Noah Schwenzfeier named Salutatorian by Columbia Principal John Sawchuk
Seniors Parth Bhide and Noah Schwenzfeier highlighted the 2016 Columbian Awards on Thursday morning as they were named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. Both students have had accomplished high school careers, including weighted GPAs over 100.
Bhide is a member of the Science Olympiad team, attending three straight National Championships. He participates in Masterminds, the Math League and Columbia’s Science Research Program. He will study engineering at RPI in the fall.
Schwenzfeier is a member of the Science Olympiad team, Math League and the varsity basketball team. He is a National Honor Society inductee and was named an AP Scholar with Honor by the College Board. Schwenzfeier will study international business at Northeastern University in the fall.
More than 60 other awards were handed out to students for excellence in academic subject areas, performing arts, clubs and service.
Students emceed the program and performed songs throughout the event.
| Art Department Award for Excellence To the students who have demonstrated consummate skill in art and a strong sense of community spirit.
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Julia Abbott Alexander Bauer Meghan Farley Ashley Hyde Christopher Morash Heidi Quattrocchi Hannah Tremblay Hannah Wheeler |
| Columbia High School Yearbook Publishing Award Dedication and Excellence in Yearbook Publishing – Senior Dedication and Excellence in Yearbook Publishing – Underclassman |
Samantha Nunziata Lillian Hutton |
| Perfect Attendance Perfect Attendance – All Four Years of High School
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Scholarship |
Austin Baggetta Christina Buffaline Marissa DeMarco Michael File Kevin Phoenix David Sills James Wright Taylor Johnson |
| Outstanding Key Clubber Award In recognition of your enthusiastic commitment to Key Club. |
McKenna Erwell |
| The Key Club Award In recognition of your dedication to Key Club during your high school career. |
Carly Smith |
| Peer Leadership Outstanding Service Award Awarded to a student who has proven to be a positive role model. |
William Lindemann |
| Columbia Idol Winner: Laura Haney singing “When We Were Young” | |
| “Labyrinth” Awards for Excellence in Literary Writing
Editor Appreciation Award: |
Delilah Abraham |
| Devil’s Advocate Awards of Recognition Award of Appreciation
Excellence in Journalism/Outstanding Service for Layout and Design Excellence in Journalism/Contributing Writer |
Erik Ferrari Emma Letzelter Anastacia Lewandusky David Sills Erik Ferrari Leif Haley |
| Literacy Achievement Award This award recognizes a junior or senior student who has consistently demonstrated commitment, perseverance, attendance and outstanding achievement in the Literacy Lab. |
Ronald Shuhart |
| Harvard University Book Award Presented to a junior boy or girl who has achieved excellence in academic studies while participating in worthwhile extracurricular activities. |
Olivia Godell |
| Smith College Book Award Given by The Smith College Club of Albany to an outstanding junior who exemplifies academic achievement, leadership qualities and concern for others. |
Gianna Fiacco |
| Elmira College Key Award Awarded to a junior in recognition of high school achievement, leadership, citizenship and participation in extra-curricular activities. |
Suzanne Clarke |
| Hudson Valley Community College Book Award Recipient is chosen because of his/her hard work and individuality. |
Jesse Seibert |
| Shakespearean Drama Award Awarded to a student who has contributed significantly to an understanding of and love for Shakespeare and dramatic traditions within our school community. English Department Distinguished Scholar Award |
Lindsay Heck
Erik Ferrari |
| Student Sage College Scholarship Awarded to a junior who exhibit characteristics of academic excellence, student leadership and community involvement. |
Gabrielle Daigneault Bridget Maloney |
| St. Michael’s College Book Award This is awarded to students who exhibit the characteristics of an ideal St. Michael student, based specifically on achievement in academics and community service. One to the top junior male and female student who have taken on leadership roles within their community service endeavors. |
Joseph Blackburn Olivia Godell |
| Foreign Language Department Awards This award recognizes academic achievement in the study of a foreign language. Highest Achievement in German This award recognizes effort, commitment and enthusiasm to the study of a foreign language. Prize for French Studies |
David Sills Lindsay Heck
Yohann Monpoeho |
| Chamber Singers: “Gonna Get Over You” featuring Olivia Lopez |
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| Service Award Awarded to the student who has shown significant assistance to Columbia staff. |
David Meister |
| Clarkson University High School Awards Presented to members of the junior class who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities and have made positive contributions to both school and community. They will qualify for a tuition scholarship should they choose to enroll at Clarkson University. Leadership Award |
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| Wells College 21st Century Leadership Award Each year a distinguished group of students are selected and recognized by Wells College for their leadership ability, community involvement and academic excellence. This award honors commitment to academics and student leadership. This program is designed to honor these students who embody the spirit, integrity and intellectual qualities of a strong leader. |
Kelsey O’Brien |
| Curtis Lumber Award To a senior pursuing a career in the building/architectural field with an average of B+ or better.
