The Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District is honored to have so many thoughtful, dedicated and hard-working students move through its halls and onto the graduation stage. What follows is a list of the 2017 graduates, what their plans are for the fall, and any scholarships and awards they’ve earned:
Brad Ableman
Bethel University
Albert J. Leombruno Memorial Award – presented in memory of Albert J. Leombruno to a senior pursuing a career in either accounting or business and is dedicated to service in the community.
Presidential Academic Excellence Awards are presented to seniors in recognition of educational excellence by meeting outstanding academic standards.
Robert Bishop Athletic Award is presented in memory of Robert Bishop, a former student athlete, to a male athlete. The recipient has displayed excellence in athletics, sportsmanship, character and leadership while participating on multiple athletic teams.
Anthony Acompora
Employment
Ryan Albright
Employment
Andrew Amedio
United States Army
Frontier Sno Riders, Inc. Award is presented to a senior who has shown a commitment to their community, attended a career and technical program in high school and will continue to pursue this field of study after graduation.
George And Emma Hannay Memorial Award For Career And Technical School is presented to seniors earning the highest average in two years of a career and technical program.
Robert Morey Athletic Memorial Award is presented in memory of Robert Morey, Class of ’51, to a senior athlete who has strong character and sportsmanship qualities and has participated in basketball, baseball, or softball. This athlete has been a hard-working, dedicated role player who has performed behind the scenes without much recognition.
Monique Britton
SUNY Cobleskill
Hannah Brooks
Hudson Valley Community College
Presidential Academic Excellence Awards are presented to seniors in recognition of educational excellence by meeting outstanding academic standards.
Grace Bryant
Hudson Valley Community College
Jennifer Busch
University at Albany
Haverly Language Award is presented in memory of Lewis Haverly to a senior with a high aptitude and interest in the French language.
Briana Clancy
SUNY Adirondack
Brodyn Courter
Modern Welding School
Dylan Duncan
Hartwick College
Neale Dunston
Albany Career and Technical School
Patrick Farnan
United States Coast Guard
Michelle Ferraino
Fulton-Montgomery Community College
LeMoyne College Scholarship
Houghton College Scholarship
St. John Fisher College Dean’s Scholarship
Wyatt Spencer Memorial/BKW ’14 Scholarship is presented in memory of J.
Wyatt Spencer, member of the Class of 2014. to members of the senior class who are actively committed to one extracurricular activity. ln addition, they will exhibit strong leadership abilities, will be community-minded citizens and demonstrate a stance against bullying.
Berne-Knox- Westerlo PTA Jean Forti Volunteer Service Award is presented to a senior who has made a significant impact or contribution through volunteerism which makes a difference in the lives of others. The award recognizes outstanding service exemplified by an uncommon gift of self, time, and energy to one or more community and/or school-based activities. Daughters Of The American Revolution History Award is presented by the Tawasentha Chapter, D.A.R. to a senior who achieved excellence in United States History.
George Martin Memorial Sports Award is presented to a senior who has shown exemplary leadership, dedication and sportsmanship while participating in athletics.
Helderberg Ambulance Scholarship is presented to a senior pursuing a degree in Para medicine or other medical careers.
Maryellen Hamilton Theatrical Award is presented to seniors who have shown the same level of professional ethics, as well as a genuine heart for the community, that Maryellen did whenever she worked with the Hilltowns Players on a theatrical production.
Nancy Hayden Creative Writing Scholarship is presented to seniors in memory of Nancy Hayden, a former Berne-Knox- Westerlo English teacher, who has excelled in English throughout high school and who has a passion for writing any genre.
New York State Scholarships For Academic Excellence are awarded to seniors based on a cumulative average of Regents exam scores.
Office Of The State Comptroller Student Achievement Awards recognizes students who have shown academic excellence and the potential for leadership through involvement in activities that improved the school and the community.
Presidential Academic Excellence Awards are presented to seniors in recognition of educational excellence by meeting outstanding academic standards.
Schoharie Area School Boards Association Valedictorian and Salutatorian Awards are presented to the seniors with the highest cumulative grade point averages.
Schoharie County Counselors Association Award is presented to seniors planning on pursuing a degree in education, health or human services related field of study.
Student Senate Social Studies Award is presented to a member of Student Senate exhibiting a strong interest in history and social studies throughout high school.
Kai Fischer
Dartmouth College
New York State Scholarships For Academic Excellence are awarded to seniors based on a cumulative average of Regents exam scores.
Presidential Academic Excellence Awards are presented to seniors in recognition of educational excellence by meeting outstanding academic standards.
