Front row (L to R): Alexandra Massey, Adrianna Halsey, Eric Chen. Back row: Olivia Koonz and Madeline Westhuis.
Seven Bell Top Elementary School alumni were added to the Bell Ringers Wall of Fame on Tuesday. The former students were welcomed back for a ceremony in which they were honored for their success in academics, the arts, athletics and citizenship.
“This is a special day because we remember you,” said 5th grade teacher Melissa Gilligan.
Each of the Bell Ringers spoke about their fond memories of Bell Top, such as the annual Pumpkin Race, the Learning Barn and the supportive teachers they learned from.
The new Bell Ringers, who all graduated from Columbia High School last year, told the current Bell Top students to enjoy their time at the school and make the most of their opportunities.
Jacob Clemente ’15 and Jessica Schafer ’15 could not attend the ceremony so they wrote letters that were read by Bell Top staff.
2016 Bell Ringers
Eric Chen ’15
- Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Columbia High School
- National Merit Scholarship award winner
- Studying Pre-Med at Cornell University
Jacob Clemente ’15
- Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Columbia High School
- Performed on Broadway, in TV commercials and at trade shows
- Studying Economics at Yale University
Adrianna Halsey ’15
- Graduated Cum Laude from Columbia High School
- Studying Ministry at Southeastern University
Olivia Koonz ’15
- New Visions Visual and Performing Arts student at Columbia High School
- Studying Early Education at Hartwick College
Alexandra Massey ’15
- Graduated Cum Laude from Columbia High School
- Studying Chemistry at SUNY Geneseo
Jessica Schafer ’15
- Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Columbia High School
- Studying Mass Communications at Le Moyne College
Madeline Westhuis ’15
- Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Columbia High School
- Played four years of field hockey in high school
- Studying Business at Boston University