WEST ORANGE, NJ - Senior Josie Mair has been named the Valedictorian and Ava Neretic the Salutatorian for the West Orange High School graduating class of 2026. The announcement was made by Superintendent Hayden Moore and Principal Oscar Guerrero on Sept. 25.
Josie and Ava are actually best friends. They attended Redwood Elementary, Edison and Liberty Middle Schools, and West Orange High School together.
Josie Mair
With a GPA of 4.7313, Josie was named Valedictorian. She is involved in numerous clubs and co-curriculars:
- Public Relations person for WOHS Class Council
- Flute Soloist and Section Leader in Marching Band
- President of the Math Honor Society
- Secretary of Tri-M Honor Society
- Treasurer of American Sign Language Club
- Member of Escriptus
- EMR certified
Josie's favorite subject is Chemistry. In her spare time, Josie likes watching movies and going out to eat. She plans to attend ollege with a Pre-Med/ Biochemistry major and wants to become an OBGYN.
"I'm ecstatic about being named Valedictorian," said Josie.
"My parents are proud of me, so that's good," she laughed.
Josie is a second-generation American. Her grandparents emigrated from Jamaica.
Ava Neretic
With a GPA of 4.659, Ava was named Salutatorian. Ava is also actively involved in activities and clubs at WOHS:
- Vice-President of the WOHS Class Council
- President of the Math Team
- Captain of the Cross Country team
- Vice-President of Escriptus Honor Society
- Member of ESL Club
- Member of Science and Tri-M Honor Societies
- Member of Royal Strings
- Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish
In her spare time, Ava enjoys playing piano, writing, and spending time with her dogs. She has been training in Tae Kwon Do for years and is also a staff member.
"I'm really excited and glad to be named Salutatorian," Neretic said.
"I didn't have it as a goal, but it's nice to see that my hard work has manifested itself."
Her favorite subject was AP Stats. Ava is also a second-generation American. Her grandparents emigrated from Croatia and Puerto Rico.
Neretic plans to major in Applied Math/Linguistics in college.
"I am so proud and happy to see two of our female students leading the way as Valedictorian and Salutatorian," stated Superintendent Hayden Moore.
"It is a testament to West Orange's inclusivity as a strong school district that gives all students the opportunity for success," he concluded.
(L-R) Superintendent Hayden Moore, WOHS Valedictorian Josie Mair, WOHS Salutatorian Ava Neretic, School Counselor Rachel Rosen, Principal Oscar Guerrero
