CARTHAGE, NY — Carthage High School Principal, Kaleigh Sidaras, is pleased to announce the academic leaders for the graduating Class of 2026. These exceptional students have demonstrated remarkable dedication and achievement throughout their high school careers.
Leading the class as Valedictorian is Erin Rose Bracy, daughter of Darren and Mary Bracy of Carthage, N.Y. Erin achieved an outstanding academic average of 99.29% after three and a half years of rigorous study.
Ranked second in the class with an impressive average of 99.07%, the Salutatorian is Dana Parnes, daughter of Nata and Michelle Parnes of Carthage, N.Y.
The Career and Technical Honor Graduate for the Class of 2026 is Grayson Cooper St. Laurent, son of Danny and Sarah St. Laurent of Black River, N.Y., who attained a BOCES average of 96%.
As the class leader at Carthage High School, Erin has consistently demonstrated
outstanding academic excellence and a rigorous commitment to both extracurricular involvement and community service. Her scholastic achievements have earned her significant collegiate recognition, most notably being awarded Presidential Merit Scholarships from several universities as well as the prestigious Augsbury Scholarship for St. Lawrence University.
Erin’s leadership extends across a diverse range of activities, including active
membership in the National Honor Society and JROTC. A standout athlete, she competed on the Girls Varsity Basketball team for four years—serving as captain for her final two seasons—and was a key member of the Varsity Swim and Tennis teams. Her exceptional leadership potential was further distinguished by her selection to attend Empire Girls State.
Deeply committed to service, Erin has been a vital part of school initiatives such as Comet Connections and Student Government. Her dedication reaches into the local community through her work as a church lector and summer volunteer for Vacation Bible School. Professionally, she has served as a lifeguard for both Carthage and the City of Watertown, and has shared her skills as a swim instructor for the Carthage Elementary Swim program.
Looking toward the future, Erin will attend the University of New England to major in Applied Exercise Science. Driven by a passion for health and wellness, she aspires to one day open and operate her own physical therapy clinic. We look forward to seeing her excel in this distinguished next step.
Ranked second in her class, Dana’s academic journey is defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence. As a member of the National Honor Society, her scholarly achievements have earned her prestigious Army and Air Force ROTC scholarships, highlighting her exceptional potential as a future leader.
Dana’s passion for distance running is matched only by her competitive success. She is a USA Track & Field 3000m All-American and a two-time USA Track & Field Junior Olympic Cross Country National Qualifier. Her leadership extends from the track to the JROTC program, where she serves as Commander, alongside her roles as the JLAB quiz team leader and an active member of the drill, colorguard, and PT teams.
A catalyst for student engagement, Dana co-founded the Business Club and is a dedicated member of the Young Authors, Writers & Poets Club. Her commitment to service is vast, ranging from coaching youth gymnastics at the local YMCA to organizing charity golf tournaments and volunteering for the Exceptional Games. On a broader scale, she has represented her community as a Junior Research Assistant at Harvard Medical School, a NYS Empire Girl State Representative, and an Ambassador for the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Seminar, while also finding time to volunteer at Carthage Area Hospital.
The District is incredibly proud to celebrate Dana as she heads to Yale University. She plans to major in the History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health on a pre-physical therapy track, and we wish her continued success in this prestigious next chapter.
Recognized as Carthage’s recipient of the Career and Technical Honor Graduate Award, Grayson has established a standard of excellence within the BOCES Plumbing and HVAC program. His technical proficiency and work ethic earned him the distinction of Student of the Quarter in both his junior and senior years.
Grayson is a highly active member of the school community, most notably as a key player on the Varsity Football team. He was a vital member of the 2025 New York State offensive lineman challenge team at SUNY Cortland, which secured a first-place finish. Additionally, Grayson represents the district as a member of the Carthage Varsity Golf team.
Carthage Central School District offers its congratulations to Grayson and wishes him great success as he enters the Plumbing and HVAC industry. We are confident that his determination and daily commitment to excellence will lead to a distinguished professional career.
The Carthage School Community wishes to congratulate the Bracy, Parnes and St. Laurent families on these worthy achievements. The Carthage Central School District and Student Government will present Erin, Dana and Grayson with award plaques and medals to signify their outstanding achievements.
