Unadilla Valley CSD, today, announced its valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2024. Congratulations to Valedictorian Arin Buchanan and Salutatorian Kalie Fernandez-Naughton. Superintendent Brenton Taylor shared some cake with our two top students today and gave them the official announcement.
We recently caught up with the two seniors!
Arin Buchanan
What are your parents’ names and how long have you attended Unadilla Valley?
My parents are Jennifer Carkuff (Mom), Daniel Carkuff (Step-dad), and Aaron Buchanan (Dad). I have attended Unadilla Valley for 13 years.
What activities were you involved with in school?
I was involved in FFA, FBLA, Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, Bowling, Outdoor Track, National Honor Society and Junior National Honor Society.
Do you have any activities outside of school and, if so, what are they?
Outside of school I have a part-time job at Service Pharmacy in New Berlin where I’ve worked for almost 2 and a half years.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation I plan on attending Binghamton University. There, I will major in Mathematical Sciences.
What will you miss most about Unadilla Valley?
I will miss all of the friendships I have gained from being at UV. These friendships have taught me a lot and have grown me into the individual I am today. I will also miss all of my teachers. Without their support and encouragement, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish all the academic achievements I’ve had.
Do you have any advice for this year’s kindergarteners?
Hard work and determination pay off in the end. If you have a goal, reach for it and never take the time you have in high school for granted because it truly goes by faster than you could imagine.
Kalie Fernandez-Naughton
What are your parents’ names and how long have you attended Unadilla Valley?
My mom’s name is Maria Fernandez-Naughton and my father’s name is Daniel Naughton. I have attended UV since 6th grade.
What activities were you involved with in school?
Varsity soccer, Varsity Indoor and Outdoor track, National Honor Society, Spanish Club
Do you have any activities outside of school and, if so, what are they?
Travel soccer at Greater Binghamton FC, Dance at Donna Frech School of dance.
What are your plans for after graduation?
Attend Marywood University as a History/ Pre-Law Major, play soccer and track there
What will you miss most about Unadilla Valley?
I will most miss my friends, the amazing supportive staff at UV and our amazing Spanish class fish, Señor Bubbles.
Do you have any advice for this year’s kindergarteners?
I would say have fun and enjoy it, school goes by really fast and you want to remember all the fun times you had and great friends you made!
