B-P names Top 10 students in Class of 2020 – The Recorder

BROADALBIN A total of 143 seniors will graduate from Broadalbin-Perth High School in June, and 29 percent have earned a grade point average (GPA) of 90 or better.The top 10 students of the Class of 2020 have achieved GPAs ranging from 96.73 to higher than 100. They vary in their individual interests, talents and plans for the future, but all have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their education and caring involvement on campus and in the community.The Broadalbin-Perth top 10 students for the Class of 2020 are much more than their tremendous grade point averages, BPHS Principal Mark Brooks said in a news release. They are athletes, musicians and members of numerous extracurricular activities. The accomplishments of this group inside the classroom are truly remarkable. It is what these students have brought to Broadalbin-Perth outside of the classroom and the impact they have had that will be their lasting legacy. I am extremely proud to have such a great group of students at the forefront of our student body.Ttop 10 students of the BPHS Class of 2020:

1.) Miles Compani (100.398 average)Miles may be focused on a career as an industrial engineer with a large, global corporation, but while a student at B-P, he certainly didnt limit his interests. He served as junior varsity and varsity team captain of Masterminds, team mentor of the Future Cities Competition and member of the Science Research Club and First Lego League, and yet he was also co-president of the Esports Club, took part in the Scripps National Spelling Bee and participated in the BPHS Music Improv Group, Jazz Ensemble and Concert Band. Miles community-based activities include Boy Scouts (he is an Eagle Scout and Ad Altare Dei recipient), Mohawk Valley Chamber Ensemble, Gloversville Civic Band and volunteer at the Galway Public Library and Amsterdam Rotary Club. At St. Stephens Church, hes been active as an altar server, lector, member of the fundraising committee and bulletin designer. He is a recipient of the Clarkson Ignite President Fellowship, which provides full tuition for four years; a CASDA 2020 Annual Scholar Award; National Honor Society Scholarship; Future Cities Alumnus of the Year Scholarship; Soroptimist International of Fulton and Montgomery Counties Youth Citizenship Award; Rensselaer Medal Award, and George Washington University Book Award. In the fall, Miles, who is the son of Erin and Todd Compani, will study engineering and management at Clarkson University. When asked what advice he would offer to younger students, Miles said, Be courageous. Dont be afraid to step outside the boundaries of your school and community. Your journey is yours to plan, follow, and achieve as you choose over time, but welcome the unexpected and unknown as they happen.2.) Antonio Zevola (100.294 average)An accomplished student with many interests, Antonio encourages his peers at Broadalbin-Perth High School to expand their horizons. At B-P, he served as president of the National Honor Society and member of the Drama Club, Gay-Straight Alliance Club and Key Club. He was also a member of the cross country and track and field teams. In the community, Antonio volunteered with the Lions Club and worked part-time at Subway. He was awarded the Justice Brandeis Scholarship and SUNY Stony Brook Presidential Scholarship. In the fall, Antonio will enroll at Brandeis University, where he will study computer science and biochemistry. Antonios career aspiration is to become a computational biologist. He is the son of Bibi and Eric Zevola. What advice would Antonio offer to younger students about school? Get involved in everything you can, it really helps expand your social circle, he said. Push yourself out of your comfort zone; youll be surprised what clubs, sports, and activities you end up loving. Dont take everything so seriously; work hard at making sure you are enjoying what you are doing.3.) Matthew Danise (99.203 average)Matthew will head south after graduation: he plans to study finance at Florida State University, where he was awarded an out-of-state tuition scholarship and acceptance into their honors program. His career goal is to become a financial planner. Matthews other awards include a Barrett Honors Scholarship and out-of-state tuition scholarship from Arizona State University and a University Scholars scholarship from Stony Brook University. At B-P, he has been a well-rounded student who credits faculty and staff for their caring and support. Matthew served as Student Government president and member of the Rocket Club and National Honor Society. He was captain of the golf team, where he was a two-time Most Outstanding Player, recipient of the Sean Craig Award and a five-time sectional qualifier. On B-Ps bowling team, he won the Foothills League Tournament highest game award. In his community, Matthew has volunteered at St. Josephs Church, Franklin Community Center, James