Archbishop Walsh Academy is proud to announce the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the graduating Class of 2012. Valedictorian is Ryan Whelpley, son of John and Karen Whelpley of Olean, N.Y. and Salutatorian is Kara Rosselot, daughter of Ralph and Kathryn Rosselot of Olean, N.Y. Both students will be recognized during commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 25 at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts on the campus of St. Bonaventure University.

Valedictorian Ryan Whelpley carries a GPA of 95.656 with a weighted index of 97.282. Ryan has been involved in many activities in and outside of school including varsity football, varsity basketball, in which he served as team captain three consecutive years, varsity golf, president of his class sophomore, junior and senior year, National Honor Society member, National Technical Honor Society secretary, and Interact Club. His academic honors include recognition as a high honor roll student, nominee for the Wendy's High School Heisman award, 2012 Buffalo Business First All-Western NY Academic Team, Cattaraugus County Youth Bureau Student of the Week, Olean Times Herald Big 30 Scholarship Nominee, Big 30 Academic Team, and Big 30 Scholarship Nominee. Ryan was also a recipient of the Bishop's Altar Server Award (Transfiguration Church). His athletic honors include designation as the all-time leading scorer for Archbishop Walsh Academy basketball, Archbishop Walsh 2,000 point club (basketball), 2012 All-WNY Boys Basketball - 2^nd Team by the Buffalo News, Walsh Male Athlete of the Year, named First Team (basketball) Monsignor Martin Association, Walsh Basketball MVP (two years in a row), Big 30 Third Team, Second Team and First Team (during his basketball career), BACNY All-Star Team, Adidas Phenom Top 150 All-Star Team and All-Defensive Team, LeMoyne College Basketball Camp "Mr. Hustle Award," and Adam Elliott All Tourney Team.

In addition to Ryan's excellence academically and athletically, he has dedicated countless hours volunteering for various events at Walsh and in the Olean community. He has also worked for Cutco Corporation. Ryan plans to attend Union College in the fall majoring in pre-law. He also plans to play college basketball at Union College.

Salutatorian Kara Rosselot carries a GPA of 94.131 with a weighted index of 95.148. Kara has also been involved in many activities in and outside of school that include varsity soccer, varsity volleyball, varsity basketball, varsity softball, Student Council, Interact Club - serving as vice-president and treasurer, and National Honor Society.  Her academic honors include recognition as a high honor roll student, nominee for the Wendy's High School Heisman award, 2012 Buffalo Business First All-Western NY Academic Team, Cattaraugus County Youth Bureau Student of the Week, and recipient of the National Honor Society Outstanding Member Award. 

Her athletic honors include designation as Female Athlete of the Year (2009-2010) & (2010-2011), Offensive Player of the Year for Softball (2010-2011), Soccer Coach's Award (2010-2011), Softball MVP (2009-2010), Softball Rookie of the Year (2008-2009), Basketball Offensive Player of the Year (2009-2010) and  two-time National Christian School Athletic Association Basketball Association All Tournament Team.

Throughout her high school career, Kara has excelled both academically and athletically while volunteering her time for numerous events at Walsh and within the Olean community, and working part-time at The Old Library Restaurant. Kara plans to attend Xavier University in the fall majoring in business.

Walsh congratulates both Ryan and Kara on this outstanding academic achievement.