Congratulations to this year’s top three students! All three are enrolled in the Future Ready Pathways Program (FRP) and have earned a combined 218 college credits from Hudson Valley Community College.
“Every year I am in awe of the accomplishments of our graduates and how hard they work to push the limits for academic success,” said CHS Principal Laura Tarlo. ” I have personally and professionally known these top-three honor graduates for many years now and have seen the commitment and dedication it has taken for them to get to where they are today. I could not be more proud as both their principal and a fellow community member. It is my honor and privilege to highlight their accomplishments during our senior celebrations and commencement ceremony.”
Kyle Smith – Valedictorian
The top student this year is Kyle Smith, earning the title of valedictorian with an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 101.01 and 71 college credits.
“I am truly grateful to receive such an honor among my fellow students at Cohoes High School. However, I would not have been able to do it without the support from all of my past teachers, friends and family. The reason I am who I am today, is thanks to the work ethic and guidance my parents have instilled in me and for that I am forever grateful.”
Kyle played modified and JV soccer, baseball, basketball and varsity soccer and baseball. In addition to being in FRP, he was also a member of the National Honor Society.
He will be heading to the University at Buffalo this fall to major in engineering.
Nyasia Wade – Salutatorian
Nyasia Wade has earned the title of salutatorian with a GPA of 99.92 and 68 college credits.
“I have never been more ecstatic to be honored with being the salutatorian of the class of 2024. Throughout my time in high school, I’ve always tried my best to improve in each of my classes. I studied for every test, and I stayed after school for extra help. It feels amazing to know that hard work can pay off in the end. I want to not only thank my teachers for aiding me in my goals, but I also want to thank my parents for pushing me, waking me up every morning, and never letting me give up even when things were tough. This just proves that anyone can achieve their goals if they work hard enough.”
During her time at CHS, Nyasia played JV basketball and varsity lacrosse and was a member of the National Honor Society. She has also volunteered at many school and community events, such as the haunted house, City of Cohoes Christmas tree lighting and decorating for school dances. She is also the Class of 2024 Treasurer.
Nyasia was accepted into the Honors Program at Siena College, where she will be a dual major in accounting and analytics with a minor in criminal justice.
Luke Paradis – Honorable Mention
Luke Paradis earned Honorable Mention with a GPA of 99.18 and 79 college credits, one of the highest total number of college credits earned from CHS.
“I am honored to be in the top three of this year’s graduating class. I am grateful to have such a good support system surrounding me, whether that is my parents or friends. Without them, I would not have earned this title. I also want to thank my teachers for supporting me through their classes. I am happy to see I’m in good company and can’t wait to see what the other two have planned for the future.”
During his time at CHS, Luke was on the baseball and soccer teams, served as vice president of Real Kids Wear Pink, and was a member of the National Honor Society.
He will be attending North Carolina State University this fall, where he will major in chemical engineering.
“We are extremely proud of these three students and their continued accomplishments, ” said CHS counselor and FRP Advisor Chris Fournier. “They have worked really hard and persevered through their challenging courses throughout high school and have really earned this recognition. Each of them, through the FRP program, had the opportunity to attend HVCC this year as seniors, and they all thrived over there. This is a very well deserved recognition for each of them!”