#1 - John Kaste

John Kaste is the son of John and Megan Kaste, and the older brother of Kara Kaste. John would like to thank his family for the support they have given him throughout his life in everything he’s done, acknowledging that he owes so much of who he is today to his family. However, he would be remiss not to offer gratitude to his friends as well. Since his earliest recollection, John has been surrounded by friends who proved to be more encouraging than he could have ever asked for, better than he could have expected; to these people, who have always been by his side, John offers his most sincere appreciation. Whether it be his family, friends, or teachers, John always knew he had someone to talk to if he needed anything. He hopes they have felt the same.

During his four years at Washingtonville High School, John has earned numerous awards and has challenged himself by taking several dual enrollment and advanced placement classes including AP Calculus BC, AP US History, and College Chemistry. In addition to these rigorous courses, John has participated in numerous school clubs and sports teams. He has been a member of Jazz Band, Quiz Bowl, and Math Team, where his consistent top scores earned him one of five spots to represent the school at the Math Team Sectional Finals. He has also been a player on the JV and Varsity soccer teams over the course of his high school career.  As he did in his Junior Varsity years, at the commencement of John’s senior soccer season he was named captain of the Varsity team. As captain he holds a greater responsibility, and he always strives to lead by example. In his soccer endeavors, John has also been part of a club soccer team, academy, and development program. He’s played for Washingtonville Soccer Club since he was seven, Fox Soccer Academy since he was seventeen, and New York State Olympic Development since he was fourteen.

At the time of this writing, John is undecided about where he will attend college. However, he intends to major in Astrophysics or Aerospace Engineering due to his excitement for, and eagerness to learn more about, space. Furthermore, he hopes to minor in music production, as after nine years of guitar playing and mastery he has developed a strong passion for composing music and writing songs.

#2 - Olivia Brown

Olivia Brown is the daughter of Craig Stephen and Emily Rivera Brown, and the older sister of Madison, Isabella, and Craig.

Olivia will be graduating from Washingtonville High School as the Class of 2021 Salutatorian and Class President. She has always strived for academic excellence, and has been guided by her ambition throughout her high school career. She challenges herself every year by enrolling in various AP and college-level classes, including AP Biology, College Chemistry, AP Calculus BC, AP U.S. History, and AP Literature. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Foreign Language Honor Society, and Science Honor Society where she balances her academics with community service. Throughout her life, Olivia has made it her priority to be a leader in both her school and community.

Olivia continues her community service as a member of the Orange County Youth Bureau Advisory Board where she has served as a voting member since the eighth grade, allocating funds and partaking in community outreach to promote positive youth development throughout Orange County.

As the Class of 2021 President, Olivia has dedicated her time and effort into planning fundraising events to support the graduating class and raise enough money to give the seniors a memorable prom.

In addition to academics and community service, Olivia has dedicated herself to numerous extracurricular activities. She has been a member of the Girls Varsity Swim Team since seventh grade, and had the honor of being voted captain this past season. She is a school record holder in the 200 Freestyle Relay and has qualified for both the section and state championships for consecutive seasons. She is also an athlete on her town’s recreational team, the Washingtonville Seahawks, where she continues to train in the offseason. Her motivation, perseverance, optimism, and work ethic have been the keys to her success in both her academics and athletics.

Olivia would like to thank her family, friends, coaches, and teachers for their endless support and encouragement throughout the years. They have impacted her life in a tremendous way and helped mold her into the passionate, driven individual she is today. Words cannot express her gratitude.

In the fall, Olivia will continue to pursue her academic endeavors at Boston College, where she will major in molecular biology in hopes of participating in genetic research and becoming a DNA analyst.

#3 - Emma Campoverde

Emma Campoverde is the daughter of Linda and Eddie Campoverde, and the older sister of Ava and Jake Campoverde.

Emma has always been driven in regards to her academics and strives to succeed in all of her classes. Throughout her high school career she has taken a number of AP and college level courses including College Chemistry, College Physics, AP Calculus BC, and AP English Literature. She was awarded Excellence in Math Modeling with Technology Enriched her freshman year, followed by Excellence in both Chemistry Enriched and Spanish 3 her sophomore year, and Excellence in Pre-Calculus Enriched her junior year. Also, in the summer before her senior year she was named a Rensselear Medalist for excellence in science and mathematics.

Another part of her academic career includes her involvement in different honor societies and clubs. Some of these include the Foreign Language, Science, Math, and National Honor Societies as well as the Math Team and Student Coalition. In addition to these clubs and honor societies, Emma ran for and won the position of class secretary for all four years of her high school career.

