SMETHPORT — Katherine Treat will graduate as valedictorian of the Class of 2017 at Smethport Area Junior-Senior High School during commencement exercises June 2.
The salutatorian is Brittany Szarowicz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Szarowicz.
Not only did these two students excel in the classroom, but they found time in their full schedules to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities.
Katherine will attend the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford as a biology major with plans to pursue a graduate degree in genetics and a career in medicine. “I’ve found throughout my high school years that I enjoy science and mathematics,” she noted. “I want to do something that challenges me every day and allows me to help others in my future career.”
During her high school years, Katherine was consistently on the Honor Roll of Distinction and was a member of the Student Council for six years and National Honor Society for three years, serving a term as president. Among her other leadership roles in school were marching band drum major, sixth grade camp counselor and Music ‘n Motion Show Choir co-president.
For six years, she participated in basketball, track, marching band, concert band, student council and concert choir.
In competitive sports, Katherine was on the basketball and track teams for six years.
Katherine has received the following honors and awards: first team NTL Volleyball all-Star Team in junior and senior years; third team District Volleyball All-Star Team in her senior year; Volleyball MVP team in junior and senior years, track MVP in her senior year; and Director’s Award for Band in her freshmen year.
In the community, she has volunteered at the McKean County SPCA, where she handled various assignments and at Smethport Little League Softball games as a concession stand worker and field maintenance helper.
Class treasurer Blake Johnson will introduce the valedictorian at commencement.
Katherine is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Treat of Cyclone.
Brittany’s post-secondary plans are to attend Roberts Wesleyan College and major in business administration.
For her high scholastic standing, she has been regularly included in the Honor Roll or Roll of Distinction, thus earning her membership in the National Honor Society and selection for a Rotary Youth Leadership Award.
As a six-year marching band member, she has been section leader and received a varsity band letter. “Being percussion section leader, my responsibilities included showing the members their spots for the half-time shows at football games, helping members with their music.” She also attended district band.
In her other extra-curricular activities, Brittany has won varsity pins for three years in cross country and four years each in varsity basketball, track and soccer. During her time as captain of the soccer team, she scheduled open fields for summer practice, provided materials for practice and led warm-ups for practice and games.
Brittany was named Girls’ Varsity Soccer Rookie of the Year and was later selected for the 2016 District IX North Girls’ Soccer All-Star Team.
“I plan to play soccer in college,” she said.
Outside of school, Brittany has received a Youth Group Certificate of Excellence from her church.
Fitting in with her love of travel, she was accepted into the People to People Student Ambassador Program, which provides domestic and international travel opportunities for middle and high school students to attend various educational activities, such as meeting local leaders and participating in hands-on community service projects and outdoor activities.
Meagan DeLuca will introduce Brittany at commencement.
A senior ensemble will then sing a choral selection.
Brittany will then introduce the commencement speaker, Ben Hahn, a 2007 graduate of Smethport High, who enjoyed an enviable career in running as he earned four letters each in cross country, track and wrestling.
After setting school records in the 3200 and mile runs, he advanced to the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association state track meet, where he won the state championship in the 3200 run.
Hahn continued to run competitively at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and was a two-time National Collegiate Athletic Association All-American in cross country.
He received a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education, graduating with a 3.4 grade point average.
After two years of full-time teaching and coaching, Hahn left the profession last year. More than a year ago, he joined Eco-Built Homes and is now the national distributor and spokesman for the company, a Billings, Montana-based manufacturer of code compliant “tiny houses” that have become popular recently due, in part, to the rising costs of traditional homes.
Following Hahn’s address, Taylor Faulkner and Clay Barber of the Class of 2017 will sing a duet. After Principal Robert Miller presents the class, superintendent David London will offer congratulates the class.
Class co-presidents Kayla Amster and Jared Pavlock will announce the class roll as Larry Dennis, president of the Smethport Area Board of Education, presents the diplomas.
Class officers will lead the traditional turning of tassels.
Members of the class are Justin Aharrah, Kayla Amster, Clayton Barber, Anissa Bennett, Savannah Brinker, Charlotte Brown, Aimee Burke, Eve Bush, Faith Button, Ryanna Carpenter, Dalton Compton, Jessica Dart, Meagan DeLuca, Ethan Dennis, Alexander Deyarmin, Brendan Dickinson, Catherine Dinger, Taylor Faulkner, Alexandria Flynn and Lucas Frontino.
Also, Andrew Gallup, Robert Gamet, Zachary Gamet, Olivia Goodwill, Destinee Greenman, Blaine Groshek, Katherine Gustafson, Bryce Hale, Autumn Haney, Westley Hardy, Morgan Hart, Alix Hezlep, Blake Johnson, Heather Kephart, Akete Kindle, Bailey Kinner, Gavin Linane, Kevin Long, Kristopher Lowman and Jessica Mangel.
Also, Samantha Newton, Shyanna Olson, Jared Pavlock, Bobby Pearson, Jacob Pearson, Anthony Prentiss, Joshua Reynolds, Brandon Roberts, Robert Ruffner III, Seth Spaich, Taylor Stevens, Druanna Streicher, Collin Strom, Brittany Szarowicz, Justin Tanner, Katherine Treat, Garrett Weaver, Kaylee Welch, Dylan Whitsell, Austin Wilber, Ivy Woodruff and Alicyn Zuver.
