Congratulations to Ethan Hidalgo, the Minisink Valley High School Class of 2024 valedictorian; and Olivia Loeven, the Class of 2024 salutatorian!
Meet Valedictorian Ethan Hidalgo
I will attend and plan to major in: I am attending Yale University for Computer Engineering.
Activities/clubs/sports: Main activities are Band, Choir, True Crime Club, Gay-Straight Alliance, Puzzle Club.
Awards/recognitions: RIT Math & Science Award, Big Future Recognition Awards, Choir Award of Excellence, Drama Director’s Award for Reliability, Key Club President’s Award for Passion for Service, 5th place in RIT Physics Olympiad (on a team with Olivia Loeven), Sojourner Truth Award for Science
Favorite 13-year school career memory and specific high school memory: Favorite High School Memory: Hugh O’Brien Youth (HOBY) Leadership conference, the last day of which happened to be my birthday. It was a transformative weekend learning many skills and meeting good friends. Favorite 13-year school career memory: Playing the Hunger Games in Ms. Pagnanella’s class in eighth-grade.
How has Minisink Valley prepared me for college and beyond? Past the skills taught to me in class, engaging in school activities has made me more confident and communicative, things that will hopefully serve me well for the future.
In 15 years, this is what I hope my life will be like: In 15 years, I hope I’m proud of my work and content with life.
Advice for others: Don’t let others influence your decisions too much. It’s good to consider their perspectives, but ultimately, it is your life.
Thank you to: Thank you to my Mom who has sacrificed so much to ensure I was prepared and fulfilled in my life thus far.
Meet Salutatorian Olivia Loeven
I will attend and plan to major in: Attending SUNY Orange; Mathematics and Natural Sciences Program; planned major is biology
Activities/clubs/sports: National Honor Society, Key Club, Girl Scouts
Awards/recognitions: Sojourner Truth Award for Mathematics (sophomore); Sojourner Truth Award for Science, RIT Women in STEM Award; Grade 11 (Female) Excellence Award, College Board National Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award (junior); Sojourner Truth Award for Science
Favorite 13-year school career memory and specific high school memory: 13-year school memory: Seventh- grade choir field trip to see the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway; High school memory: Ms. Broas’s end of the year, in-class party (hung out with friends and tried new foods)
How has Minisink Valley prepared me for college and beyond? Minisink Valley has helped prepare me for life after high school by providing opportunities to gain skills and find my passions. The teachers are incredibly supportive and aid in understanding any number of topics. The social events that Minisink Valley offers are also crucial to my preparation for the “real world,” as they allowed me to hone my communication skills and remember to have fun!
In 15 years, this is what I hope my life will be like: I hope to have a position at a research facility where I can blend technology, medicine, and biology to help others live their lives easier. At this point, I hope to have moved out of New York and into an apartment in an area where research is prominent.
Advice for others: Take classes that force you out of your comfort zone. These classes, above all classes, will help you gain the skills and confidence you’ll need for many years to come. Also, don’t let your anxiety prevent you from trying new things (classes, clubs, events, hobbies, etc.). Thorough exploration of opportunities allows you to find what you truly love.
Thank you to: My parents for being a constant source of love, support, and encouragement; my friends for making me smile and reminding me to live life outside of academics; my teachers for providing the information to help me find my passion (specifically: Ms. Jordan for passionately reminding us of the beauty, curiosity, and complexity of the living world around us; and Ms. Broas for greatly caring about her students and sharing her stories).
What else do you want to share that you feel is important? Prioritize being healthy. With great health, good academics and happiness can follow.