Dingman takes top honors, with a final GPA of 99.75
A total of 127 seniors will graduate from Broadalbin-Perth High School in June, with 38% of the students earning a grade point average (GPA) of 90 or better. The top 10 students of the Class of 2022 have achieved GPAs ranging from 97.55 to 99.75. 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.
“Achieving the status of Top 10 in your graduating class is a tremendous accomplishment in itself. Considering the obstacles that this group has faced over the last two-plus years, this accomplishment is all the more impressive,” said Broadalbin-Perth Senior High School Principal Mark Brooks.
“Perhaps the most impressive thing about this group is that they are not only top-notch students, but they are even better people. Congratulations on this much deserved recognition,” Brooks added.
Congratulations to the following top 10 students of the BPHS Class of 2022:
Taylor Dingman (99.75)
Taylor Dingman will travel to Maastricht, Netherlands, in the fall to study at Maastricht University. She plans to major in global studies and she hopes to work within the United Nations or international non-governmental organizations (NGO) in the future.
She received the University of Rochester Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award, which honors outstanding high school science students. She is an AP Scholar with Honors and was on the Principal’s List all four years of high school.
Taylor was able to shine academically at B-P while participating in clubs that tapped into her varying interests. Dingman served as president of Spanish Club, tech manager in Drama Club and was a member of AV Club, National Honor Society and Key Club. In addition to her school activities, she is also a member of the basketball team and is an assistant at Emery Designs, a digital marketing firm based in Gloversville.
What advice does Taylor have for younger students? “Try hard on your studies, but do not forget to enjoy your time in school with friends and extracurriculars. In the end, you will cherish those memories more than any grade you have earned.”
Katherine Szumowski (99.04)
Katherine Szumowski excelled academically while becoming the first New York All-State Symphonic Band member at B-P in 2022. In the fall she will continue to pursue music, as she will attend the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to study French Horn performance. She also hopes to study music education. She furthered her musical career during high school as a member of the Empire State Youth Symphony Orchestra for five years and All-County for three years.
The daughter of Ed and Jen Szumowski, Katherine aspires to be a professional musician who performs with international orchestras, operas, musicals and film directors.
In addition to her impressive musical career, Katherine is involved with many extracurriculars. She was class president for two years, Band President, National Honor Society member, drama vocal coach and music director, and a member of Chinese Club and Key Club. Katherine was on the cross country and soccer teams as well. She is the recipient of the Mohawk Valley Chorus Scholarship and the George Eastman Young Leaders Scholarship from the University of Rochester.
Outside of school, Katherine created her own vocal studio and is a private vocal instructor. She is a mentor to young drama students for Foothills Family Productions, and she serves as vocal coach and assistant director for B-P Elementary Drama. She volunteers at the Catholic Dioceses of Albany helping with food distribution and is also a Brazilian Jiujitsu student.
Asked what advice she would give younger students, Katherine said, “Time management is everything. Learn how to appropriately use your time, and balance hard work and relaxation.”
Sophia Rogers (98.90)
Sophia Rogers will attend Sacred Heart University this fall to pursue a degree in psychology. Her goal is to become a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist so she can devote her time to helping people improve their mental health. Her academic excellence at B-P has earned her the University of Rochester Frederick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony Award; Sacred Heart University President’s Excellence Award; Sacred Heart University Thomas More Honors Scholarship; and Fairfield University Magis Scholarship. She has also achieved Principal’s List.
Daughter of Michael and Jennie Rogers, Sophia has served as the secretary for Student Government and National Honor Society and president of Key Club. She is also a member of Varsity Club, Ski Club, Spanish Club and Sacandaga Volleyball Club.
Sophia is captain of the varsity lacrosse team and was the varsity lacrosse 2021 Foothills Council First Team All-Star. She also is a decorated varsity volleyball player and was named First Team Foothills Council All-Star in 2019 and 2021, as well as All-State Volleyball Class B First Team All-Star in 2021.
In her free time, Sophia places American flags by veterans’ headstones at the local cemetery. She has volunteered at local halfway houses, gaining exposure to those working to improve their lifestyles, and currently works at Town & Country Deli after school.
Her advice to younger students? “Enjoy high school life outside of the classroom. Play sports, join clubs, make connections and step outside of your comfort zone. Time will fly, so make the most of it.”
Shelby Fenton (98.56)
Shelby Fenton has been active in the B-P community as a volunteer with local favorites such as the Color Run, Block Party, and the Home Show and Craft Fair. She is also a volleyball camp counselor, a first grade Faith Formation Teacher at St. Joseph’s, worked the front desk at Upper Deck Batting Cages, and was a caterer at St. Mary’s Hospital. She continues to demonstrate her leadership at school as vice president of both the National Honor Society and Student Government. She is a member of the Ski Club, Spanish Club, Drama Club, Masterminds and the Sacandaga Volleyball Club. Daughter of Julie and Christopher Fenton, she is also on the volleyball team.
Shelby received the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal Award and the Chancellor Award at Syracuse University, which recognizes superior professional achievement and encourages the ongoing pursuit of excellence. She was also on the Principal’s List .
Shelby will attend Syracuse University in the fall to pursue a degree in public health with a biology minor. She aspires to become a doctor.
Shelby’s advice to younger students? “Become involved and enjoy the short time you have in high school. Find a work-life balance that keeps you motivated and happy.”
Alexandria Georgelos (98.49)
Alexandria Georgelos aspires to work in the elementary education field so she can devote her time to helping children fall in love with learning and become their “comfort teacher.” She realized she wanted to be a teacher when she volunteered last year as a B-P Camp Invention Counselor. She heads to Monmouth University this fall to follow her dream.
