CHESHIRE, Mass. — Hoosac Valley High School has proudly announced the valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2024. This year, the top honors go to Emily Johnson and Michael Smith, respectively.
The graduation ceremony is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. in the school gymnasium, where these outstanding students will be celebrated for their academic achievements and contributions to the school community.
Emily Johnson, daughter of Mark and Sarah Johnson of Adams, has been named valedictorian. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has received the Superintendent’s Award. Emily has been actively involved in various school activities, including the Ski Club, Leo Club, and the track and field team. She has also served as a Hoosac PRIDE mentor, embodying the values of perseverance, respect, integrity, diversity, and empathy.
In addition to her school involvement, Emily has participated in the band and worked as backstage crew for the school’s musicals. She has also been an intern with the Garden Club and a member of Girls Who Code and Berkshire Community Rowing. Emily has received numerous awards, including the Feel Good in Your Community Award, the Cornell University Sweatshirt Award, and the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal.
Emily plans to attend the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where she will study microbiology and German.
Michael Smith, son of John and Lisa Smith of Adams, has been named salutatorian. He has served as president of the local National Honor Society chapter and has been a class officer for the past four years. Michael has also been vice president of the Student Council and a member of the Athletic Leadership Council for four years.
Michael’s involvement in school activities is extensive. He has been a member of the Link Crew, Leo Club, Ski Club, Art Club, and the school’s 84th Chapter, which focuses on smoking prevention. He has also participated in the World of Difference program and served as a PRIDE mentor. Additionally, Michael has been co-chair of the District Attorney’s Youth Advisory Board and has taken part in the school’s annual musical productions and band.
Michael has excelled in athletics as well, serving as captain of both the soccer and lacrosse teams. He has been named to the All-League Team in soccer and has received the statewide Youth Leadership Award, the Feel Good in Your Community Award, the Williams College Book Award, and the CIAO soccer scholarship. He has also earned excellence awards in Advanced Placement history, world history, literature, and physics.
Michael plans to attend Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts before transferring to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst to complete a double major.
The Hoosac Valley community is incredibly proud of Emily and Michael for their hard work, dedication, and achievements. Their accomplishments are a testament to their perseverance and commitment to excellence.
As the Class of 2024 prepares to graduate, the school looks forward to celebrating the achievements of all its students and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
