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DEKALB JUNCTION – The valedictorian and salutatorian in the Class of 2025 have been announced at Hermon-DeKalb Central School.

The valedictorian is  Lydia Kanitz, daughter of Gary and Lena Kanitz of DeKalb Junction. Her academic achievements have earned her an overall grade point average of 97.37% while completing her high school career in three years, and earning 16 college credits. Lydia is on track to graduate with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with Honors.

Among her many honors and awards, Lydia is the recipient of the Paul Smith's Summit Scholarship, St. Lawrence University’s Promise Scholarship, Clarkson University’s Leadership Scholarship, as well as being selected as a finalist for Clarkson’s “Ignite” President's Fellowship Scholarship. Lydia is a member of the National Honor Society, the Hermon - DeKalb High School Band, and the St. Lawrence University String Orchestra. She performed with the NYSSMA Area All-State Orchestra in 2023 and again in 2024 as first chair viola. Lydia attended a Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Conference, and participated in Clarkson University's Project Challenge twice. Lydia has been active in 4-H, participating in County and State Fairs, National Horticulture Competitions, and local horsemanship events.

Lydia enjoys making art and music, writing poetry, discussing ideas and helping others. After graduating Lydia will begin her studies at St. Lawrence University, and intends to finish her degree at Clarkson University through the 3/2 program they share to earn degrees from both universities. She plans to study engineering and management.

The salutatorian is Hannah Coller, daughter of Gregory and Heather Coller. Her academic achievements have earned her an overall grade point average of 97.19%. Hannah will graduate with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with an annotation that denotes Mastery in Mathematics. She has also earned 27 college credits.

Hannah has been a valued member in multiple extracurricular activities including basketball, soccer, NHS, Academic All Northern, Class Officer, Student Council, 4-H, Outing Club, and NY Holstein Association.

Hannah has been on high honor roll all four years of her high school career and has been awarded The Rensselaer Medal and Junior Key Award.

In her leisure time, Hannah enjoys reading and participating in various sports. She values quality time with family and friends, particularly during visits to camp. During the summer months, she is actively involved in showing cows and finds great enjoyment in spending time on the boat.

Hannah plans to attend the University of Vermont to pursue a degree in Medical Radiation Sciences.