BASKING RIDGE RESIDENT SUSAN POLITO IS IMMACULATA HIGH SCHOOL 2025 VALEDICTORIAN; ASHLEY PETLICK OF WHITE TWP. IS SALUTATORIAN
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Somerville, NJ, June 2, 2025 – Susan Polito of Basking Ridge, a future music business major at New York University, has been named valedictorian of Immaculata High School’s Class of 2025. Ashley Petlick of White Township, who will study chemical engineering at Bucknell University within the Engineering Merit Scholars Program, has been named salutatorian.
A Baccalaureate Mass for the Class of 2025 will be held on Tuesday, June 3, at 6 p.m. at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 35 Mountain Ave., Somerville. Commencement will take place the following evening, Wednesday, June 4, at 6 p.m., at the same location. The Most Rev. James F. Checchio, Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen, is expected to confer diplomas during the ceremony. Valedictorian Susan Polito and Salutatorian Ashley Petlick will deliver remarks.
Immaculata High School Principal Ed Webber praised both students for their exceptional accomplishments and embodiment of the school’s values.
“As principal of Immaculata High School, I am incredibly proud to recognize Susan Polito and Ashley Petlick, respectively, as valedictorian and salutatorian of the Class of 2025,” said Webber. “They embody the Four Pillars of Immaculata—Faith, Scholarship, Service, and Friendship. Through their academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to others, Susan and Ashley have left a lasting impact on our school community. We look forward to seeing all they will accomplish in the future.”
Susan Polito
Valedictorian Susan Polito is a graduate of The Red Oaks School in Morristown and the daughter of Angel and Ellen Polito. Two older sisters inspired Polito to aim high—an ambition clearly reflected in her academic and artistic accomplishments.
Polito will pursue a degree in music business at New York University. She aspires to become a leader in the music industry, working to make music accessible for all, while performing as a harpist and vocalist.
Polito was a standout in the school’s performing arts program, playing leading roles in the spring musical in each of her four years. Her portrayal of “Girl” in the Immaculata production of Once earned her the award of “best leading actress” from the Central New Jersey Marquee Awards. She has also received nominations from the BergenPAC and Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards, which will be announced later this June.
She was an integral member of the marching band all four years, serving as woodwind section leader and performing in an undefeated state and national champion ensemble. Polito was also active in Music Ministry as both a pianist and student director, sang in the Spartan and Chamber Choirs, and contributed her talents to the jazz band as a pianist and vocalist.
Polito held leadership roles in multiple organizations: President of the Spanish Honor Society, President of Tri-M Music Honor Society, Vice President of the National Honor Society, and Captain of the Academic Team. She was selected to be one of the inaugural Monsignor Kelly Leaders, and she was in Rho Kappa History Honor Society, the Marian Scholars program, and the Performing Arts PReP program.
Among her honors are the New Jersey Governor’s Award in Vocal Music Education and two Silver Presidential Service Awards. She also serves as a cantor at the Church of St. James in Basking Ridge and is a dedicated harpist.
Reflecting on her time at Immaculata, Polito said,“I am profoundly grateful for the many opportunities Immaculata has given me, each of which has helped shape who I am today. From marching band to Music Ministry, spring musicals to Wind Ensemble, I discovered my love of music through Immaculata’s supportive Performing Arts Department. Additionally, the school’s unique Marian Scholar program fostered in me a deep love for academic exploration, and my recent research in music law has inspired my future career in the entertainment industry.”
Polito continued, “Of course, none of these opportunities would have been possible without the unwavering support of Immaculata’s excellent teachers and dedicated administrators. Their commitment to the entire school community encourages us to excel both in and out of the classroom. I’m also deeply grateful to my family for standing by me every step of the way. This recognition is a tremendous honor—thank you, Immaculata!”
Ashley Petlick
Salutatorian Ashley Petlick, daughter of Jennifer and Keith Petlick, is a graduate of Immaculate Conception School in Annandale. In the fall, she will attend Bucknell University to study chemical engineering through the Engineering Merit Scholars Program.
Petlick’s academic resume is exceptional, featuring membership in the Latin Honor Society, Rho Kappa History Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Tri-M Music Honor Society, where she served as vice president. Her leadership extended beyond academics to the Immaculata Marching Band where she was drum major during her senior year.
She has been recognized with a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and consistently earned placement on the Principal’s List throughout her sophomore, junior, and senior years, following her freshman-year standing on the High Honor Roll. She has also received multiple bronze service medals from Campus Ministry for her dedication to serving others.
Reflecting on the support she received during her time at Immaculata, Petlick shared:“I wish to thank all of my teachers, staff and administration, and my parents for all of their support throughout these four years. If it wasn't for their help and encouragement, I wouldn't be here right now receiving this award.”
Petlick described her four years at Immaculata as “invaluable” to her ultimate pursuit of a degree in biochemical engineering and a career in pharmaceutical research. “Over these four years I discovered how much I love science, math, and research, skills molded in the Marian Scholars program. Immaculata academics set me up for success in both college and my future career, as I hope to work in pharmaceutical research . Thank you so much Immaculata!”
At Bucknell, she looks forward to joining music performance programs. She also plans to engage in research opportunities under university professors with a focus on biochemistry.
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Immaculata High School, a co-ed college preparatory high school founded in 1962, is committed to the development of the whole person within the framework of Catholic traditions and values. Guided by the pillars of Faith, Scholarship, Service, and Friendship, Immaculata integrates a challenging academic curriculum that promotes spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and social growth while fostering moral responsibility to self and others. For more information, visit: immaculatahighschool.org