Tabatha Fitzpatrick
Hudson Valley Community College
Bob, Esther & Tom Conklin Music Memorial Award is presented in memory of Bob, Esther and Tom Conklin to a senior who has participated in the music program during his or her junior and senior years.
Cassandra Flower
SUNY Cobleskill
Berne-Knox-Westerlo Teachers Association Awards are presented to seniors planning to pursue a career in education.
George And Emma Hannay Memorial Award In Art is presented to a senior who has shown the greatest achievement, comprehension, sense of responsibility, and dependability in art.
New York State Attorney General’s Triple C Awards are presented to seniors who have shown a commitment to learning, to their community, and to their fellow classmates.
The Kenneth White Memorial Award is presented in memory of Kindergarten student Kenneth White, to a senior pursuing a career in the field of social work, human services, child psychology or elementary education.
Ryan Fox
Hudson Valley Community College
Alyssa Gaige
College of Saint Rose
John D. Foster Memorial Drama Awards are presented in memory of John D. Foster from the Hilltowns Players to a senior boy(s) and girl(s) who have shown the most dedication and achievement in drama.
Justin Todd Shafer Memorial Award is presented in memory of Justin Todd Shafer to a senior who has shown perseverance and has overcome obstacles in pursuit of academic goals.
Presidential Academic Excellence Awards are presented to seniors in recognition of educational excellence by meeting outstanding academic standards.
Savanna Glick
SUNY Cobleskill
Dylan Guthinger
Employment
Jake Hackstadt
Hudson Valley Community College
Max Hagerott
Hartwick College
Greg Haley
Employment
Liam Hanley
SUNY College of Environmental
Science and Forestry
SUNY ESF Presidential Scholarship
Berne-Knox- Westerlo PTA Jean Forti Volunteer Service Award is presented to a senior who has made a significant impact or contribution through volunteerism which makes a difference in the lives of others. The award recognizes outstanding service exemplified by an uncommon gift of self, time, and energy to one or more community and/or school-based activities.
New York State Scholarships For Academic Excellence are awarded to seniors based on a cumulative average of Regents exam scores.
Osterhout Family Memorial Scholarship is awarded by the Warners Lake Improvement Association in honor of the Osterhout family, to a senior in pursuit of a college degree in environmental studies and the preservation of the earth and its resources.
Presidential Academic Excellence Awards are presented to seniors in recognition of educational excellence by meeting outstanding academic standards.
Santabarbara Scholarship For Engineering is presented to a senior majoring in engineering and attending a university/college that has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Schoharie Area School Boards Association Valedictorian and Salutatorian Awards are presented to the seniors with the highest cumulative grade point averages.
University in High School Calculus Certificate – awarded to seniors who have successfully completed Calculus l through the State University of New York at Albany.
Nicole Hayden
SUNY Cobleskill
Wyatt Spencer Memorial/BKW ’14 Scholarship is presented in memory of J.
Wyatt Spencer, member of the Class of 2014. to members of the senior class who are actively committed to one extracurricular activity. ln addition, they will exhibit strong leadership abilities, will be community-minded citizens and demonstrate a stance against bullying.
Linda Bunzey Memorial Art Award is presented in memory of Linda Bunzey to a senior who has shown growth and self-awareness through art. The recipient has enriched the school and the community with their creative endeavors.
Nancy Hayden Creative Writing Scholarship is presented to seniors in memory of Nancy Hayden, a former Berne-Knox- Westerlo English teacher, who has excelled in English throughout high school and who has a passion for writing any genre.
Presidential Academic Excellence Awards are presented to seniors in recognition of educational excellence by meeting outstanding academic standards.
Student Senate Leadership Award is presented to a senior class member who has been a leader in the Student Senate and in the classroom throughout high school.
Zachary Hilton
Hudson Valley Community College
Shelby Johnson
Hudson Valley Community College
School Systems Federal Credit Union Community Service Award is presented to a senior based on outstanding community service.
Tyler Jones
Hudson Valley Community College
Dean Junco
Schenectady County Community College
Madison Kelly
College of Saint Rose
Ila Kochan
Mohawk Valley Community College
Presidential Academic Excellence Awards are presented to seniors in recognition of educational excellence by meeting outstanding academic standards.
Joshua LaJuett
Employment
Edwin Lawson
University at Albany
Siena College Merit Scholarship
College of Saint Rose Provest Scholarship
Hartwick College Judge William Cooper Scholarship
Florida Southern College Merit Scholarship
George And Emma Hannay Memorial Award In Band is presented to an outstanding senior on the basis of utilization of ability and contributions to the band.
