Monticello High School’s top two graduates of the class of 2026 have made their mark not only in the classroom, but across a wide range of activities that reflect their talents, passions, and commitment to growth. Valedictorian Kenneth Walz and Salutatorian Evan Chen have each taken full advantage of the opportunities at MHS; excelling academically while contributing to music, athletics, leadership, and service.
In this Q&A, they reflect on their high school experiences, the people who supported them, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way as they prepare for what comes next.
Kenneth Walz, Valedictorian
What clubs/sports/extracurricular activities are you involved in?
Jazz band (4 years), pit orchestra (4 years), chamber orchestra (2 years) member of the Math Team (2 years), Varsity Trap Team member (4 years). I am also president of National Honor Society, student council executive advisory member, play for a local church on Sundays and a musician for Nesin Cultural Arts.
What is your proudest achievement during your years at MHS?
My proudest achievement was getting into the New York All State String orchestra after getting a 100 on a level 6 NYSSMA solo.
Is there anyone you’d like to recognize for supporting you during your journey? Tell us how their support made an impact on your life?
I want to recognize my sister for supporting me during my high school journey. Her unwavering drive and passion for what she does has served as a role model for me. Although it’s not a person, I would also like to thank music. I’ve learned to balance work with a deep passion for music and I feel that, at the most stressful times, music always pushes me through.
Advice for younger students at MHS?
Don’t let your failures discourage you. Use them as the building blocks for your future successes. In the meantime, have fun and cherish every moment.
Any special interests or hobbies?
I started playing guitar when I was seven and during Covid, taught myself most of what I know. Then, I picked up the bass at 10 years old and it has been my love ever since. I also enjoy building computers.
What are your future plans?
I plan to become an electrical and computer engineer at Cornell or Princeton. I would like to one day create adaptive technology that can help people with special needs.
Evan Chen, Salutatorian
What clubs/sports/extracurricular activities are you involved in?
Varsity Tennis, Captain for the Math team, lead role for the Musical (Rodgers and Hammerstein’s), Student Board Representative/ Student Council, Secretary for National Honor Society, Bass singer for Chamber Singers, Member of Tri-M Music Honor Society.
What is your proudest achievement during your years at MHS?
My proudest achievement at MHS is that I was able to push myself to take the hardest classes while performing well in said classes.
Is there anyone you’d like to recognize for supporting you during your journey? Tell us how their support made an impact on your life?
I would recognize my brother, Eddie, and my childhood friend and Valedictorian, Kenneth Walz, for supporting me throughout my life and pushing me to do better. Without them, I would not have been as competitive.
I would also recognize my parents for helping me live a more comfortable life and for me to focus on my academic work while they work hard for me. I hope to help them get into retirement soon.
Advice for younger students at MHS?
Take any opportunities you can get, even if you’re scared of feeling lazy. At the end it’ll be something to remember. My biggest regret is that I don’t take all the opportunities I can get at this school. It was fun trying something new, especially my time performing for the musical, but I’m unable to do it again next year since I’m graduating. I hope to take more opportunities and do more extracurriculars when I’m in college.
Any special interests or hobbies?
I spent time developing small games (created a game for a competition once), coding and recreating websites (like YouTube, and the school’s website), and 3d modeling (to help me make my games). I also spend time, especially during the summer to volunteering at the Federation for the Homeless to help those in need.
What are your future plans?
I plan to attend RIT for computer science while hoping to continue music in some way. I plan to pursue a master’s degree in said field. With my college education, I hope to make the world a better place by improving AI and developing technology to help others.