OLEAN, NY – Archbishop Walsh Academy is pleased to announce the graduation of 12 outstanding seniors from the Class of 2022. The 62nd annual commencement ceremony was held Friday, June 3 at St. Bonaventure University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.
The graduates received either a New York State Regents diploma, an International Baccalaureate Programme Certification or the International Baccalaureate Programme Diploma. The various high school programs available at Walsh are touted for offering academic rigor and character values needed for 21st-century success.
“We are excited to see that these young people gained the valuable skills and knowledge needed to step into the real world,” said Frank McAndrew, President of the Archbishop Walsh/Southern Tier Catholic School Board of Trustees. “The graduates experienced a rigorous and challenging academic environment while having their physical, social and emotional needs nurtured — something that can only be offered by such an institution as ours. Our curriculum is aligned to meet and, more importantly, to exceed New York State standards.”
In total, the graduates received more than $2.5 million in scholarships to their chosen postsecondary institutions.
The school also honored Catherine Przybyla and Noella Policastro as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.
The following is a list of graduates, their diplomas and/or certifications, Walsh activities and varsity sports, and their future plans:
Abby Bailey
Advanced Regents Diploma and International Baccalaureate Certification.
Academic Concentrations
English
Math
Art
Biology
History
Spanish
Walsh Activities & Sports
Basketball
National Honor Society
International Club
All County/Solo Fest
Soccer
Future Plans: Clarkson University, New York; Psychology major, Pre-Physician Assistant track.
Dominic Esposito
Advanced Regents Diploma and International Baccalaureate Programme Diploma Candidate.
Academic Concentrations
English Literature HL
Spanish ab initio
History HL
Biology HL
Math App/Int. SL
Visual Arts SL
TOK/CAS
Extended Essay
Walsh Activities & Sports
National Honor Society Secretary
Soccer
Basketball
Golf
International Club
Photography Club
Yearbook Committee
Future Plans: College of Holy Cross, Massachusetts; History major, Pre-Med track.
Alexandria K. Hays
Regents Diploma and International Baccalaureate Programme Certification.
Academic Concentrations
Biology
Visual Art
Walsh Activities & Sports
Volleyball
Volleyball Club
Chess Club
Philosophy Club
Yearbook Committee
Future Plans: SUNY College at Brockport, New York; NeuroScience/Psychology major.
Nicolas Heitz Moreno
Honorary Diploma.
Walsh Activities & Sports
Basketball
Future Plans: College in Spain; Business major.
Susanna Hentschel
Honorary Diploma.
Walsh Activities & Sports
National Honor Society
Basketball
Baseball
Volleyball
Future Plans: Complete Education in Germany; Physical Education & English Teaching major.
Russell Maine
Diocesan Diploma.
Walsh Activities & Sports
Basketball
Soccer
School Choir
Debate Club
Photography Club
Future Plans: Jamestown Community College; Human Sciences major.
Joe Owens
Diocesan Diploma.
Future Plans: Healer of the earth; Use plants and mushrooms for people’s holistic health.
Keely Policastro
Advanced Regents Diploma and International Baccalaureate Programme Diploma Candidate.
Academic Concentrations
English Literature HL
Spanish ab Initio
History HL
Biology SL
Math SL
Visual Arts HL
TOK/CAS
Extended Essay
Walsh Activities & Sports
National Honor Society Secretary
Basketball
Lady Eagles Bookkeeper
Photography Club
Yearbook Committee
Chess Club
Future Plans: St. Bonaventure University, NY; Finance major.
Noella Policastro – Salutatorian
Advanced Regents Diploma and International Baccalaureate Programme Certification.
Academic Concentrations
English Literature HL
Spanish ab Initio
History SL
Biology HL
Math SL
Visual Arts HL
TOK/CAS
Extended Essay
Walsh Activities & Sports
National Honor Society President
Basketball
Captain
Photography Club
Yearbook Committee
Chess Club
Future Plans: Medaille University, NY; Biology/Veterinary Technology major.
Catherine Przybyla – Valedictorian
Advanced Regents Diploma with Honors and International Baccalaureate Programme Diploma Candidate.
Academic Concentrations
History SL
Spanish ab Initio
Math SL
English Literature HL
Visual Art HL
Biology HL
TOK/CAS
Extended Essay
Walsh Activities & Sports
National Honor Society Treasurer
Photography Club
Girls Varsity Basketball
Yearbook Committee
Future Plans: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.; Spanish major, Pre-Med track.
Clarissa Smith
Advanced Regents Diploma.
Walsh Activities & Sports
Softball
Soccer
Chess Club
Debate Club
International Club
Future Plans: Alfred State College of Technology, New York; Liberal Arts/Social Sciences major.
Everett Swenson
Advanced Regents Diploma with Honors and International Baccalaureate Programme Diploma Candidate.
Academic Concentrations
History HL
English HL
Visual Art HL
Math SL
Physics SL
TOK/CAS
Spanish ab Initio
Extended Essay
Walsh Activities & Sports
National Honor Society
Basketball
Cross Country & Track
Debate Club
Photography Club
International Club
Chess Club
Future Plans: Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Virginia; Architecture major.