Shane Long
SUNY Cobleskill
Devin Longendyke
Employment
Sarah Lorette
Schenectady County Community College
Zachary Loucks
Hudson Valley Community College
John D. Foster Memorial Drama Awards are presented in memory of John D. Foster from the Hilltowns Players to a senior boy(s) and girl(s) who have shown the most dedication and achievement in drama.
Stephanie Mason
SUNY Delhi
Berne-Knox-Westerlo Sports Booster Club Awards are presented to seniors with outstanding academic achievement, volunteerism through coaching in the community and school activities, and a mentor to peers.
Dr. Margery Smith Award is presented in memory of Dr. Margery Smith to a senior who has achieved a solid academic record in a challenging high school science program and plans to pursue a career in the health science field.
Greater Capital Region Endowment Fund/Capital Region Women’s Network Award is presented to a female senior in recognition of achievement in science, math, technology or leadership.
Presidential Academic Excellence Awards are presented to seniors in recognition of educational excellence by meeting outstanding academic standards.
University in High School Calculus Certificate – awarded to seniors who have successfully completed Calculus l through the State University of New York at Albany.
Mike Masterson, Jr.
Employment
Devin McGill
United States Army
Berne-Knox-Westerlo PTA Academic Improvement Award is presented to a senior who has shown the most academic improvement.
Class Of 1965 Scholarship is presented in memory of Kenneth Northrup who was a service member of the United States Navy for four years and continued his career with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
John McGivern
Paul Smith’s College
Paul Smith Dean’s Scholarship
Paul Smith Eagle Scout Award Scholarship
New York State Attorney General’s Triple C Awards are presented to seniors who have shown a commitment to learning, to their community, and to their fellow classmates.
Robert B. Whipple Memorial Scholarship Award is presented in memory of Robert B. Whipple, Class of’49, to a senior who is planning to pursue a career in one of the following: agriculture, animal science, horticulture, mechanics, criminal justice, land conservation or wildlife management.
Lukas Moller
University at Albany
University of Albany and Albany Law School 3+3 Program Scholarship
Albany Counseling Services Scholarship
Harold H. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Award is presented in memory of Harold H. Murphy to a hard working senior who has a strong commitment to his/ her academics and achieved a solid academic record in a challenging math curriculum.
Presidential Academic Excellence Awards are presented to seniors in recognition of educational excellence by meeting outstanding academic standards.
University in High School Calculus Certificate – awarded to seniors who have successfully completed Calculus l through the State University of New York at Albany.
Kristen Norray
Roger Williams University
WIT Merit Award Scholarship
Roger Williams University Dean’s Scholarship
Mary Wood University Dean’s Scholarship
Albany City Lodge #540 Knights of Pythias Scholastic Achievement Award – presented to a senior who has made the greatest progress in extra-curricular activities and/or community endeavors.
Berne-Knox-Westerlo Theater Troupe Awards are presented to seniors on the basis of participation in musicals, theatrical ability, and a true love of the stage and theatrical productions.
George And Emma Hannay Memorial Award In Choir is presented to an outstanding senior on the basis of utilization and contribution to the choir.
John D. Foster Memorial Drama Awards are presented in memory of John D. Foster from the Hilltowns Players to a senior boy(s) and girl(s) who have shown the most dedication and achievement in drama.
Presidential Academic Excellence Awards are presented to seniors in recognition of educational excellence by meeting outstanding academic standards.
Benjamin Peay
Hudson Valley Community College
Hofstra University Provost Scholarship
Quinnipiac University Dean’s Scholarship
Berne-Knox-Westerlo Sports Booster Club Awards are presented to seniors with outstanding academic achievement, volunteerism through coaching in the community and school activities, and a mentor to peers.
Hudson Valley Community College Vikings Cove Book Award is presented to a senior in recognition of their hard work and individuality throughout high school.
Kaitlyn Peck
SUNY Delhi
George And Emma Hannay Memorial Award For Career And Technical School is presented to seniors earning the highest average in two years of a career and technical program.
Maryellen Hamilton Theatrical Award is presented to seniors who have shown the same level of professional ethics, as well as a genuine heart for the community, that Maryellen did whenever she worked with the Hilltowns Players on a theatrical production.
Presidential Academic Excellence Awards are presented to seniors in recognition of educational excellence by meeting outstanding academic standards.
Ryan Slingerland Memorial Scholarship is presented in memory of Ryan Slingerland to the senior who has shown resilience in the face of adversity, who is compassionate toward others and demonstrates financial need.
Johnathan Perrin
Hudson Valley Community College
Caitlyn Philby
Employment
Bob, Esther & Tom Conklin Sports Memorial Award is presented in memory of Bob,Esther and Tom Conklin to a senior who has participated in the sports program during his or her junior and senior years.
