Valedictorian And Salutatorian Named At Elwood

ELWOOD, NY — Matthew McNierney was named Class of 2020 valedictorian and Michael Browne salutatorian by Elwood’s John H. Glenn High School administration, the Elwood School District announced.

Over the years, both students have been active members of the school community, according to Principal Carisa Burzynski, who shared a few words about their achievements at the district’s Board of Education meeting on Nov. 14.

Burzynski described McNierney as a “natural born leader,” praising him on his devotion to his studies as well as his commitment to serving as president for the school’s All-School and Mock Trial teams.

Throughout his high school career, he has also served on the Band Leadership Council, played in John Glenn’s marching, jazz and concert bands and played saxophone and piano in the school’s last two musical productions.

"Matthew’s achievements are a result of his hard work, dedication, sacrifice and commitment," Burzynski said.

Aside from studying, Browne's high school career has also been spent playing on both the varsity soccer and track teams, as well as tutoring his peers as a member of the National Honors Society. Outside of school, he volunteers as a member of his church’s youth group.

Both McNierney and Browne will graduate with advanced regents’ diplomas with mastery in math and science and have earned the highest distinction of summa cum laude. Browne, as well as his peers, Matthew Devitt and Katherine Yoskowitz, were also recognized by the board on Nov. 14 as National Merit Commended Students.

Additionally, earlier in the week, Superintendent of School Dr. Kenneth Bossert visited the High School to congratulate all of the graduating seniors who earned the distinctions of summa cum laude, magna cum laude and cum laude.

"You do make us all incredibly proud," Burzynski said. "It is a true testament to your outstanding work and commitment. It’s a credit to you, your parents and the John Glenn High School."

Summa Cum Laude:

Michael Browne
Aidan Desmond
Matthew Devitt
Ryan Devitt
Benjamin Drucker
Samantha Groark
Hannah Kleinman
Matthew Liu
Matthew McNierney
Madison Mullman
Maira Riaz
Aimee Rubin
Ava Wilkinson
Jennifer Wood

Magna Cum Laude:

Kayla Alers
Mina Ban
Ryan Boody
Sabrina Competiello
Jessica Goldhamer
Halle Greenwood
Danielle Gross
Melissa Mandel
Steven Josey
Tristan Morlock
Maria Papadopoulos
Kerri Rhatigan
Patrick Russo
Zain Siddiqui
Kaitlyn Sorok
Michelle Torzilli
Katherine Yoskowitz

Cum Laude:

Matthew Brignati
Dylan Buchstein
Sophia Ciriello
Sarah Clinard
Rebecca Hardie
Lauren Kawecki
Brendan Knott
Kenneth Mady-Aguiar
Michaela Mahoney
Alison Pelkonen
Sarah Plohetski
Eleanor Rees
Caitlin Rossi
Jeremy Tast
John Weinrobe
Ian Williams

All photos courtesy Elwood Union Free School District