CANTON – Hugh C. Williams High School recognized the Academic Top Ten and two Outstanding Vocational students from the Class of 2025.

They are:

Daniel Armendariz-Huang is the son of Grace Huang and Cristian Armendariz-Picon. Throughout high school he was a seven-time State qualifier for Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track. Daniel was also a National Merit Commended Scholar. Daniel helped run modified track meets, and occasionally helped clean up the Evergreen cemetery. After graduation, Daniel will be attending the University of Chicago with an undecided major.

Vivian Coburn is the daughter of Sarah and Jesse Coburn. Throughout high school Vivian played soccer, basketball and lacrosse. She received Section X defensive MVP and first-team all-northern recognition for soccer and lacrosse. Vivian has been on the high honor roll for all four years of high school and is a member of the National Honor Society and an AP Scholar. During her senior year, Vivian completed work shadows in physical therapy and athletic training to affirm her interest in pursuing a career in Physical Therapy. In the community, Vivian has volunteered with youth lacrosse and contributed time to several other community organizations including the Salvation Army, Campus Kitchens project and SUNY Canton early education program. Next year, Vivian will be attending Binghamton University to study Biology and will also continue her athletic career playing lacrosse.

Matthew Gainey is the son of Matthew and Debra Gainey. In high school, Matthew dedicated himself to his academics as well as theatre and music. He acted as assistant stage manager in his freshman year, and later as Stage Manager in his Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years. He is an inducted member of the International Thespian Society and has acted as troupe Vice President and troupe Treasurer. For three years, he has also acted as Student Council Treasurer. Matthew has been a part of multiple choir ensembles, including Vocal-Select All-County, Area-All-State, and was an alternate for the All-State Jazz ensemble. Throughout high school, Matthew has been on the High Honor Roll and is a member of the National Honor Society. After graduation, Matthew plans to attend Fordham University and study Biological Sciences.

Ellie McDonough is the daughter of Joseph and Sarah McDonough. Throughout high school, Ellie was active in theater and a proud member of the International Thespian Society, Select Chorus, and Senior Band. Ellie has participated in NYSSMA Festival for four years as both a vocalist and instrumental soloist. She also served as an officer in Model UN and was a member of the National Honor Society. After graduation, Ellie will be attending Skidmore College to study English.

Diego Oey-Langen is the son of Tom Langen and Esther Oey. During high school, he participated in Robotics and was a member of the National Honor Society. Outside of high school, Diego has pursued various types of dance and climbing styles. He previously has been a part of the St. Lawrence University choir and is interested in computers. After graduation, Diego will attend RIT to pursue a 5-year accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering.

Paul Redfern III is the son of Paul Redfern Jr. and Leigh-Anne Redfern. Paul has distinguished himself as a dedicated three-sport athlete throughout all four years of high school, competing in soccer, basketball, and baseball. He is a seven-time Section X champion and received the Outstanding Sportsmanship Award for soccer. In addition to his athletic achievements, Paul has been actively involved in several extracurricular activities, including the robotics club, serving as class secretary, and being a member of the National Honor Society. He has also contributed to his community by coaching and refereeing youth basketball and volunteering as a timer for Canton Girls Varsity swim meets. After graduation, Paul will attend Lafayette College in Easton, PA, majoring in Civil or Environmental Engineering.

Aiden Rodriguez-Doyle Aiden is the son of Erin Rodriguez-Doyle. In high school, he participated in student council and musical theater as a member of Troupe 259 of the International Thespian Society. Athletically, he was a member of the Varsity indoor and outdoor track and field teams for all four years of high school and joined the cross-country team in his junior and senior years. Also in junior year, he was inducted into the National Honor Society. Aiden’s contributions to his community include helping run modified track meets, organizing and running an egg hunt, and helping tutor fifth graders. After graduation, Aiden will attend Vassar College and hopes to continue his passion for running and music.

Olivia Sommerstein is the daughter of David Sommerstein and Lisa Lazenby. In her high school career, she has dedicated herself to music and theater. She has starred in many of Canton’s musical productions like Beauty and the Beast and Newsies. Olivia has also sung in the Vocal-Select and Area-All State ensembles, along with earning a spot as an alternate for the All-State Vocal Jazz Ensemble. She played trumpet in the All-County Jazz Band, as well as in Canton’s Jazz and Senior Bands. Olivia also plays soccer and softball and was an athlete of distinction this past fall. She volunteers frequently by painting Canton’s theater sets on weekends and is an active member of the National Honor Society and International Thespian Society. After graduation, Olivia will be attending Fordham University.

Alexis Stuntz is the daughter of Conrad and Cheryl Stuntz. Throughout her high school career, she has played an active role in a wide variety of extracurricular activities. She was the captain of the Science Olympiad team, earning multiple medals each year, and the Envirothon team, where she has led the team to the state competition in each of the last three years. Lexi was also an integral member of the national championship-winning Whiz Quiz team this past fall. In addition, Lexi is the Student Council president, co-president of the National Honor Society, secretary-general for Model United Nations, and student representative to the District Shared Decision-Making Committee. Along with more academic pursuits, she also painted sets and operated the lighting board for school plays and musicals and has prepared multiple NYSSMA solos, playing in All-County bands as first- and second-chair clarinet. As an athlete, Lexi was a member of the varsity swim team for six years, earning thirteen total First Team All Northern accolades and the NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship award. In the spring, she runs track and has earned Second-Team All Northern status in the 2000m steeplechase. After graduation, Alexis plans to attend Bowdoin College and intends to study Physics.

Lucas Watts is the son of Christopher Watts and Kay Caldwell. In high school he participated in Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track. He was selected as a jazz piano alternate for conference all-state jazz band and was a member in the New York State Band Directors Association Statewide Honor Jazz Band. He was a member of the National Honor Society and Science Olympiad as well. Lucas's community service included NHS activities, modified track meets, and volunteering through Trinity Episcopal Church. After graduation, Lucas will be attending the University of Richmond.

The top Outstanding Vocational Students are:

Sara Aldous is the daughter of Brad and Meg Aldous. She is currently completing her New Visions Medical Careers course at Seaway Area Technology Center in Norwood. After graduation, Sara will be attending SUNY Canton to study Nursing.

Ian Weems is the son of Dylan and Corina Weems. He is currently completing his Digital Media Design course at Seaway Area Technology Center in Norwood. Ian was awarded the Rev. William R. & Crystal E. Cuthbert Vocational Excellence Award for March 2025 sponsored by the Potsdam Rotary Club. After graduation, Ian will be entering the workforce.