Newtown High School Principal Lorrie Rodrigue and Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, named the Class of 2016's top five percent on Tuesday, May 16.

According to the school there are 424 students in this year's graduating class. The students recognized on May 16 earned the highest grade point averages in the class.

"Long hours of study the last four years have really paid off," said Dr Rodrigue to the gathered students, "because all of you represent the top five percent of the 2016 graduating class."

The students so named are Caelan Ritter, Sean MacMullan, Matthew Ingwersen, Abigail Kohler, Josefina Mendez, Brendan Gregory, Ashley Gong, Edwin Weatherby, Sophie Kennen, Lydia Field, Julia Preszler, Julia Faxon, Marissa Thill, Gemma Hyeon, Kelsey Miller, Alana Murray, Amanda Kahn, Kelsey Nicholson, Madeline Sieber, Eve Passman, and Sinead Flanagan.

Caelan was named as this year's valedictorian and Sean was named as this year's salutatorian.

Dr Erardi said it is an incredible achievement to be named as one of the top five percent of a graduating class known for its achievements.

"We love the way you represent yourself, your family, and Newtown schools," said Dr Erardi.