Meet the Class of 2025 Top Scholars

Central Valley Academy announced the Class of 2025 top scholars on Friday, May 20 during a school-wide assembly. Principal Dick Keeler praised the students for their hard work and achievement. He encouraged the freshman, sophomores, and juniors in the audience, saying they can accomplish similar results if they invest themselves. Honored were those students who earned Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude, and the valedictorian and salutatorian.

Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Valedictorian Danielle Luke

Danielle Luke is the valedictorian of the Class of 2025. She is the daughter of Thomas and Kristin Luke of Ilion.

Danielle is an extraordinary student and an inspiring leader who has left an incredible mark on the Central Valley Academy and community.

She has excelled academically in our rigorous AP, College Level, and Regents level courses. She consistently rises to the occasion, demonstrating superior critical thinking skills and a highly developed writing ability that leaves a lasting impression on her teachers and peers alike.

Beyond academics, Danielle's involvement in a myriad of extracurricular activities and community service projects has allowed her to grow into a well-rounded and compassionate individual. As a member of the National Honor Society, Athletic Leadership Council, Language Club, and Math Club, she has not only participated but has also taken on leadership roles, inspiring those around her. Danielle’s leadership extends to the sports field, where she has served as a pillar of strength and encouragement for her teammates on the Varsity Soccer, Basketball, and Softball teams. Her ability to foster a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship is unparalleled, and many of her peers look up to her as a role model. Also, as the Unit’s Executive Officer in the CVA NJROTC program, Danielle has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her duties, consistently exhibiting the values of discipline, respect, and integrity.

Danielle’s unwavering dedication, intellectual vigor, and compassionate spirit make her an exceptional student who will undoubtedly enrich any academic community.

Danielle has been accepted into the Nursing program at SUNY POLY where she plans to attend in the fall.

Salutatorian Alina Rana

It is with great enthusiasm and admiration that we recognize Alina Rana as the honored Salutatorian of the Class of 2025 at Central Valley Academy. Alina is the daughter of Laura Rana of Ilion.

Alina’s academic journey at Central Valley Academy has been nothing short of stellar, consistently excelling in Advanced Placement, College, and Advanced Regents courses. Her teachers often remark on her ability to tackle challenging material with grace and determination, bringing a unique depth to classroom discussions that inspire her peers.

Alina's dedication extends far beyond the classroom. Her involvement in an array of clubs and activities at CVA is a testament to her commitment to personal growth and community service. She is an active member of National Honor Society, Student Council, Math Club, Ecology Club, Language Club, Key Club, Science Club, Book Club and Jazz Band. These activities require a student to have dedication and compassion to give back through various community and school activities; she exhibits these qualities immensely.

Alina's journey has not been without its challenges, yet she continues to handle each one with maturity and grace. Her ability to balance a rigorous academic schedule with her extracurricular commitments speaks volumes about her organizational skills and her unwavering dedication to excellence.

In the fall, Alina plans to attend the University of Chicago for Chemistry and Physics.

Summa Cum Laude (95-100)

(Not in photo order) Molly Canipe, Zoe Craig, Gregory Durant, Vincenzo Geloso, Brady Herringshaw, Molly Herringshaw, Katelyn Kane, Danielle Luke, Lincoln Lynch, Jacob Miller, Alina Rana, Lorelei Stanley, Madison Traskey, Nolan Tutty, Isabella White

Magna Cum Laude (90-94.99)

(Not in photo order) Riley Bacon, Corinne Baerman, Hunter Becker, Aubrey Branner, Ryan Clanton, Taylor Durfee, Lanni Dyn, Gracie Hall, Logan Hewitt, Anthony Joyce, Christopher Joyce, Garrett Knowles, Jeremy McRedmond, Ethan Meszler, Alexia Mizerak, Sophie Murphy, Derek Newtown, Nikolai Penree, Avery Rich, Gabriel Smithson, Sophia Watkins

Cum Laude (85-89.99)

(Not in photo order) Savannah Abeling, Alexander Albin, Josephine Aney, Trinity Aponte, Connor Ball, Chastity Bates, Cheyenne Berberick, Jonathan Berberick, Kason Berry, Daniel Bishop, Elijah Chandler, Kiarra Cool, Loc Dang, Brayden Darrow, John Elthorp, Kaiden Girard, Richard Grabski, Ashley Joseph, Logan Judd, Tiffany Kretchman, Grace Lally, Julia Llewellyn, Ryan Luke, Kadence Lyman, Francesca Marcuccio, Zackary Messineo, Allyson Morales-Vargas, Gerald Norris, Aidan Prokopienko, Salvatore Pronti, Athena Renshaw, Madison Sanchez, Dakota Sanders, Isabella Terzioski