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Shane Barney |
| New York State Youth Leadership Recognition Award – honoring New York’s Future Leaders | Lydia Clemente Andrew Harris Caitlin McHugh Stephen Reilly Estelle Yedynak |
| Capital District School Boards Association Student Volunteer Community Service Award Given to one graduating senior who is making a difference through exceptional volunteer community service. |
Caitlin McHugh
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| Business and Marketing Honor Society Award Inductee This student has demonstrated high academic achievement in business courses. In addition, has proven good character, leadership, and service in business education. |
Jesse Pferr
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| SRP Outstanding Business Student Award Given to a senior business student who has excelled in Business education in memory of all departed members of the East Greenbush School Related Personnel support staff. |
Jillian Leggiero |
| Dignum Insurance Agency Awards for Excellence in the Field of Business Presented to three Business Education students for their outstanding achievements in the fields of Accounting, Marketing and Computer Technology: Excellence in Accounting |
Justin Luther |
| Outstanding Character, Academics and Ethics in Business Education | Michael Ruth |
| BlueShield Scholar For pursuing studies in health or human services and representing BlueShield of NENY core values: teamwork, integrity, passion, personal responsibility, excellence and respect.
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Erin Condo |
| NYS Mathematics League Award for Excellence Columbia High School has participated in the NYS Mathematic League for more than 20 years. There are six contests during the school year which draw problems from a wide range of high school topics. Out of more than 120 Columbia students who participated, this student achieved the highest score. |
Marc Roizman
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| Science Department Awards
Earth Science Award |
McKenna Erwell |
| Science Research A three year course which by the end, students must create and perform in an authentic research experiment under the direction of a supervising scientist. A rigorous program which requires time management skills, presentation and writing skills, and research skills in both publication format to develop the experimental question and original hypothesis and also in laboratory setting. The following four seniors have stood the test of time and completed the three year program in grand fashion: “Self-Healing Polymer: Poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid)”
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Kara Blakeman |
| Chamber Singers featuring Justin Dessureau singing “Smiling Face” | |
| Musical Theatre Awards Columbia Players
Best Actor |
Justin Dessureau |
| US Air Force Excellence in Math and Science Award
Freshman |
Samuel Koblensky |
| St. Lawrence University Book Award Awarded to a high school junior who has displayed a significant commitment to community service. |
Jared Milford |
| RIT Creativity and Innovation Award This award recognizes high school juniors who have distinguished themselves academically, are active and involved members of their school and community, and demonstrate outstanding achievement in innovation, creativity or entrepreneurship.
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Megan Fey
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| PTSO Award – Outstanding Students
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Brittany Palmer Kylie Cotugno |
| Operation Graduation Most Improved Student | Heather Rudolph |
| Operation Graduation Best Citizenship | Patrick Conners Ashley Williams |
| Operation Graduation Exceptional Attendance
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Brennon Barnes Tyler Wagner |
| Operation Graduation Award for Kindness and Compassion | Celina Ciccarone |
| Christopher McAfee Memorial Scholarship Given to a student who will attend college majoring in criminal justice and/or who exhibits qualities of an outgoing personality and sense of humor. |
James Wright |
| Student Council Leadership Award Presented to a Student Council member who has demonstrated exceptional leadership for all four years of high school. |
Stephen Reilly |
| Red Cross Community Service Award Presented to a student member of the blood drive recruitment team for his or her dedication and hard work in assisting Columbia with its blood drive goal for the 2015-16 school year. |
Caitlin McHugh |
| Ethnic Coalition Inclusion Award Presented to a junior or senior who demonstrates an overwhelming desire to promote equality, acceptance and respect for all within our school community. |
Jared Milford
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| Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship Award To a student who possesses an outstanding degree of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. |
Caitlin McHugh |
| Len Michon Memorial Social Studies Department Award Honors the memory of Leonard Michon who was a beloved teacher and Supervisor of Social Studies in East Greenbush for many years. Given to the student who has demonstrated outstanding character, scholarship, leadership and service. |
Sydney Wojeski
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| Mayflower Award Awarded for demonstrated proficiency in the study of U.S. History and understanding of its Constitution. |
David Sills Estelle Yedynak |
| Principal’s Leadership Award Awarded to students the Principal recognizes for outstanding community service and leadership throughout their years at Columbia. |
Erin Condo |
| Salutatorian | Noah Schwenzfeier |
| Valedictorian | Parth Bhide |
| Talent Show Winners: Not My Forte singing “Acapella Medley” |