The Schuylerville Central School District Class of 2018’s commitment to community service and academic achievement truly exemplifies the district motto, “Schooling, Caring, Succeeding.” Among the 149 students who are expected to graduate at the commencement ceremony on June 23, 2018 are the following “Top 10” students who are graduating at the top of their class.

Valedictorian Derek Willson

Derek Willson is graduating with a 99.706 academic average. During his four years at Schuylerville High School, Willson immersed himself in academics, athletics, music, clubs, activities and community service.

He is a three-sport varsity athlete, serving as team captain of the varsity football, varsity indoor track and varsity baseball teams. Willson has received numerous athletic honors, including being named Wendy’s High School Heisman Award winner for New York state, New York State High School Football Coaches Association Class B Scholar Athlete of the Year, a National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete, NewsChannel 13’s Fidelis Care Athlete of the Week, High School Sports Academy Senior Athlete of the Week, among several other all-star and scholar athlete honors.

Musically, Willson took his alto saxophone skills from symphonic band and jazz ensemble to Area All-State and the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Solo Festival, where he earned a perfect solo score his junior year. During his senior year, Willson was selected to perform with the Capital Region Wind Ensemble during its annual Side-by-Side Concert.

Willson has been an important contributor to Schuylerville High School, serving as President of National Honor Society and treasurer of both student council and Spanish club. Willson has also been involved in student government, environmental club, math league, varsity club, yearbook club and the Schuylerville Iron Horse program. He attended Skidmore College’s Young Scholars Cell Biology Institute over the summer and was involved with the New York State Council on Leadership and Student Activities, serving as a student board member.

Willson’s list of honors is extensive. He earned Clarkson University’s High School Leadership Award for his outstanding leadership qualities and academic promise and was a semifinalist for the National Honor Society Scholarship. He was also named a Coca-Cola Scholar, a Burger King Foundation Scholar and a CASDA Scholar. Willson was the recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) Good Citizenship award, The Post-Start Teen Excellence Award and Scholarship, and the New York State Council on Leadership and Student Activities Dale Hawley Leadership Award. Additionally, Willson was recognized as an AP Scholar for scoring 3 or higher on three or more Advanced Placement Exams and placed third at the Eastern New York Sub-regional Junior Science and Humanities Symposium for his research into the effects of Cacophony Mutations on Sleep in Drosophila melanogaster.

Willson has volunteered his time to Adirondack Save a Stray, where he founded “Pocket Change 4 Paws,” and has assisted with several pet adoption clinics. He has also volunteered his time to the Old Saratoga Athletic Association, Schuylerville Community Center, Relay for Life and several school-related events. He has tutored students in mathematics and chemistry, was involved in the Schuylerville High School Freshman Guidance Program, and volunteered at several Parents as Education Partners (PEP) events.

Willson is the son of Paul and Andrea Willson. He will attend Dartmouth College in the fall, where he will major in biomedical engineering.

Salutatorian Sidney Gregorek

Sidney Gregorek is graduating with a 99.479 academic average. During her four years at Schuylerville High School, Gregorek has been an important contributor to both the school and the community. She served as president of both the Class of 2018 and student council, as well as treasurer of National Honor Society. Gregorek has also been involved in environmental club, math league, Spanish club and varsity club. She was elected two times to the Student Board of the New York State Council on Leadership and Student Activities and held the “Next Generation” seat on the Board of the Hudson River Community Advisory Group.

Gregorek is a three-sport varsity athlete, serving as team captain of the varsity soccer, varsity indoor track and field, and varsity outdoor track and field teams. She has received numerous athletic honors, including being named Wendy’s High School Heisman Award winner for New York state. She’s also been named NewsChannel 13’s Fidelis Care Athlete of the Week and has received recognition as a Foothills League All-Star, Times Union Small School All-Star and All-Section II All-Star. Gregorek holds school records in the 4×1500 meter relay, 4×200 meter relay, 4×1600 meter relay and the sprint medley relay.

Gregorek has received several honors, including being the recipient of the Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology from the University of Rochester and receiving the New York State Council on Leadership and Student Activities Dale Hawley Leadership Award, Outstanding Student Leader Award and Student Recognition Award. She was recognized as a 2017/2018 National Merit Scholarship finalist, received the Earth Service Award through the Capital District YMCA, was named a Burger King Foundation Scholar and became the first student from the New York Student Council to be named a National Distinguished Student Leader by the National Student Council. Gregorek was named a semifinalist by the Coca-Cola Scholars program, as well as a semifinalist for both the National Honor Society Scholarship and Elks National Foundation’s Most Valuable Student scholarship. Gregorek was recognized as an AP Scholar for scoring 3 or higher on three or more Advanced Placement Exams and dedicated three years to conducting independent science research into the effects of kinesio tape and placebo on vertical jump height in healthy adolescents.

