2023 AHS Awards Night honorees

GASD

July 31, 2023

JUNE 9, 2023

Amsterdam High School’s 2023 Valedictorian

Zoe Casement

Amsterdam High School’s 2023 Salutatorian

Emmalee Carpenter

View bios/photos of Class of 2023 Top Graduates

Exemplary Academic Performance

The New York State Board of Regents offers the following honors to students with exemplary academic performance. A student who earns an average score of 90 or higher (without rounding) on required exams is eligible for a Regents Diploma with Honors or a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with Honors. Students must have achieved a 90 or above using the following exams: English Language Arts, Global Studies, US History, Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, and two science Regents. Congratulations to the following students who have met the requirements of this rigorous accomplishment and will be receiving a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with Honors. Each of these students will receive an Honors Medal. The student receiving this honor for the Class of 2023 are: Zoe Casement, Emmalee Carpenter, David Gerke, Madalyn Goehrig, Denise Green, Abigail Pettica, Samuel Van Wie, Nicole Turney, Madison Turney, and Melissa Sapia

New York State Seal of Biliteracy Recipients

The NYSSB recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and one or more world languages. To distinguish themselves with this commendation candidates must demonstrate proficiency through a combination of course grades, national and state exams, transcripts and culminating projects presented to a panel of evaluators.
Derek Ayala Walker, Leryk Santos Vega, Marcos Reyes, Kyra Reynicke and Jonelys Lopez

Class of 2023 Award and Scholarship Winners

Dallyana Alvarez Mazzini – Undecided, Veterinary Science

  • Outstanding Student in ENL

Derek Ayala Walker – Undecided, Engineering

  • Outstanding Student in ENL

Khurram Azam – FMCC, Computer Science

  • Paul and Karen Wassel Memorial Award

Alec Bartone – SUNY Polytechnic, Biology Pre- Med

  • Mr. Arthur Cotugno Memorial Scholarship
  • GASD Hall of Fame Scholarship

Dominic Blair – SUNY Cobleskill, Environmental Science

  • The Douglas Hutchinson Memorial Award

Kai Brennan – SUNY Polytechnic, Cybersecurity

  • The Robert “Bobby” Bower, Gunners Second Class, United States Navy
  • Memorial Award
  • Band Booster Award

Emmalee Carpenter – RIT, Computing Security

  • Carmella and Anthony Marcellino Memorial Award
  • ATA Salutatorian Award
  • Outstanding Student in Mathematics
  • NYS Academic Excellence Award
  • Children’s Aid Association of Montgomery County Scholarship

Zoe Casement – Binghamton University, Nursing

  • Mr. Frances R. Hanlon and Mrs. Elizabeth A. Hanlon Memorial Scholarship
  • Jerome H. Schaffer Award
  • ATA Valedictorian Award
  • Zonta Education Award
  • Elizabeth Cady Stanton Women’s Consortium Scholarship
  • Drama Acting Award
  • Outstanding Student in English
  • Outstanding Student in Mathematics
  • Choral Director’s Award
  • NYS Academic Excellence Award
  • Children’s Aid Association of Montgomery County Scholarship

Madison Cebula – SUNY Brockport, Exercise Science

  • Mr. Arthur Cotugno Memorial Scholarship
  • Outstanding Student in Social Studies
  • Montgomery County All County Band Award
  • Tri-M Honor Society Scholarship

Sharazade Cooper – SUNY Brockport, Political Science

  • Mr. Arthur Cotugno Memorial Scholarship

Spencer Cotugno – SUNY Binghamton, Pre-Med

  • CTW Award – Outstanding Math and Science Student
  • NYS Academic Excellence Award

Connor Cozzocrea – Castleton University, Exercise Science

  • Mr. Arthur Cotugno Memorial Scholarship
  • Eric Crane Memorial Award
  • Amsterdam Professional Firefighters Union Scholarship

Michael DeAngelo – FMCC, Computer Science

  • Karen Houlihan Golden Memorial Award
  • Mary King Dyson JROTC Memorial Award

Niurka DeLeon Morales – Modern Welding School, Underwater Welding

  • Karen Houlihan Golden Memorial Award
  • Outstanding Student in Business

Allison Demitraszek – Colby Sawyer College, Nursing

  • Peter Lansburgh Memorial Choral Award

Kasia Derrico – Siena College, History

  • Outstanding Student in English
  • Eric Crane Memorial Award

Ferneidy Dotel – Union College, Biology and Psychology Pre-Med Track

  • National School Choral Award
  • NYS Comptroller Achievement Award

Mia Figueroa – University of Buffalo, Undecided

  • Outstanding Student in Foreign Language
  • Outstanding Student in Art

Helen Flint – Fashion Institute of Technology, Interior Design

  • Lee and Grace Vedder Scholarship
  • Band Booster Award
  • CTW Award
  • Outstanding Student in Art
  • Eleanor Dillenbeck Scholarship
  • Sam Picciocca Scholarship Fund Award
  • Children’s Aid Association of Montgomery County Scholarship

