GFHS celebrates 90 “VIP” students for perseverance, positivity, and more!

Close to 100 Glens Falls High School students were recognized this spring with a VIP award in one of the following areas:

  • Positivity (optimism, the student views challenges as opportunities for growth)
  • Kindness (the student is friendly and generous, the student builds others up)
  • Perseverance (persistence, the student doesn’t give up easily or may be making hard-fought improvements)
  • Love of Learning (the student is curious and has a thirst for deeper understanding)
  • GF Nation Spirit (the student demonstrates leadership and respect, donates time and energy to the community)

Each student who received a nomination was given a certificate and given the opportunity to participate in a make your own ice cream sundae event. Special thanks to Stewart’s Shops for their donation of the ice cream and toppings for this celebration!  Please scroll down to read about each of the VIP award-winners’ recognition. Congratulations to all!

students enjoying ice cream together in cafeteria

students enjoying ice cream together in cafeteria

students enjoying ice cream together in cafeteria

students enjoying ice cream together in cafeteria

students enjoying ice cream together in cafeteria

students enjoying ice cream together in cafeteria

students enjoying ice cream together in cafeteria

students enjoying ice cream together in cafeteria

Abbey O’Hara Love of Learning Abbey does a wonderful job putting together science concepts for deeper understanding. Mrs. Ludlow
Addison Gorton Love of Learning Addison has demonstrated exemplary effort and a love of learning in both Spanish 2 and Spanish 3. Mrs. McKeighan
Alastair Sperry Perseverance Always asks for help and won’t stop until he gets it. Mr. Miller
Amelie Nassivera Perseverance Amelie has worked very hard to be very prepared for the APUSH exam! Ms. Gormley
Anthony Reyes Perseverance I would like to recognize Anthony for his determination to keep working hard. Through physical pain and difficult circumstances Anthony continues to be a vibrant part of our classroom community. He continues to make progress when so many would give up. Keep working hard, one day at a time! Susan Botch
Anya Shaffer Positivity Anya has such a warm and inviting personality. We can always count on her for a smile, encouragement, and a positive outlook. Way to go, Anya! Ms. Lopez
Asher Phillips-Pregent Perseverance Asher has adjusted well since her move from Lake George. She has been very determined to be successful in Math class. Mr. Leininger and Mr. Meunier
Ava Lily Bell Love of Learning Ava, Although I haven’t had you as a student for very long, you’ve made a significant impact on me and those around you. Watching your growth as an artist and person this year has been beautiful to witness and I know you’ll only continue to crush it and be your truest self beyond High School! Mx. Kent
Ava Rodriguez Love of Learning Ava comes to class every day with a smile and a desire to learn! She consistently adds to class discussions with thoughtfulness and enthusiasm! We have loved having you in class, Ava! Miss Dineen and Mrs. Benway
Ava Rowland Positivity Ava is always ready to learn. Her confidence shines through daily. Mrs Miller
Avery Martin Perseverance Avery has turned his academic year around by coming to school, doing school work and will be graduating! So proud of him Mrs. Collins
Ayla Hayes Positivity Ayla, your attitude and effort in our classroom has been impressive. You work hard and are always kind and helpful. Keep up the great work! Ms. McLeod and Mr. Meunier
Benjamin Boyce Perseverance Ben’s efforts are noticed and appreciated! Yvonne Anderson
Blake Eichorst-Viger Love of Learning Blake always puts forth maximum effort and is also a polite, friendly, and helpful person. Mr. Meunier and Ms. McLeod
Brandon Dick Perseverance Brandon works hard to keep his grades high in class. His high standards are a good example for his classmates. Mr. Meunier and Mr. Leininger
Caleb Ashe Love of Learning Caleb always goes above and beyond on his class work and is always willing to help his peers. Mrs. Arney
Caleb Bombard Perseverance Never Quits Mr. Miller
Cameron Hamell Love of Learning Cameron has demonstrated exemplary effort and a love of learning in both Spanish 2 and Spanish 3. Mrs. McKeighan
