Honor Grads carry on tradition of hard work, leadership
GOSHEN — 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 Mihai Andreca, Joan Climes, Hannah Kaplan, Nicholas Sullivan, Emily Swanson and Elissa Terach 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.
“I am honored to be one of the top six and to be recognized among five other classmates whose support and work ethic have helped and inspired me throughout the past four years,” said Elissa.
“There are a few moments in your life where you feel like everything that you’re working so hard for has finally paid off,” said Hannah. “This is one of them.”
The six Honor Grads achieved the highest GPAs in their class – and each of them agrees that many people helped influence their success throughout the years.
“I believe that without the support from my family all of my life, I would not be where I am today,” said Nicholas.
“I credit my success to my family, who has always supported me,” said Mihai. “Above all, I would like to thank my grandmother, who instilled in me a love for learning ever since I was young.”
The Honor Grads are looking forward to the future, but each will keep them the special memories made during their time at Goshen High School.
“I will miss the friendly staff and teachers whom I have encountered over the years,” said Emily. “My teachers were always willing to help and guide me, making me the person I am today.”
Hannah added, “I will miss the unyielding support and acceptance. Everyone here has made me feel comfortable to be the person I want to be and confident enough to take chances.”
“The Goshen High School provided me with a strong academic foundation,” said Joan. “I’ll miss my friends and teachers.”
It won’t be long before they head out into the world, taking with them their memories and lessons learned. But each can recall how their school chose to celebrate their accomplishments together.
“I am ecstatic that all of us are being commended for the hard work we have done these past four years,” said Nick. “It’s even better that these people are my friends."
Mihai Andreca
Mihai served as captain of the Academic Team and Math Team and secretary of the Interact Club. He was also a member of the Cultural Diversity Club, Drama Club, Mational Honor Society and World Language Honor Society, and practiced Tae Kwon Do at United Martial Arts Center in Warwick.
Mihai spent time volunteering at the Masonic Care Community, a nursing home in Utica, as well as the nursing unit of the Orange Regional Medical Center.
He received several academic awards from the Goshen High School including AP Physics and AP Calculus. He also received the Outstanding Student Recognition Award and was named a National Merit Scholar.
Mihai will attend Stony Brook University where he plans to major in Biology with the intention of attending medical school. He is the son of Daniela and Stelian Andreca of Goshen.
Joan Climes
Joan participated in a number of extra-curricular activities during her time at Goshen High School. She played piano in Stage Band, was co-captain of the cross country and indoor track teams, was a member of the outdoor track team, and served as Class President. She’s a member of the National Honor Society and World Language Honor Society, and volunteered at 4-H and with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd as a catechetical assistant. Joan also taught piano lessons.
She’s won several awards, including National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar, OCIAA Scholar-Athlete, Rensselaer Leadership Award and NYSBDA Honors Concert Band.
In the fall, Joan will major in industrial and management engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She is the daughter of Nolly and Mary Climes of Campbell Hall.
Hannah Kaplan
For four years, Hannah served on the Student Senate: she held the position of president as a senior, vice president as a junior, treasurer as a sophomore and vice president as a freshman. She was also a member of the National Honor Society and World Language Honor Society.
Hannah was a cast member of the high school musicals as well as the cast of “The Music Man” at Westchester Broadway Theater. Hannah also studied dance at the New York Dance Center Dance Company.She also volunteered her time as a camp counselor and tutor, all while working part-time as a bus girl and hostess at local restaurants.
Hannah will attend the University of Pennsylvania in the fall. She is the daughter of Peggy and Andrew Kaplan of Goshen.
Nicholas Sullivan
Nicholas was very involved with the high school’s music department, having been a cast member and lead of several musicals and dramas. He was a member of Stage Band, Pep Band, Jazz Voices, Varsity Choir and president of the Symphonic Band. He participated in All-County Choir and Area All-State Choir, and was named a semifinalist his junior year in the Mr. GHS Pageant, which he hosted his senior year.
In addition, Nicholas was treasurer of the National Honor Society, president of Teenage Republicans and member of Young Progressives and World Language Honor Society. He was also captain of the varsity cross country team and varsity outdoor track and field team.
Nicholas volunteered as a Religious Education Assistant and Youth Group at St. John’s Church and the Summer Reading Program at the Goshen Public Library. He received the OCIAA Scholar-Athlete Award, Scholarship for Academic Excellence and Awards of Achievement for Global History and Symphonic Band.
Nicholas will attend the University of Pittsburgh’s Honors College in the fall, where he will major in neuroscience with a double minor in Spanish and Music with the intention of attending medical school. He is the son of Kevin and Christine Sullivan of Goshen.
Emily Swanson
Emily was a member of Stage Band and Pep Band, and served as treasurer of both the Band and Orchestra. She also held the position of treasurer for the Cultural Diversity Club. Emily was a company dancer and president of the Marya Kennett Dance Center.
Emily spent more than 525 hours performing volunteer work for her community. She volunteered at Arden Hill Hospital, Orange Regional Medical Center and Orange County Canine: All Retriever Rescue. She also worked part-time at Baxter’s Pharmacy and the Marya Kennett Dance Center.
She was the recipient of several awards, including the AP Physics Award, Merit Scholarship and New Vision Scholarship from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Orange Regional Medical Center Volunteer Scholarship and the New York State Scholarship for Academic Excellence.
Emily will attend the Doctor of Pharmacy Program at the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She is the daughter of Ronald and Donna Swanson of Goshen.
Elissa Terach
Elissa was co-founder and treasurer of Young Progressives, co-editor of Mindscapes and a member of the National Honor Society and World Language Honor Society. She was also a member of the school volleyball team and outdoor track and field team.
Elissa volunteered her time at Orange Regional Medical Center, Winslow Therapeutic Riding Center and the Goshen Food Pantry, and works part-time at Soons Orchard.
Elissa will major in anthropology at the University of Virginia in the fall and plans to volunteer and eventually begin her career with the Peace Corps. She is the daughter of Barry and Julia Terach of Goshen.