Emma has worked hard both in the classroom and outside of school. She has been working a retail job in order to save up for college in the fall. Not only has this taught her the importance of responsibility and time management, but it allows her to experience independence with earning and saving money.

Emma would like to thank all of the family, friends, and teachers who have helped her to get to where she is today. None of this would be possible without all of the people who supported and encouraged her throughout the years.

During the time that this was written, Emma was still undecided on where she would continue her academics. However, her field of study will be Chemical Engineering regardless of her decision as to which college she will attend.

#4 - Brianna Fanning

Brianna Fanning is the daughter of Renee and Kenneth Fanning, and the younger sister of Kenneth Fanning.

Brianna has always strived to excel in everything she does. Throughout her years in high school, she has challenged herself by taking AP/college courses including AP Literature, AP Environmental Science, AP Calculus AB, and College Spanish 4. Brianna is also a member of the National Honor Society as well as the Science Honor Society. This encouraged her to participate in numerous community service events throughout her high school career.

Along with excellence in academics, Brianna is avidly involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes at the school and youth group at Goodwill Church. This is where she grows stronger in her relationship with God and other fellow believers. Participating in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, including planning and teaching lessons, was one of her favorite things to do throughout high school. Brianna also enjoys being a crew leader at Vacation Bible School where she gets to spend time with the younger kids at her church. IDecide is another opportunity for Brianna to positively encourage younger kids where she educates them about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. She has been a mentor to these fifth graders her freshman, sophomore, and junior years.

Another area Brianna shows great leadership is through sports. She has been highly active in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track since freshman year. This earned her the title of captain for all three seasons of her junior and senior years. Brianna runs 5ks in cross country, and she participates in the pentathlon in track and field. This consists of high jump, long jump, 100m high hurdles, shot put, and the 800m run. Although Brianna enjoyed all of these events, her favorite part of being on the team was building relationships with the other girls; this is where she created some of the closest friendships she now has.

Brianna would like to thank her family and friends for where she is today. A special thanks to her parents for their constant encouragement in her academic, athletic, and Christian growth. Brianna is beyond grateful for all of the memories and opportunities that Washingtonville High School has given to her over the years.

In the fall, Brianna will be attending Liberty University in Lynchburg Virginia where she will be studying Psychology.

#5 - Gianna Siciliano

Gianna Siciliano is the daughter of John and Carmela Siciliano and younger sister to Alexa.

She would like to thank her parents for instilling the importance of academic success in her and always pushing her to do her best and thank her sister for helping build her character and being there for her no matter what.

Gianna has always made school her top priority and strived for good grades ever since she was young.  She enjoys challenging herself with difficult classes such as AP Biology, AP Calculus BC, College Spanish, and College Criminal Justice.  She is a part of various societies including the Math, Science, World Language, and National Honor Societies.  Gianna has received several awards of Academic Excellence for the following classes: Algebra I Accelerated, Math Modeling with Technology Enriched, Global History II Enriched, and AP Biology.  She has been a member of the Math Team since freshman year and played JV Basketball which she became captain of her sophomore year.  While juggling school and other activities, she worked at her family’s restaurant starting when she was a freshman.

Gianna would like to thank her family, friends, and teachers for their support and helping her get through tough times.  Without them, she would not be where she is now.  She is very grateful for the many life lessons that high school has taught her and is ready for the rest she will learn.  She would like to give special thanks to her biology teacher, Adelia Massari, for furthering her passion for the subject, which influenced her intentions to study it in college.

In the fall, Gianna will be attending SUNY Albany and will be majoring in biology on a Presidential Scholarship.  She will be on a pre-med track in hopes of attending Albany’s Medical School.  She wishes the best of luck to the rest of the 2021 graduating class.

#6 - Ryan Lerner

Ryan Lerner is the son of Scott and Laura Lerner and the younger brother of Katelyn Lerner.

Ryan would like to thank his family, teachers, and coaches for supporting him through every endeavor. From the baseball field to the pool-and the music room to the classroom-he has tried to make the most of every opportunity.

Ryan is an avid learner and has taken pride in his academics, challenging himself with college courses such as Adv. Spanish Grammar, SUPA Public Affairs, Macroeconomics, Criminal Justice, and Statistics. He is honored to have served as a class officer and as a member of the National Honor Society, as well as the English, Music and Foreign Language Honor Societies.

