READY TO MOVE ON
Capacity crowd celebrates Class of 2019 of Saratoga Springs High School
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> A capacity crowd of family and friends came out to witness the Class of 2019 of Saratoga Springs High School graduate on Thursday at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
As they arrived, the theme song from “Star Wars” could be heard on the PA system across the main lawn as played by the Saratoga Springs Full Orchestra as the graduates waited to line up for the processional.
The Saratoga Choraliers had just finished singing “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” and “Thank You For Being A Friend” when Pomp and Circumstance served as the cue to the graduates to line up and proceed to their seats.
Marcus Ortiz, president of the Class of 2019, had the unique experience of starting school at Caroline Street Elementary and then transferring to attend the Albany Academy.
“What surprised me was that when I came back to the public school system in Saratoga Springs, my classmates remembered me. They were so welcoming. It was as though I’d never left,” Ortiz said.
He described the day as exciting, but nerve-wracking at the same time.
Ortiz addressed those assembled with his own very visual analogies of their high school experience:
“We rode through fire and flames to get to today. I urge all graduates to think about who helped you along the way and wave to them. The people you wave to today may not be the people you wave to tomorrow. Appreciate the people in your life,” Ortiz said.
Principal Michelle Tsao and Superintendent Michael Patton made opening and commencement remarks.
Providing a litany of data on the accomplishments of the Class of 2019, Patton mentioned that 87 percent of the class will continue to college, with others choosing to make the military their career.
This year, the district is honoring the top 11 graduates because there was a tie in rankings for two students whose cumulative GPA put them both in 10th place.
The top 11 graduates this year include:
Julianna Hachenski, daughter of Mark and Shelley Hachenski of Greenfield Center, was named valedictorian of Saratoga Springs High School Class of 2019. Kaitlyn Brooks, daughter of Albert and Dawn Brooks of Saratoga Springs, was named salutatorian.
Julianna Hachenski is the Academic Team captain, National Honor Society president, Science Bowl team captain, and an advanced level Adirondack guide in Warren County 4-H. She is a National Merit Commended Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, and a CASDA Scholar. She has won high school departmental awards in physics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, and Spanish. She is plan
ning to pursue a degree in engineering from Purdue University.
Kaitlyn Brooks is one of the leaders of Educating Young Engineers at the high school, a student-run organization that provides Saturday engineering programs for elementary-level students. Kaitlyn was a member of junior varsity softball in 2016, and varsity softball from 2017-2018. She volunteered at the Saratoga Softball Clinic in 2017.
Kaitlyn received the Coach’s Award in 2018, Honors Biology Top Student in 2017, Scholar-Athlete Awards in 2017, and has been a member of National Honor Society since 2017. Kaitlyn is planning to pursue a degree in engineering from Binghamton University.
William (Quinn) Montgomery is co-president of the Science Bowl Team, treasurer of the Investment Club, and a member of the Academic Team, Chess Club, National Honor Society, Table Tennis Club, and the Spanish Honor Society. Quinn is co-captain of the varsity boys’ volleyball team.
He is a National Merit Commended Scholar. He won the Bausch and Lomb Award, along with high school departmental awards in Spanish, U.S. history and chemistry. Quinn is planning to study finance at Cornell University.
Marcus Ortiz has been the president of the junior and senior class, president of the Spanish National Honor Society, president of the Debate Club, and a member of Best Buddies, SADD, and a Project Lift volunteer. He has earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and has received an award for outstanding achievement in technology. Marcus plans to study administrative medicine at Columbia University.
Charles Beck is a vice president of the SADD Club and a member of National Honor Society. He has volunteered for the Children’s Committee, youth basketball, Prevention Council, and Drilling for Hope. He has been a member of the varsity basketball and lacrosse teams for the past two years. Charles has been employed by Hattie’s Chicken Shack, Saratoga Racecourse and as a Skidmore College basketball camp counselor. Charles plans to attend Boston College. His course of study is undecided.
Margaret Farr is president of Gender Equality Club and Tri-M Musical Honor Society. In 11th grade, Margaret was the media specialist of TriM and Student Council president.
She has been the lead in the school musical for the past three years. She wrote and produced “7 Trigs” and has done independent science research that led to an invitation to Intel ISEF. Margaret was a member of the JV field hockey team in 9th and 10th grade.
She received the High School Departmental Award in chemistry. Margaret plans to pursue neuroscience at Boston University.
Alexandra McGrath is a member of Key Club, Sign Language Club, National Honor Society, and Spanish National Honor Society. She has also been a member of the cross-country, indoor and outdoor track and field teams. Alexandra plans to attend the University of Vermont, pursuing studies to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.
Daniel Eaton is a member of the National Honor Society, Saratoga Naturalist, Outing Club, varsity football and varsity baseball. He is a recipient of the 2019 Scholarship for Academic Excellence and the Kevin J. Snyder Memorial Award in Chemistry. Daniel plans to study economics and politics at Syracuse University.
Bryce North is a member of Best Buddies and National Honor Society and the treasurer for TJ’s Turkeys. He is active in high school sports, including cross-country, indoor and outdoor track, varsity tennis and Alpine ski racing. Bryce plans to attend University at Buffalo to study dentistry.
Henry Groseclose is Vice President of the Sit with Us Club, secretary of the Sign Language Club, Chess Club treasurer and a member of the Debate Club and Latin Club. He is on both the varsity soccer and varsity track teams. Henry is a National Merit Commended Scholar. He has received the Spanish Seal of Biliteracy and the high school Latin award. He plans to attend Georgetown University. His course of study is undecided.
Megan Rock is editor in chief of the Yearbook Club, director of Key Club, coleader of Educating Young Engineers and a member of National Honor Society. She is also a member of the varsity tennis team. Megan plans to study electrical engineering at Ohio State University.