Caroline Lieberth GF Nation Spirit Caroline is a natural leader, not only at school but at Big Brothers Big Sisters Mrs. Miller
Caydence Flint Love of Learning Caydence exemplifies a love of learning by approaching every task with determination and enthusiasm. Caydence consistently and thoughtfully adds to our class discussions and positively impacts the students around her. We love love having her in class! Miss Dineen and Mrs. Benway
Cece Gonzalez Positivity Cece, you have done an amazing job this year! From being on time to class to spending extra time outside of class to make sure you are staying on track has been impressive to watch. Keep up the great work! Ms. McLeod and Mr. Meunier
Charlotte MacPherson Love of Learning Charlotte goes above and beyond with her class work. She is kind to everyone! Mrs. Arney
Chloe Wright Positivity Chloe is always smiling and eager to learn and work her hardest. Thank you for all of your hard work this year! Mrs. Dunleavy
Claudette Bricoccoli Positivity Claudette always works hard and is very positive. Mr. Amberger
Corey Smith Perseverance Corey puts in extra time on his own to complete his projects, and has shown a lot of improvement. Mr. Sesselman
Daelen Serravento Nelson Perseverance Daelen, You have grown so much just in the last two years alone and I can’t put into words how proud I am of you and your strength. No matter what you’re facing, you make time to create and channel your feelings into your creative outlets in a way that viewers will truly never forget! (: Mx. Kent
Dominic Sherman Kindness Dominic has the courage to be kind to others Carol Miller
Duvaney Prince Mills Perseverance Duvaney works very hard and has become an exceptional student-athlete at GFHS! Ms. Gormley
EJ Tripp Positivity Your hard work and sunny optimism in the face of challenges deserves recognition now, and will help pave the way to a bright future! Ms. Bell
Elina Wade Perseverance Always willing to do what needs to be done to understand the material. Mr. Miller
Eloise Duggal Love of Learning Eloise has worked very hard this year on her AP Lit skills. She is always willing to go the extra mile, asks good questions, and works with her peers. Mrs. Arney
Emma Canale Kindness Emma always enters a room with a smile and leaves it with a “have a nice day!”
Her positivity often shines onto her classmates, helping them to participate in class.
Miss Leyden
Emma Harten Love of Learning Emma has demonstrated exemplary effort and a love of learning in both Spanish 2 and Spanish 3. Mrs. McKeighan
Emylou Richards Positivity Emylou’s efforts are noticed and appreciated! Yvonne Anderson
Eric Allen Perseverance Eric takes his time to think through things to achieve more positive outcomes Mrs. Walton and Mrs. Wells
Erica Saville Perseverance Erica continues to work through any adversity thrown her way. She always completes homework, classroom assignments and projects even though it may not be easy for her AND she does it with a smile on her face. We love having her in class! Miss Dineen and Mrs. Benway
Ethan Binette Perseverance Ethan’s attitude has improved a great deal since the beginning of the school year. He has been working hard in Global to complete all of his assignments. We have built a good relationship and I’ve seen a different, more positive side of him. Keep it up, Ethan! Jamie Pokerwinski
Haiden Patchen Positivity Haiden always works hard in math class. He doesn’t get frustrated when he has setbacks. Instead, he redoubles his efforts. Mr. Meunier and Ms. McLeod
Harmony DeMello Love of Learning Harmony works very hard and consistently to keep learning and doing well in class. She also does a great job at explaining content to other students. Mrs. Ludlow
Hilary Burns Kindness Hilary comes into class every day with a smile and a compliment for a member of the class. She brightens the room and it doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you for your optimism and kindness this year! Mrs. Dunleavy
Isabella A.O. Johnson Love of Learning Isabella’s efforts are noticed and appreciated! Yvonne Anderson
Isabella McMahon Love of Learning Bella’s positive attitude and love of learning are inspiring to others! Mrs. Ruel
Jackson Murphy Love of Learning Jackson has demonstrated exemplary effort and a love of learning in both Spanish 2 and Spanish 3. Mrs. McKeighan
Jacob (Maylee) Dufault Perseverance Jacob’s efforts are noticed and appreciated! Yvonne Anderson