Ryan feels blessed to have had an exceptional athletic career. As a six-time NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete, Ryan learned the value of balancing academics and athletics. He is most proud of serving as captain to lead the Boys Varsity Swimming and Diving team to capturing the first Conference and Section IX Championship in program history. He is also humbled to have broken two school records with some of his best friends in the 200 Free and 200 Medley relays, qualifying for the NYS Championship. Ryan’s passion for baseball was not only fulfilled through the Wizard’s JV and Varsity teams, but through the 2019 Washingtonville Little League Senior Boys Tournament. Playing with some of his best friends was unforgettable and he will always remember the amazing community support as one of the “boys of summer” in 2019, bringing home a district and section banner, finishing 2nd in the state.

Ryan’s love for music has been highlighted by his performance in many OCMEA All-County Bands and Orchestras, Area-All-State, and Wind Ensembles. Whether it is the guitar, piano, trombone, or singing, Ryan has always found a sense of calm when playing music and has worked hard to keep music a joyful outlet.  Ryan has shared this passion in service to the community through caroling at nursing homes, performing at church, and assisting younger musicians at winter and spring concerts.  Ryan’s other high school interests included iDecide, Yearbook, Venture Crew, and working year-round as a swim instructor.

Ryan will be attending SUNY Cortland as a Presidential Scholar and member of the Honors program, majoring in Spanish Education. He hopes to bring people together through language and looks forward to continuing his athletic career and volunteerism at Cortland. Even though Ryan will sport red and black this fall, he will always bleed blue and gold and treasure his time at WHS.

#7 - Caitlyn Edgar

Caitlyn Edgar is the daughter of Kathleen and Jerry Edgar, and the older sister of Ryan Edgar.

Caitlyn has always been both a creative and technically strong student, taking rigorous classes in all subjects. These include courses such as College Physics, College Chemistry, AP U.S. History, Macroeconomics, SUPA Public Affairs, and AP Calculus BC. She has also received numerous awards for her dedication to her studies; Excellence in both Spanish 3 and AP U.S. History, and the University of Rochester Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology. She thanks Mrs. Tzouganatos and Mrs. Rudiak both for inspiring her love of learning.

Additionally, Caitlyn is heavily involved with ballet and instrumental music outside of school; she has been dancing since she was four years old. She has danced with American Youth Ballet since she was eight, and has been able to perform many solo dances and two principal roles. She has gotten the opportunity to play in a multitude of high school honors bands in the area, such as the Hudson Valley Honors Wind Ensemble, OCMEA All County Concert Band and Orchestra, Area All State Concert Band, and the NYSBDA All State Band. She has also been awarded Outstanding Musician by the band department for two years in a row. Caitlyn would like to thank her dance instructor, Albert Davydov, and her music teachers: Mr. Contzius, Mrs. Redeker, and Nathaniel Rensink for their mentorship and guidance during her high school experience. She credits artistic endeavors for her largest personal growth.

Caitlyn also is starting her third summer season working at Weir's Ice Cream in Salisbury Mills. She would like to thank her bosses, Scott and Liz, for helping her build communication skills and for their camaraderie.

In the fall, Caitlyn will be attending the University of Delaware, majoring in Materials Science and Engineering.

#8 - Julia Cestari

Julia Cestari is the daughter of Karen and Steve Cestari and the younger sister of Alex Cestari.  Julia received the University of Rochester Frederick Douglass/Susan B. Anthony Award for her outstanding academic achievement and commitment to community service.  Julia is President of the National English Honor Society, Co-President of the Foreign Language Honor Society, and a member of the National  Honor Society, Science Honor Society  and Tri-M Music Honor Society.  She is also a member of Safe School Ambassadors.

Throughout high school, Julia has been involved in theater and vocal performance.  She has performed in spring musicals and served as Treasurer for Masque & Mime.  She has been selected for All County Chorus, Area All State Chorus and performed as a solo vocalist at NYSSMA festivals for several years.  Julia has also been a solo vocalist at numerous school and community events, including WHS Cabaret, Coffee House, Board of Education ceremony and local concerts.  She has also performed at several local and state events with the Jubilate Choir, based in Warwick, NY.

Community service has been an important and meaningful part of Julia’s high school career.  Last year, she established a Remote Mentor/Tutor Program in Washingtonville to help elementary school students adjust to the challenges of remote learning.  In addition, she serves on the Moffat Library Teen Advisory Board and has volunteered at children’s events and for the summer reading program.  Last summer, Julia was selected to participate in the Summer Youth Leadership Academy Fearless Program, an intensive program dedicated to community activism and positive change on various social justice issues.

