Brockport High School (BHS) seniors Emma Hopsicker and Aidan Mayes Poduslo have been named Class of 2023 Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively.
On Tuesday, May 16, Emma and Aidan were surprised by their parents, BHS Principal Michael Pincelli, BHS Vice Principal David Iacchetta and Superintendent Sean Bruno to announce their accomplishment.
For Emma, she’s achieving a goal she set for herself back in 2018 as she was wrapping up her 7th grade year at Oliver Middle School.
“We wrote letters about our goals to our future selves,” Emma explained. “I wrote that I would be valedictorian.”
According to Emma’s school counselor, Teri Caldwell, her persistence and drive have helped her to succeed.
“Emma stays on top of things, she was the first in her class to turn in her college applications,” Ms. Caldwell said. “Paired with her impeccable follow-through, she’s a bright star and will achieve everything she sets her mind to.”
Emma is no stranger to working hard. In addition to taking 10 Advanced Placement and four honors courses over her high school career, she’s in National Honor Society, Brockport Swimming and Diving, Mathletes, Key Club and is a three-time all-around state champion in gymnastics. Emma spent her senior year putting in 30 hours a week at the gym where she coaches and practices as a competitive gymnast.
Emma is heading to the University of Notre Dame this fall and plans to major in finance.
Similarly, Aidan says that being in the top two of his class has been something he’s been working toward since 10th grade.
“I put a lot of work into it,” Aidan said. “It took a while, but I knew it was something I wanted to achieve.”
Over his high school career, Aidan has been involved in such a wide range of activities, including Student Council, National Honor Society, Environmental Club, Masterminds and Mathletes.
“Both of these students have worked incredibly hard over the past four years,” Pincelli said. “These awards are a culmination of their hard work and dedication to their studies during their time here at Brockport High School and we are all incredibly proud of them.”
This fall, Aidan plans to attend Rochester Institute of Technology and explore the many opportunities available to students there to form a solid plan for his future.
“I would like to commend Emma and Aidan on their exemplary achievements,” Superintendent Bruno said. “Your hard work is paying off and we are excited to see what the future holds for each of you.”
For those hoping to follow in Aidan’s and Emma’s footsteps, their advice is to have fun, work hard, and “make the most out of every day.”
“My advice to younger students would be to accept challenges and work hard, ask for help when needed, and always show your gratitude,” Emma said.
Aidan agreed, adding that students should “make school something fun - whether it be by hanging out with friends, making strong friendships, learning about your interests, or finding a club or extracurricular activity that inspires you to make the most out of every day!”
Emma and Aidan would like to thank all the teachers and staff at BHS that have helped them achieve their goals.
Both students will address the Class of 2023 during commencement, which will take place on Saturday, June 24 at the SUNY Brockport SERC.
