Salem CSD Celebrates the Class of 2024 (2024)

Salem Central School District Superintendent Julie Adams and Salem Washington Academy Principal Sean Graney are proud to announce the Top Ten graduates and celebrate the Class of 2024.

Valedictorian Taryn Gillis is the daughter of Kimberly and Brian Gillis of Shushan. She will graduate with an Advanced Regents Diploma with Mastery in Math and Science. Taryn maintained excellent grades in rigorous coursework throughout high school, earning numerous honors that reflect her commitment to education. In her junior year, Taryn was awarded the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Women in STEM Award for superior grades in science, computing, and math-related classes. Earlier this year, Taryn was chosen by the student body and school staff for the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Good Citizen Award. This award acknowledges the qualities of dependability, service, and leadership. She is also the recipient of a New York State Scholarship for Educational Excellence, a Presidential Award for Academic Excellence, and the Sheldon Memorial Award for all-around high honors in scholastic work. In addition to her exemplary academic record, Taryn is an instrumental member of the school community. She is the president of the senior class, president of National Honor Society, a member of Mock Trial, Math Team, and Yearbook Club. She is also a member of Band, Chorus, and Jazz Band. Additionally, she was awarded a Presidential Scholars Scholarship and the Honors Academic Scholarship from Tennessee Technological University. Taryn’s determination and collaborative spirit also pay off on the field as a valued member and scholar athlete on the varsity soccer and track teams. After graduation, Taryn plans to study chemistry at Tennessee Technological University.

Salutatorian Ethan Hickland is the son of Karen and John Hickland of Salem. He is graduating with an Advanced Regents Diploma with Honors and Mastery in Math and Science. Ethan has been an enthusiastic and engaged student throughout high school. During his sophom*ore year, Ethan’s leadership potential was recognized at the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership seminar. In his junior year, Ethan was chosen as the recipient of the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Science and Math Award, a Rensselaer Medal Scholarship, and a National Rural and Small Town Recognition Award. This year, he will receive a Presidential Award, a New York State Scholarship for Educational Excellence, and the Sheldon Memorial Award. Ethan’s outgoing nature and involvement in the community earned him both the Adirondack Area School Board Association’s Community Service Award and the Rotary Student of the Year Award. Both honors acknowledge his engagement in activities that benefit both the school and Salem community. In addition to his academic success, Ethan is the vice president of the Salem FFA Chapter, a member of Mock Trial, Math Team, National Honor Society, and a scholar athlete on the varsity soccer, basketball, and track teams. Next year, Ethan plans to study statistics at the University of Missouri.

Joshua Harrington is the son of Andrea and Jeremy Harrington of Salem. He is graduating with an Advanced Regents Diploma. Josh is an outgoing student who maintained his place among the top in his class throughout high school. He is one of this year’s recipients of a New York State Scholarship for Educational Excellence and a Presidential Education Award for Academic Excellence. In addition to maintaining excellent grades, Josh is an active member of Salem’s FFA chapter. He served as chapter president for the past two years and earned his Empire Degree, the highest degree an FFA member in New York State can receive. Josh participates in a variety of clubs and activities including National Honor Society, Math Team, Yearbook Club, Mock Trial, Senior Band, Chorus, and All-County Band. Outside of school, Josh volunteers his time as a member of the Hebron Volunteer Fire Department. He also excelled as a scholar athlete and captain on the varsity football and basketball teams. Next year, Josh plans to play football and study health fitness management at Alfred University.

Daisha Quackenbush is the daughter of Eileen and Randy Quackenbush of Shushan. She is graduating with an Advanced Regents Diploma. Daisha is a dependable and self-disciplined student who excelled academically throughout high school. This year, she will receive her second President’s Award for Academic Excellence. This award honors students who have maintained a high grade point average throughout high school. Not only has Daisha been consistent academically, but she is a self-driven student who balanced work outside of school with various extracurricular activities. She is a member of the varsity soccer team, Mock Trial, and National Honor Society. Daisha also works with Upward Bound and spends a portion of her summers living and taking classes on the SUNY Adirondack campus. Daisha’s interest in problem solving and collaboration has led her to major in criminology at SUNY Adirondack.

Molly Erbe is the daughter of Kimberly and Jon Erbe of Salem. She will graduate with an Advanced Regents Diploma. Throughout high school, Molly challenged herself with difficult course work and numerous extracurricular activities. She will receive her second President’s Award for Academic Excellence this year for maintaining a high overall grade point average throughout high school. She is a member of Mock Trial, Yearbook Club, and Senior Band. Not only has Molly’s determination paid off in her studies, but she is a leader among her peers, serving as the vice president of both the National Honor Society and the senior class. Her leadership also shines on the field as a captain of the varsity field hockey team and a scholar athlete in both field hockey and basketball. Next year, Molly will study kinesiology at the University of Rhode Island.