Outside of school, Julia has been involved in local political campaigns, serving as social media chairperson and volunteer for a judicial candidate and as a New York Assembly candidate.  During those experiences, she was involved in fundraising, endorsements, strategy meetings and campaign issue analysis.  These internships were incredibly meaningful to Julia and sparked her interest in political science and a greater appreciation for community engagement.

Julia is incredibly grateful to her family and friends for always supporting her and encouraging her to challenge herself.  She would also like to thank her teachers for providing her with valuable academic and life lessons.

Julia is excited to start her college adventure at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

#9 - Angelina Zeoli

Angelina Zeoli is the daughter of Maria and Vincent Zeoli, older sister of Elena and Ava Zeoli, and younger sister to Isabella Zeoli.

Throughout her years of schooling, Angelina has appreciated the educational advantages provided by the Washingtonville school district teachers and staff, expressing her gratitude by her passion and willingness to learn. She recognizes her academic achievements to be the result of her extreme diligence, desire and discipline. Having been driven not by competitive motives or the desire for academic status, she rather views her success as the byproduct of procuring pleasure in knowledge and following her passions. She is exceedingly fascinated by science, and especially enjoys challenging herself in math, as well as in English. Despite ridiculing herself for enrolling in such a strenuous schedule this year, her favorite classes include AP English Literature, AP Environmental Science, and AP Calculus BC, largely in part due to her tireless and enthusiastic teachers.

In recognition for her academic excellence, Angelina has received numerous awards for her work quality and grades throughout high school, as well as the Innovation and Creativity Award presented by Rochester Institute of Technology. She has also been granted admittance into the Math, Science, and National Honor Societies in keeping with high standards of conduct and academia. Angelina had also participated in the math team, as well as the peer tutoring program during her first three years of high school.

Angelina’s passion for physical activity was sparked as a result of her participation in sports at Washingtonville. She has been a vital member of the Girls Varsity Lacrosse team since her freshman year, and has also participated in indoor track and JV Tennis. Through team sports, Angelina has formed lasting friendships, learned discipline and commitment, as well as developed a love for exercise.

Outside of school, Angelina’s hobbies include: meditative writing, hiking, plant collecting and crafting, and cooking. In the future, Angelina hopes to learn how to roller skate and play the drums.

Angelina thanks her teachers, especially those she has had this year, for bringing their energy and sparking interest in the classroom every day. She is very grateful for those teachers who understand the true purpose of education; they have significantly aided in her growth and have further opened her mind. Angelina also thanks her parents for their eternal support and advice.

This fall, Angelina will major in Environmental Engineering at Clarkson University.

#10 - Mark Whelan

Mark Whelan is the son of Claudia and Mark Whelan, and brother to Katerina and Bridget Whelan. He is a strong believer of a hard work ethic, and he sought to push himself through rigorous classes, such as AP Calculus BC, AP Biology, and AP Literature.

Mark is also involved in a number of clubs, including National, Foreign Language, Science, and Math Honor Societies. He has also held a number of leadership positions within his extracurricular activities. Apart from honor societies, Mark also focuses himself as a student athlete, playing both soccer and lacrosse throughout high school. Sports have inspired him to strategize and lead in other aspects of his life, and granted him a deep understanding in working as a team.

Outside of school, he is a member of St. Mary’s Church, Washingtonville Soccer Club, and an employee at Adams Fairacre Farms. He’s been awarded the Sojourner's Truth award, presidential scholarships for both SUNY Buffalo and RIT, and won the school spelling bee.

Community holds an important piece of Mark’s heart, and he often volunteers to help better his beloved village. He participates in elderly food drives, soccer field management, and educational events such as the science expo. Those around him have always stuck by his side, and guided him in the right direction when necessary, and for that he is forever grateful.

Mark has a good number of hobbies and passions he devotes attention to when school permits. Music has encapsulated much of who he is today, and is always being played when he is on his own, especially his favorite artist, Kanye West. Alongside music, he follows English Premier League soccer, tuning in every weekend to watch his favorite teams compete with his father.

Mark would like to thank all of his amazing teachers for guiding him towards his academic achievements, including Mr. Brown, Mrs. Wurster, Mrs. Kaste, and Mrs. Massari.

Mark dedicates all of his successes thus far to his family, who pushed him to become the person he is today and taught him to never give up on his dreams. Especially his mother, who always believed in him, and his father, who always pushed him to set the bar higher. In the Fall of 2021, Mark will be attending Clarkson University, where he will be studying civil engineering.