity and patience when treating patients,” she said.

Earning the titles of valedictorian and salutatorian came as a surprise to both of them.

“I always thought there were just way too many students and it would be too hard to be in the top two,” Cheung said. “It feels nice to show my parents that I appreciate their efforts in giving me opportunities."

Outside of school, the girls have built impressive resumes. Miller was a paid intern for Google and Apple, became certified in five coding languages by age 15, and will begin a full-time paid internship at Microsoft this summer. She also started a tutoring business for Ukrainian refugees, helping them learn English at a low cost.

At Midwood, Miller served as president of the Coding Club, president of the College Planning Committee Club, and secretary, then vice president, of UNICEF. 

“All of those clubs were initiatives to be more helpful to the community at Midwood and to help people transition to college or find their passions,” Miller said.

Outside of school, Cheung interned at SUNY Downstate Hospital, where she shadowed psychiatrists and observed patient care, volunteered at local clinics, and taught elementary school students as an assistant teacher. She also enjoys going into the city to try new foods and take pictures with friends in her free time.

At Midwood, Cheung participated in Asian Fest for three years. She served as East Asian director, J-pop vice president, and K-pop social media manager.

“I love performing, and [Asian Fest] pushed me to do what I enjoy in front of a big crowd,” she said. The show and related clubs were “where I made the most memories, friends, and connections,” Cheung added. “It was where I also opened up myself and improved the most.”

To stay organized, both students relied heavily on schedules and time management. Miller said she learned to prioritize responsibilities and say no to spontaneous plans, while Cheung used weekends to catch up on assignments and prepare for tests.

Despite their accomplishments, both students said burnout and stress still became normal parts of their high school experience. They credited the people around them for supporting them throughout everything. Miller said her older sister Stacy, a Midwood graduate from 2018, encouraged her to get involved in the school community early on. She also thanked Ms. Samantha Wetherill-Copeland and Ms. Renee Goldfarb, who “always made me feel welcome whenever I was overwhelmed.”

Cheung credited her mother, friends, and teachers for helping her manage stress and stay motivated, and recognized Ms. Cynthia Ly and Ms. Allison Anderson for encouraging her both academically and personally.

“My mom respected my busy schedule and always told me not to overstress,” Cheung said, “and Ms. Ly taught me how to come out of my shell and enjoy life.”

Miller and Cheung wanted to remind their fellow Hornets that even students at the top of the class can struggle and doubt themselves at times. As they prepare to leave Midwood, they offered a few pieces of advice to underclassmen:

“Don’t look for grades,” Miller said. “Look for the knowledge that comes out of the class.” 

“Always follow your heart,” Cheung added. “Everything is worth a try, and you should definitely maximize your potential.”