BY BETTY SNYDER
Special to the Journal-Register
Commencement exercises for the Kendall Class of 2008 took place in the high school auditorium Friday.
The guest speaker was William Falcheck, the Kendall Class of 1981 valedictorian. He earned his bachelor of science degree with honors and distinction from Cornell University, completing his coursework in a three-year period. He continued his graduate studies at Cornell, earning his Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine in 1988.
Falcheck is the owner of The Country Veterinarian in Spencerport. He resides with his wife, Michelle, also a 1981 Kendall graduate, and their four children: Ben, Adam, Jake and Emily.
Eighty-five graduates received diplomas. The girls wore white caps and gowns, and the boys wore blue.
Class officers are Emma Mastrodonato, president; Carli Taylor, vice president; Jenna Luther, treasurer; and Jami Gregory, secretary.
The students who finished in the top 10 academically are valedictorian Jessica Rossi, salutatorian Kaitlyn Curtis, Brandi Kurzowski, Rael Brown, Zachary Romano, Laura Rowley, Amanda Klafehn, Aaron Sharp, Katherine Christopher and Claire C. Lustumbo.
Their plans and school activities are outlined below:
• Kaitlyn Curtis: Band, chorus, Tri-M, National Honor Society, Mock Trial, NYSSMA, JV & Varsity softball and soccer, SUNY Brockport’s 3-1-3 program and pianist for Morton Baptist Church. Served as a class officer for three years and is currently president of Band and Chorus Council. Recipient of New York State Board of Regents Scholarship for Academic Excellence. Will major in math education at SUNY Geneseo.
• Brandi Kurzowski: Emerging Professions Program through Monroe 2 Orleans BOCES, National Honor Society, Heelers Dog Club, Rabbit Raisers and Senior Council 4-H Clubs. Seasonal employee of Brown’s Berry Patch. Recipient of the Lisa Andrews Memorial Award and an Educational Foundation Academic Distinction Award from Alfred State College, where she will major in veterinary technology.
n Rael Brown: Studio K, National Honor Society, Tri-M, Spanish Club, NYSSMA, Varsity Track & Field and chorus. Enrolled in SUNY Brockport’s 3-1-3 program. Works part-time at Bill Gray’s and volunteers for the Puerto Rican Youth Development Summer Teen Program. Will attend the College at Brockport to major in theater.
• Zachary Romano: Band, jazz band, SUNY Brockport’s 3-1-3 program, National Honor Society, Tri-M, Student Council, baseball and cross country. Recipient of state Board of Regents Scholarship for Academic Excellence and a Dean’s Scholars in Residence Scholarship from The College at Brockport, where he will major in business.
• Laura Rowley: SUNY Brockport’s 3-1-3 program, National Honor Society, volunteer for Kendall’s Peer Mentor Program, Science Olympiad, softball and cheerleading. Works part-time baby-sitting at Brockport Country Club. Recipient of state Board of Regents Scholarship for Academic Excellence. Will major in psychology at Wells College, where she has been awarded the Henry Wells Scholarship.
• Amanda Klafehn: Mock Trial, Model UN, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Ski Club, JV and Varsity soccer, chorus, tennis, peer tutor, Youth Court, Seymour Library Book Buddies, Brockport Blizzards Soccer Club and Eagles Soccer Camp. Works part-time as a baby-sitter. Will continue her education at the University of Miami and major in history.
• Aaron Shoup: National Honor Society, chorus, band, jazz band, NYSSMA, JV and Varsity soccer, golf team and Tri-M. Works part-time as Sunflower Café. Will attend the University of Rochester.
• Katherine Christopher: Student Council, yearbook, National Honor Society, Leo’s Club, Mock Trial, chorus, band, AFS, Character Education Committee, president of Student Council, Editor of 2008 Yearbook, SUNY Brockport’s 3-1-3 program. Seasonal employee of Kendall Custodial staff and Brown’s Berry Patch. Recipient of a Junior Miss Participation Scholarship and St. John Fisher Founders Scholarship. Will major in communication and journalism at St. John Fisher College.
• Claire C. Lustumbo: National Honor Society, Mock Trial, chorus, winter musicals, Student Council, SUNY Brockport’s 3-1-3 program. Dances at Spotlight Studio and works part-time at Bailey’s Slipper Shop. Will major in psychology at The College at Brockport.
Betty Snyder works in the Kendall Central School District counseling office.
Local News
KENDALL: Meet the top 10 graduates
EDUCATION: On Friday, 85 seniors received their high school diplomas.
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