The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Oneida High School celebrates top ten seniors
ONEIDA, N.Y. » Oneida High School (OHS) is celebrating its academic student leaders for the Class of 2021.
A Top Ten ceremony was recently conducted to honor students with the highest academic achievement. The ceremony was filmed and is available for viewing on the Oneida High School website.
The Class of 2021 Valedictorian is Jackson Urtz, child of Marianne Urtz and the late Robert Urtz III. Jackson plans to attend Springfield College to pursue a Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies.
“I remember attending the top ten ceremony way back my freshman year thinking to myself ‘there is no way that I would ever end up as number one of my class.’ Well, here we are, and I couldn’t be any happier,” Jackson said during the ceremony.
He thanked his family for always supporting him through his academic career, and he thanked his teachers for always pushing him. And to his dad, Jackson said, “Although he is not physically here with me today, he continues to guide me every day and reminds me to always give 110%”
Jackson continued, “I’d also like to thank all of my friends that have cemented these last four years as some of the greatest times of my life.”
The Valedictorian urged younger students to never underestimate themselves and to take chances in regards to things they may enjoy.
The Class of 2021 Salutatorian is Madison Carroll, child of Scott and Julie Carroll. At the time of the ceremony, Madison said she was undecided on which school
to attend, but she planned on studying Adolescent English Education. Madison has been accepted to Niagara University, Sienna College, and Lemoyne College.
During her ceremonial speech, Madison said, “I’d like to thank my parents for encouraging me along the way; their support has meant everything to me. I would also like to thank my sister. She has always pushed me to do my best, and she is someone I’ve always looked up to.” She continued to thank her friends for sticking by her side and her teachers for their guidance.
A few teachers, in particular, influenced Madison to want to start teaching on her own. By experiencing their different teaching styles and techniques, Madison learned first-hand the skills she’d like to emulate for her own students.
To underclassmen, Madison encourages them to get involved, do their best, and have fun. “These four years really do go by fast,” she said.
The remaining top ten students include:
• Sydney Lusher
• Jacob Leggett
• Chessney Buell
• Naomie Pawlikowski
• Noelle Leblanc
• Kylee Loosman
• Megan Dwyer
• Natalie Hoffman Speakers at the Top Ten ceremony included Executive Principal Kevin Healy, Assistant Principal Danielle Mullen, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Dr. Stacey Tice, 2021 OHS retirees Mrs. Leanne Youngkrans (Mr. Kevin Goggins introduction) and Mr. Jeffrey Skibitski (Mr. Adam Litwak introduction).