By Rob Forleo
Special to the Voice
West Haven High School is proud to recognize Hudson Axelrod as Valedictorian and Carly Morabito as Salutatorian. Their high school years were shaped by consistent effort and involvement in the school community. Both students built experiences that helped define their time at WHHS.
After graduation, Hudson will attend Quinnipiac University to study Nursing. Carly plans to attend Clemson University, where she will major in Psychology.
Support systems played an important role in both of their journeys. Hudson shared, “My mom and three brothers have been my biggest support system throughout high school.” Morabito reflected on her experience, saying, “My biggest support system during high school has been my family, especially my mom, who has always encouraged me to work hard and believe in myself. I have also been fortunate enough to have supportive teachers, coaches, and friends who have pushed me to do my absolute best.”
Their involvement in school extended far beyond the classroom.
“I served as captain of the Varsity baseball team and assistant captain of the Varsity hacky sack team. I was also a member of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Peer Advocates, and the SAVE Club,” Axelrod said.
Morabito added, “I have been actively involved in lacrosse, where I serve as a captain, which has taught me leadership, teamwork, and discipline. I am also Vice President of Class Council, where I have helped to organize events and fundraising efforts for proms and other senior year events. In addition, I participated in Unified Sports where our team won the recent state championship! I am also a member of the National Honor Society, Peer Advocates, and SAVE Club.”
Some of their most memorable moments highlight both competition and community.
“Winning the annual dodgeball tournament with my baseball team three years in a row stands out as one of my favorite memories,” Axelrod said.
Morabito reflected on two defining experiences.
“My most memorable experience at WHHS has to be between winning the state championship with the Unified Sports team and when I actually found out I was salutatorian,” she said. “Unified was such a fun moment that really brought so many people in the community together. It was so amazing to be able to create bonds with all of the players. Also, when I found out that I was salutatorian, I was not at school. I had decided to sleep in that morning and go in late. After being contacted by some friends and guidance counselors, I had to race to school.”
She added that it makes for a good story, and probably the only time being late turned into a sprint worth remembering.
Both students also shared advice for those following behind them. Hudson encouraged underclassmen by saying, “WHHS offers so many classes for different careers, so you should use that to your advantage and take different classes in order to see what interests you the most.” Carly added, “My advice to future WHHS students would be to take advantage of every opportunity that they have available to them. As basic as it is to say, get involved, ask for help if you need it, work hard, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone because that is when you actually grow.”
Several educators also left a lasting impact on their journeys. Axelrod shared, “Mr. (Mark) Consorte has had a major impact on me ever since I took his AP U.S Government and Politics course. He taught me to think for myself, inspiring my mindset and many of the beliefs I hold today.”
Morabito credited her guidance counselor, stating, “A staff member who had a major impact on me was definitely my guidance counselor, Mrs. (Heather) Doraz. Ever since freshman year, she has always been there for me and believed in all of my potential. She constantly encouraged me to continue challenging myself and without her, I don’t know what I would have done. Her support, guidance, and confidence in me has helped shape the person and student I am today and I cannot thank her enough.”
As Hudson prepares to continue his studies at Quinnipiac University and Carly heads to Clemson University, both are stepping into new chapters built on years of dedication at West Haven High School. Their experiences reflect the effort they put into their academics and the commitment they showed in the school community. They leave West Haven with a strong foundation and a clear sense of direction for what comes next.
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