The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Holy Cross Academy announces valedictorian, salutatorian
ONEIDA, N.Y. » Holy Cross Academy (HCA) has announced its Class of 2020 valedictorian and salutatorian.
Nancy Mazor places top in the class as valedictorian and graduates from HCA with honors and a Mastery in Science. She will attend SUNY ESF in the fall where she has received the ESF Presidential Scholarship, the ESF Centennial Hall Scholarship, and the ESF Asimov Scholarship. Her future goals include continuing her education to receive a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.
Nancy added, “I have decided to major in Biology because it was one of my favorite sciences to study throughout high school. Going into this area of study allows me to take the basic science courses I would need to attend school to obtain a degree in Veterinary
Medicine. I love spending time with animals, and becoming a veterinarian would allow me to work with them while also working in a medical setting.”
Noelle Diruzzo is the salutatorian and graduates with a Mastery in Science. While attending Holy Cross Academy, Noelle was captain of the soccer team, captain of the basketball team, student council president, and section leader in Symphoria Youth Orchestra.
She plans to attend Binghamton University in the fall for a degree in Biochemistry and a minor in music.
Noelle commented, “While in college I would love to do medical research. I hope to use this degree to then go to medical school. I really want to help people in a way that they can’t do for themselves, and becoming a doctor is the way I feel I can give back the best. My hope is to one day become an ER physician.”
Principal Teri Maciag praised the two seniors, stating, “Nancy and Noelle
have been exemplary students, always putting forth their best efforts while demonstrating love of God and neighbor. They have been a blessing to the Holy Cross community, and will be significantly missed.”
Despite recent changes due to COVID-19, Holy Cross Academy will give the seniors a special ceremony celebrating their graduation and accomplishments.
HCA is currently scheduled to have an outdoor Mass and ceremony on the grounds on June 20 at 11 a.m. Students’ families will have reserved parking and will observe the ceremony from their vehicles while following current protocols, school officials stated.
Holy Cross Academy Class of 2020 Graduates include: Abraham Barahmeh, Grace Collins, Natalie Delpino, Noelle Diruzzo, Lily Domes, Carlota Hernandezbotejara, Marie Judge, Matthew
Maciag, Nancy Mazor, Kaykhe Mikhail, Tatiana Nowakowski, Gloria Twal, Christopher van Lieshout, Jacinta van Lieshout, David Vanderhoof, Madeline Vanderhoof, and Kathryn Wojsiat.