For her hard work and dedication on and off the field and court, Westhampton Beach High School senior Matilda Buchen was one of 30 student-athletes across Long Island to be distinguished with a News 12 Scholar Athlete award. Buchen was featured on News 12 and received a $1,000 scholarship from Bethpage Federal Credit Union.
Buchen, who is the Class of 2025 salutatorian, holds numerous awards as a varsity doubles tennis player. She is a state and county doubles champion, a three-time All-State athlete, and a five-time All-County and All-Division athlete. Additionally, she earned the New York State Sportsmanship Award twice, was named a “Top 30 on Long Island” tennis player, and was selected for the Long Island girls tennis team twice. In addition to serving as captain of her tennis team, she has managed the boys varsity tennis team.
Buchen also has an impressive academic record. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction, earned AP Capstone seals on her diploma, and is a member of the school’s National, Math and Science honor societies. Additionally, she is the recipient of the New York State Scholarship for Academic Excellence and a member of her school’s Interact and Debate clubs. She also serves as historian of the National Honor Society.
Outside of school, she serves as a lieutenant of the Westhampton Beach Junior Ambulance and volunteers at a local animal shelter and at East End Hospice.
In the fall, Buchen will study at Stony Brook University in the honors program. She has a goal to become a dentist.
Date Added: 6/24/2025