A. Brennan Memorial Humane Society, and the Capital Region Food Bank. Matthew is the son of Marisa and Ferdinand Ralph Danise. He advises younger B-P students, Do not be afraid to try new clubs and activities. Always reach out to teachers and administrators because they are there to help you.4.) Matthew Syzdek (98.782 average)A leader inside school and on the gridiron, Matthew values tenacity and hard work. At BPHS, he was class president for four years, captain of the football team and has been active in the National Honor Society, Rocket Club, Esports Club and Fishing Club. Matthew was one of B-Ps representatives to the American Legion Boys State. He was an honorable mention on the New York All-State Football team and was named to multiple area all-star football teams. Matt was the first football player in B-P history selected as an overall winner of the National Football Foundations Scholar Athlete Award. Outside of school, Matthew has participated in the Mohawk Valley Chamber Ensemble, the Gloversville Civic Band, and Saint Rose Symphonic Band. He also performed with the area all-state band each of the past two years. Matthew volunteers at the Broadalbin Youth Commissions football clinics and local animal rescues. He is the recipient of a Clarkson Leadership Award, and his career aspiration is to become an engineer. In the fall, Matthew plans to study mechanical engineering at Clarkson University. He is the son of Suzanne and Stephen Syzdek. When asked what advice he would impart to younger students at B-P, Matthew said, My advice would be to never give up. It may get hard, but in the end it is all worth it.5.) Avery Fenton (98.764 average)Avery took on the world, literally, while a student at B-P. In 2018 and 2019, she and fellow members of B-Ps Odyssey of the Mind team won first place in state competition and then finished in the top five at the World Finals, an international competition. Avery received the OMER award for volunteering to help other Odyssey teams and for competing for eight years, and the Odyssey of the Mind Ranatra Fusca Award for extraordinary creativity of solution. She was a cheerleader at football, basketball and competition events and served as cheerleading captain during her senior year, when she was named to the 2020 Foothills Council Cheerleading Allstar Second Team Backspot position. Avery was also awarded a Dedication Award and a Sportsmanship Award in cheerleading. Her other honors include the University of Rochester Xerox Award. In her community, Avery served as 1st Sunday school teacher at St. Josephs Church, assisted with the Broadalbin Youth Commission Little Leagues concession stand and volunteered at Fish House Community Center events. Avery has enrolled in Fairfield University for General Nursing Studies and is considering a career in healthcare as a nurse anesthetist. She is the daughter of Christopher and Julie Fenton. To younger students in school, she advises, Get involved as much as you can. High school will be one of the best times in your life, so take advantage of every opportunity there is. These years go by in the blink of an eye, make them count.6.) Sydney Rogers (98.155 average)Sydney played sports, was active in clubs, worked part-time, volunteered all while excelling in her classes as a student at BPHS. Sydneys ability to balance many interests will surely prove beneficial when she pursues a future career in medicine. Next fall, she plans to attend Fairfield University, where she was accepted into the honors program and will study biology. In recognition of her achievements, Sydney was awarded the Magis Scholarship for Fairfield University, a renewable, four-year award. At B-P, Sydney served as treasurer of the National Honor Society, and class secretary while she was in grades 10, 11 and 12. She also played softball, was captain of the varsity volleyball team and was honored with the Coachs Award, Allstar Team for volleyball. Outside of school, Sydney worked at Town and Country Deli and has volunteered for the Saratoga Palio Half Marathon. The daughter of Michael and Jennie Rogers, Sydney is reflective about the experience of todays young people during a time of pandemic. When asked what advice she would offer younger students in her school, Sydney said, We have seen with the coronavirus that things dont happen as you expect them to. Appreciate the little moments, and dont take your time at school for granted.7.) Madison Fariello (97.750 average)Madison urges her younger peers to have a range of experiences, advice she can vouch for. At B-P, she has been active as Student Council co-vice president, Lions Club student liaison, and member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Spanish Club and Drama Club. Shes played club volleyball, varsity volleyball and served as varsity team co-captain. She earned the NYSPHSAA Girls Volleyball Championships Sportsmanship Award, B-P Varsity Volleyball Coachs Award, and Section 2 First Team and Second Team awards. Madison