Jacob Randall Kindness Jake is a constant positive force in the classroom. He is great to have around and I so much appreciate his kindness! Mrs. Anderson
Jaiden Mathis Love of Learning Jaiden is inquisitive and reflective, always shows a desire to learn Mrs. Miller
Jake Burns GF Nation Spirit Jake helps to support his teachers both during class time and throughout the day and is a positive leader. I appreciate you, Jake! Mrs. Anderson
Jason Weng Perseverance Jason has been an incredibly hard working student throughout high school! Ms. Gormley
Jaydin Serrano Perseverance Jaydin, your willingness to work hard to make sure you understand the material is inspiring. You are always pushing yourself to learn. Keep up the great work! Ms. McLeod and Mr. Meunier
Jill LaFond Perseverance Always willing to take criticism and make herself better. Mr. Miller
Jillian O’Brien Love of Learning Jillian is always reading multiple books simultaneously and eager to share her new find. Jillian truly believes the philosophy of the more you read the more places you will go. Thank you for all of your hard work! Mrs. Dunleavy
Johnathan Spory Perseverance John works so hard every day and is a consistently positive leader in class. Mrs. Anderson
Jordyn Etu Perseverance Jordyn has shown so much growth this year. I am so proud of you! Mrs. Arney
Julia Kress GF Nation Spirit Julia, Being able to watch you grow from sophomore to senior year as an artist and person has been one of my greatest pleasures as an educator. You constantly inspire and impress me with your absolutely incredible artworks and your consistent kindness and respect towards others. I couldn’t be prouder of the strong, talented, and mature person that you’ve blossomed into! Mx. Kent
Justin Heym Perseverance Justin works hard to accomplish his goals and responsibilities. He does not give up on himself, even when things get challenging. He is making excellent strides! Ms. Lopez
Kate Crandall Love of Learning Kate began this year taking two English college level courses. She successfully handled the coursework with integrity and diligence. Kate has such a bright future ahead and I can’t wait to see all the places she will go! Mrs. Dunleavy
Kaydin Pangiarella Positivity Kayden, you have done a tremendous job since joining our classroom. You work so hard and you’re always willing to help others. Keep up the great work! Ms. McLeod and Mr. Meunier
Kellen Burns Perseverance Kellen’s performance and attitude have improved tremendously since MP2. He is completing all assignments in Global Studies and completes all tasks I ask of him with no questions asked. Ms. Pokerwinski
Kiersten Stevens GF Nation Spirit Kiersten was the ONLY student who witnessed a fight and reacted to get help while her classmates chose to watch the fight. Mr. Levett
Kiersten Stevens Kindness Kiersten helped a boy who was getting beat up by going and telling a teacher Mrs. Collins
Kole Hotte Love of Learning Kole has done an amazing job diving into Adobe Illustrator in Graphic Design. No fear, just investigative and problem solving skills found at the heart of every brilliant mind. Susan Botch
Kole Hotte Perseverance Kole works hard to be successful despite dealing with many challenging situations in his life. Mrs. Cerny
Kole Hotte Perseverance Kole has been digging deep and working hard this spring. He has been showing his perseverance as he heals up, gets his work done, and comes to Gamer Club every week. Mrs. Gray
Konner Wilson Perseverance Konner continues to be hardworking at school and at home! Ms. Gormley
Kyle Bullard Love of Learning Kyle’s passion for learning is a positive asset to the school community Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Walton
Layla Press Perseverance Layla always strives to do her best, even during difficult times. I’m proud of her for being willing to do hard things! Mrs. Cerny
Lillian Dybas Kindness Always willing to work with and help others in class. Makes others better Mr. Miller
Logan Hill Perseverance Logan consistently tries his hardest even when faced with obstacles. Mrs. Wells
Macey Lanfear Love of Learning Macey has demonstrated exemplary effort and a love of learning in both Spanish 2 and Spanish 3. Mrs. McKeighan
Maddi Sherlock Love of Learning Maddi has been such a positive influence on our class! I can always count on Maddi to add to our class discussions with thoughtfulness and enthusiasm! Thank you for all of your hard work this year! Miss Dineen
