Central Valley Academy proudly announces the Class of 2023 valedictorian and salutatorian. Austin Tubia is the valedictorian and Samantha Helmer is the salutatorian.
Austin Tubia - Valedictorian
Austin has excelled in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. He is self-motivated and eager to tackle the most rigorous AP, college-level, and honors courses CVA offers. He earned an AP Capstone diploma and received the Honor CVA Principal's letter for being on the Principal's Honor Roll every quarter for the last three years. As a junior, he received the Rensellaer Medal for excellence in math and science and the St. Michael's Book Award for academic success and community service. He is the Class of '23 DAR Good Citizen. He is also the QuestBridge Scholarship winner, which is a full-tuition scholarship.
Austin's talents are not limited to classwork. He served as Class of 2023 President since ninth grade. He is a member of National Honor Society, Math Club, Newspaper Club, Unified Basketball and Unified Bowling, and is president of the Art Club. He is the co-founder of the "Take Care Boxes" found throughout the school, which are filled with personal care supplies donated by the community. Items are free to any student who may need them.
Austin is the son of Jeremiah and Beth Amber Tubia of Mohawk. He will attend Hamilton College with plans to major in Political Policy.
Samantha Helmer - Salutatorian
Samantha excelled in CVA's most rigorous courses. As a junior, she received the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award for her excellence in science and her PSAT math score. She received the Honor CVA Principal's letter for being on the Principal's Honor Roll every quarter for the last three years. She also earned the Scholar Athlete Award for her accomplishments as an athlete and student.
Outside of the classroom, she was a two-year captain of the Varsity Field Hockey team, earning the MVP award and being named First Team Tri Valley League All-Star. She was also a member of the Varsity Basketball and Track and Field teams. She is a member of the Math Club, National Honor Society, Key Club, Student Council, and the Athletic Leadership Council.
Samantha is the daughter of Joseph and Julie Helmer of Ilion. She will attend Nazareth College with plans to major in Biomedical Science and play on the school's field hockey team.