BRASHER FALLS -- St. Lawrence Central High School has announced the academic leaders of at the the Class of 2019.

Valedictorian is Daisy Bissonette, and salutatorian is Jacinta Gomes.

Daisy says she wants to pursue a degree in astrophysics while completing a pre-med track as an undergraduate college student. One of her goals is to research solutions to medical challenges concerning human space travel. Daisy plans to attend Princeton University in the fall.

Daisy has been awarded a number of scholarships and awards due to her exemplary merit in school. She has been commended by the National Merit Scholarship Committee, she was named an Athlete of Distinction by Section X, she has received the Evergreen STEM Scholarship, a New York State Scholarship for Academic Excellence, and the Perfect Attendance Award. Daisy was the recipient of the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award offered by The Rochester Institute of Technology, and the Scholar Athlete Award for Section X.

Daisy expressed gratitude for her parents, family, and all of her teachers for their unwavering support in her education. She would like to encourage students to always push themselves to do their best and to find their internal motivation.

Class salutatorian Jacinta Gomes is the daughter of Danielle Gomes of North Lawrence. She is the vice president of the Spanish Club and a member of All That Jazz Dance Studio. She volunteers weekly at the Potsdam Humane Society. She is also a member of the Yearbook Club and Student Council.[img_assist|nid=256047|title=Jacinta Gomes|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=150|height=191]

Jacinta is currently enrolled in the Allied Health Program at Seaway Technical and Career Center. Through her experiences in this program she has learned more about healthcare professionals through shadowing her fields of interest.

Jacinta plans to pursue a degree in nursing, and a career as a certified nurse anesthetist. While in college, Jacinta would like to study abroad to learn about different cultures and to travel the world and help others. Jacinta has not yet decided where she will attend college in the fall.

Jacinta’s advice to upcoming students is that no one can determine your worth or capability. She advises fellow students to work hard and be kind to those around them, and see just how far they can go in life.

St. Lawrence Central High School Awards night is May 21, and graduation is June 28.

The photos were sent by the high school.