SUNY POTSDAM ATTRACTED 13 STUDENTS AT THE TOP OF THEIR CLASS FOR THE FALL SEMESTER

SUNY Potsdam welcomed 13 incoming freshmen students at the top of their class for the fall semester, including five valedictorians and eight salutatorians.

“We are thrilled that these students accepted our invitations to become a part of our family for the next phase of their lives,” said Tom Nesbitt, director of admissions. “They all have a tremendous work ethic and are active members in their respective communities.”

This year’s valedictorians and salutatorians include students from throughout New York state.

Amber Brooks is the daughter of Andrew Brooks of Massena and Wanita Ball of Norwood. She was the salutatorian of Norwood-Norfolk Central School. Her major is studio art.

John Cavanaugh was the salutatorian of Minerva High School. The son of Diane Cavanaugh of Olmsteadville, he will major in politics.

Daughter of Patricia Chapin, Kara Chapin was the salutatorian of North Rose-Wolcott High School. She is an archaeological studies major.

A chemistry major, Celina Furman was the salutatorian of Norwich High School. She is the daughter of Deborah Schlesinger of Norwich.

Danielle Fountain, St. Regis Falls Central School valedictorian, is an undeclared major. She is the daughter of Richard Fountain Jr. of Dickinson Center and Christine Fountain of St. Regis Falls.

An undeclared major, Katie Harmer was the valedictorian of Hermon-DeKalb Central School. She is the daughter of Harry and Sherry Harmer of DeKalb Junction.

Lisbon Central School salutatorian Tessa Kelley will major in dance. She is the daughter of Guy and Katherine Kelley of Lisbon.

Potsdam High School valedictorian Noelle McCall is the daughter of David and Bonnie McCall of Potsdam. She is majoring in art studio.

John Miller of Indian Lake was the salutatorian of Indian Lake High School. He is an undeclared major.

Katherine Mueller, daughter of Phillip Mueller of Galway, will major in music education. She is the valedictorian of Galway High School.

The son of Ryan and Kari Schermerhorn of Gouverneur, Benjamin Schermerhorn was the valedictorian of Gouverneur High School. He is majoring in physics, math and secondary education.

Hillary Sponable, the daughter of Bonnie Sponable of Plattsburgh, was the salutatorian of Beekmantown High School. She is majoring in French.

Clifton-Fine Central School salutatorian Jordyn Sullivan comes to SUNY Potsdam as a childhood/early childhood education major. She is the daughter of Donald and Judy Sullivan of Star Lake.

Even though admission to SUNY Potsdam is becoming increasingly selective, the College’s Class of 2013 is a large incoming class with approximately 830 students. The campus also will welcome approximately 350 new transfer students to its classrooms.

The total student body for the fall 2009 semester is approximately 4,315.