Sara Thaqi – Valedictorian
At the top of the list is Sara Thaqi, earning the title of valedictorian with an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 100.00.
“For the past few years, I have tried my best to maintain high grades and I am very grateful and honored to receive this distinction as a result. Olivia, Madison, and I have worked extremely hard in all of our classes and programs which makes me very proud to see the people we grew into.”
Sara is a member of the National Honor Society, Activities Club, and Future Ready Pathways. Outside of school, she is a volunteer in the ER at Samaritan Hospital and is a member of the American Heart Association.
With a goal of becoming a cardiologist, Sara plans on attending Siena College pre-med as a biology major. “I would like to thank my family, friends, and teachers for all the support they provided along the way.”
Olivia McDonald – Salutatorian
Oliva McDonald earned the title of salutatorian with a GPA of 99.92
“I never strived to be top three; however, I did always set high expectations for myself academically,” said Olivia McDonald, who will be attending the Rochester Institute of Technology this fall, double majoring in accounting and finance, with a minor in business analytics and economics. She will also earn her MBA through their accelerated bachelors/masters program.
“The future motivates me,” she said. “There’s always going to be rewarding opportunities for people that work hard in the present, which is why I am constantly motivated to be the best version of me.”
Olivia is president of National Honor Society, vice president of Yearbook Club, and treasurer for Student Council and Community Service Club and a member of the Future Ready Pathways program. She also played volleyball all four years in high school, while riding horses competitively for about 10.
“I would like to thank all the strong and powerful women in my life for showing me the values of grit, kindness and integrity. My mom, aunts, grams, and teachers have, without a doubt, set the bar very high, and I thank them because of that.”
Madison Huneau – Honorable Mention
Madison Huneau earned honorable mention with a GPA of 99.77
“I feel as though Sara, Olivia and myself have all worked extremely hard by challenging ourselves with college-level courses and this hard work is now working in our favor,” Madison said. “Throughout my middle school and high school career I have always strived to do my best in everything I participated in, whether it was school, sports, clubs, etc. Being appointed as honorable mention for the class of 2022 has shown me that hard work and dedication does pay off. All of the late nights spent studying and doing my homework has proven to be worth it.”
In the fall, Madison will attend Russell Sage College, where she will be majoring in health sciences, as well as participating in the 3 + 3 Physical Therapy program, where she plans to obtain her doctorate in physical therapy after six years. She will also be a member of the women’s basketball team.
As a senior, Madison played varsity basketball, soccer and lacrosse. She is also a part of the Future Ready Pathways program, as well as the National Honor Society, Student Council, Community Service Club and Yearbook Club.
Her biggest motivations in life are her family, teachers and coaches. “These people constantly encourage and inspire me to never give up even when things are not easy. They push me to be the best version of myself and are a main reason as to why I was named honorable mention of the class of 2022.”
From Principal Laura Tarlo
“To say that our high school community is proud of these young ladies is an understatement. The dedication, commitment and energy they have devoted to achieve excellence is tremendous. When you look at the list of activities they are all involved in and then compare the grade-point averages they were able to maintain, it’s truly astounding. Not only are we graduating academically prepared honor grads, but we are graduating good humans. These young women are set to contribute to their community and to society as a whole in ways that I can only imagine. It gives me great honor to serve students like Sara, Olivia and Madison and their story only helps to grow and foster a school of hope and achievement. Congratulations ladies – girl power!”