Bridgehampton High School is proud to congratulate Hugo Kapon as its Class of 2023 valedictorian and Luna Paucer as its salutatorian. Hugo is excited and proud to be valedictorian, seeing it as affirmation of his hard work during four years of high school paying off.

“I’ve always had the confidence, but at times I was unsure,” Hugo said. “However, thanks to the support of the people around me, I was able to persevere.”

Hugo has taken 15 Advanced Placement, honors and college-level courses while in Bridgehampton High School. He is a member of the baseball team, has participated in the Toshiba Exploravision competition, is a member of the National Honor Society, marimba band, student government and robotics team.

Hugo notes one of his fondest memories and greatest accomplishments is working with the robotics members and new mentors to create the school’s FIRST Robotics Competition robot this year. “Competing with this team has taught me the importance of cooperation in my field,” he said.

Outside of school, his community involvement includes blood drives, beach cleanups and marathons. Hugo looks forward to attending The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the fall, where he will major in mechanical engineering.
Luna Paucer takes pride in her accomplishment as salutatorian. “It feels encouraging,” she said. “It was my way of believing that I could accomplish more if I tried.”

Luna is a well-rounded student who has taken advantage of many of the high school’s offerings, including 12 Advanced Placement, honors and college-level courses, four in her senior year. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Government, Robotics team, Art Club, Photography Club and cheer team. She has been listed on the school’s High Honor Roll every year and is the recipient of various music and art awards.

“During my junior year, I was able to show my heritage through a Pecha Kucha presentation at the Parrish Art Museum,” Luna said. “I was able to represent my Latin community and other underrepresented minorities which taught me the importance of connection and community.”

Luna is also a member of the D.R.E.A.M. (Dedication, Responsibility, Education, Attitude, Motivation) Team at the Bridgehampton Child Care Center and takes pride in baking cookies for children there through a new oven that she received as a gift. She has expanded on that sense of community giving with cooking for people at local child care and homeless shelters and sharing joy with caroling and marimba music at a local senior center.

Luna will join the freshman class at Boston College where she will major in nursing.

Date Added: 5/16/2023