Top scholars for GJSD’s Class of 2024 reveal post graduation plans
Johnstown High School Principal Scott Hale recently announced the top scholars for Johnstown’s Class of 2024, including Valedictorian Ava Barker, and Salutatorian Tara Sweeney.
“This year, we celebrate 27 students who will have maintained a 90+ GPA over their four years of high school, which is the highest number we have seen in a number of years,” Hale said.
“I am honored to be recognizing this remarkable and highly motivated group of students. They have prioritized their academics, while also immersing themselves in the school community, and volunteering their time to important causes in the Johnstown community. I am proud of their commitment to excellence while at JHS, and have no doubt they will continue to make us proud as they pursue their own passions and make their mark on this world,” he added.
Commencement ceremonies for Johnstown’s graduating Class of 2024 will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 28, on Knox Field. A tentative rain date has been set for Saturday, June 29 at 10:00 a.m.
Top 11 (alphabetical order)
Jocelyn Bush, Jaelyn Christman, Anna Giarrizzo, Abbigail Lewis, Lucy LoDestro, Aahil Patel, Samuel Stearns, Matthew Wheelis, Hunter Zelich (biographies and photos below).
90+ GPA for four years (alphabetical order)
Shea Donohue, Samantha Dorn, Arden Hammond, Chelsea Johnson, Parker Klingbiel, Caroline Krempa, Cole Krempa, Caleb Sanjurjo, Connor Sitts, Emma Smith, Jordan Tarbox, Marlee Traljlinek, Kelsey Walker, Ashlynn Weaver, Brooke Weaver, Andrew Yuenger.
Here’s a look at Johnstown’s top scholars for the Class of 2024:
Ava Barker, Valedictorian
Ava Barker, the daughter of Martha Sweet and Michael Barker, is the Valedictorian of Johnstown’s graduating class of 2024. She will attend Roberts Wesleyan University in the fall to study adolescent education. During her time at JHS, Ava has been involved in Student Council, Key Club, Science Club, Masterminds, National Honor Society, and International Club, and was a member of the field hockey, basketball, and track & field teams.
Tara Sweeney, Salutatorian
Tara Sweeney, the daughter of Lyman and Jacquelyn Sweeney, is the Salutatorian for Johnstown’s class of 2024. She will attend Vassar College in the fall to major in English. Tara is active in many different clubs at JHS. She is the secretary of Student Council, Key Club, and Science Club, an active member of the National Honor Society, the Backpack Program, and Treble Choir. Tara dances pre-professionally in Saratoga Springs and was chosen to perform at the SPAC Festival of Young Artists and with the New York City Ballet at SPAC. She volunteers regularly through Holy Trinity Church working in the church office and lectoring during mass. Tara also devotes time with the Johnstown Historical Society and is a volunteer dance teacher at the Creative Dance Studio. Tara is an AP Scholar, a BigFuture National Rural and Small Town Awardee, and has won the Spanish 3 and 4 Award, the Global Studies 10 Award, and the AP Language and Composition Award.
Top 11 (alphabetical order)
Jocelyn Bush, Jaelyn Christman, Anna Giarrizzo, Abbigail Lewis, Lucy LoDestro, Aahil Patel, Samuel Stearns, Matthew Wheelis, Hunter Zelich (biographies and photos below).
90+ GPA for four years (alphabetical order)
Shea Donohue, Samantha Dorn, Arden Hammond, Chelsea Johnson, Parker Klingbiel, Caroline Krempa, Cole Krempa, Caleb Sanjurjo, Connor Sitts, Emma Smith, Jordan Tarbox, Marlee Traljlinek, Kelsey Walker, Ashlynn Weaver, Brooke Weaver, Andrew Yuenger.
Jocelyn Bush
Jocelyn Anne Bush is the daughter of MaryJo and Kenneth Bush. After graduating from JHS, she plans to attend SUNY Cortland in the fall. During her time at Johnstown, Jocelyn was a member of the co-ed varsity swim team all throughout high school. She became co-captain her senior year and during her time on the team, received the Coaches Award and Most Outstanding Player twice. Jocelyn was the secretary for the class of 2024 for two years. She was inducted into the National Honor Society and was elected secretary. She was also an active member in the JHS Student Council and International Club. Outside of school, Jocelyn has been very involved with her church, teaching classes every Sunday night following her confirmation.
