Marcelo Stefon Adiong IV Earns Top Honors, Multiple Awards, and Looks Ahead to a Future in Law
MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. — Marcelo Stefon Adiong IV has been named Valedictorian of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel (OLMC) Class of 2026, graduating at the top of his class from Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, a private Catholic school in the Archdiocese of New York, following years of scholastic excellence, leadership, faith, and service.
A consistent High Honors student throughout his years at OLMC, Adiong has distinguished himself as one of the school’s brightest students, earning High Honors year after year through hard work, perseverance, and dedication to learning. In his graduating year, he once again achieved High Honors for both the fourth quarter and the entire academic year. His unwavering commitment to excellence culminated in receiving the school’s Certificate of Overall General Excellence as Valedictorian.
In recognition of his outstanding accomplishments, Adiong received numerous prestigious honors, including the Ruth C. Welch Memorial Scholarship; a Certificate of Achievement from the office of New York State Senator James Skoufis; an Achievement Award for Academic Excellence from the office of New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli; and a Certificate of Recognition from the Office of the New York State Attorney General.
His academic achievements extended across several disciplines, earning him the Medal of Honor for Excellence in Mathematics, the Medal of Honor for Excellence in Science, and the Medal of Honor for Excellence in Music. As the top graduate of the Class of 2026, he also received the Medal of Honor for Excellence in recognition of his distinction as Valedictorian.
Beyond academics, Adiong exemplified the values of faith and service that define an OLMC education. He received the Religion Certificate and Monetary Award for Outstanding Achievement in Religion from the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Rosemary #681 and was honored with a Medal in Recognition of Unwavering Service as an Altar Server, reflecting his years of faithful dedication to his parish community.
Teachers and classmates describe Adiong as a hardworking, humble, compassionate, and respectful young man who consistently leads by example. His dedication inside and outside the classroom embodies the mission and values of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School.
Known to family and friends simply as Stefon, he is the eldest son of Atty. Marcelo S. Adiong III and Rowena Rulona-Adiong, both natives of Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines. He is a proud older brother to his younger sister, Margaux, and younger brother, Scott, whose love and encouragement have been an important part of his journey.
This summer, Stefon is serving as an intern at the Supreme Court of the State of New York, where he is gaining firsthand exposure to the judicial system and the legal profession. The internship reflects his strong work ethic and eagerness to broaden his knowledge beyond the classroom through meaningful real-world experience. Inspired by his family’s legacy of public service, Stefon hopes one day to follow in the footsteps of his father, Atty. Marcelo S. Adiong III and his grandfathers, Judge Marcelo Adiong and Atty. Gaspar Rulona, by pursuing a career in law and making a meaningful contribution to the legal profession.
This fall, Stefon will continue his academic journey at John S. Burke Catholic High School. In recognition of his exceptional academic record and leadership, he has already been selected as a recipient of Burke Catholic High School’s President’s Academic Award, which includes a renewable academic scholarship that will provide some financial assistance throughout his four years at Burke. The award is a testament to the confidence Burke Catholic has placed in his ability to excel and contribute to its academic community.
With a strong educational foundation, steadfast faith, and a passion for learning, he is well prepared for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
