The Berlin CSD High School is pleased to announce Rebecca Olson as its Valedictorian and Serena Rizzo as its Salutatorian for the Class of 2015.
Olson is the daughter of Ellen and Matthew Olson of Berlin. She has a cumulative GPA of 96.42 percent. This year, Olson is enrolled in Questar III BOCES New Visions program, taking courses in Visual and Performing Arts at the Art Center of the Capital Region in Troy. She will graduate with a Regents Diploma with Honors and Advanced Designation.
Olson has been the recipient of several awards including the Voice of Democracy Winner; University of Rochester Frederick Douglass & Susan B. Anthony Award; Varsity Master Minds Team Excellence in Physics Award; and the Spanish Department Key for Academic Excellence.
Although her coursework has her located off campus this year, Olson is a member of the Berlin Masterminds. Her previous extra-curricular activities include Drama Club and Jazz Ensemble. She is also a member of the Green Mountain Youth Orchestra and is a member of the National Honor Society.
As an active participant in her community, Olson volunteered a significant amount of time at her church as well as at the Lewis Summer Camp.
She is HVCC bound next fall where she will major in nursing.
Rizzo is the daughter of Jessica and Michael Rizzo of Petersburgh. She has a cumulative GPA of 95.95 percent. Her coursework this year includes: Advanced Placement Chemistry and Psychology; Calculus with Pre-Calculus I and II with dual credit from Hudson Valley Community College; Economics; Creative Writing; and Participation in Government. She will graduate with a Regents Diploma with Honors and Advanced Designation.
Rizzo was the recipient of several awards in 2014 including the U.S. Air Force Award for Academic Excellence in Math and Science, and the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award. She was also awarded Academic Excellence in science, and perfect attendance.
A well-rounded student, Rizzo is a member of the varsity track team, and cross country team where she served as captain the last two years. She is a four-year member of the high school band and also participated in jazz band and marching band. She served as class secretary for four years and is a member of the National Honor Society.
Also active in her community, Rizzo volunteered at the North Greenbush Healthy Pet Center where she cared for kittens and cats before they could be adopted.
Rizzo will attend Siena College in the fall where she plans to major in chemistry.