Voorheesville Central School District announces this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian, two exceptional students who have shown dedication to their academic careers while also excelling in extracurricular and community activities. The Class of 2024 valedictorian is Vincent Coppola, and salutatorian is Paige Layman.
Valedictorian Vincent Coppola has consistently achieved high grades and was nominated as a U.S. Presidential Scholar in his senior year. He has participated in numerous clubs including Key Club and The Blackbird Review where he served as art director. He has excelled as a member of the VCSD Varsity Swim Team and with a club team, qualifying for a national-level meet and being named the 2024 Adirondack Swimming Senior Scholar-Athlete.
Additionally, Coppola has studied piano for 13 years and has spent the last four summers volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House in Albany.
Coppola said he loved learning in a small school with a tight-knit community. He felt able to explore his different interests, and is appreciative of his teachers:
“I also enjoyed having so many great teachers who helped me along the way,” said Coppola. “Even though my education at Voorheesville was not always easy, I learned so many great skills during my time here that I am excited to use in college and beyond.”
This fall, Coppola will attend New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) to pursue a major in Civil Engineering. He has also been accepted into the Albert Dorman Honors College at NJIT. He will continue to pursue his love of swimming and will join the NJIT swim team at the Division I level next year.
Salutatorian Paige Layman has also demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and leadership. She played on the varsity volleyball team and was a captain during her senior year. She was also captain of the Science Olympiad team and a National Honor Society officer. Layman distinguished herself further by serving as the ex officio student representative on the school board during her senior year.
“I am so thankful and honored to be the salutatorian this year,” said Layman. “Both the students, staff, and community have made this chapter of my life something I will hold close to my heart.”
Layman will attend Hamilton college in the fall. Ultimately, she hopes to serve others by going into politics.
Both students enhanced the school community during their years here, sharing both their leadership and their talents with their peers.