Uta Nagai is the son of Michelle and Kenta Nagai of Salem. He will graduate this year with an Advanced Regents Diploma. He challenged himself both creatively and academically throughout high school, with an emphasis on the arts. Much of Uta’s time has been spent making music in Senior Chorus, Band, Jazz Band, All-County Band, NYSSMA, the Northeast Instrumental Music Festival, and the Salem Festival Chorus. His passion for performing has also been on full display in several memorable roles in Salem’s Drama Club productions. In addition to excelling creatively, Uta maintained a focus on his academic and school community as a member of student council, National Honor Society, Math Team, Mock Trial, Film Club and Yearbook Club. He will receive a President’s Award for Academic Achievement this year, as well as a FAFSA Completion Scholarship. When he’s not involved in school-based pursuits, he spends his free time composing, producing, and recording his own music. Uta plans to study studio composition at SUNY Purchase.

Evan Hunter is the son of Ruthanne and Kyle Hunter of West Rupert, Vermont. He will graduate with an Advanced Regents Diploma. Evan previously earned a President’s Award for Academic Excellence and will earn one for Academic Achievement this year. This award recognizes not only his academic success, but his ability to overcome obstacles. Evan’s calm and dependable nature have made him a perfect fit for membership in National Honor Society, Mock Trial, Film Club, and Student Council. He served as the secretary for his class throughout high school and previously held the secretary position in Salem’s Future Business Leaders of America, a group focused on developing business leadership skills. Next year, Evan will major in digital media production at SUNY New Paltz.

Sierra Phillips is the daughter of Samantha and Josh Phillips of Salem. She will graduate with an Advanced Regents Diploma. Sierra’s hard work and focus in the New Visions Health Careers Exploration program this year gave her a jumpstart on her future goals. The New Visions Health program is an academically rigorous, one-year program for college-bound high school seniors who plan to major in health fields. Sierra excelled in this highly competitive program and gained real-world experience spending clinical hours in hospital settings. She balanced her New Visions work with regular classes and sports and will receive a Presidential Award for Academic Achievement. Sierra is a member of the National Honor Society, and she is also a gifted player and scholar athlete on the varsity soccer, basketball, and softball teams. Next year, Sierra plans to major in nursing at Hartwick College.

Antonio Lee is the son of Nicole Carpino of Albany and Eric Lee of Salem. He is graduating with an Advanced Regents Diploma and a Technical Endorsem*nt in Welding. Antonio is a hard-working and driven student whose focus on his future has led him to great success in his welding program at the Southern Adirondack Education Center (SAEC) and his classes at SWA. During his time at SAEC, Antonio earned his OSHA certification and a certification from the American Welding Association. He also competed twice in the NYS SkillsUSA conference in Syracuse. In SkillsUSA competitions, students compete against their peers and the clock and are judged by industry professionals in both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills. This year, Antonio will receive his second President’s Award for Academic Excellence. He is a member of the National Honor Society and weightlifting club. Next year, Antonio plans to pursue a career in the welding field.

Isabella Garrison is the daughter of Jacqueline and William Garrison of Salem. She will graduate with an Advanced Regents Diploma. During her time in Salem, Bella has been a determined and optimistic student, consistently meeting the challenges placed in front of her. She will receive a President’s Award for Academic Achievement for maintaining high grades and always striving to improve. She is not only a strong student, but an enthusiastic member of the school community. Bella is the treasurer of National Honor Society and a member of Math Club, Mock Trial, and Ski Club. One of Bella’s long-term goals is to work in forestry. She volunteered at events for Merck Forest and helped stock fish and monitor populations with the US Forest Service. Outside of school, Bella is a talented athlete. She is the goalie and a captain for the varsity soccer team and a valued member of the varsity softball team. Next year she plans to study fisheries and wildlife at SUNY Cobleskill.

Rounding out the Class of 2024 are:

Mahi Bardia, Rozziel Bates, Jeremy Baylor, Baylee Bordwell, Owen Brace, Chase Brockway Losee, Brayton Cary, Jadrian Choudhury, Hayden Dennis, Ava Dupuis, David Gilles, Hannah Gongola, Dillon Hanks, Rye Keith, Alyssa McGraw, David Miller, Isabelle Rogers, Patrick Stone, Jasmine Vandecar, Nicholas Vellucci and Dylan Young.

Salem Washington Academy’s High School graduation will take place June 28, 2024 at 7 p.m. on the front lawn of the school. In the event of rain, it will be held in the Jr./Sr. High School gymnasium.