Gregorek has volunteered her time to several organizations. She coached three youth soccer teams through the Old Saratoga Athletic Association, knitted baby blankets for Afghans for Angels, helped run the information desk at Glens Falls Hospital and assisted at the Schuylerville Public Library. Gregorek has dedicated her time to Notre Dame Visitation Church, Hudson Crossing Park, Relay for Life, and helped organize Operation Gratitude, where her student council wrote thank you letters to veterans, deployed service members, wounded heroes, new recruits and first responders. She has assisted with countless activities through the high school athletic department and the district, including the Backpack Program, “Be an Athlete” camp, Freshman Orientation and the annual “Kickin’ Out Cancer” game.

Gregorek is the daughter of Steve and Laurie Gregorek. She will attend Princeton University in the fall, where she will major in Neuroscience on a pre-medical track.

Jessica Melita

Jessica Melita is graduating with a 99.056 academic average. Melita was involved in several extracurricular activities at Schuylerville High School, while also dedicating much of her time to community service and preparing for her future career. Melita was a member of National Honor Society, quiz team, mock trial and French club. She also worked as a tennis instructor at the Saratoga Regional YMCA and a hostess at the Blue Hen at the Adelphi Hotel. During her senior year, Melita participated in the rigorous and highly selective New Visions Health Careers Exploration program through BOCES. She spent three days a week doing clinical rotations, where she observed acute and routine medical procedures and provided ancillary support services to patients. Melita volunteered her time to Wesley Health Care Center. During her junior year, she was recognized with the Harvard Prize Book, an achievement award from the Harvard Alumni Association awarded to a student who displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievements in other fields. Melita is the daughter of Steven and Sheryl Melita. She will attend Binghamton University in the fall, where she will major in neuroscience.

Emily Vallee

Emily Vallee is graduating with a 98.951 academic average. Vallee spent her time at Schuylerville High School committed to academics, extracurricular activities and giving back to the community. She served as president of varsity club and historian for student council. She was also involved in National Honor Society, Spanish club, math league and prom committee. Vallee is a three-sport varsity athlete, serving as team captain of the varsity girls basketball and varsity softball teams. She was also a member of the varsity girls soccer team. Her list of athletic honors is extensive. During her junior year, Vallee was named Schuylerville Female Athlete of the Year, Saratoga TODAY Female Athlete of the Year and Foothills Council Basketball Scholar-Athlete. She was also named to the First Team Foothills All-Star Team in all three sports, as well as being named to the All-State Team for soccer. Vallee scored more than 1,000 points in her high school basketball career, reaching the mark on senior night. Musically, Vallee took her clarinet skills from symphonic band and jazz ensemble to All-County Band and the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Solo Festival. Vallee has several honors, including being the recipient of the Clarkson University High School Academic Achievement Award, Rensselaer Leadership Award and Rensselaer Recognition Award. Over the summer, she completed the United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar. Vallee was also recognized as an AP Scholar for scoring 3 or higher on three or more Advanced Placement Exams and held perfect attendance throughout her four years of high school. Vallee has volunteered her time to Glens Falls Hospital, Notre Dame Visitation Church and the Old Saratoga Athletic Association. She has assisted with several events, including the annual “Great Pumpkin Challenge,” Relay for Life, and “Walk MS” to help spread awareness about Multiple Sclerosis. Vallee has also volunteered as a camp counselor for the “Be an Athlete” camp. Vallee is the daughter of John and Shannon Vallee. She will be attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall, where she will study biochemistry and biophysics on a pre-medical track.

Teghan Murray

Teghan Murray is graduating with a 98.810 academic average. Murray has been an important contributor to Schuylerville High School, serving as vice president of the Class of 2018. She has also been involved in National Honor Society, student council, French club, quiz team, drama club, vocal ensemble and women’s choir. Murray is a four-sport varsity athlete, serving as captain of both the cross country and ski teams. She was also a member of the tennis and outdoor track and field teams. Murray is the recipient of the George Eastman Young Leaders Award, which recognizes strong leadership experience at school and in the community, along with high grades, challenging courses and extensive involvement in extracurricular activities. She was also named a National Merit finalist and placed second in the 2018 Lip Sync Battle. Murray has volunteered her time building sets for both the high school drama club and Schuylerville Community Theater. She has also performed the national anthem at several home football and basketball games. Murray is the daughter of Matt and Birgit Murray. She will be attending University of Rochester in the fall, where she will major in audio music engineering.

Emily Carlstrom

Emily Carlstrom is graduating with a 98.558 academic average. Carlstrom was involved in several clubs and activities during her time at Schuylerville High School. She was a member of National Honor Society and French Club, as well as a member of the girls varsity soccer team and Schuylerville indoor soccer team. Carlstrom is a recipient of University of Rochester’s Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award, which recognizes high achievement and rigor in science classes, as well as positive contributions to the school within the larger community. She has volunteered her time to Wesley Health Care Center and the annual “Kickin’ Out Cancer” game. Carlstrom is the daughter of Charles and Michele Carlstrom. She will be attending University of New Hampshire in the fall, where she will major in zoology.

