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MAY 8, 2024— Elizabeth Share and Marianna Hodgins are your Class of 2024 Valedictorian and Salutatorian!
Both students were introduced during Tuesday night's Board of Education (BOE) meeting Tuesday night.
The two will both speak during Pal-Mac's Graduation, which will be held on Thursday, June 13 at Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua.
Check out their bios below!
Elizabeth Share
Elizabeth pictured with BOE Vice President Dave Landon
Over the course of four years of hard work, perseverance, and a can-do attitude, Elizabeth has managed to secure her place at the top of her class.
Elizabeth is pursuing both the International Baccalaureate Diploma and the New York State Advanced Designation Regents Diploma with honors and mastery in Math and Science.
Elizabeth’s achievements in the classroom are nothing short of remarkable. She has consistently excelled in her studies, earning top marks in every subject and embodying the true spirit of scholarly achievement. As a International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma student, Elizabeth always pursued academic challenges. Since 9th grade, Elizabeth’s day to day school schedule rarely, if ever, included a study hall; requiring much of the numerous class assignments to be completed outside of school.
As a dedicated varsity athlete, Elizabeth had to balance her schoolwork; she excelled at both. She made high honor roll every quarter since 6th grade, totalling 26 consecutive marking periods with an average of 95 or higher. In recognition of her achievement, Elizabeth was the recipient of the University of Rochester Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award and Scholarship, as well as Pal-Mac’s nominee for the Notre Dame Club of Rochester’s Student of the Year. Elizabeth’s Junior year English teacher shared the following:
But Elizabeth’s contributions extend far beyond the classroom. As a natural leader and role model to her peers, she has served as an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of knowing her, particularly in Varsity Athletics. As a 5 year member and captain of the women’s varsity swimming team, she has been dominant in the sport. She is a 4 time repeat sectional champion in the 100 yard butterfly, has won a total of 8 sectional titles, and was selected as the Sectionals Swimmer of the Meet both her Sophomore and Junior year. She is the first Pal-Mac female swimmer to qualify for States in the past 22 years, and at states placed 13th overall in the backstroke. She currently holds the school record in the 100 yard backstroke and was part of the record holding 400 free relay. Her swim coach Becky DeSol shared:
"Elizabeth Share swam the butterfly SO FAST at States Championships this year that she collided with the wall and jammed her shoulder, momentarily stunning herself. While most athletes might have given up at that point, Elizabeth rallied and swam faster than she's ever gone in the backstroke, a few events later, and placed higher than predicted, breaking the Pal-Mac pool record (one that she had broken a few weeks earlier). I often think of the phrase "she'd swim through a brick wall for you" - Elizabeth is so selfless and so supportive of her teammates and coaches, that in this case she literally almost did swim through a brick wall."
Beyond her athletic ability, which also includes two years on Varsity Track, Elizabeth has lent her talents to numerous clubs and organizations. She is Treasurer of Student Council, National Honor Society, and the Class of 2024.
She is also a valued and trusted member of yearbook club, with her Class and Yearbook advisor saying:
"She is not only one of the most reliable, responsible, and dedicated students that I have ever met, she is also one of the kindest. Lizzy approaches each day with a positive outlook and tries to find the good in every situation. She looks at challenges as a genuine opportunity for growth. Students like Elizabeth are few and far between, and there just aren't enough positive adjectives I could use to describe her."
Her plan is to continue her education and swimming at Alfred University as an Engineering major.
Marianna Hodgins
Marianna pictured with BOE member Susan Herendeen
Marianna's diligence, determination and passion for learning over the past four years has resulted in this honor.
Marianna is also pursuing the IB Diploma, one of the most respected academic pathways available to high school students who intend to continue their studies. She will also earn the New York State Advanced Designation Regents Diploma with honors and mastery in both Math and Science.
Marianna has taken nearly every level of advanced coursework offered at Pal-Mac, while also participating in several sports and in numerous clubs and activities. However, her achievements and dedication to learning did not begin in high school, as Marianna has excelled since the very beginning at the Pal-Mac Primary School.
She has been a consistent High Honor Roll student every quarter since 6th grade. In her Junior year, Marianna also received the Palmyra-Macedon Math Award and the University of Rochester’s Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award, for commitment to understanding and addressing difficult social issues, leadership, strong grades, and rigorous coursework taken in the humanities and social sciences.
Marianna’s Class Advisor, Caryn Parsons, shared the following about her:
"Since Freshman year, Mar has pushed herself in her academics by taking honors, AP, and FLCC courses, and even chose the most rigorous coursework available in her pursuit of the International Baccalaureate Diploma. She is excited about a career as a fetal surgeon, a goal that I have no doubt she will accomplish with her focus and determination. She is incredibly reflective, and consistently seeks opportunities to grow as a learner through discussions with her teachers and classmates, and through participation in a variety of activities. In addition to her athletic pursuits, she has participated in Yearbook Club, International Club, National Honor Society (Vice President), Student Council, and Model UN (Treasurer). She participated in the Laboratory for Laser Energetics Research Program. She volunteers at Rochester General Hospital helping the elderly residents connect with their families using modern technology and coordinates games and activities for them. She also has volunteered in the CTICU."
Marianna has established herself as a leader of her graduating class, taking on a Class Officer role where she has worked to organize events and fundraisers for her peers and even helped to plan the 2023 prom.
As if that isn't enough, on top of all of this, she maintains part-time employment at Dunkin Donuts in Farmington!
Marianna is smart, funny, and kind, and lifts up the people around her. She encourages others to be intelligent and thoughtful in their interactions and serves as a true role model for others!
Aside from her remarkable and impressive academic accomplishments, Marianna also has numerous athletic accomplishments. Each year of high school, she has been a multiple sport athlete, participating in Varsity basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and outdoor track.
Marianna’s soccer coach, Mike Karns had the following to share about her as an athlete and leader:
"Congratulations to Marianna! Marianna stepped up to fill a massive role on our team this year after taking a year off from soccer. Marianna improved immensely, showing discipline, patience, and perseverance along with showing up with a positive attitude every day. Not many girls would have taken on this role but Marianna pushed herself out of her comfort zone and helped the varsity soccer team to many wins!"
Marianna’s Varsity Basketball Coach, Dan Harris, shared the following:
"Marianna has demonstrated an incredible work ethic and resilience during her four years in high school. She has not been without trials in her short career. Mar tore her Achilles tendon in January of her freshman year. She missed an entire basketball season. She persevered through this injury and came to every practice and game, even throughout the Covid 19 pandemic.
Through her hard work on and off the court, Marianna went on to achieve 2nd team all-league her sophomore year. Marianna averaged a double double in points and rebounds in her junior and senior years, earning her first team all-league honors in both seasons. Marianna also earned a roster spot in the prestigious Ronald McDonald senior All-Star Game her senior year.
Marianna was named Captain in her junior and senior seasons, often working hard to lead by example in practice with incredible energy and dedication while going through drills at 100%."
Marianna has shown incredible maturity on and off the court, keeping a great perspective and balance with her basketball success and her real-life desire to work in the medical field.
She plans to enroll at Cornell University where she will study Human Biology, Health and Society.
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