CRARYVILLE – Taconic Hills Junior/Senior High School Principal James Buhrmaster and Assistant Principal Malgorzata Baldyga have announced the valedictorian and salutatorian for the graduating class of 2020.
Amy Smith, the daughter of Denise and James Smith of Hudson, has been named Taconic Hills Class of 2020 valedictorian. Amy is president of the Senior Class, Foreign Language Club, and Art Club, along with leadership roles in Key Club and National Honor Society. Amy participated in the Bard College program for part of the school day and plans to attend Wesleyan University to study Environmental Science and Conservation. Amy is an accomplished artist, athlete and well-rounded student. Her hard work and dedication to her studies are continually recognized by her teachers and classmates.
Delana Bonci, daughter of Jude and Eric Bonci of Claverack, has been named Taconic Hills Class of 2020 salutatorian. Delana will be attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, majoring in Biomedical Engineering while also playing field hockey, indoor track and outdoor track. Delana was honored by the NYS Senate passed Resolution #2764 re: her personal and academic accomplishments, she received the Columbia County Youth Leader of the Year Award, the RIT Medal, the Rensselaer Medalist and the Recognition Awards from RPI, and is an AP Scholar. Delana holds the school record for most goal assists in field hockey. She was named 2019 Section IX MHAL League MVP, 2018 and 2019 Taconic Hills MVP, captain, and multi-year Scholar Athlete, First Team All-Star three years in a row, and All-State. She holds a school record for the 4x400m relay in track, while being named First Team All-Star. Delana was class president for many years, president of National Honor Society, Taconic Hills Chapter of Dollars for Scholars liaison, Homecoming Queen, and Student Council. Delana is a DEC Camp Colby volunteer, she mentored first graders, is a lifeguard and was a ski instructor for the past four years.