Zachary PlattOlivia SharpeDEKALB JUNCTION – Hermon-DeKalb Central School recognizes the valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2023.

Olivia Sharpe, daughter of Joseph and Megan Sharpe of Hermon, has been named valedictorian. Her academic achievements have earned her an overall grade point average of 97.59% and she will graduate with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with Honors and an annotation that denotes Mastery in Mathematics. Olivia has also earned 44 college credits.

Among her many honors and awards, Olivia is the recipient of the University of Rochester Xerox Award, Clarkson Leadership Award, Rochester Institute of Technology Innovation and Creativity Award, St. Lawrence Augsbury North Country Scholarship and Scholar Athlete Award. Additionally, Olivia is a member and the President of National Honor Society, Captain of the softball team and a member of band, chorus, jazz band, rock ensemble, outing club and student council. She also attended All-County for band and was chosen to represent Hermon-Dekalb Central School in Area All-State. Olivia attended the HOBY Leadership Conference, participated in Clarkson University’s Project Challenge and was named Channel 7 Academic All Star and nominated for the Arts All Star.

Olivia enjoys playing softball, fishing and spending time with friends. She plans to attend St. Lawrence University for nursing.

The salutatorian is Zachary Platt, son of Timothy and Sarah Platt of Rensselaer Falls. Platt earned a grade point average of 97.24% for his achievements. Zachary will graduate with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with Honors and an annotation that denotes Mastery in Mathematics. He has also earned 42 college credits.

Among many honors and scholarships, he is a recipient of the Rensselaer Medal Scholarship, the RIT Computing Medal Award, University of Rochester Susan B. Anthony Award, Wells College Leadership Award and the Elmira Key Award. Zachary is also a member of the National Honor Society, is class treasurer and has played Varsity Soccer for the last three years.

In his free time, Zachary enjoys exercise, traveling, spending time with family and working at a part-time job.

Zachary is planning to pursue Nursing at SUNY Brockport.

Class of 2023 graduates with Distinction include:

Amalia Kanitz, daughter of Gary and Lena Kanitz, is graduating with an overall average of 95.71% and will receive a Regents diploma with Advanced Designation with Honors and an annotation that denotes Mastery in Mathematics. After graduation, Amalia will pursue higher education.

Ryan Willard, son of Andrew and Raeleen Willard, is graduating with an overall grade point average of 94.25% and will receive a Regents diploma with Advanced Designation with honors and an annotation that denotes Mastery in Science. He is also a Top Achiever at Southwest Tech Center. Ryan plans to attend SUNY Canton for Electrical Engineering Technology.

Natalie Appel, daughter of Amy Robinson, is graduating with an overall grade point average of 93.82% and will receive a Regents diploma with Advanced Designation. She plans to attend SUNY Brockport for Kinesiology and Physical Therapy.

Harley Green-Coffey, daughter of Patricia Green and Allan Coffey, is graduating with an overall average of 93.08%. She will be receiving a Regents diploma with Advanced Designation with Honors with an annotation that denotes Mastery in Mathematics. She is also a Top Achiever at Southwest Tech. She hopes to become a NYS Licensed Cosmetologist and find work locally.

Christian Guarino, son of Joseph and Juliette Guarino, is graduating with an overall average of 91.57% and will receive a Regents diploma with Advanced Designation. He plans to attend SUNY Brockport Physical Education and Teaching.

David White, son of George and Rachael White, is graduating with an overall average of 91.20% and will receive a Regents diploma. He plans to enter the workforce after graduation.

Rylee Young, daughter of Nathan and Bobbi Young, is graduating with an average of 91.12% overall and will receive a Regents diploma with Honors. After graduation, Rylee will pursue higher education.

Ellie McQuade, daughter of Michael and Jaimee McQuade, is set to graduate with an overall average of 90.07% and will receive a Regents diploma with Advanced Designation. She is planning to attend SUNY Plattsburgh for Psychology.