BRASHER – The St. Lawrence Central Class of 2021 valedictorian is Chantel McCarthy and the salutatorian is Bailey Brothers.

Chantel is the daughter of Mr. Brent McCarthy and Ms. Tammy McCarthy of Norfolk. She has served as the president of the class of 2021, for the last three years, and as the secretary of the Student Council for the last four years.

She is a member of The Chamber Choir, and The Drama Club where she has performed in six musicals, and is a member of the National Honor Society and The Tri-M Musical Honor Society. She is a Varsity athlete member of Soccer, and Softball, has participated in peer tutoring during her 10th grade year where she tutored a senior student in Geometry, and served as a member of the Whiz Quiz Team during her senior year. She is a member of The Outing Club and has helped plan ski trips. Chantel participates in Indoor Soccer, Summer Soccer, reads the gospel at St. Patrick’s Church and enjoys volunteering and helping people as much as possible.

Chantel plans to attend St. Lawrence University. She is undecided on her career path and major as of now, but she is extremely excited to be able to get the opportunity to find her true passion as she ventures through the rigors of college life.

Chantel has been awarded a number of different awards, scholarships and honors due to her exemplary character and academic merit in school to include; second team All Northern in Soccer, Section X Athlete of Distinction in Soccer and Softball, and was recognized as a NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete for Soccer and Softball. Chantel participated in All County and the Area All-State music festivals for both Band and Chorus. Additionally, she was recognized for the Principal's Award, the Clarkson University Leadership Award, the St. Lawrence University Augsbury/North Country Scholarship, and the University of Rochester Frederick Douglas & Susan B. Anthony Award.

Chantel would like to offer the following advice to future students: “Enjoy every single moment, and cherish every memory you are able to make. You never know what could happen along the way, so never take anything for granted. You should always work hard and have as much fun as you can while you’re in high school, because before you know it, you will have to plan the next four years of your life and high school will be over. Have fun!” Chantel hopes to one day be able to help other people. Her goal is to be able to impact as many people as possible in the most positive way possible. She hasn’t figured out how to do that yet, but she knows in time she will.

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Bailey Brothers. Photo submitted by St. Lawrence Central School.

Bailey Brothers , salutatorian, is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Brothers of Brasher Falls. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and has served as the Treasurer of the class of 2021 for the past four years. Serving as Treasurer was a great experience for her since she loves being involved, and was able to learn many skills that she can apply to her future.

Bailey was a member of the Cheerleading Squad for two years, which was something she really enjoyed. She loved connecting with the other girls on the team and showcasing all of the hard work that they put into their routines and competitions. Cheerleading taught her the importance of perseverance and teamwork.

Bailey plans to attend North Country Community College after graduation to pursue a career in Nursing. Bailey feels as though Nursing is her calling, and loves to help others in any way possible.

Bailey was recognized as a NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete in Cheerleading, and will be recognized for receiving the St. Lawrence Central United Teachers Award. This year, Bailey participated in the Terra Northeast Regional Science and Engineering Fair where she won the Yale Science and Engineering Association Award and the Terra Fairs High Honors Award.

Bailey’s advice to incoming students concerning goals and academic success would be that perseverance and ambition is key. If you have an inner strength to get through what seems like the impossible you can go far in life. She would also say that having a sense of confidence is important, believing in yourself can make such a big difference. She truly believes that anyone is capable of reaching their goals and all of the hard work that you put into them pays off in the end.