Hoosick Falls Jr./Sr. High School is proud to announce the Top Ten Seniors of the Class of 2012.
The Valedictorian is Michael Merwin, son of Margaret and Michael Merwin of Hoosick Falls. In his years at Hoosick Falls Michael was a member of National Honor Society, Newspaper Club, Masterminds, Drama Club and served as the Class Treasurer for three years. In the fall, Michael will attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute and major in Chemical Engineering and minor in Environmental Studies.
The Salutatorian is Nicholas Downing, son of Robert and Cheryl Downing of Hoosick Falls. In his years at Hoosick Falls Nicholas was a member of National Honor Society, Drama Club, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band and served as Class Secretary for three years. He attained Life Rank in the Boy Scouts and has been an active member of the First Baptist Church of Hoosick Falls. Nicholas was selected as an ambassador for the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference and was selected as one of the recipients of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award. Nicholas will be attending Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in the fall to pursue a Doctorate of Pharmacy.
Allison Philpott, daughter of Chris and Kay Philpott of Hoosick Falls, ranks third in the senior class. Allison has been a member and officer of National Honor Society, served on the Performing Arts Council and was a writer for the Panther Post. She played Field Hockey and was a crew member for the Drama Club. Most recently, she starred as one of the “Three Little Pigs.” Allison participated in many bands, in both the school and community, and plays the clarinet. In the fall Allison will attend Hartwick College and will pursue the medical field and music.
Mikaela Marbot, daughter of Kenneth and Wendy Marbot of Buskirk, ranks fourth in the class. In her years at Hoosick Falls Mikaela has been involved in Yearbook Club, Student Council, Key Club, Earth Club was a writer and editor for the Panther Post and participated in Varsity Bowling for five years. In the fall Mikaela will attend the Honors Program at Sacred Heart University and will participate on the Division 1 Bowling Team.
Alyssa Surdam, daughter of Gerry and Melissa Surdam of Hoosick Falls, ranks fifth in the class. In her years at Hoosick Falls Alyssa was a member of National Honor Society, Varsity Club, Varsity Soccer, served as Class President for four years and was the Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Yearbook. In the fall Alyssa will be attending the University of Buffalo and will major in Exercise Science.
Brendan Gleason, son of Kevin and Cathy Gleason of Buskirk, ranks sixth in the senior class. In his years at Hoosick Falls Brendan has been a member of Masterminds, Band, Drama Club, Key Club, Ski Club and has contributed to the Panther Post. In the fall, Brendan will attend Cornell University and will major in Physics.
Ayla Graney, daughter of Bernard and Catherine Graney of Hoosick Falls, ranks seventh in the class. Ayla has been a member of National Honor Society, has served as the Editor-in-Chief/Graphic Designer for the Panther Post, was the Editor-in-Chief of the Yearbook, the Program Designer for the Drama Club and has earned both Silver and Bronze Awards for her twelve years of service in Girl Scouts. Ayla will attend Endicott College in the fall and will major in Visual Communications with a concentration in Graphic Design. She will minor in Environmental Science or Writing.
Amanda Middleton, daughter of Les and Margaret Middleton of Hoosick Falls, ranks eighth in the senior class. In her years at Hoosick Falls, Amanda has been a member and Vice President of National Honor Society, served as the class Historian for four years and has been an active member of Band, Chorus and Drama Club. Amanda will be attending Paul Smith’s College in the fall, majoring in Hospitality.
James Willette, son of Thomas Willette of Hoosick Falls and Sonya Fox of Bennington, VT, ranks ninth in the class. James has been involved in Varsity Football, Varsity Baseball and Varsity Wrestling and has received multiple Scholar Athlete Awards. He was a member of National Honor Society and volunteered his time with the Hoosick Falls Youth Football League. In the fall James will attend Franklin Pierce University and will major in Mathematics.
Lauren Conte, daughter of Jane and John Conte of Hoosick Falls, ranks tenth in the senior class. In her years at Hoosick Falls Lauren has been a member of Varsity Lacrosse, Drama Club, Masterminds, was a writer for the Panther Post, has served as the President of Key Club and was the Co-Historian of the National Honor Society. Lauren received the Bronze Award for her twelve years of service in Girl Scouts. In the fall Lauren will be attending Loyola University and will major in Communications and Sociology.