Meet Corcoran's Class of 2026 Valedictorian & Salutatorian!
We are proud of all of our Class of 2026 graduates! Today, learn more about the Corcoran High School Valedictorian and Salutatorian. Stay tuned throughout the week to meet all of our Class of 2026 Valedictorians and Salutatorians.Corcoran Valedictorian Feature – Nagi Aitbayeva
What activities have you been involved in outside of class/outside of school? Community Wide Dialogue Facilitator, Long and Short Track, Speedskating (won state and regional competitions), Assistant Concert Master for Syracuse Youth Orchestra, and I won a Congressional Gold Award in Voluntary Service for completing more than 400 hours of volunteer service at Interfaith Works in their Immigrant Resettlement program. I’ve also pursued language learning and have become certified proficient in German.
What has been the best part of your high school career and why? I came to Corcoran to pursue an IB diploma. I really loved the things we’ve learned… they have helped me become a better citizen and person. The type of teachers we have here have really reignited my curiosity. I also really loved our school track and cross country teams… they brought a silliness to my days that is sometimes lacking for me – and I’ve made a lot of great friends!
What was your proudest moment in high school? Junior year, at the end of Community Wide Dialogue, we participated in a session where we each gave a shout out to someone else. Several people gave me a shout out for my facilitator skills, and it made me feel proud that I helped people feel heard.
What are you most looking forward to about college? I’m most looking forward to specializing in what I actually want to pursue! I’m excited to a new environment and to meet new people. I hope to widen my net in college, and ultimately be in a place where I can give back to the SCSD as a young adult.
What’s the best thing you’ve learned over the course of your time in the SCSD? Make sure you reach out and communicate with people… especially if you feel like you’re stuck. You never know what will come out of a conversation. Continue to stay curious!
What advice would you give to other students as they continue their studies here? Don’t let outside perspectives dictate how you view your own accomplishments. Be proud to represent the SCSD! Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and look for opportunities.
What is something major you hope to achieve in life? I hope to continue finding my curiosity and I hope to remain a lifelong learner. I want to keep giving back to the village that raised me and helped me to get to where I am. I want to pursue excellence in whatever it is that I end up doing!
Corcoran Salutatorian Feature – Zeniya Jordan
What are your plans after graduation (what college, what interest in terms of major)? I will be attending Emory University, where I planWhat activities have you been involved in outside of class/outside of school? Seeds of Peace; Set Design for Corcoran theater program; Received Director’s Award in a Teenage Art Exhibit; Received the 1st Honorary Mention for New York State Art Month; Student Council Vice President; Syracuse Youth Advisory Council; Women’s Diversity Networks program; I served as an online tutor, and I’ve had various jobs, including my current one at Panera Bread.
What has been the best part of your high school career and why? My teachers! I moved to the SCSD sophomore year – and the curriculum was so different here from what I was used to. My teachers were driving factors in me wanting to keep my grades up; they have given me so many opportunities and so much motivation!
What was your proudest moment in high school? During my sophomore year, I earned five academic awards from my previous high school. It felt like I was contributing to my school in a positive way and I was proud that my teachers recognized my hard work.
What are you most looking forward to about college? I’m looking forward to the new environment! I can’t wait to meet similar, like-minded people. I’m also excited to move to a new state… I’m going to use that move to help me refine some of my flaws and behaviors and keep improving myself!
What’s the best thing you’ve learned over the course of your time in the SCSD? There are opportunities everywhere! A lot of people underestimate the power of conversing with people. Our district excels in offering opportunities. If you want to do something, there’s usually a program for it! You just have to ask.
What advice would you give to other students as they continue their studies here? Make sure you’re connecting with school staff. There are so many resources for students – even if, and especially if, you’re struggling. Opening up to staff can open more doors for you because it allows them to understand your situation. Staff want to help you!
What is something major you hope to achieve in life? I want to be able to view a world that has more tolerance and understanding. I hope to get involved in local government and lend my voice to bring about change. I would love to volunteer to help return some of the support to SCSD students that I have received and inspire others to feel the drive to give back as well.
