Honor grads carry on tradition of hard work, leadership

Many years ago, Goshen High School administrators began honoring the top six graduating seniors instead of the traditional top two. It was found that these high-achieving students held GPAs that were so close - merely hundredths of a point apart - that the district felt that all of them deserved to be honored for their hard work and accomplishments. And so the Goshen tradition of honoring the six Honor Grads began. This tradition runs strong today, and for good reason. Honor Grads Christina Cassano, Benjamin Conley, Jennifer Kang, Esther Laaninen, Josh Shih and Melissa Solomon have spent their high school careers immersed in extra-curricular activities, spent their time volunteering in their communities, and participated in interscholastic athletics - all while dedicating themselves to achieving high academic standards. Here’s more about these extraordinary young people as they begin their bright journey. Christina Cassano When she isn’t riding horses and competing in barrel racing, Christina spends her time volunteering at the Pine Bush Equine Veterinary Clinic, where she assists and observes the veterinarians. Christina’s passion for horses has shaped her education and career goals - Christina plans on attending SUNY New Paltz and then Cornell Veterinary School to become an equine veterinarian. In addition, she is a member of the National Foreign Language Honor Society and has achieved honor roll each quarter of her high school career. Christina is the daughter of Liz and Chris Cassano of New Hampton. Benjamin Conley Benjamin serves as president of the National Honor Society and is a member of the National Foreign Language Honor Society. He is a member of the ski team, where he competed in the Section IX competition the past two years. He also competed in the State competition while a member of the Math Team. In addition to his extra-curricular activities and athletics, Benjamin also volunteers at the Goshen Food Pantry and Habitat for Humanity in Middletown. He received a Gold Award on the National Latin Exam, was a Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) medalist, and was named a Bausch and Lomb Honorary Scholar. Benjamin will attend Hamilton College where he plans to major in physics, engineering, math and/or economics. He is the son of Lucy and Christopher Conley of Goshen. Jennifer Kang Jennifer has served as both treasurer and president of the Cultural Diversity Club. She is a member of the National Honor Society, National Foreign Language Honor Society and tutors her younger peers at the Goshen Intermediate School. Since 2007, Jennifer has volunteered at House on the Hill Child Development Center and also tutored French to her classmates. In 2009, she received first place in the Olympics of the Visual Arts competition in the illustration category; and received honorable mention in the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition for the Hudson Valley in 2008 and 2009. Jennifer will attend Barnard College at Columbia University. She is the daughter of David and Grace Kang of Goshen. Esther Laaninen Esther’s altruism led to her being recognized with the President’s Award for Volunteerism. Some of her efforts include volunteering at the front desk of Arden Hill Hospital, participating in the National Honor Society’s Relay for Life team, and participating in the Dominican Republic Service for Peace during the summer of 2009. In addition, Esther serves as captain of the girls varsity soccer team and secretary of the National Foreign Language Honor Society, and is also a member of the Cultural Diversity Club and National Honor Society - all while working part-time at Hannaford Supermarket. Esther plans to double major in English and International Relations at Northeastern University. She is the daughter of Nicola and Matti Laaninen of Goshen. Josh Shih Josh participates in Math Team, Academic Team and Mock Trial, is a member of the National Honor Society and serves as president of the National Foreign Language Honor Society. In addition to his extra-curricular activities, Josh is as a member of the varsity tennis team, alpine ski team and the Washingtonville Seahawks swim team. He was selected for All-County, Area All-State and All-State Orchestras, and volunteers at the Orange County Chinese Christian Church and as a teacher’s assistant for the C. J. Hooker Middle School Mandarin Chinese Language program. Josh was named a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship competition and winner of the Knights of Columbus Speech Contest. He was also crowned this year’s Mr. GHS. He will attend Harvard College in the fall. Josh is the son of Joseph and May Shih of Campbell Hall. Melissa Solomon Melissa is captain of the varsity tennis team and a member of indoor and outdoor track as well as the ski team. She is a member of the National Honor Society, serves as vice president of the National Foreign Language Honor Society and co-hosted this year’s Mr. GHS competition. She volunteers with Roots, where she works with the mentally challenged, as well as the high school’s annual blood drive and the Youth Ending Hunger Club. Melissa was recognized with a Spanish Achievement Award and the National Latin Examination Silver Award. Melissa will attend the University of Michigan. She is the daughter of Ellen and Stephen Solomon of Goshen.