West Islip High School has announced its two Academic Leaders in the Class of 2026 as Anthony “AJ” DeMaio and Dana Shi, who have distinguished themselves through outstanding academic achievement, leadership, service and extracurricular involvement throughout their high school careers.

DeMaio and Shi have each demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence both inside and outside of the classroom while pursuing rigorous academic programs and actively contributing to their school and community.

Shi has excelled in advanced coursework while earning numerous honors for her achievements in science and music. She received the Highest Honors Award at the Long Island Science Congress Senior Division and the Science Teacher Association of New York State Suffolk County Award. An accomplished cellist, Shi has earned multiple All-County and All-Long Island recognitions and was selected as an alternate for the New York All-State Symphony Orchestra.

Shi has also conducted advanced scientific research through Brookhaven National Laboratory’s SPARK Program, where she studied topics including microplastics, mineral analysis and environmental sustainability using sophisticated laboratory technology. In addition, she volunteers at Good Samaritan Hospital and participated in Inspirit AI, where she helped develop a deep learning model for pneumonia detection using chest X-rays.

Within the school community, Shi serves as co-president of the West Islip Thirst Project, helping raise approximately $12,000 annually to fund clean water wells in Eswatini. She also serves as secretary for the Class of 2026, participates in Science Olympiad and supports fellow students through the Natural Helpers program.

DeMaio has similarly built an impressive record of academic excellence, leadership and involvement. He serves as president of both Mu Alpha Theta and the World Language Honor Society and is a member of several additional honor societies, including the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society and Science National Honor Society.

A dedicated student-athlete, DeMaio competed in varsity soccer, varsity track and varsity bowling while also participating in junior varsity baseball and soccer. As captain of the varsity soccer team during his senior year, he helped lead the team to a county finals appearance and earned the Lion Heart Award for his leadership and determination.

DeMaio is also an accomplished musician who has performed bass through Suffolk County Music Educators Association ensembles and participated annually in NYSSMA since elementary school. His accomplishments include recognition through the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, the Office of the New York State Comptroller Achievement Award and the New York State Seal of Biliteracy in Italian.

In addition to his academic and extracurricular success, DeMaio has dedicated time to tutoring students in math and science, assisting elementary students with science projects and participating in community service initiatives through several school organizations.
Congratulations to these amazing students!