Bellwood-Antis has officially announced the class of 2024’s valedictorian and salutatorian.
The valedictorian honor was given to Vincent Cacciottti, and Corrigan Shanafelt was named the salutatorian.
Valedictorian is given to the student who has finished as the highest rank in the class and has achieved the highest GPA throughout high school. The salutatorian is given to the second ranked student in the class, with the second highest GPA. Both are amongst the highest academic honors you can achieve in high school.
This achievement is not easy to achieve and was something Vincent has been working toward for a long time.
“I’ve taken pride in my work since the beginning and am thrilled by how high this consistency has lifted me,” Vincent said.
Vincent also recognized the people that helped him get to where he is.
“To be given this title makes me so incredibly grateful towards the teachers, administration, family, and classmates who helped me along throughout the journey,” he said. “It’s not possible to achieve an honor like this on your own.”
Corry was also thrilled to be given such a high honor.
“I am very grateful to achieve such a big accomplishment and to celebrate it with the people who helped me get there,” said Corry.
After high school Vincent is attending Penn State University, and is majoring in aerospace engineering. Corry will be furthering his education at West Virginia University where he will be majoring in political science.
High school principal Mr. Richard Schreier has followed the progress of the Class of 2024 for the duration of their careers, and he noted that the race for the top position in class ranking has always been tight. However, he wasn’t surprised to see Cacciotti and Shanafelt finish 1 and 2.
“The Class of 2024 has so many intelligent and thoughtful students, and there was much competition throughout the four years of high school courses,” Mr. Schreier said. (Vincent and Corry) each possess brilliant minds and excellent communication skills. I am excited to hear their messages, when they address their classmates and audience at Commencement.”
Commencement ceremonies will take place May 30.
