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 Jason Basri, Chase Bouchard, Alex DePalma, Brigid Larkin, Courtney Murphy and Nicole Rountree 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.

“Being named an honor grad is a nice reward for all our years of hard work," said Jason. “I like the idea of having a top six, since it gives the opportunity for a multitude of people to be recognized for their efforts.”

“It’s great that it came down to the six of us,” said Brigid. “We’ve all been in classes together and it feels good to be happy not only for yourself, but also for each other, since we all know how hard each of us has worked.”

Although they achieved the highest GPAs in their class, the six honor grads spent a lot of time exploring their interests while in high school — something they all agree they’ll miss after graduation.

“I will definitely miss being part of a sports team,” said Courtney. “I began playing varsity so long ago, and you build such camaraderie with your teammates. It’s a strange feeling knowing that I won’t be going into pre-season at the end of the summer; I’ll be leaving for college instead.”

“I loved playing the violin with the orchestra and practicing for competitions and NYSSMA,” said Nicole. “I look forward to branching out in college, but I’ll miss playing for Goshen.”

The honor grads agree that they’ll miss their friends and the relationships they’ve established, but look forward to what’s to come after leaving Goshen High School.

“I’ll miss being a part of so many things, but I’m excited to hone in and focus on my one passion of science and engineering,” said Alex.

“I look forward to figuring out what I’m best at and what I want to do for the rest of my life,” added Chase.

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, which in the words of one grad, “makes you feel really really good.”

Jason Basri Jason took on leadership roles in many of his extra-curricular activities, serving as president and founder of La Tertulia, vice president of Mock Trial, treasurer of World Language Honor Society and co-captain of the varsity tennis team. He was also a member of varsity cross-country.

In addition to his extra-curricular activities and athletics, Jason volunteered as an elementary school tutor, helped out at the Guild of St. Margaret Soup Kitchen and raised money for tsunami relief in Japan — all while working part-time as a lifeguard. He received the NYSPHSAA Scholar/Athlete Award, Scholarship for Academic Excellence and the Orange County Bar Association Achievement Trophy for Mock Trial.

Jason will attend Vanderbilt University in the fall with an undecided major, where he plans to play intramural tennis and become a member of the Mock Trial Team. He is the son of Ava and Ray Basri of Goshen.

Chase Bouchard Throughout high school, Chase was involved with the music department. In addition to being crowned this year’s Mr. GHS, Chase participated in school musicals including "Music Man," "South Pacific," "Guys and Dolls," and "The Wizard of Oz," and was a member of Varsity Chorus and Jazz Chorus. In addition, Chase was a member of Spanish Club, National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society and Varsity Club, and played varsity baseball and soccer, where he helped the team win the Section IX Championship. He was also named a 2012 Scholar-Athlete by the Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association (OCIAA).

Chase also spent his time helping his community by volunteering at the Chester food pantry, Arden Hill Hospital and Goshen Library. He works at Tina’s Pizzeria in Chester — all while achieving high honor roll throughout his high school career.

Chase will attend SUNY Binghamton with an undecided major. He is the son of Jeanne and John Bouchard of Goshen.

Alex DePalma Alex is a talented musician, playing the bassoon in orchestra where he was selected for All-County and Area All-State. He also played lead saxophone in stage band. In addition, Alex is a member of National Honor Society, French Club and Science Olympiad, as well as Varsity Tennis, where he helped the team become Division Champions.

He has contributed more than 250 hours of community service while volunteering at the Orange Regional Medical Center and tutoring middle school and high school student, and works for The Goshen Independent.

Alex is the recipient of several awards, including the New York State Band Directors Association Gold Medal for saxophone and Achievement Awards in OCCC Chemistry, Global History and Geography and Earth Science. He also received the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) Undergraduate Fellowship for Excellence in Nanoscale Science and Engineering.

Alex will attend SUNY Albany’s College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, where he plans to major in nanoscale engineering and work in the field of photovoltaics. He is the son of Susan and Philip DePalma of Goshen.

Brigid Larkin Throughout high school, Brigid involved herself in several extra-curricular activities, including Science Olympiad, Academic Team, Math Team, Spanish Club and World Language Honor Society for French, Spanish and Latin. She served as president of the National Honor Society and French Club, captain of the Mock Trial team.

Brigid volunteered with St. John’s Vocation Bible School, St. John’s Youth Group Food Pantry, Pets Alive, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Chester Cub Scout Camp and tutors with the National Honor Society. She has worked at What’s the Scoop since 2010.

She was named a Commended Student by the National Merit Scholarship program, received a Gold Award for the National Latin Exam and received Awards for Achievement in AP Calculus, French V, American Law, Intro to Latin and many other subjects throughout her high school career.

Brigid will attend Duke University where she will major in mathematics with plans to attend law school. She is the daughter of Nancy and Thomas Larkin of Goshen.

Courtney Murphy Courtney is a talented athlete, having been named a 2012 Scholar-Athlete by the Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association (OCIAA). She was captain of the varsity soccer team — a member since her freshman year — and captain of the varsity alpine skiing team.

In addition to athletics, Courtney served as vice president of the National Honor Society and treasurer of the Varsity Club, and was a member of the World Language Honor Society. She volunteered more than 200 hours at the Orange Regional Medical Center as well as at Pets Alive and peer tutoring while working part-time at Dairy Delite. Courtney received the John Tether Award, Most Outstanding Player Award, Leadership Scholarship at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and maintained the high honor roll throughout high school.

In the fall, Courtney will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for chemical engineering where she plans to do undergraduate research and play varsity soccer. She is the daughter of Cheryl and Stephen Murphy of Goshen.

Nicole Rountree Nicole served as both treasurer and president of Interact Club and was a member of Cultural Diversity, National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, Book Club, Math Team and Pep Band. She was also the manager of the track and field team and played with the Senior High All-County Orchestra for violin.

Nicole volunteered with numerous organizations and activities, including Taste of Goshen, Light the Night, Interact, Goshen Rotary, PALS Club, Students for Seniors, Kids’ Day for Grace and the Scotchtown Ave. Carnival Night. She received a Gold Medal for the National Latin Exam and Achievement Awards in French III, Psychology, Spanish V and other subjects.

Nicole will major in biology at SUNY Geneseo and plans to become a veterinarian. She is the daughter of Therese and Roy Rountree of Goshen.