The Salem Central School District is proud to announce the Top Ten students of the Class of 2025! The Top Ten is composed of the students with the highest cumulative GPA averages in the graduating class. The students are listed in order of their academic ranking.
Anna Maxwell is the Valedictorian for the class of 2025. Anna was selected by SWA students and staff as the recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Good Citizen Award for her dependability, service, and leadership. She also received the Adirondack Area School Board Association’s Community Service Award, two Presidential Awards for Academic Excellence, a TCT Federal Credit Union Scholarship, the Women’s National Farm and Garden Scholarship, the Farm Bureau Scholarship, and the Sheldon Memorial Award for all-around high honors in scholastic work.
During the 2024–2025 school year, Anna served as the New York State FFA Secretary. She is the president of National Honor Society and involved with the Mock Trial and Math Team. Additionally, she is a member of Senior Band, Chorus, Drama Club, and Track and Field.
Upon graduation, Anna will earn an Advanced Regents Diploma with Honors and Mastery in Math and Science. She plans to pursue her passion for the agriculture field at Cornell University as an Animal Science-Dairy Management major. Before beginning her studies at Cornell, Anna will be studying in Chile with the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program.
Alyssa Groesbeck is the Salutatorian for the Class of 2025. This year, Alyssa received a second President’s Award for Academic Excellence and was recognized as an AP Scholar, an honor given to students who have scored well on three or more Advanced Placement exams. She is a member of Natural Helpers, a peer-nominated group of students known for their helpfulness and willingness to support others. Alyssa also participates in the Math Team and Volleyball Club.
Upon graduation, she will earn an Advanced Regents Diploma with a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Endorsement. Earlier this year, Alyssa received the Questbridge National College Match Scholarship and plans to study Clinical Psychology at Boston College.
Magnolia Hoge is graduating third in her class. She received a President’s Award for Academic Excellence this year for maintaining a high overall grade point average throughout high school.
Magnolia is a member of Drama Club and performed in Little Shop of Horrors, The Sound of Music, Legally Blonde, The Addams Family, and Groundhog Day during her time at SWA. She also participates in Senior Band, Math Team, Film Club, and serves as secretary for both the National Honor Society and the senior class. Magnolia is a member of Varsity Track, Soccer, and Salem’s first Varsity Girls Wrestling team.
Upon graduation, she will earn an Advanced Regents Diploma with Mastery in Math. Afterwards, she plans to attend Hudson Valley Community College with the ultimate goal of studying Environmental Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Reagan Jackson is graduating fourth in the Class of 2025. This year, she is being awarded a second President’s Award for Academic Excellence.
Reagan is active with Salem’s music program through her involvement with Senior Band and Chorus. She performed with the Drama Club during the productions of Little Shop of Horrors, Legally Blonde, The Addams Family, and Groundhog Day. Reagan is also involved in Mock Trial, Math Team, and serves as the vice president for both National Honor Society and the senior class. She plays field hockey and basketball, serving as captain of both teams this year.
Upon graduation, Reagan will earn an Advanced Regents Diploma. Her passion for mathematics has inspired her to pursue a degree in Secondary Mathematics Education at SUNY Cortland.
Natalie Gallagher is graduating fifth in the class. Natalie received a President’s Award for Academic Excellence and the Silas. H. Rhodes Merit Scholarship, which recognizes the creative and academic achievements of high school students. In addition, she was awarded the Frances Orr DeGroot Award for her work in a competitive art contest.
Natalie is a member of Film Club, Yearbook Club, and Drama Club, where she contributes by operating the sound board.
Upon graduation, she will earn an Advanced Regents Diploma. Natalie will channel her passion for storytelling and art by majoring in Comics at the School of Visual Arts.
Luke Miner is graduating sixth in the class and is a recipient of a President's Award for Academic Excellence. He is an active member of the Senior Chorus, All-County Chorus, NYSSMA, and the Salem Festival Chorus. He also performs with the Drama Club, appearing in productions of The Sound of Music, Legally Blonde, The Addams Family and Groundhog Day.
Luke has maintained a focus on his academic and school community as a member of the National Honor Society, Math Team, Mock Trial, Film Club and Yearbook Club.
Upon graduation, Luke will earn an Advanced Regents Diploma. In the fall, Luke plans to study Music Composition at the Crane School of Music.
Mason Hayward is seventh in his class and will receive a Presidential Award for Academic Excellence. He has also been recognized as an AP Scholar, an honor granted to students who have scored well on three or more Advanced Placement exams.
This year, Mason served as the student member on Salem's Board of Education. He is also a member of National Honor Society, Mock Trial, Film Club, Senior Chorus, and Math Team. As part of the Drama Club, he has performed in their productions of Legally Blonde, The Addams Family and Groundhog Day.
Upon graduation, he will earn an Advanced Regents Diploma with Mastery in Science. Mason plans to study Information Technology at Siena College in the fall.
Hunter Kenyon is graduating eighth in the Class of 2025. He is a recipient of the President’s Award for Academic Excellence and a member of the National Technical Honor Society, a national organization that recognizes and honors the achievements of students in Career & Technical Education (CTE). He is also a member of Salem’s National Honor Society.
Hunter has participated in several drama club performances, including The Sound of Music, The Addams Family, and Groundhog Day. He has performed locally with the Senior Chorus and overseas with the Salem Festival Chorus. In addition, he is involved in the Film Club, Yearbook Club, Bocce Club, and is a member of the Bowling Team. Outside of school, Hunter has spent several years volunteering throughout the Salem community.
Hunter will receive a Regents Diploma along with a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Endorsement upon graduation. In the fall, he plans to major in Graphic Design and New Media at SUNY Potsdam.
Sophia Keays is graduating ninth in the class. This year, she will receive her second President’s Award for Academic Excellence. Sophia is the senior class co-treasurer, the treasurer of National Honor Society, and a member of the Yearbook Staff and Math Team.
Sophia plays on the Varsity Soccer, Basketball, and Softball teams, serving as captain of all three teams during her senior year. This spring, she was named the Adirondack League Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year for her outstanding performance as a pitcher on Salem’s Varsity Softball team. She also received the Neil Palent Scholarship Award from the Capital District Softball Umpires Association. Sophia is involved with the youth programs as a volunteer.
Sophia will earn an Advanced Regents Diploma upon graduation. She plans to pursue a degree in Athletic Training while playing Division III softball at Western New England University.
Patrick Sartell is graduating tenth in the class and will earn his second President’s Award for Academic Excellence this year. Through his participation in the Career and Technical Education HVAC program, Patrick earned his Universal Refrigeration License and membership in the National Technical Honor Society. He also contributes to the community as a dedicated member of the Salem Volunteer Fire Department.
Upon graduation, Patrick will earn a Regents Diploma with a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Endorsement. Patrick is currently employed part-time at BDP Industries and plans to continue working there after graduation.