Kaijah Fowler – SUNY Cortland, Exercise Science

  • Outstanding Student in English

Darius Gainer – Utica University, Cybersecurity

  • Amsterdam Teachers Association Award
  • Peter Lansburgh Memorial Choral Award
  • Children’s Aid Association of Montgomery County Scholarship

David Gerke – College of Saint Rose, History Education

  • Mr. Arthur Cotugno Memorial Scholarship
  • Amsterdam Teachers Association Award
  • Eric Crane Memorial Award
  • Jimmy G Memorial Scholarship

Madalyn Goehrig – SUNY-Fredonia, Music Therapy

  • Herbert Lurie Memorial Award
  • NYS Attorney General’s Triple C Award
  • Montgomery County All County Choral Award
  • NYS Academic Excellence Award

Louie Gonzalez – American International College, Exercise Science

  • Mr. Arthur Cotugno Memorial Scholarship
  • Patrick J. Liverio Football Scholarship
  • Matthew Martuscello Memorial Award

Denise Green – SUNY Plattsburgh, Childhood Education

  • Amsterdam Retired Teachers Association Scholastic Award
  • Sam Picciocca Scholarship Fund Award

Peter Hans -Utica University, Business Management

  • Outstanding Student in Social Studies

Briana Kelly – SUNY Oswego, Childhood Education

  • Carmella and Anthony Marcellino Memorial Award
  • Children’s Aid Association of Montgomery County Scholarship

Jeffrey Kinder – Norwich University, Mechanical Engineering

  • Polish American Veterans and Auxiliary Scholarship

Adrianna Koch – SUNY Oneonta, Undecided

  • Woody Herman Jazz Award

JaeRyoung (Sammy) Lee – SUNY Fredonia, Music Industry & Economics, Minor in Jazz Guitar

  • Louis Armstrong Jazz Award

Aaron Madej – State University of Albany, English

  • The Robert Louison Drama, Broadcasting and Television Award
  • Michael P. Pallotta Memorial Scholarship
  • Amsterdam Retired Teachers Association Scholastic Award
  • Band Booster Award
  • Band Director’s Award
  • Peter Lansburgh Memorial Choral Award

Falyn Marcuccio – FMCC, Nursing/Pre-Med

  • Band Booster Award

Yanetsy Martinez – FMCC, Business Marketing and Management

  • Fulton Montgomery Community College Foundation Scholarship

Jackson Merritt – St. Lawrence University, Data Science

  • Alejandro Christopher Strength and Conditioning Football Scholarship

Andrew Mickel – Utica University, Business

  • Hoffman Car Wash Scholarship

Matthew Miller – State University of Albany, Education

  • Peter Landsburg Memorial Lacrosse Scholarship

Kathleen Miseno Bowles – Herkimer County Community College, Criminal Justice

  • The Women’s Health of Amsterdam T. Donald and Betty Ann Rapello Scholarship
  • Joseph A. Longobardo Memorial Scholarship
  • Dorothy Wemple Literary Award – Second Place

Xavier Moore – Utica University, Computer Science

  • Outstanding Student in Social Studies

Landon Morin – Schenectady Community College, Phlebotomy

  • Lew Carosella Memorial Award
  • Carmella and Anthony Marcellino Memorial Award

Abigail Pettica – Rochester Institute of Technology, Bio-Chemistry

  • GASD Hall of Fame Scholarship
  • CTW Award – Outstanding Math and Science Student
  • NYS Attorney General’s Triple C Award
  • Outstanding Student in Mathematics
  • Outstanding Student in Life Science
  • Outstanding Student in Social Studies
  • NYS Academic Excellence Award
  • Children’s Aid Association of Montgomery County Scholarship

Ryleigh Phillips – Endicott College, Graphic Design

  • Barbara and Robert Reidy Humanitarian Award
  • Carmella and Anthony Marcellino Memorial Award
  • Outstanding Student in Art
  • NYS Comptroller Achievement Award
  • P.E.O STAR Achievement Award
  • Children’s Aid Association of Montgomery County Scholarship
  • Tri-M Honor Society Scholarship

Sophia Pizarro – State University of Albany, Business Administration and Marketing

  • Cultural Leader Scholarship presented by the Class of 2020

Kyra Reynicke – Long Island University, Nursing

  • Outstanding Student in Foreign Language Spanish
  • Outstanding Student in Business

