2025

Adele Heuer, a 2025 graduate of Germantown Central Schools, is the daughter of Deanna and Matthew Heuer. Adele graduated third in her class academically and is a member of both the National Honor Society and the Technical National Honor Society. In addition to her coursework at Germantown, Adele attended the rigorous Questar II BOCES Aviation program. She attended a National Youth Leadership Forum based on the theme “Mission to Mars,” is a ground crew volunteer at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome and has earned her private pilot’s license. Adele received the Academic Achievement Award for Aviation at Questar III. She was active with her class, serving as the Class Treasurer for 4 years. Sports were an integral part of her high school years. She participated in varsity soccer, basketball, and softball, and received many Most Valuable Player and Athlete of the Year awards in these sports. Adele plans to attend SUNY Schenectady to study Aviation Sciences with the goal of becoming a commercial airline pilot.

Mason Levy, a 2025 graduate of Chatham High School, is the son of Marc and Julia Levy. Mason is in the top 5% of his class academically. Mason was captain of the district's robotics team, which made it to the playoffs in the 2025 FIRST Championship in Houston, TX. Mason was a member of the team since ninth grade and mentored the middle school robotics team. He credits his involvement in the CHS robotics team as significantly improving his leadership, communication, and technical skills. Mason served as the treasurer for the National Honor Society and was on the high honor roll every quarter during his high school years. Besides the robotics team, Mason was the captain of the varsity boy’s tennis team and played on the golf team. He received the Rochester Institute of Technology Computing Award and Capstone Research Skills Certificate. Last summer, he worked for the Chatham School District as a member of the Information Technology Help staff. Mason plans to attend the University of Florida in Gainesville where he will study Computer Science.

Ashley Tampasis is a 2025 graduate of Hudson High School and Questar III-Donald R. Kline Technical School where she completed her Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification and licensure. Ashley is the daughter of Kristian and Angie Tampasis of Hudson, New York. She was a member of Hudson High School’s Mock Trial Team, Hawks Against Cancer, and the Multicultural Club. She mentored students with academic struggles. Outside of school, Ashley volunteers at Trinity United Methodist Church and the Ghent Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. Ashley’s hard work earned her a place in the National Honor Society, and the Sage Student Award for academic excellence. Ashley’s passion for health care is evident in her choice to major in Nursing with a concentration in Psychiatric nursing. Ashley successfully applied to both private and NYS colleges and will decide soon where to pursue her education. Her care and concern for others makes her a perfect candidate for a career in healthcare.

Halimah Hotbani is a 2025 graduate of Hudson High School who has many goals in life as she pursues her college career. Halimah is the daughter of Roshdi Mosleh Hotbani and Abeer Algari. She excelled academically and was a true leader in her school community. At Hudson High School, Halimah served as Vice President and Secretary of the Multicultural Club where she organized events that celebrate diversity. She was a member of Hudson Model UN, Student Council, Varsity Club and served as Secretary of her class. Halimah is a member of the National Honor Society and was a journalist for The Owl Newspaper. She played on the Varsity Tennis Team and competed for Mock Trial. She volunteers at the Hudson Area Library, The Hudson Children’s Book Festival and did an internship for the Hudson Muslim Youth. Halimah is also fluent in Arabic and Spanish and will earn a Seal of Biliteracy on her diploma. Despite her rigorous schedule, Halimah graduated in the top three of her class and won many academic awards including monetary assistance to Cornell University, Hamilton College, and St. Lawrence University. Her academic goal is to study Biochemistry on the pre-dental pathway. Her determination, intelligence and positive attitude will help her achieve her dreams and succeed on her college journey.

Dominic Russell, a 2025 graduate of Taconic Hills Central Schools, is the son of Colleen Unden. Dominic ranked third in his class while taking a variety of Advanced Placement and college level classes. Dominic is a member of the National Honor Society and was active in the Student Council and Mock Trial Club. Serving as Class Treasurer for three years, Dominic helped to plan and execute the Winter Craft Fair. He was a member of both the Bowling Team and the Trap Shooting Team for all four years of high school and earned a berth at the State Tournament for two consecutive years with the Trap Shooting Team. Volunteering is important to Dominic whether assisting at school sporting events with the Booster Club or helping to provide Holiday dinners and Thanksgiving baskets for community members. Dominic plans to major in Business Administration with the goal of graduating with a master’s degree in business.

Natchakornpawee Thiraiwiriya (Kawpan Swenson) is a 2025 graduate of New Lebanon Jr. / Sr. High School. Her parents are Anthony Swenson and Aliz Swenson. Originally from Thailand, Kawpan moved to New Lebanon, NY in 2022 with limited English language skills. Despite the challenges, Kawpan engaged in a variety of activities at school and the community that shaped her ability as a leader, collaborator, role model and changemaker. Kawpan actively participated in student government, and was a member of many clubs, including the Outspoken Club, Spirit Club, and Archery Club. Kawpan volunteered for the weekly backpack program for local students, the community Thanksgiving dinner, and the annual brunch for veterans. Kawpan excels in academics and graduated fourth in her class. Among other academic honors, she received awards from Cornell University, Alfred University, Clarkson University, and the University at Albany. Multilingual, Kawpan speaks the Thai Native language, Lao language, and English. Kawpan completed a 2023 summer enrichment program in 2023 at the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and plans to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at that institution.