The district is proud to announce that Christopher Rickard has been named 2025 High School valedictorian and Mia Abruzzese is the 2025 salutatorian, earning the High School’s top two honors through exceptional dedication to achievement both in and out of the classroom.
"Chris’ and Mia’s incredible hard work in their academic pursuits are outstanding examples of the value of rigorous study," said Principal Kenneth Hauck. “They’re also involved and engaged members of our school community. Chris and Mia are outstanding role models to all our students because they’re showing that the pursuit of academic excellence can and will successfully position anyone in their future college and career plans. We’ll be watching their future accomplishments with much pride and wish them much luck in all they do."
Meet Christopher Rickard through this Q&A:
What’s important for others to know about your Minisink Valley academic experience?
While I have challenged myself extensively by taking rigorous classes, Minisink Valley’s excellent teachers and community have supported me. I have really enjoyed my experiences at Minisink and have learned valuable skills that will be instrumental in my future.
What are your extracurricular activities and why are they important to you?
I have been on the Varsity Golf Team since seventh-grade and Varsity Swim Team since 10th grade. I am a member of the National Honor Society, Technology Club, and Varsity Club. Through these activities, I have learned communication and teamwork skills. I am the recipient of the Rensselaer Medalist Award, the 11th Grade Excellence Award, the 10th Grade Excellence Award, a New York State Boys State Nominee, RIT High School Physics Olympiad participant, 2025 OCIAA Scholar Athlete Award recipient , 2023 Section IX Boys Golf runner-up, two-time NYSPHSAA Boys Golf Championship qualifier and Student-Athlete Leadership Summit participant.
What’s your favorite memory(ies) of Minisink Valley?
One of my favorite memories of Minisink Valley is my fifth-grade field trip to Bear Mountain. Another favorite memory of mine is elementary school gym class.
What advice do you have for students?
My advice for students is to participate in numerous extracurricular activities and become involved in their community.
What is a life lesson you learned at Minisink Valley?
A valuable life lesson I have learned at Minisink Valley is to never give up.
What are your college plans and aspirations for an eventual career?
I will be attending Penn State University to study mechanical engineering.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to be a successful engineer and proud of my accomplishments. I would like to thank my parents and brother for all their love and support.
Meet Mia Abruzzese through this Q&A:
What’s important for others to know about your Minisink Valley academic experience?
The most challenging part of high school was adjusting from being online for over a year to coming back to school in person. My motivation comes most from my desire to learn new things. There are many teachers who impacted me throughout my years that I will certainly remember after I leave Minisink.
What are your extracurricular activities and why are they important to you?
I played lacrosse all of high school and it has brought me many new friendships and helped me to connect with other classmates from all different grades. I played hockey my whole life with people from other states and countries which has taught me so much about different people from different places all over the world. I spend a lot of time volunteering at the local animal shelter which has brought me so much joy and experience.
What’s your favorite memory(ies) of Minisink Valley?
I have a lot of fun memories but my favorite is from sophomore year when my best friend CJ and I won the school badminton tournament.
What advice do you have for students?
My advice for other students is to invest in your time in high school and try to gain all the knowledge and experience you can from your classes, teachers, classmates and extracurricular activities.
What is a life lesson you learned at Minisink Valley?
During my time at Minisink, I learned that high school can bring many challenges and changes to everyone's lives and the best thing you can do for other people is choose kindness.
What are your college plans and aspirations for an eventual career?
I plan to attend Nazareth University in the fall to play ice hockey and study biology. I hope to have a career in Wildlife Biology or Wildlife Conservation.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to be working with animals in some way and helping to protect endangered species from extinction.