Daughter of Jennifer and James Georgelos, Alexandria currently serves as the class vice president and is a member of the National Honor Society, Research Club, Key Club and Spanish Club.
Alexandria is a member of the volleyball and alpine ski team. Her academic excellence at B-P has earned her a spot on the Principal’s List all four years of high school, and she was the recipient of the University of Rochester Xerox Award.
When asked to give younger students advice Alexandria said, “Get involved in extracurriculars and sports. Step out of your comfort zone and do something you wouldn’t normally do. Most importantly, enjoy your time in high school because you will miss it when it’s over.”
Madison Cromling (97.72)
Madison Cromling plans to study animal science and pre-vet at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the fall and hopes to work as a veterinarian or animal pharmacist. Madison was named to B-P’s Principal’s List all four years of high school and was the recipient of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Chancellor’s Award and the Saint Michael’s College Book Award for Academic Achievement and Social Conscience. Active in extracurricular activities at B-P, Madison is a member of the National Honor Society, SADD Club and the Fishing Club.
Madison spends her free time as a volunteer for Insurance Professionals of Fulton County veteran flag replacement program; participating in walks to support multiple sclerosis research; and assisting in soup kitchens and at Peaceful Acres horse rescue, where she can grow her love and knowledge of animals. She also takes part in the Fulton County Cleanup Day. She is the daughter of Trudi and Patrick Cromling.
Madison’s advice to younger students? “Work hard, always try your best, and don’t take the time for granted. If you persevere towards your goals and do what you need to make them possible, success will follow.”
Maddalena Minkler (97.63)
Maddalena Minkler demonstrated her leadership skills at B-P by serving as an officer for several clubs. She was the co-president of Student Government during her freshman and sophomore years, moving to treasurer in her junior year. She is a member of the National Honor Society and of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at FMCC, earning early admission at FMCC during her time in high school.
Maddalena is active in sports as well. She is a member of the varsity volleyball team that went on to be the Sectional and Regional Champions and attended the state championships for two years. She participated in JV volleyball and JV and varsity softball.
The daughter of Brandt and Stacia Minkler, Maddalena received the Wells College 21st Century Leadership Award and the SUNY Delhi Merit Scholarship. She will be attending SUNY Delhi in the fall to study veterinary science and technology, planning to work in the veterinary field. She has held a part-time job at the Amsterdam Animal Hospital for two years.
When asked for words of wisdom, Maddalena said, “Stay involved in activities such as sports within the school. It is a great opportunity to make friends and create lifelong memories throughout your school years.”
Makayla Hodsoll (97.58)
Makayla Hodsoll is the student representative for the B-P Board of Education, class treasurer, and a member of the Varsity Club, Vocal Ensemble, and National Honor Society. She is on the varsity soccer and basketball team and was awarded the Basketball Scholar-Athlete Award. Makayla is also the recipient of the SUNY Oneonta Presidential Scholarship; Clarkson University Leadership Award; and the SUNY Cortland Merit Scholarship, with an offer to their Honors Program.
Makayla will attend SUNY Oneonta in the fall to study adolescent social studies with a minor in educational psychology. She wants to help young students understand the importance of learning and knowing history. To gain more experience Makayla has volunteered at B-P Elementary, assisting teachers with their classroom work.
Daughter of Mike Hodsoll and Karen Trumble, she has spent her summers working at a summer church camp and helping with youth commission basketball clinics and coaching youth commission soccer.
Her advice to younger students is simple yet powerful: “Try everything. Take that risk because you never know what you are going to be good at until you take it.”
Alayna Preston (97.57)
Alayna Preston not only excelled academically but is a soccer scholar-athlete. She was captain of the varsity soccer team and received multiple accolades including Times Union Defensive All Star; Foothills Council First Team; and Class B All-Star. She is the vice president and secretary for Spanish Club, webmaster and communication specialist for Key Club and a member of the Research Club, National Honor Society, and Varsity Club. Daughter of Ralph Preston, Alayna has earned a spot on the Principal’s List all four years of high school.
Beyond the classroom, Alayna has worked at Lakeside Tavern and Marina, and Subway. She has volunteered at the Patriot Pink Out, Breakfast with Santa, and Letters to Veterans and has served as an assistant dance teacher, and youth commission soccer coach.
Alayna will pursue a degree in biology at Siena College in the fall, with the intention of conducting research and then pursuing a career as an educator at the high school or college level.
What advice would she give to younger students? “Find things that interest you and stick with them!”
Logan Zara (97.55)
While at B-P, Logan Zara pursued extracurricular activities that catered to his love of music. He was the lead trumpet in the B-P High School Concert Band, a member of the Jazz and Marching Band and Audio-Visual Club, and an actor, stage manager and student mentor for the High School Drama Club. Logan furthered his musical education by becoming a member of the Capital Region Wind Ensemble and performing in their Side-by-Side Concert series. He was also a member of the Mohawk Valley Chamber Ensemble and a Gloversville Civic Band student member.
The son of Kimberly and Thomas Zara, Logan was also active in sports. He was on the JV and varsity cross country team as well as the JV and varsity outdoor track and field team. He won 3rd place in the Division Pentathlon Competition in 2021.
Logan is the recipient of the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Academic Distinction Scholarship and the Health Horizons Scholarship. During his time at B-P he was a member of the National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society and made the Principal’s List. Outside of school, Logan works for the Community Care Physicians Group as a pediatric neurology intern. He also was a customer service associate at Market 32.
Logan will attend Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in the fall to study microbiology, with an eye toward a career as a doctor of medicine or physician assistant.
His parting advice to younger students? “Do what inspires you and give it your best. Work hard and stay focused on what’s important to you. Learn to manage your stress and have fun!”
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