Congratulations to Brae Dunham and Holden Schel who have been named Class of 2024 Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively.
Brae is the son of Deanna and Jason Dunham. He is a member of the National Honor Society, French and Spanish Honor Society, and Elevating Student Voices. Brae served as a class officer, serving as Class President. He participates in Environmental Science Club, Student Council, Odyssey of the Mind, Jersey Youth Academy, Junior Dairy Leaders, New York State Jersey Junior Breeders, Schoharie County Youth Advisory Board, Youth as Leaders, New York Junior Diabetes Research Foundation-Upstate Chapter, Future Farmers of America, serving as Vice President, 4-H, and Student Council. Brae played Varsity Tennis, Varsity Basketball, Varsity Soccer, and AAU Basketball. He was selected for and attended Boys State in 2023. Brae also attended Questar III New Visions STEM program during his senior year.
Brae was the recipient of the Rensselaer Medal for outstanding success in math and science, FFA Empire Degree for a Supervised Agricultural Experience in Dairy Animal Management, Academic MVP for Varsity Tennis, Soccer, and Basketball, and the Arlene McClenon Memorial Award for an outstanding youth dairy representative.
Brae plans to study Environmental Engineering at Cornell University.
Holden is the son of Kristen and Donald Schel. He is a member of the National Honor Society, serving as Vice President, as well as the French and Spanish Honor Society. He participates in Environmental Science Club, serving as Secretary, Schoharie County Youth as Leaders, Chess Club, serving as President, Odyssey of the Mind, and Varsity Club. Holden is a member of the Pro Disc Golf Association. He also plays Varsity Tennis.
Holden received the National Rural and Small Town Recognition Award, AP Scholar Award, Rensselaer Leadership Award, Clarkson Leadership Award, the Provost’s Scholarship, RIT Presidential Scholarship, and University of Maryland President’s Scholarship.
In addition to his academics, clubs, sports, and committees, Holden is involved in Pep Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Shrek: the Musical (high school musical). Holden attended Questar III New Visions STEM program during his senior year and volunteered at the Food Bank and the Summer Enrichment Program.
Holden plans to study Mechanical Engineering.