DEKALB JUNCTION -- The valedictorian and salutatorian have been named at Hermon-DeKalb Central School for the Class of 2021.

Valedictorian Elaine Clark, daughter of Joseph and Heather Clark, has been named Valedictorian of the Hermon-DeKalb Central School Class of 2021. Her academic achievements have earned her an overall grade point average of 96.61% and she will graduate with a Regents diploma and has earned twelve college credits.

Among her many honors and scholarships, Elaine is a recipient of The Clarkson Achievement Award, the Junior Key Award, the Presidential Award, and the Horizons Scholarship. Elaine was also selected as a representative for the National Youth Leadership Forum in Advanced Medicine and Healthcare at John Hopkins, as well as receiving a certificate of selection for the Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence from Mario Capecchi, Ph.D.

Elaine enjoys taking care of stray animals and working on her family's farm. She plans to attend SUNY Canton and then transfer to SUNY ESF to study environmental conservation.

[img_assist|nid=298540|title=Emery McQuade|desc=|link=none|align=middle|width=690|height=900]

Photo submitted by HDCS.

Salutatorian Emery D. McQuade, daughter of Mike and Jaimee McQuade, has been named Salutatorian of the Hermon-Dekalb Central School Class of 2021. Her academic achievement has earned her an overall grade point average of 96.56%. She will graduate with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with a mastery of science and has earned twenty-five and a half college credits.

Among the many honors and scholarships, Emery is a recipient of Air Force Awards, the Augsbury North Country Scholar Award, the Elmira College Key Award, the George Eastman Young Leaders Award, the Rensselaer Medal, RIT’s Computing Medal, the University of Rochester Humanities Award, and the Sage Award. She was a Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) ambassador. Emery has also received the WWNY Academic All Star Award.

Emery was a valuable member of the varsity basketball, soccer, and softball teams and has been named a recipient of the Outstanding Sportsmanship Award for Section 10 in 2020. She was also included in the Section 10 NYSPHSAA Student Leadership Conference Group, and has been a member of Junior National Honor Society, and National Honor Society. She has also been a member of the Outing Club, and Student Council.

Emery plans to further her education at SUNY Plattsburgh in the fall. She would like to study adolescent education.

Hermon-DeKalb Central School Graduates with Distinction

• Peyton S. Hamilton, son of Kelly Hamilton, Casey Matthews and Ian Felton, is graduating with an overall grade point average of 95.70% and will receive a Regents diploma with advanced designation with honors, mastery in math and science. Peyton plans to pursue a higher education in computer science while staying in the Adirondack area.

• Aliyah J. Stevenson, daughter of Bryan Stevenson and Jill Livingston, and Justin and Katie Noble, is graduating with an overall grade point average of 94.40% and will receive a Regents diploma with advanced designation, mastery in science and mathematics. Aliyah will be attending SUNY Cortland and studying psychology.

• Abrielle E. Marcellus, daughter of Mark and Kellie Marcellus, is graduating with an overall grade point average of 94.24% and will receive a Regents diploma with advanced designation. Abrielle plans to attend St. Lawrence University and study psychology.

• Tavon J. Hubbard, son of Morgan Tiernan and Jeffrey Bogrette, and Bryan and Megan Hubbard, is graduating with an overall grade point average of 93.10% and will receive a Regents diploma with advanced designation. Tavon will be attending St. Lawrence University and plans to study journalism and business management

• Brianna M. Grant, daughter of Allen and Angela Grant, is graduating with an overall grade point average of 92.69% and will receive a Regents diploma with advanced designation, mastery in science. Brianna plans to attend the College at Brockport for physical education in the fall.

• Hannah M. Price, daughter of Heather Patton, Charles Price, and Bethanne Hutchins is graduating with an overall grade point average of 91.37% and will receive a Regents diploma with advanced designation. Hannah will be attending SUNY Potsdam in the fall.

• Duncan Gillie, son of Andrew and Michelle Gillie, is graduating with an overall grade point average of 90.77 and will receive a Regents diploma with advanced designation, Duncan plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh and major in Legal Studies.