Fox Lane High School is proud to announce Valedictorian Alexxandra Hoffmann and Salutatorian Jacob Feldman for the Class of 2023!
Learn more about these outstanding members of the Fox Lane community below.
Alexxandra Hoffmann, Valedictorian
College Attending: Duke University
Anticipated Major: Neuroscience
Accomplishment that you are most proud of: I attended the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) annual abstract conference in Geneva, Switzerland in October 2022. While there, I presented my project, which was published in SIOG's journal. I am proud that I was able to get there; but I am even more proud that I pushed myself to confidently speak to some of the best doctors in the geriatric field as the youngest person at the conference.
Who is the most influential person(s) in your life? Both of my parents and my brother have helped develop my character in such different ways that I cannot deem one of them more influential than the others. My dad has shown me work ethic and adventure. My mom has taught me to be loving and to have fun with life. And my brother has demonstrated how far determination, intelligence and self-respect can get you. All three of them have and continue to influence me in incredibly positive ways. I could not be more grateful.
What is your favorite Fox Lane memory? To some, my favorite memory may seem insignificant. To me, it is representative of a much larger picture. About a month ago, in my AP Spanish class for native speakers, we presented different types of dances from Spanish-speaking countries. As extra credit, we were encouraged to demonstrate our dances to the class. When my turn came, I asked a classmate to dance with me. However, I ended up dancing with five different classmates. This class means so much to me because it allows me to feel connected to Spanish-speaking cultures that I am rarely exposed to. The day when we danced is simply an example of that connection.
What are you looking forward to after high school? I am attending Duke University, and I could not be more excited, as I think this school is the best possible fit for me. I am psyched to go tenting with friends in order to attend the famous Duke v. UNC basketball game. I am also looking forward to taking classes in neuroscience and psychology that deeply interest me and give me with a greater understanding of those around me.
Jacob Feldman, Salutatorian
Anticipated Major: Chemistry
What is your proudest accomplishment? I've been working with our school newspaper, The Fox Lane Times, for four years, and it's been so incredible and so rewarding to see how the paper has grown and developed.
Who is the most influential person(s) in your life? I'm extraordinarily fortunate to have had so many kind and wonderful people in my life, but I would probably have to pick my maternal grandfather. I spent a lot of time with him as I was growing up, and he is — without a doubt — the person who spurred my interest in chemistry and science as a whole.
What is your favorite Fox Lane memory? I loved going to last year's Science Olympiad State Tournament in Syracuse. The State Tournament had been canceled in 2020 and was held virtually in 2021 due to Covid, so this was my first year attending States in-person. It was an incredible opportunity to spend time with my friends while simultaneously experiencing so many amazing science events. I had been waiting for that trip to Syracuse for three years — and it was worth the wait!
What are you looking forward to after high school? I'm extremely excited to attend college, as I love learning for the sake of learning and am looking forward to selecting courses and extracurricular pursuits that cater to my areas of interest. I intend to major in chemistry and pursue a minor in French language. After college, I hope to pursue academia and ultimately become a research professor in chemistry, but I could quite possibly end up pursuing something entirely different. There is so much to explore.