Honesty Rios – Castleton University, Music Education

  • Band Booster Award
  • Band Director’s Award

Siarra Rodriguez – FMCC, Criminal Justice

  • Outstanding Student in English

Yalashlee Rodriguez – AHS Junior

  • Barbara and Robert Reidy Humanitarian Award

Melissa Sapia – SUNY Oswego Biology

  • Frederick Smith Memorial Award
  • NYS Academic Excellence Award

Marc Schultz – SUNY Plattsburgh, Nutrition

  • Amsterdam Teachers Association Award

Rosie Sculco – SUNY Plattsburgh, Broadcast Journalism

  • Mr. Arthur Cotugno Memorial Scholarship
  • Allison King Softball Memorial Award

Anne Stanavich – Hartwick College, Nursing

  • Sarah J. Stark Memorial Award
  • Lee and Grace Vedder Scholarship
  • Amsterdam Teachers Association Award
  • Amy King Steenburg Soccer Memorial Award
  • Children’s Aid Association of Montgomery County Scholarship

Yveliz Tilison – Union College, Biology

  • Outstanding Student in Foreign Language

Madison Turney – University of Vermont, Bio-Chemistry

  • Outstanding Student in Physical Science
  • NYS Academic Excellence Award

Nicole Turney – Western New England University, Psychology

  • NYS Academic Excellence Award

Randi Urbanczyk – State University of Albany, Criminal Justice and Homeland Security

  • Mr. Arthur Cotugno Memorial Scholarship
  • Amsterdam Professional Firefighters Union Scholarship

Samuel VanWie – Rochester Institute of Technology, Computer Engineering

  • Mr. Arthur Cotugno Memorial Scholarship
  • CTW Award
  • Montgomery County Stop DWI

Destiny VanVranken – FMCC, General Studies

  • Paul and Karen Wassel Memorial Award

Celian Velazquez, Undecided

  • Outstanding Student in ENL

Jhai Vellon – Franklin Pierce University, Health Science

  • Frank Butch Miller Old Timers Football Award

Joel White – FMCC, General Studies

  • Mr. Arthur Cotugno Memorial Scholarship
  • Abigail King Jackson Reading/English Memorial Award

Matthew Young – AHS 10th grader

  • Barbara and Robert Reidy Humanitarian Award

Jaydon Zullo – SUNY Fredonia, Theatrical Production and Design

  • Drama Technical Award
  • Choral Excellence Award

Junior Awards

Natalee Agresta

The Clarkson School Scholars Award – Recognizing a junior for their interest in starting college early; nominated for a scholarship of $15,000/year

2023 Harvard Book Award – Recognizing an outstanding student in their class who displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields

Ailani Aleman-Rivera

University of Rochester Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award – Recognizing a junior for high achievement and rigor in science and math classes and positive contributions to their school and community; nominated for a scholarship of $5,000/year

Emily Alukonis

Russell Sage College Student Sage Award – Recognizing exceptional students who are engaged within their community; students are nominated for a scholarship of $16,000/year

Anthony Antonelli

Clarkson University Achievement Award – Recognizing a junior who demonstrates strong leadership qualities, positively impacts their school and local community, and has a proven academic record; nominated for a $20,000/year scholarship.

Faith Baniqued

RPI Rensselaer Medal for an Outstanding Math and Science Student – Recognizing the strongest math and science student who has taken the most challenging courses and earned the highest grades; nominated for a scholarship for $30,000/year

Sarrell Boyd

Russell Sage College Student Sage Award – Recognizing exceptional students who are engaged within their community; students are nominated for a scholarship of $16,000/year

Liana Brown

Wells College 21st Century Leadership Award – Recognizing high school juniors who demonstrate exemplary leadership potential; nominated for a scholarship of $10,000/year

Lorelei Cramer

St. Bonaventure University Bonnie Scholarship – Recognizing students based on the core values of the university: academic excellence, community, integrity, wisdom, leadership, social responsibility, compassion, and an appreciation for diversity, in addition to exhibiting leadership qualities through their involvement in school and/or community activities, nominated for a scholarship of $20,000/year

Gianna Crespo-Julia

St. Bonaventure University Bonnie Scholarship – Recognizing students based on the core values of the university: academic excellence, community, integrity, wisdom, leadership, social responsibility, compassion, and an appreciation for diversity, in addition to exhibiting leadership qualities through their involvement in school and/or community activities, nominated for a scholarship of $20,000/year

Javier DeJesus

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Computing Award – Recognizing a high school junior who has distinguished themselves academically, is actively involved in their school and community, demonstrates an interest and ability in computing, and is nominated for a scholarship of $19,000/year

