Times Herald-Record Student of the Week winner a Wallkill class president

Wallkill's Alyssa Vega (Escudero) has been chosen the Times Record-Herald Student of the Week.

A senior, Alyssa was one of seven nominees submitted by local school districts and received the most votes cast online.

Alyssa's nomination applauded her work giving back to the community and her leadership skills, pointing to her involvement in charity projects through National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and as president of her senior class. Despite a challenging schedule of advanced courses, Alyssa is "the first person in trying times to lend a helping hand and can often be found assisting those in need."

Next week's poll

Local school administrators have nominated students who have shown outstanding academic and school achievements for the next round of Student of the Week voting.

Our next poll will publish on Monday, Feb. 26 with a new list of nominees. Voting will be open through noon, Thursday, Feb. 29 on our website.

We will announce the winner at recordonline.com on Friday, March 1 and in the Times Herald-Record on Sunday, March 3.

A look at the other nominees for the Times Herald-Record Student of the Week

Norah Cardinal, Middletown: Norah, a freshman, has been a member of the Honor Roll for her first two marking periods. She always walks around with a smile and is extremely reliable and responsible. Over the past five years going back to when she was in elementary school at PPE she has been a member of Odyssey of the Mind. She was a member of the team that went to the World Championship in Michigan last year.

She is also a member of GIR Tech and enjoys working backstage. Norah is a member of the Marching Middies, as well. This year, she has videotaped the football and soccer games for Middletown.

Norah received three credits from Monhagen and currently her favorite subject is Geometry. If she had to make a decision today, she is thinking about becoming a teacher because of the impact many of her teachers have made on her here in Middletown. In her free time, Norah enjoys hanging out with her friends.

Ryan Godfrey, Washingtonville: Ryan, a senior, has earned the following local, regional, and state-level honors: trumpet player in the New York State Schools Music Association’s All-State Symphonic Band, principal trumpet player in the New York State Schools Music Association’s Area All-State Honors Symphonic Band, principal trumpet player in the Orange County Music Educators Association’s High School All-County Honors Orchestra and winner of Orange County Music Educators Association’s Instrumental Music Scholarship for his level 6 piano solo performance.

Additionally, Ryan has composed 18 full symphonic band pieces. His music has been performed by multiple high school, middle school, and summer camp bands in both New York and Connecticut.

After graduation Ryan plans on being a college music education major, with hopes of being a school band director one day. In addition to his musical life, Ryan has been a four-year member of the Washingtonville High School Boys Varsity Swim Team.

Ethan McCoy, Port Jervis: Ethan, a senior, is an outstanding student of great character who has an amazing work ethic. He attends the BOCES CTEC program for Computer Networking, while also dual enrolled in three college courses at PJHS. Ethan will graduate in the top 20 of his class, with an Advanced Regents diploma with Mastery in Math and Science.

Ethan is kind, inclusive of other students, patient, empathetic, respectful, and a positive influence on the culture of our school. He is a worker, a helper, and a volunteer who is positive, never speaks an unkind word and always has a smile on his face. Ethan is also involved in a variety of clubs and activities including Vex Robotics, National Honor Society, and Youth in Government. He has established himself as a meaningful contributor among his peers. Last year Ethan was awarded NY State Leadership Recognition for his efforts as an outstanding student at PJHS.

Ethan’s teachers report: “Ethan’s work quality is outstanding, he is a pleasure to have in class, he is a responsible student, demonstrates good insight and understanding, has a good attitude, shows interest, and works cooperatively with others.”

Kaitlyn McGarry, Eldred: Kaitlyn McGarry, a senior, has many talents, with music being one. Kaitlyn was one of three students from Sullivan County chosen from the surrounding counties as NYSSMA soloists to perform in the 2023 NY Zone 9 Area All-State Symphonic Band. Kaitlyn achieved a Gold Rating on the hardest degree of difficulty for instrumental soloists.

Kaitlyn also enlisted in the Army National Guard and spent the summer of 2023 in basic training, which she plans to continue after graduation.

Kaitlyn is an excellent student challenging herself with college and Honors classes and she is in the top 5% of her class. Kaitlyn will be attending college in the Fall of 2024.

William Seward, Tri-Valley: Will, a junior, is an exemplary student in an academic setting. He is currently ranked in the top 5 of his class. He has excelled in numerous college and honors courses. He participates in our youth leadership development program learning how to be not only an example within our school but in the community.

Upon graduation, Will plans to study engineering. He actively seeks out opportunities to broaden his knowledge and skillset. His dedication and initiative highlight his potential to make significant contributions to the engineering world. His work ethic and intellectual curiosity inspire those around him.

He leads by example, demonstrating the power of focus and determination.

Harrison Solomon, Marlboro: Harrison, a senior, is an exemplary student in all of his classes.

He is a student Board of Education representative and participates in our school's Student Voice Committee.

Harrison is also the voice of our daily announcements each morning.

Alyssa Vega (Escudero), Wallkill: Alyssa, a senior, is the first person in trying times to lend a helping hand and can often be found assisting those in need. She is involved in numerous charitable programs and serves on several scholastic committees designed to benefit the public. She is polite, courteous, and possesses a wonderful attitude.

Despite taking on an extremely challenging schedule with college-level and Advanced Placement courses, Alyssa finds time to give back to the community. She helps coordinate charity projects and fundraisers as an active member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and as president of the Senior Class via our Student Government Association. Additionally, Alyssa serves as the student representative to our Board of Education, selected because of her leadership abilities and commitment to her school and her community.

While average students may fold or struggle with such a rigorous schedule, Alyssa rarely displays discomfort or irritability. Her values, demeanor, and intelligence have prepared her for challenging tasks, and she often meets these challenges with success and grace.

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Times Herald-Record Student of the Week: See this week’s winner