Zachary Galcik

Zachary Galcik is graduating with a 97.932 academic average. Galcik has held several leadership positions during his time at Schuylerville High School. He served as vice president of student council, captain of quiz team and attended the New York State Council on Leadership and Student Activities. He has also been involved in math league, Spanish club, mock trial, yearbook club and prom committee. Galcik is a three-sport varsity athlete, serving as captain of the varsity cross country team. He was also a member of the varsity indoor track and field team and outdoor track and field team. Galcik has taken his musical talents from symphonic band and jazz ensemble to All-County Band, All-County Jazz Band, Area All-State and the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Solo Festival. During his senior year, Galcik was selected to perform with the Capital Region Wind Ensemble during its annual Side-by-Side Concert. Galcik has had his literary work published nationally by The American Library of Poetry and locally his work has been published in The Looking Glass Art and Literary Journal. Galcik is the recipient of University of Rochester’s Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award, which recognizes leadership and dedication to community action. He has also been recognized as a scholar athlete by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. Galcik has volunteered his time to the Schuylerville Public Library since he was in eighth grade and has assisted with “Walk MS” to help spread awareness about Multiple Sclerosis. He has also volunteered at several district events, including freshman orientation, fall open house and was a member of the reindeer band. Galcik is the son of Michael and Karen Galcik. He will be attending University of Rochester in the fall, where he plans to major in chemistry or biology on a pre-medical track.

Freya Birkas-Dent

Freya Birkas-Dent is graduating with a 97.836 academic average. Birkas-Dent spent her time at Schuylerville High School participating in clubs, preparing for her future career and dedicating her time to efforts to make the school and community more environmentally responsible. She was president of environmental club, a member of the Climate Reality Leadership Corps, served as a student representative on the Hudson River Community Advisory Group and attended the Adirondack Youth Climate Summit. She was also involved in National Honor Society, French club, book club, symphonic band and Saratoga County 4-H, where she served as recording secretary for the Teen Council. Birkas-Dent also takes Hungarian language lessons twice a week and is a competitive figure skater. Over the summer, she participated in the highly competitive Senate Page Program, working on Capitol Hill for three weeks. She has also interned at the office of New York State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner and at the law offices of Towne, Ryan & Partners, P.C. Birkas-Dent is the recipient of the Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award from Chatham University, YMCA Earth Service Award and YMCA Earth Service scholarship. She has volunteered her time to Washington Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare, Marjorie Doyle Rockwell Center, Home of the Good Shepherd, Bethesda Episcopal Church Youth Group, Saratoga Springs YMCA babysitting room and the Saratoga Springs Figure Skating Club. Birkas-Dent is the daughter of Robert Birkas and Susan Birkas-Dent. She will be attending Hobart and William Smith Colleges in the fall, where she will major in political science and international relations, with a minor in French.

Makenzie Arsenault

Makenzie Arsenault is graduating with a 97.548 academic average. During her time at Schuylerville High School, Arsenault was involved in several clubs. She served as treasurer of art club, stage manager of drama club and a member of book club. Arsenault was named Student of the Quarter during her high school career and received the most dedicated award for art club. She has volunteered her time to the Schuylerville Public Library. Arsenault is the daughter of Gregory and Christine Arsenault. She plans to attend Siena College in the fall, where she will major in psychology.

Alice Voell-White

Alice Voell-White is graduating with a 97.324 academic average. Voell-White spent her time at Schuylerville High School committed to academics, extracurricular activities and giving back to the community. Voell-White was involved in several clubs and athletics, including environmental club, Spanish club, field hockey and lacrosse. She also played clarinet in symphonic band and served as a student representative on the Hudson River Community Advisory Group. During her senior year, Voell-White participated in the rigorous and highly selective New Visions Health Careers Exploration program through BOCES. She spent three days a week doing clinical rotations, where she observed acute and routine medical procedures and provided ancillary support services to patients. Voell-White has received several honors, including the RIT Computing Medal and Scholarship, which recognizes students who have distinguished themselves academically, are active and involved members of their school and community, and demonstrate interest and ability in computing. She also received the Soroptimist Violet Richardson Award, given to young women whose activities make the community and world a better place. Voell-White has had her artwork chosen to be in Hyde Museum and was the recipient of the sportsmanship award at the field hockey state semifinals. She has volunteered her time to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, Wesley Health Care Center and Saratoga Arts. Voell-White is the daughter of Troy and Julie White. She plans to attend University at Buffalo in the fall, where she will major in clinical pharmacy.