By Kayla Markowitz & Harshitha Kothapalli – Editors-in-Chief

Jonathan Law senior Fiorella Gargiulo was recently named Salutatorian for the Class of 2026. 

During her time at Law, Gargiulo has been a leader in academics, extracurriculars, and athletics. Gargiulo will be attending Northeastern University next fall, where she will study chemical engineering. 

“It feels really awesome, especially considering all of the long nights and stress over just some letters,” Gargiulo said. “I’m happy to know my hard work paid off.”

Gargiulo has completed seven Advanced Placement courses, including AP United States History, AP Chemistry, AP Language and Composition, AP Calculus AB, APBiology, AP Statistics, and AP Latin. 

Over her four years at Law, Gargiulo has made a lasting impact on her peers, friends, classmates, teachers, and coaches. Her influence is directly reflected in the accolades she has received, including the Harvard Book Award, Rensselaer Medal Award, Excellence in Latin 3, Chemistry, and Latin 1. 

But her leadership goes far beyond her awards, as she thrives in her spot as girls soccer captain, President of the National Math Honors Society, President & Founder of the National Latin Honors Society, President of the National English Honors Society, Co-President of the Model United Nations Club, Vice President of Finance of the National Science Honors Society, Gold Team Leader of the Science Club, and so much more. 

These positions and awards were never just resume boosters for Gargiulo, but pure evidence of her passion for knowledge and helping her community. Law Principal Mr. Darcy has been able to watch Gargiulo grow into the person she is today over the past four years. 

“It’s difficult to fully explain how Fiorella has impacted the JLHS community, but also easy to see. Academically, she has pushed herself on each and every assignment and class for four years. Athletically, she has been a varsity athlete, model teammate, captain, and leader on every team she’s been on,” Darcy said. “When we need an event planned and a show of School Spirit, she’s one of the names we call on as well. I don’t know how she has the time to do it all.”

Garigulo doesn’t just make an impact within the hallways of Jonathan Law but takes her fiery spirit to the soccer field. Gargioulo embodies the spirit of a student-athlete leading in the classroom, but also on the field as captain of the girls soccer team this past fall. 

“Fiorella is the definition of a student-athlete and is a role model for our team. Everything she does, she does with passion,” Head Coach Mrs. Fransisco said. “My absolute favorite thing about Fiorella is her passion to always give 110% in anything and everything that she does – athletically, academically, socially, and everything in between.”

Gargiulo was able to make a name for herself as Salutatorian of the Class of 2026 and as a strong student-athlete. However, most know her by her welcoming smile, unwavering support, and fierce determination.

“She is a role model for our students and my own children,” Darcy said. “I hope my own two daughters can someday come close to the example that Fiorella has set for them. She is an amazing human who will have an impact on people no matter what path she chooses.”

Gargiulo discovered her love for science early on, with the help of her mentors, who helped her navigate her interests and passions. When asked about her inspirations, Gargiulo couldn’t just pick one. Instead, she highlighted some of the science teachers at Law who have guided her journey. 

“Mr. Koorejian was my freshman year living earth teacher, and is now my senior year AP Biology teacher,” Gargiulo said. “He has been an example of following your passions over the years, and his love for science radiates onto his students and inspires me to follow my dreams and help others love the things that some struggle to find beauty in. Mrs. Gagnon and Ms. Turcotte similarly helped me discover my love for chemistry by providing me with resources and allowing me to ask a myriad of questions to continue to grow my chemistry knowledge through my sophomore and junior years.”

Over the past four years, Garigulo has been an exemplary student and leader within the Law community, and she now prepares to embark on her next chapter following graduation.

“As I soak up the last few months before I officially become a college kid, I will prepare to major in Chemical Engineering at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts,” Gargiulo said.  “I’m so excited to be in my favorite city, only a train ride away from Milford, joining teams and clubs to explore my love for math and science. I’m looking forward to learning more about myself through new friendships and new opportunities.”

Gargiulo hopes to inspire younger students to be themselves and embrace every part of their personality, just as she did throughout her time at Law. From academics to athletics to Drama Club to photography, Gargiulo reminds us to investigate every interest rather than focusing on just one. 

“More than keeping good grades and scoring a certain number of goals, I hope to inspire others that being passionate about something isn’t nerdy or annoying, but something to be proud of and admirable,” Gargiulo said.