Mae Tallon Perseverance Mae has worked very hard to be very prepared for the APUSH exam! Ms. Gormley
Mallory Hunnewell Love of Learning Mallory far exceeds expectations on a regular basis and puts incredible effort into everything she does. Mrs. Anderson
Matea Berry Positivity Matea works very hard and clearly enjoys learning. She has made excellent progress this year. Bravo! Madame Cipollo
Matt Healy Perseverance Matt always works hard in math class. He always tries his best and is a great example for others to follow. Mr. Meunier and Ms. McLeod
Michael Fante Kindness Michael is always kind to both peers and staff. He goes out of his way to be helpful and kind every day! Kathy Cerny
Mo Northrop GF Nation Spirit Mo – Between your incredible development the last two years as a 3D artist, your consistent drive to include yourself within the school and community, and your kindness and respect towards others, you completely embody the GF Nation spirit. I’m ridiculously proud of the wonderful person you’ve blossomed into! Mx. Kent
Nicholas Marsh Love of Learning Nick’s efforts are noticed and appreciated! Yvonne Anderson
Nick Feldman Positivity Nick is a hard worker. He helps others in his classes that are struggling with work. He is always respectful and positive with adults around him. Ms. Pokerwinski
Noah Fronhofer Perseverance Noah always works very hard no matter the task and makes keen observations. He has made excellent progress this year. Bravo! Madame Cipollo
Owen Campopiano Kindness Owen is not only a hard worker, a constantly positive force in the building, and involved in the school community, but he is one of the most genuinely kind students I have ever had. Mrs. Anderson
Parker Welch Love of Learning Parker has shown exemplary effort and enthusiam during both Spanish 2 and Spanish 3. Mrs. McKeighan
Pearl White Perseverance Pearl has been working so hard this year. She always turns in high quality work and is kind to everyone. Mrs. Arney
Rebecca McPhee Kindness Rebecca’s work ethic, kindness, and positive attitude inspire others! Mrs. Ruel
Rohan MacNaughton Kindness Rohan does a wonderful job explaining science concepts to other students in a kind and patient way. It is appreciated! Mrs. Ludlow
Rohan MacNaughton Love of Learning …always dives into a topic and seeks out a connection to it. The time and dedication to the learning and the craft is to be deeply complimented! Susan Botch
Rohan MacNaughton Positivity Despite some challenges this year, you haven’t let anything get you down. Your positive vibe has been refreshing! Keep working hard! Ms. Caffarel
Skyler Sturdevant Perseverance Skyler never gives up and is able to reach his goals Mrs Miller
Sophie Campopiano Kindness Always has a positive attitude and looks for ways to make others feel involved and included. Miss Leyden
Sterling Towers Love of Learning Sterling, If I could give you an award for all five categories I would because you have grown into just the kindest, motivated, positive, and talented young man I’ve had the pleasure of having as a student for 3 years now. I’m forever in awe of your art, your strength and perseverance, and am wildly proud of you!!! Mx. Kent
Sylvia Slingerland Perseverance Sylvia always has a positive attitude and does her best! Mrs. Ruel
Tairah Grant Kindness Tairah always has a smile on her face and other students gravitate to her with her positivity and quiet kindness. Mrs. Ludlow
Tristan Storch Perseverance Tristan’s independent spirit has taken off in a positive direction this year! Mrs. Walton
Tyler Wilkinson Perseverance Tyler, we have seen such growth in you! Your level of effort, perseverance and participation is truly making you a strong leader in our math classroom. Great job! Ms. McLeod and Mr. Meunier
Vinny Firneno Perseverance Vinny is always eager to do extra work. He takes initiative and doesn’t give up easily.
Mr. Lis, Mrs. Brown, and Mrs. Zurlo
Vivienne Cerro Love of Learning Vivienne shows joy in learning and shares that joy in class! Mrs. Ruel
Will Vanderminden GF Nation Spirit Will helps to support his teachers both during class time and throughout the day and is a positive leader. I appreciate you, Will! Mrs. Anderson
Zachary Colvin Perseverance Your positivity, persistence, and endurance in face of ongoing challenges this school year has been remarkable. Those strengths will help you do great things in life! Ms. Bell