Jaelyn Christman
Jaelyn Christman, the daughter of Jennifer Cool and George Christman, will be attending the University at Buffalo this fall where she will major in biomedical sciences. Throughout her high school career, she has been a member of the girls volleyball team, Key Club, and marching band, and was the Vice President of National Honor Society, Student Council, and Science Club. She is an active volunteer in the Johnstown community, and is quite involved with the Backpack Program. She was asked to be a student representative on the District’s Shared Decision Making ad-hoc committee on District Transportation. Jaelyn would like to thank her mom for always supporting her achievements and always encouraging her to try her best.
Anna Giarrizzo
Anna Giarrizzo is the daughter of Salvatore and Christa Giarrizzo. She will attend Binghamton University this fall to study biochemistry. Anna has been involved in several extracurriculars during her time at JHS including International Club, Science Club, Key Club, and Student Council. She was also inducted into the William A. Wright Chapter of the National Honor Society. She was team captain of her varsity soccer and track teams and achieved Scholar Athlete recognition all four years. For her demonstration of leadership, Anna was selected to attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar (HOBY) her sophomore year. She is very involved in her community, volunteering weekly with her local Youth Ministry team, as well as soup kitchens events and fundraisers for her church.
Abbigail Lewis
Abbigail Lewis is the daughter of Kathi and Matt Lewis. In the fall, she plans to attend Siena College to study biochemistry. Throughout her high school career, Abbigail has been involved in various extracurriculars such as sports, clubs, and organizations. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Science Club, and Key Club. She was a member of the varsity volleyball team for four years and served as captain during her junior and senior years. Abbigail received the Scholar Athlete award all four years of volleyball, along with the Coaches Award her junior year. She also spends time as a volunteer for the Backpack Program and at the local food pantry.
Lucy LoDestro
Lucy LoDestro is the daughter of Joseph and Jeanine LoDestro. This fall, she will attend Liberty University where she will study psychology/counseling. At JHS, she has been an active participant with the Student Council throughout her high school career, and served as president her senior year. She was also inducted into the National Honor Society. Lucy has been active in the Johnstown Lady Bills field hockey program since 2010 and won the award for “Most Improved” during her senior year. She was also a member of the track and field team throughout high school, and won the “Most Dedicated” award in 2020. She was named as a Scholar Athlete during all four years of high school. Outside of school, Lucy is very active in her church community, serving as a Sunday school teacher at St. John’s and volunteering her time with the Johnstown Church’s Council Food Pantry.
Aahil Patel
Aahil Rayyan Patel is the son of Touqir Patel and Shagufta Anjum. This fall, Aahil will attend RPI where he will major in Computer Engineering. Throughout his time at Johnstown, Aahil has been a dedicated member of the soccer program since he was in second grade. He also participated in extracurriculars such as Masterminds and Science Club. Aahil helps out with community service at the Amsterdam Islamic Center. He is also adept at coding, and has attended the Siena Programming Contest.
Samuel Stearns
Samuel William Stearns is the son of Daniel and Lori Stearns. He will be attending Florida Institute of Technology this fall, where he will be majoring in aerospace engineering. At Johnstown, Samuel was a member of the William A Wright Chapter of National Honor Society, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, and Science Club, and was a member of the varsity football and lacrosse teams. Samuel received the prestigious Student Athlete Award for Section 2 Football Hall of Fame. He was accepted into New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA), All State Band and All County Jazz and Classical Bands. He has received Student of the Quarter in math, music and science. While at JHS, Samuel successfully completed nine AP classes at FMCC & University of Albany. He volunteers his time with the N.O.A.H. (Needy Or Alone and Hungry) meal program, participates in food drives, and assists with stocking shelves at the food pantry. He also serves as a volunteer referee for youth lacrosse and youth football, assists with cleaning up garbage on the Rail Trail and helps to care for rescued horses at Heritage Meadows Farm.
Matthew Wheelis
Matthew Wheelis is the son of James and Wendy Wheelis. He will be attending the University at Buffalo in the fall to study biology. While at Johnstown, Matthew played varsity lacrosse for four years and basketball for three. He received All Wasaren League honors during his freshman year of lacrosse. Matthew was also a member of the Science Club at JHS. Outside of school, he has volunteered his time with Johnstown’s Youth Lacrosse program for many years.
Hunter Zelich
Hunter Zelich is the son of Christopher and Cary Zelich. He will attend the University at Buffalo this fall to study civil engineering. Throughout his high school career, Hunter has been an active member of both the wind ensemble and jazz band. He has also volunteered to perform trombone at various community events. He was involved in drama club as a stage crew member during both his sophomore and junior year. Hunter competed as a Johnstown team member at Siena College’s High School Programming Contest during his junior year. Through the University in the High School (UHS) program at Johnstown, Hunter completed many college and AP courses, while also earning a spot on high honor roll throughout his high school career.