Mary Loukaitis and Sebastian Merkatz, Honored as Valedictorian and Salutatorian, Top of the Class of 2025
Mary Loukaitis and Sebastian Merkatz, the top-performing students of the Bronx High School of Science Class of 2025, have demonstrated exceptional academic prowess and a passion for challenging courses over their four years at the school. With Loukaitis boasting a remarkable GPA of 99.104 and Merkatz achieving a GPA of 98.7549, their commitment to academic excellence is evident [2].
Both students have delved into demanding subjects such as Post-AP Genetics and Holocaust Leadership, showcasing their readiness to grapple with complex topics that foster intellectual growth. Their academic success is a testament to the support they received from dedicated teachers and valuable school resources [2].
In addition to their academic pursuits, Loukaitis and Merkatz have been actively involved in extracurricular activities, becoming integral members of their school community. Loukaitis, for instance, enjoys creating digital art and music, while Merkatz is a DJ who entertains at events and parties. He also engages in economics through extracurricular activities such as being the treasurer of the Investment Society and attending the Bronx Science Summer Institute AI pre-internship at Citi Bank [2].
Merkatz, who will be attending Princeton University in the fall of 2025, plans to major in economics and minor in finance and applied mathematics. Meanwhile, Loukaitis is heading to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with an intended major in molecular biology while also focusing on her physics and chemistry courses [2].
Loukaitis' research in C. elegans at the NYU Center for Developmental Genetics earned her the title of a 2025 Regeneron STS Scholar [3]. She also worked at the Manne Institute under the guidance of Dr. Tracy LaGrassa for three years.
Merkatz co-directed Science for Bronx, a free SHSAT tutoring program run by Bronx Science students, and he aims to become involved in government in the future [2]. Five students from Science for Bronx received offers to attend Bronx Science this year.
On Thursday, June 26th, 2025, at The United Palace Theater, Loukaitis and Merkatz will deliver their speeches to the Class of 2025 at the school's 97th Commencement Ceremony. The video of the ceremony, including their speeches, can be found online.
Merkatz attributes much of his success to following a philosophy of elevating those around him as well as himself [2]. Loukaitis, too, has shown a commitment to helping others, as evidenced by her work in research and her involvement in the school community.
Their preparation through high academic achievement, rigorous courses, and active involvement in school life positions them well for future success in higher education and beyond. Their speeches at the commencement ceremony will undoubtedly inspire their fellow graduates as they embark on their own journeys.
- Mary Loukaitis' passion for photography and literature, evident in her digital art and her work at the Manne Institute, demonstrates her multifaceted intellectual growth.
- In addition to his academic excellence, Sebastian Merkatz also showcases his interest in video production as a DJ and through his economics-related extracurricular activities.
- The educational journey of Mary Loukaitis and Sebastian Merkatz, marked by exceptional academic performance, involvement in challenging courses, and self-development programs like the Bronx Science Summer Institute and Science for Bronx, has prepared them for their next steps in education and personal growth.
- Loukaitis and Merkatz's strong commitment to educational pursuits, from the rigor of Post-AP Genetics to self-directed initiatives like Science for Bronx, positions them as leaders in the realm of editorial, scientific, and learning-focused endeavors.
- The upcoming commencement ceremony will not only highlight their academic achievements but also their vision for their future as they strive for success in their respective fields, fostering inspiration for their fellow students in the areas of history, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth.
