Ahead of Her Time: Victoria Madison Graduates From Hampton Bays a Year Early

Victoria Madison has been referred to as a trailblazer in academics, leadership and service — but she just calls herself an overachiever.

The Hampton Bays student proved that by graduating a year early last week.

But not only that, Madison, who had also been taking classes at Suffolk County Community College, was ranked third in her class out of 196 students.

“I have enjoyed my time in Hampton Bays,” Madison said. “It is a close-knit community that genuinely cares about one another, and I value that. Everyone — from teachers and administrators to students and parents — has made my Hampton Bays experience one that is incredibly welcoming and memorable.”

Educators and administrators alike stress that Madison has also made a lasting impact on them, her classmates and the community.

“Victoria Madison epitomizes the quintessence of an extraordinary senior,” said business teacher Frank Verdone. “Victoria’s unparalleled achievements, steadfast dedication and transformative impact within her community undeniably distinguish her. Victoria’s dedication to lifelong learning and her enthusiasm for embracing new opportunities are testamentary to her insatiable curiosity and relentless drive to evolve and grow.”

Madison effectively assumed the role of a full-time college student while not just fulfilling her high school requirements but working two jobs and leading multiple clubs and community service efforts.

Madison met the challenges of her demanding Hampton Bays academic curriculum, excelling academically by completing nine Advanced Placement classes amid balancing and embracing an astonishing workload to earn 15 credits at Suffolk County Community College. The different politics, statistics and psychology classes she took were not dual-enrollment courses, either, but rather were sought out independently through the university’s Early College Program.

“This remarkable accomplishment, coupled with her determination to graduate a year early — and rank third in her class — vividly illustrates Victoria’s exceptional work ethic and unwavering commitment to academic excellence,” Verdone said.

“Beyond her academic prowess, Victoria has demonstrated extraordinary leadership acumen and a deep-seated passion for philanthropy. Each month, she altruistically donates her hard-earned income from two jobs to diverse charitable organizations. Victoria has been a catalyst for positive change within her school and community.”

Madison held pivotal leadership roles as president of Hampton Bays Future Business Leaders of America, CEO of her virtual enterprise firm and lead attorney for the mock trial team.

Verdone said having Madison’s visionary guidance as CEO propelled the program’s growth toward unparalleled success. The team advanced to the final rounds in both the regional and national championship and secured a prominent position among the top 30 firms nationwide.

Madison said the program allowed her to go on unique field trips, like attending a trade show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center and visiting the Mastercard Tech Hub in Manhattan.

She also adeptly promoted the Future Business Leaders of America, aiding it in expanding the district’s network and enhancing community participation. She most recently led an initiative to establish a student liaison with the local chamber of commerce, paving the way for new collaborative opportunities and enrichment experiences for students in the years ahead.

“Victoria has been a catalyst for positive change within her school and community,” Verdone said. “Her proactive approach has established a robust foundation for the sustained success and expansion of our program. Victoria’s involvement has been instrumental in advocating for youth bureaus across the state, securing additional funding and enhancing programs with the potential to effect transformative change in communities and support youth development.”

As a spearhead of the No Place for Hate initiative and a student ambassador for the first Long Island school bank — the Baymen Financial Literacy Center at Hampton Bays High School, in partnership with Teachers Federal Credit Union — Madison also has been promoting inclusivity and financial literacy among her peers.

“She’s done some very special things,” Hampton Bays High School Principal Christopher Richardt said.

Outside the school’s confines, the recent graduate fervently advocates for youth issues and social justice. Her leadership roles in organizations like the Town of Southampton Youth Advisory Committee and Youth and Government groups exemplify her devotion to constructive reform and her adeptness in collaborating with local officials to address pressing societal challenges.

“Victoria’s exemplary dedication to service and leadership is truly commendable,” her business teacher said. “Her passion for collaborating with nonprofits aligned with her values, such as sustainability initiatives, further underscores her commitment to effectuating positive change on a global scale.”

Madison even made multiple trips to Albany to personally engage with State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. and State Senator Anthony Palumbo to champion youth issues, such as accessibility to higher education, after-school programming and nutritional initiatives in schools. Through her work with the Southampton Youth Advisory Committee, she won the 2nd Legislative District Outstanding Youth Award and the Rotary scholarship for community service.

“It was an honor to be the leader of this club, and it granted me vast opportunities,” she said. “I don’t sleep as much as I should. Some nights, I get little to no sleep, but I have no regrets because I love what I do.

“My core memories stem from all my bonds and relationships with everyone here, and I know I will have lasting friendships and connections.”

She said her advice to students looking to excel is to immerse yourself in a multitude of school and community activities.

“This not only introduces you to a diverse and supportive community, but also opens doors to numerous opportunities,” Madison said. “Through my active involvement, I’ve built a strong network.”

Her fellow class leaders also shared some words of wisdom with their peers.

“Good time management is crucial,” said valedictorian Emily Robinson. “Make sure you keep a schedule so you don’t overwhelm yourself.”

“Make connections with people,” salutatorian Samantha Kraycar added. “Communicate when you’re stressed, so you don’t get overwhelmed.”

Kraycar said that’s how she grew an interest in her pre-med track via The City College of New York. She is an EMT with the Hampton Bays Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and, along with Robinson, was a member of the school’s science research program, studying cancer metastasis.

Robinson, who can be found in the dance studio when not studying, practicing her alto saxophone or volunteering, was researching how different socioeconomic factors affect cognition in different races.

“Research opportunities in the science research program helped me gain presentation skills and also led me to my field of study in college,” said Robinson, who has enrolled in Stony Brook University’s Women in Science and Engineering Honors Program.

“We are incredibly proud of Emily and Samantha,” Richardt said. “They are leaders and role models for our school community. I am certain they will play a big role in their college communities and respective fields of study.”

Superintendent of Schools Lars Clemensen said he is immensely proud of who he called “fantastic representatives” at the top of class, but said inspiration can be drawn from every single student.

“This graduating class entered high school at the height of COVID — certainly not a normal start to high school, which can be challenging under even the best of circumstances,” Clemensen said. “The Class of 2024 is a living example of what [USA Olympic swimmer and gold medalist] Michael Phelps said: ‘It’s not how you start — it’s how you finish.’”

Madison, who will be double majoring in business and economics at the University of Vermont, said the Hampton Bays staff had a huge hand in that.

“Hampton Bays is a wonderful place that provides unique opportunities you cannot find in other school districts,” she said. “Our very receptive administration and Board of Education genuinely care about us and work very hard. I will never forget the time I spent in Hampton Bays, and I plan to come back to continue to help and serve my community.”

Madison will be chasing after her Master of Business Administration and Juris Doctor with the goal of establishing a nonprofit law center to fight for underrepresented individuals.

“Looking ahead, Victoria’s aspirations are both ambitious and inspiring,” Verdone said. “Her visionary goal reflects her steadfast commitment to social justice and serving marginalized communities, and she is poised to make a substantial impact in the fields of law and public policy. Her illustrious list of accomplishments is both vast and remarkable, underscoring her multifaceted talents and unwavering commitment to excellence.”