MONTICELLO  — The Sullivan County Legislature praised the achievements of the area’s most promising young scholars with an awards ceremony for valedictorians from 8 local high schools on Thursday, May 15. Valedictorians from Eldred, Fallsburg, Liberty, Livingston Manor, Monticello, Roscoe, Sullivan West and Tri-Valley school districts were honored by their superintendents and principals, who shared the academic and extracurricular accolades of each top student.

“In the year of 2025, the County of Sullivan has a number of very intelligent, hard-working, and industrious students graduating from high school who have been picked as valedictorian of their class,
said District 2 Legislator and Chair Nadia Rajsz, “because they exemplify the best and the brightest of students in our area.”

Eldred Principal Michael Conklin celebrated Valedictorian Connor White saying, “Connor’s academic journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.” 

Conklin said White’s passion for technology and helping others has fueled his volunteership as an app developer for the Murphy Charitable Foundation in Uganda. This fall White will attend Yale University, pursuing a double major in computer science and economics with aspirations of becoming a machine learning engineer. 

Fallsburg Principal Shana Bruestle introduced Valedictorian Hannah Johnson and said, “Hannah has not only excelled academically, but she has done so with great perseverance and genuine love of learning.” Russell said Johnson is someone who leads quietly but powerfully by example and is a standout athlete competing on the varsity volleyball and track and field teams. Johnson will attend Syracuse University in the fall where she plans to major in Biology and become a physician’s assistant.

Liberty Principal Derek Adams introduced Liberty High School Valedictorian Kaitlyn Bodolosky and said, “Kaitlyn is a highly-accomplished and deeply-involved student whose academic excellence, service to others, and commitment to her passions make her a standout member of the class of 2025.” Adams said Bodolosky aspires to be a veterinarian, a dream she has pursued since childhood. Adams added, “Her Holocaust Survivor Memorial Project is traveling statewide combining poetry and photography in a powerful tribute.” 

In the fall Bodolosky will continue her academic journey at Ohio State University.

Livingston Manor Elementary School Principal Julie Buck recognized class of 2025 Valedictorian Michael Carlsen. 

“Throughout his high school career, he has demonstrated dedication to his studies and has consistently, even in middle school, been a member of the national honor society and achieved high honor roll and superintendent’s list since 7th grade.” Buck praised Carlsen’s extracurricular activities, which include playing basketball, baseball, and football as a three season varsity athlete and works for Mountaintop Landscaping and Triple M Excavation and Landscaping. Buck said, “Michael’s future plans are to pursue a career as a lineman in the electrical field.”

Monticello Principal Jennifer Gorr introduced their 2025 Valedictorian Lyndsey Kaplan and said, “Lyndsey is a model of academic excellence and community spirit.” 

Gorr said Kaplan serves as the president and founding member of Chabad of Rock Hill, president of the Monticello Academy of Finance and head of the planning for student council. 

“We wish you the best of luck as you head to your next endeavor, which is Binghamton University where she is majoring in psychology in the honors program,” Gorr said.  

Sullivan West Principal David Eggleton introduced Valedictorian Matthew Dubois. 

“Matthew excels in many areas throughout Sullivan West and is a leader for all of our bulldogs.” Eggleton said Dubois was the Captain and MVP of the Varsity Basketball Team, a member of the Varsity Golf Team, Treasurer of the Class of 2025, and Treasurer of the Spanish Club. Dubois plans to attend the SUNY Binghamton School of Management, where he will study finance and pursue a career in investment banking. 

Tri-Valley Principal Amanda Eberly honored Valedictorian William Seward: “From his earliest days at Tri-Valley, William has embodied what it means to be a scholar, a leader, and a contributing member of our school community.” Eberly said Seward was a member of the Indoor and Outdoor Track Team, an active member of the National Honors Society, and a participant in the Technology Internship. In the fall Seward will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and major in Cognitive Science.

Roscoe Valedictorian Rebecca Gashinsky could not attend the ceremony but was honored by the Legislature.