SOMERS, N.Y. - Congratulations to valedictorian Aiden DeSiena and salutatorian Isabella Wissa for being named the top students of the Somers High School Class of 2026!
Both students—International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma candidates—have distinguished themselves through rigorous scholarship, leadership, service, and deep engagement in their academic passions.
DeSiena
Aiden DeSiena has earned the school’s highest academic honor through a combination of intellectual curiosity, advanced coursework, and interdisciplinary achievement. An IB Diploma candidate, DeSiena has pursued one of the most challenging schedules available, including AP Calculus BC, IB Physics, Science Research, and an independent online mathematics course through PAMOJA.
His academic interests extend beyond the classroom. On weekends, DeSiena attends courses at the Columbia Science Honors Program, and his Science Research project explores a real-world problem affecting airline workers: mitigating the carcinogenic effects of cosmic rays. His investigation focuses on the potential of boron-based neutron shielding materials—an ambitious topic at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and engineering.
DeSiena is widely recognized for academic excellence, having received the Harvard Book Award and multiple subject-area honors in English, mathematics, chemistry, world language, and social studies.
A natural leader, he is the former president of the Quiz Bowl Team, guiding Somers to a second-place national finish, and he serves as a leader on the Somers Math Team. He is also active in the community, tutoring peers in math and science and volunteering extensively at the Somers Library, where he contributes frequent book reviews. Currently, he is planning an interscholastic trivia competition for regional high school teams.
Outside academics, DeSiena holds a black belt in karate. His creative side shines through his IB Extended Essay, an exploration of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Carroll’s use of mathematical, scientific, and philosophical satire to critique emerging 19th-century ideas.
DeSiena plans to pursue a career in chemistry or chemical engineering, with the possibility of minoring in mathematics.
Wissa
Salutatorian Isabella Wissa has built a remarkable record of academic excellence, leadership, service, and athletics—embodying the values of the IB program and the Somers community. Her coursework spans PLTW Biomedical Science, Engineering, and Science Research, reflecting her deep commitment to medicine, human health, and scientific inquiry.
Wissa’s research experience includes independent work at New York Medical College, where she contributed to pediatric neurology investigations involving rare disorders. Her achievements have been recognized at the highest levels: she is a National STEM Festival Champion, recipient of the University of Pennsylvania Book Award, and winner of numerous regional and state science fair honors. She has also been commended by Somers faculty for excellence in science, human rights, and leadership.
Her leadership résumé is extensive. Wissa serves as Treasurer of the Executive Student Council; President of the Spanish Club, Sports Medicine Club, and Youth2Youth; and Activities Chair for the Class of 2026. She also sits on the Superintendent’s Council, the Student Athletic Council, and the Student Council Interview Committee—roles that position her at the center of student voice and school governance.
In the community, Wissa is equally dedicated. She is Teen President and a Book Buddy at the Somers Library, volunteers as an EMT, fosters dogs for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, and tutors peers. As a member of the Westchester Youth Leader Task Force, she helps advocate for drug- and alcohol-free initiatives across the region.
Wissa is also a standout athlete. She captains both the varsity soccer team and a nationally ranked travel team, with three national tournament appearances. She additionally competes in basketball and lacrosse, and is a certified soccer referee and trainer. Her interdisciplinary interests include dance, and her IB Extended Essay examined dance as a vehicle for protest and social expression.
Wissa plans to pursue a career in medicine, aiming to combine scientific research with service and community impact.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here