was also a member of B-Ps track and field team. Outside of school, Madison has volunteered at Nathan Littauer Hospital as a candy striper/junior volunteer and at St. Marys Institute Drama Program and Summer Camp, Red Cross Blood Drives, Color Runs and the Summer Drama Program. She has worked at The Flower Bed and Pizza Supreme. Madison has been on the B-P Principals List all four years of high school, and she has been awarded the Rochester Institute of Technology Computing Medal Scholarship, Le Moyne College Presidential Scholarship, Hofstra University Presidential Scholarship and Syracuse University Award of Recognition. She plans enroll in college to study medicine, with a career goal of working in dermatology. She is deciding between Northeastern University, Penn State University, Hofstra University, and Fairfield University. Madison is the daughter of Allison and Michael Fariello. When asked what advice she would offer to younger students about school, Madison said, Take advantage of as many opportunities as possible. Its important to be yourself and diversify your experiences as much as you can, despite the discomfort you may feel. As long as youre trying your best, you should be proud of what you achieve.8.) Eric Vertorano (97.709 average)Eric was voted Most Spirited four years in a row during pep rally at BPHS. His energy, involvement and school spirit are certainly evident in his accomplishments and activities during his high school years. Eric has served as vice president and treasurer of Spanish Club, as class officer, secretary and treasurer of Key Club, and as a member of the National Honor Society. He was also a main set designer in Drama Club and is recipient of that clubs Helping Hands Award. Erics other honors include the Fredrick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award from the University of Rochester. Outside of school, Eric participated in the Capital Region Institute for Human Rights 2019 Teen Summer Symposium and the H.O.B.Y. Leadership Conference. He also has volunteered at the James A. Brennan Memorial Humane Society. Eric is enrolled at the University of Rochester, where he plans to study international relations and Spanish. His career aspiration is to work in the field of international law. Eric is the son of Michael and Michelle Vertorano. Being present is at the heart of his advice for younger students. Attendance is key, Eric said. Be there every day, physically and mentally.9.) Emily Macfarlane (97.692 average)Emily has volunteered more than 300 hours St. Marys Hospital, an impressive amount of time given her many other activities while a student at B-P. Her volunteer experience will also likely add perspective to her study of biomedical engineering in college. She is considering the University at Buffalo and aspires to a career as a genetic engineer or geneticist. In high school, Emily served as a class officer in Key Club and treasurer in Band. She was active as a member of the National Honor Society, Masterminds, Research Club and STEM Club. She also played on the soccer team at BPHS. Emilys achievements have earned her a Semler Fidelitys Excellence in Band Award and a George Eastman Young Leaders Award. Emily is the daughter of Heather and Todd Macfarlane. When asked what advice she would offer to younger students about school, Emily said, You should always do your work on time, and dont procrastinate. If youre struggling then you should get the help you need.10.) Meaghan Uhlinger (96.730 average)Meaghan is an accomplished Scholar Athlete and well-rounded student who cherishes the times she spent on campus with her friends and fellow students throughout her years at B-P. Meaghan earned the Scholar Athlete award for each of her varsity seasons. She was involved in cheerleading for football, basketball and competition, where she was honored as a three-time Section 2 runner up, and she also participated in outdoor track and field. Meaghan served as co-president of Band, was active as a member of Masterminds, Key Club, National Honor Society, and during her freshman year, of the Wind Turbine Team. In the community, Meaghan has volunteered with the fundraising walk for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Relay for Life event benefiting the American Cancer Society, and she has worked part-time at TJ Maxx. In honor of her all of her achievements, Meaghan was awarded an Elmira Key Scholarship. She plans to study criminology this fall at SUNY Cortland, with a career goal of working in law enforcement. Meaghan is the daughter of Jamie and Corey Uhlinger. In light of todays changing times due to the coronavirus pandemic, Meaghan advises younger students to, Cherish the time you have at Broadalbin-Perth. These circumstances have taught me how grateful I should have been to see my friends five times a week at school, so enjoy every day you are in the building with your peers.

Read the rest here:
B-P names Top 10 students in Class of 2020 - The Recorder