WHS Salutatorian gears up for her next adventure

Washingtonville High School Salutatorian Sophie DeCarvalho has built an impressive record of academic achievement, leadership and dedication. Her rigorous course load features a wide range of Advanced Placement and college-level courses, and is complemented by active involvement in student organizations such as the Community Service Club, Youth in Government and the Mock Trial Team. Furthermore, Sophie’s academic excellence earned her recognition in multiple honor societies and the prestigious Elmira College Key Award during her junior year.

Yet her interests extend well beyond the books. Sophie thrives on adrenaline and adventure, finding joy in pursuits that might surprise those who know her primarily for her classroom accomplishments. Whether blazing through wooded trails on dirt bikes, carving down snowy slopes on skis or gliding across ice rinks, Sophie loves the thrill of motion, and dreams of owning her own motorcycle someday.

“I don't think people would expect that,” she laughed. “I'm not really afraid of heights or anything. I seem to fall in the footsteps of my dad because he's into all that stuff and introduced it to me and my sisters at a young age.”

That same drive for challenge and excitement fuels Sophie’s academic passions. She’s particularly fascinated by nuance and interpretation, which she’s explored through her love for English and years of participating in Odyssey of the Mind. Competing alongside her all girls team, Sophie reached the world competition twice in a demanding, engineering based category, crafting weight-bearing structures and performing creative skits. 

“I really like our group of girls. We’re all really close, and we definitely became closer through the experience,” she explained. “At Worlds, I honestly enjoyed spending time with them even more than the actual events. We did really well, and I'm proud of that, but it was just such a great experience being together.”

Sophie’s intellectual curiosity also led her to the SUPA Public Affairs course through Syracuse University, where she tackled complex public policy issues. For her capstone project, she and her group spent an entire semester drafting a policy aimed at expanding access to reproductive healthcare nationally.

“It was eye-opening to realize just how challenging it is to get legislation passed on a national scale,” she said. “But it’s one of the projects I’m proudest of.”

Although Sophie considers herself to be quiet and reserved in certain situations, the courtroom is not one of them. It’s where she’s spent the last two years excelling on the Washingtonville Mock Trial Team, helping them advance to county finals both times. 

“There’s a certain kind of power stepping into that environment when you know your role and what you’re doing,” Sophie said. “It gives you the confidence to fight back.”

This appreciation for law deepened last summer when Sophie interned with the Orange County Youth Government Immersion Program. Assigned to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, she reviewed appellate motions, observed courtroom litigation and handled Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests.

“At first, I wasn’t sure if it was the right fit,” she explained. “But once I understood it better, it was captivating. The entire legal process fascinated me and it just clicked.”

In the fall, Sophie will attend the University at Buffalo as a Presidential Scholar in the Honors College, entering their accelerated 3+3 law program. She’s eager for the independence college will bring and excited to join the ski club.

Sophie credits her family for instilling her strong work ethic and adventurous spirit. “There’s always been immense support and encouragement at home,” she said. “I’ve always admired my dad’s determination and my mom’s dedication to our education.”

Looking ahead, Sophie plans to embrace new experiences wherever they arise, whether skiing out west, exploring new clubs on campus or seizing spontaneous travel opportunities. “I want to explore everywhere,” Sophie said. “Europe, Colorado, anywhere, really… If something interesting comes up, I’d probably just go for it.”

With her sense of adventure and intellectual curiosity guiding the way, Sophie’s journey is only just beginning. Once a Wizard, always a Wizard – just one equipped with a helmet, passport and boundless ambition.