Class of 2017

Rondout 2017 Scholarships

Rondout Valley students honored for scholastic achievement

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Rondout Valley students honored for scholastic achievement

Twenty-seven of Ulster County’s best and brightest students were recognized for their academic achievements on June 7 at the third annual Scholastic Achievement Breakfast, held on the Ulster BOCES campus in New Paltz. Among them were Rondout Valley High School Valedictorian Caleb Heuvel-Horwitz, Salutatorian Jessica Palmeri and Principal's Award winner Tara Abularrage.

Sponsored by the Ulster County Superintendents’ Council, the breakfast honored the valedictorians, salutatorians and principal’s award recipients from Ellenville, Highland, Kingston, New Paltz, Onteora, Rondout Valley, Saugerties and Wallkill school districts, as well as the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center. In attendance along with the honored students were their parents, principals, superintendents and representatives of the county’s boards of education.

Administrators praised the students for their academic achievement as well as for being outstanding athletes, talented musicians and compassionate individuals who have given their time and talents to improve the world both locally and globally.

Valedictorian Caleb Heuvel-Horwitz will attend Harvard University this fall, where he plans to study physics and mathematics. He aspires to have a career in physics research. Caleb is a member of the National Honor Society, the school newspaper, Computer Club, Math Team, and New Paltz Karate Academy. His achievements include being a cross-country and track state qualifier, an RPI Medalist, and a Coca Cola Scholarship semifinalist. He also received a National Merit Commendation and a Walter E. Pfenstein Professor Emeritus Physics Award. He volunteers his time with Newcomers Uplifted, Community Service Club, and Survival of the Shawangunks Triathlon. Caleb’s biggest accomplishment is completing research on developing a material with a negative index of refraction that can be used in lenses and cloaking devices.

Salutatorian Jessica Palmeri was accepted to SUNY Geneseo but is waiting to hear from Vassar, Cornell and Harvard before making a final decision. She plans to study biology and aspires to become a veterinarian. Jessica is a member of the National Honor Society (tutoring coordinator), Student Congress, and is class treasurer. Her achievements include earning first place at JSHS Sub-Regionals, first place at the Albany Regionals, and fourth place at the Finals. She has also received multiple sports awards, participated in All-County and Area All-State Bands, and earned gold at NYSSMA (flute solo). She volunteers her time at a local animal shelter, the Stone Ridge Library, the Ashokan Reservoir, Harvest Hoedown, and plays in musical ensembles for various events. Jessica says her biggest accomplishment is pushing herself academically and achieving at the highest level that she is capable of.

Principal’s Award recipient Tara Abularrage will be attending Barnard College of Columbia University. She is undecided about her course of study, but is interested in molecular biology and law.

Tara is a member of National Honor Society (Executive Council member), Mock Trial (captain), Student Congress, Figures in Flight Dance Company and Jazz Band. Her achievements include completing independent research at NYU Medical Center, receiving the American Society for Microbiology Award, earning gold at the NYSSMA Solo Festival and a Certificate of Distinction in an NYU College Writing Workshop, and being a Coca Cola Semifinalist. She is a tutor who also volunteers with Newcomers Uplifted and performs dance at the Dynamite Youth Center for Drug Rehabilitation. She also completed a service trip to Panama. Tara’s biggest accomplishments are obtaining a mentor at NYU Medical Center to conduct research, and getting into the prestigious Barnard College of Columbia University.

“These students represent the best of what Ulster County has to offer,” said Ulster BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Charles Khoury. “We are very proud and wish them the best of luck as they continue on the next step of their educational journeys. We have no doubt they will achieve great success wherever life takes them.”

For more information, call 255-1400 or visit ulsterboces.org.