Chase Yom was taking a quiz in his advanced placement government class last week when he was called down to the counseling office.
“All of a sudden I heard my name called and I thought, oh no, what’s going on,” he said.
When he arrived at the college counseling office, Principal Brian Piazza told him the good news: Yom was named valedictorian for Carmel High School’s Class of 2025.
Yom, 17, who aims to become a doctor, said he has most enjoyed studying social studies and science during high school.
“I’ve had a string of really, really great social studies teachers here who have inspired me,” he said. “I plan to study science and eventually go to medical school.”
Yom, who attended Matthew Paterson Elementary School, runs a non-profit – Instruments Inspire – which donates musical instruments to children in need. And he isn’t the only great student in his family, as his older brother Christian was valedictorian for the Class of 2023.
Kayleigh Harney was named salutatorian for CHS’s Class of 2025.
“I’m very surprised,” said Harney, 18. “I never really thought I could do this.”
Harney’s family, however, was not surprised. Her sister Claire, who is in 10th grade, was on hand for the announcement.
“I knew she’d get this,” said Claire. “I’ve been calling it since she was a sophomore. She’s so smart and she works so hard.”
Harney, who is on the cross-country and track teams, said she plans to study business or journalism in college and is already working toward those goals. She is a reporter for the Future Business Leaders of America newsletter for New York State, the FBLA Express.
Harney attended Kent Primary School and credits teachers she’s had throughout her school career with helping her succeed.
“There have been so many people who would stay after for hours to help me,” she said. “I couldn’t have done this alone.”