Sophia DeRosa

Russell Sage College: Student Sage Award – Recognizing exceptional students who are engaged within their community; students are nominated for a scholarship of $16,000/year

Cheyanne DeRose

University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award – Recognizing a junior for their strong leadership experience at school and in the community, high grades and challenging coursework, and their extensive involvement in extracurricular activities; nominated for a scholarship of $5,000/year

Julia Dion

Elmira College Key Award – Recognizing students with an overall GPA of 3.0 who demonstrate outstanding school and community leadership; nominated for a $20,000/year scholarship

Annika Fedullo

St. Bonaventure University Bonnie Scholarship – Recognizing students based on the core values of the university: academic excellence, community, integrity, wisdom, leadership, social responsibility, compassion, and an appreciation for diversity, in addition to exhibiting leadership qualities through their involvement in school and/or community activities, nominated for a scholarship of $20,000/year

Lindsey Gasner

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Women in STEM Award – Recognizing a high school junior who has distinguished themselves academically, is actively involved in their school and community, demonstrates high achievement and interest in science, computing, robotics, and/or math; nominated for a scholarship of $19,000/year

Payton Hoefs

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Art & Design Award – Recognizing a high school junior who has distinguished themselves academically, is actively involved in their school and community, and demonstrates outstanding achievement in art and design; nominated for a scholarship of $19,000/year

Kevin Kowalczyk

St. Bonaventure University Bonnie Scholarship – Recognizing students based on the core values of the university: academic excellence, community, integrity, wisdom, leadership, social responsibility, compassion, and an appreciation for diversity, in addition to exhibiting leadership qualities through their involvement in school and/or community activities, nominated for a scholarship of $20,000/year

Parker McHeard

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) – Business and Leadership Award – Recognizing a high school junior who has distinguished themselves academically, is actively involved in their school and community, and demonstrates an interest and ability in business, leadership, and entrepreneurship; nominated for a scholarship of $19,000/year

Madison Mead

Saint Michael’s College Book Award for Academic Achievement & Social Conscience – Awarded to individuals who exhibit the following characteristics: enrolled in honors/AP coursework, inductees of the National Honor Society, show a commitment to community service and issues of peace and justice for other; nominated for a scholarship of $17,000 up to full tuition.

Isabella Mickel

St. Bonaventure University Bonnie Scholarship – Recognizing students based on the core values of the university: academic excellence, community, integrity, wisdom, leadership, social responsibility, compassion, and an appreciation for diversity, in addition to exhibiting leadership qualities through their involvement in school and/or community activities, nominated for a scholarship of $20,000/year

Jasmine Pena

LeMoyne College Heights Award – Recognizing a high school junior in service to their school and community; nominated for a scholarship of $16,000/year

Daniel Reyes

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Math and Science Award – Recognizing a high school junior who has distinguished themselves academically, is actively involved in their school community, demonstrates an interest and ability in science and math; nominated for a scholarship of $19,000/year

Amani Rivera

University of Rochester: Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award – Recognizing a junior for their demonstrated commitment to understanding and addressing complex social issues, showing leadership and dedication to community action, and taking rigorous coursework in humanities and social sciences; nominated for a scholarship of $5,000/year

Isabella Rivera

Wells College 21st Century Leadership Award – Recognizing high school juniors who demonstrate exemplary leadership potential; nominated for a scholarship of $10,000/year

Anthony Serrano

Clarkson University Leadership Award – Recognizing a junior who demonstrates strong leadership qualities, positively impacts their school and local community, and has a proven academic record; nominated for a $25,000/year scholarship

Leigha Soto

Russell Sage College: Student Sage Award – Recognizing exceptional students who are engaged withing their community; students are nominated for a scholarship of $16,000/year

Kailey Spagnola

University of Rochester: Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology – Recognizing a junior for their strong interest in innovation and/or information technology and high achievement; nominated for a $5,000/year scholarship.

Alessandra Vicinanzo

St. Bonaventure University Bonnie Scholarship – Recognizing students based on the core values of the university: academic excellence, community, integrity, wisdom, leadership, social responsibility, compassion, and an appreciation for diversity, in addition to exhibiting leadership qualities through their involvement in school and/or community activities, nominated for a scholarship of $20,000/year

Patrick Vidulich

Saint Michael’s College Book Award for Academic Achievement & Social Conscience – Awarded to individuals who exhibit the following characteristics: enrolled in honors/AP coursework, inductees of the National Honor Society, show a commitment to community service and issues of peace and justice for other; nominated for a scholarship of $17,000 up to full tuition.

Makayla Washock

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Humanities and Social Sciences Award – Recognizing a high school junior who has distinguished themselves academically, is actively involved in their school community, demonstrates interest and ability in humanities and social sciences; nominated for a scholarship of $19,000/year