Mr. Michael Beatty, Principal of Johnstown High School, is honored to announce the Valedictorians and Salutatorian of the Class of 2011, together with the next nine top students of the Class of 2011:
 

Valedictorian, Julie Ann Smicinski, is the daughter of Robert and Patricia Smicinski. Next year she will be attending Mercyhurst College in the Honors Program to pursue a double major in Intelligence Studies and Criminal Justice. Julie, who is graduating early, has been a member of the National Honor Society; Science Club, Public Relations Officer in grade ten; Tech Club, participated in Union College Rube-Goldberg Competition; Baronet Yearbook, editor; as well as Key Club, International Club, and Student Council. She was student of the quarter for Science in grade 10 as well as a Dudley Observatory Rising Star Intern. She is a member of American Zen-Do-Kai Karate-Brown Belt, is a junior instructor and has won numerous competition medals and Grand Championships. She has participated in fundraisers for Wounded Warrior Project and Salvation Army Toy Drive. Julie also volunteered for Christ the King and St. Joseph the Worker Parishes.

Valedictorian, Abigail Rose Heroth, is the daughter of Greg and Lori Heroth. She is president of both the Student Council and National Honor Society, and secretary of the Class of 2011. She has been a three-year member of varsity field hockey and Nordic skiing as well as captain for both, and a four-year member of varsity track. Abigail has been a scholar athlete throughout high school and has received honors for both academic and athletic achievements. She is a member of Holy Trinity Parish in Johnstown and serves on its retreat team. Abigail plans to attend Assumption College to major in biology/pre-optometry.

Salutatorian, Dylan Quinn, is the son of Kevin and Mary Jo Quinn. Dylan is the Vice-President of the Class of 2011 and is an officer in the National Honor Society and Student Council. As a junior, he was selected to attend Summer Leadership Seminar at the US Military Academy at West Point. The New York Times published an article by Dylan in January 2010. Dylan has Varsity letters in Lacrosse, Soccer and Swimming. He has been a Varsity swimmer for four years and has been the most outstanding swimmer all four years. As a senior he qualified in the butterfly stroke for the NYS Swimming and Diving Championships. He was also named to the Foothills Council first team all stars for swimming. Dylan has received the Rensselaer Medal Award, the AP Scholar Award, and the D.A.R. Good Citizen Award and is a Scholar Athlete for soccer and swimming. He plans to attend RPI to study civil engineering.

Taylor Marie Blakley, daughter of Amy and Riley Blakley, has worked hard in her four years of high school to graduate in the top of her class. She is very goal oriented and strives towards everything she does. Taylor is extremely active in JHS’s music program and winterguard. She is determined to keep music in her life and future. Taylor plans to attend the College of Saint Rose in the fall with hopes that her years in college will bring much success.

Elizabeth Ellen Havlicek, daughter of Bridgitte Higgins and Gary Havlicek, has been a varsity swimmer for four years at Johnstown while also a member of the Nordic Skiing and Softball teams. She is a member of the Student council, International Club, Science Club, Green Club, Key Club, Math League, National Honor Society and has also been an active member in the Johnstown community. For her athletic and academic achievements she has been awarded student of the quarter, Student Athlete of the Week, Spanish 4 Award, RIT Innovation Award, and Foothills Council All-Star Honorable Mention. Next year she plans to swim and study physics and biology at SUNY Oneonta.

Priya Anne Winston is the daughter of Shaloni and Ken Winston. Her career goal is to become a Clinical Psychologist. She will pursue her Batchelor’s degree in Psychology at SUNY Albany Honors College where she has been awarded the Frederick Douglas Scholar Award. While in high school, Priya learned that she has Turner Syndrome, a medical condition that affects growth and development, and associated learning disabilities. Determined to overcome the challenges associated with her condition, Priya dedicated herself to hard work to succeed and to help others with disabilities. Priya has been actively involved with the Key Club and has held positions of Treasurer and Vice-President. She has participated in the Varsity Girls Swim team, Marching Band, All-County Choir, NYSSMA solos, school musicals, theatre and SADD. Priya was awarded the 2010 Student Sage award for her academic excellence, student leadership and community involvement. Outside school, she works at the Johnstown Public Library and actively participates in research and support groups to assist others with disabilities.

Kayla Ann Satterlee, the daughter of Michael and Georgeann Satterlee, will be attending SUNY Cortland to study Early Childhood Education. She is a member of the National Honor Society, International Club, and Student Council. She has received various academic awards in Spanish, Science, Psychology, and Family and Consumer Science. Kayla has been a member of the field hockey, basketball and track teams throughout high school. She has been honored as a scholar athlete; Foothills Council Field Hockey 1st Team All Star; and Foothills Council Track & Field 1st Team All Star. Her community service work includes mentoring, meals on wheels, volunteering at the Little Lady Bills Field Hockey and Basketball clinics and at school and church activities.

Brandon S. Hillier is the son of Garth and Lila Hillier. He is a three-sport athlete participating in football, basketball and baseball. He was captain and most dedicated award winner for football; 2011 basketball Scholar-Athlete Award recipient; 2011 Capital District Physical Education Senior Leadership Award recipient; Captain of the Baseball team and member and treasurer of the National Honor Society. Brandon is also active in his community taking part in various church activities, mentoring, and tutoring JHS students. This fall, he will attend West Virginia University to study broadcast journalism.

Brittney Lynn Oathout is the daughter of Rodney and Amanda Oathout. During her years at JHS she was an active member of choir, drama club, the choreographer for Glee Club, and served as the public relations officer for student council. Brittney was a member of the National Honor Society, awarded Most Dedicated and Best Performance in choir, and student of the quarter in several academic areas. She also took part in meals on wheels, performed for Hannah’s Hope Fund, and danced on the annual Telethon for Disabilities. Brittney will attend SUNY Brockport next year to study dance and psychology.

Hannah M. Fettinger is the daughter of Andrea and Mark Fettinger and plans to attend SUNY Geneseo next year to study Engineering. She has been a member of the spring marching band, earned a Varsity letter in band and choir and awarded most dedicated choir member. She has had lead roles in JHS Drama Club’s fall play and spring musical and in community theatre productions which include Foothills Family Productions, Saratoga Children’s Theatre, and Colonial Little Theatre. She is assistant dance instructor at the Creative Dance Studio and volunteer at the Fulton County Office for the Aging, Proctor’s Theatre, and Willing Helper’s Home. Hannah is an active member of the Holy Trinity Parish in Johnstown and is enrolled in the Early Admission Program at FMCC receiving a 4.0 GPA.

Kyle Zachary Pasquariello, son of Brenda and John Pasquariello, plans on attending Clarkson University to double major in psychology and physics/engineering. Kyle has spent all four years in the marching band and Amethyst Gold varsity winterguard. He is a member of the science club, green club and participates in school plays and musical productions. Kyle received the Clarkson Achievement Award and Student of the Quarter for both health and IO/choices. His hard work in academics has awarded him with top honors in his class with a ninety plus GPA for four years.

Kurtis W. Sprung is the son of Robert and Kandyce Sprung. He will be attending the University at Buffalo to study dance. He has participated in varsity soccer and lacrosse as well as student council and international club. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has participated in many community service projects with his local church and school which include meals on wheels, sundaes with Santa and church retreat team. Kurtis is honored to graduate JHS with these fellow students.