Morgan Post
Hudson Valley Community College
Xzavier Rich
SUNY Cobleskill
Olivia Seymour
Hartwick College
Blue Shield Scholars Award is presented to a senior who is planning to pursue a health or life-science career and demonstrates respect, personal responsibility, excellence, teamwork, passion and integrity.
Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Scholarship is presented to a senior who plans to pursue a career in professional nursing.
Kiwanis Of The Helderbergs Award is presented to a senior that best exemplifies the core values of leadership, character building, caring and inclusiveness.
Presidential Academic Excellence Awards are presented to seniors in recognition of educational excellence by meeting outstanding academic standards.
Student Senate Community Service Award is presented to a senior demonstrating commitment to the goals of the Student Senate through community involvement.
John Shahen
Schenectady County Community College
Berne-Knox-Westerlo PTA Perseverance Award is presented to a senior who has steadfastly refused to give in to life’s challenges and persevered academically and/ or personally to pursue his/her goals. This senior has overcome challenges in life or has shown continued determination and exemplary effort just to meet course requirements.
Micayla Sheridan
SUNY Cobleskill
Laura Simpson
Hudson Valley Community College
Berne-Knox-Westerlo Band Awards are presented to senior band members selected on the basis of cooperation, leadership and utilization of musical ability.
Berne-Knox-Westerlo Choir Awards are presented to senior choir members selected on the basis of cooperation, leadership and utilization of musical ability.
Berne-Knox-Westerlo Music Awards are presented to seniors who have participated in both band and chorus and selected on the basis of cooperation, leadership and utilization of musical ability.
Matthew G. Grippin Memorial Music Award is presented in memory of Matthew G. Grippin, former director of the Berne-Knox- Westerlo Campus Life Club until his death from leukemia on July 23, I 986, to a senior who demonstrates love of music and concern for others.
Justin Sprung
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
E. Douglas Taft Memorial Award is presented in memory of E. Douglas Taft to a senior who will be pursuing a career as an engineer or in a science related field.
Presidential Academic Excellence Awards are presented to seniors in recognition of educational excellence by meeting outstanding academic standards.
University in High School Calculus Certificate – awarded to seniors who have successfully completed Calculus l through the State University of New York at Albany.
Matthew Stansfield
Schenectady County Community College
Richard Treadway
Continuing Education
Zane Valachovic
SUNY Oneonta
LeMoyne College Trustee Scholarship
College of Saint Rose Trustee Scholarship
SUNY Potsdam Freshman Scholarship
SUNY Potsdam Leadership Scholarship
Berne-Knox-Westerlo Band Awards are presented to senior band members selected on the basis of cooperation, leadership and utilization of musical ability.
Berne-Knox-Westerlo Choir Awards are presented to senior choir members selected on the basis of cooperation, leadership and utilization of musical ability.
Berne-Knox-Westerlo Music Awards are presented to seniors who have participated in both band and chorus and selected on the basis of cooperation, leadership and utilization of musical ability.
Berne-Knox-Westerlo Teachers Association Awards are presented to seniors planning to pursue a career in education.
Berne-Knox-Westerlo Theater Troupe Awards are presented to seniors on the basis of participation in musicals, theatrical ability, and a true love of the stage and theatrical productions.
Garrett Barton Memorial Award is presented in memory of Garrett Barton to a senior who has participated in the boys’ soccer program and has shown a true dedication to the sport and team work.
Key Club Award is presented to a senior class member who has shown a commitment to community service.
Office Of The State Comptroller Student Achievement Awards recognizes students who have shown academic excellence and the potential for leadership through involvement in activities that improved the school and the community.
Raye Cooke Saddlemire Memorial Scholarship presented in memory of Raye Cooke Saddlemire, Class of ’51,to a senior who plans to pursue a career in English, Music, or Education. Raye Cooke Saddlemire was the editor of the BKW yearbook and a finalist in the scholarship competition for the School of Journalism at Syracuse University. She was also very involved in music at BKW, where she played the clarinet in the band. Her enthusiasm for education, music, and writing remained throughout her life, and she constantly impressed on others the importance of a college education.
Schoharie County Counselors Association Award is presented to seniors planning on pursuing a degree in education, health or human services related field of study.
Student Senate Advisor’s Award is presented to a senior who has shown exemplary commitment to the Student Senate throughout high school.
Casey Weis
Employment
Nathan Weis
Schenectady County Community College
Kelly Jo Wisler
Employment
Zachary Wright
Hudson Valley Community College
Presidential Academic Excellence Awards are presented to seniors in recognition of educational excellence by meeting outstanding academic standards.