The Hancock Central School District is proud to recognize Valedictorian Kelsey Young and Salutatorian Roger Newman III as the top two academic students in Hancock High School’s Class of 2020.
Hancock typically announces the valedictorian and salutatorian of its graduating class during the annual Senior Banquet, but the COVID-19 health crisis has closed schools for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year. Alternate plans to formally honor Young, Newman and the rest of the Class of 2020 are underway.
Valedictorian Kelsey Young
The daughter of Scott and Ann Young of Sands Creek, 2019-2020 Akshar All-Star Kelsey Young has participated in a number of extra-curricular activities while setting the academic standard for the Class of 2020.
The National Honor Society Vice President has been elected as Class President in each of her four high school years and serves as President of Hancock’s Student Council and Spanish Club. She is also Girls State Party Secretary, Vice President of the Yearbook Club and a member of the district’s YES Leads program. The winner of two citizenship awards, Kelsey also volunteers in the Hancock community, is a member of the high school’s academic team and has appeared in school plays.
Additionally, Kelsey has earned multiple state and league awards in cross country, basketball, and track and field. Before COVID-19 canceled her final outdoor track and field season, she won the Section 4 Class D championship in cross country during the fall and helped the Deposit/Hancock girls basketball team to the Midstate Athletic Conference title this past winter.
Kelsey plans to pursue a degree in Special/Elementary Education at Northern Arizona University.
Salutatorian Roger Newman III
The son of Roger and Tammy Newman of Scott Center, Roger Newman III is also a multi-sport athlete involved in a plethora of academic and extra-curricular activities. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association Scholar-Athlete earned his varsity sweater, played varsity golf and tennis, and participated in junior varsity baseball and basketball.
Roger has served as President of the National Honor Society, Vice President of Spanish Club and Student Council, and Secretary of Chorus and Drama Club. A YES Leads and academic team member, he also has performed in school plays and musicals.
Additionally, Roger has received the Section IV Character Counts Award, the American Citizenship Award for Outstanding Kindness, the Blanche Leahy Award, and the University of Rochester Bausch and Lomb Award.
Roger plans to graduate from Penn State with a master’s degree in Civil Engineering and then live a long, happy life in New York City.
Posted 5/8/2020