South Jefferson Central announces Class of 2019 leaders

ADAMS, NY – The leaders for the class of 2019 at South Jefferson Central School are Valedictorian, Alexys Gayne, and the Career and Technical Education Honor Student, Melinda Schultz.

Ms. Gayne, daughter of Robert and Julie Gayne has an academic average of 99.65 and will graduate with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with honors and mastery in Math and Science with a Seal of Biliteracy. She has earned 24 college credits in addition to credits for Advanced Placement in Science and History. Among honors received are National Merit Scholar, National Honor Society Scholar, Elks National Scholar, University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award, Jefferson Leadership Institute Program, and WWNY Academic All-Star.

Alexys is a member of numerous clubs, sports teams, and extracurricular activities. She is a co-founder and treasurer of the NNYCF sponsored LEAD Group, President and a charter member of the Forensic Science Club, Vice President of SADD, Treasurer of National Honor Society and French Club. She is also a member of Key Club, Spartan Helpers and Student Council.

Alexys plays three varsity sports and is captain of both the swim and softball teams, receiving All-North, Section III and Frontier League all-star recognition. She performed in numerous musical ensembles, including NYSBDA Honor Band, Area All-State, Bi-Counties, and is a NYSSMA Soloist and member of the pit band.

Alexys also works as a lifeguard, summer recreation counselor, and has been a summer research intern at Syracuse University. She also has attended three years of the Horizons program at Clarkson University and organizes blood drives through the American Red Cross Leaders Save Lives Program.

Ms. Gayne plans to attend the University of Rochester as a member of the Rochester Early Medical Scholars (REMS) Program with direct admittance to the Rochester School of Medicine.

She will double major in neuroscience and biomedical engineering.
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Ms. Schultz, daughter of Mark and Jessica Shultz, has maintained an academic average of 96.5 over two years at the Bohlen Technical Center.

Ms. Shultz has diverse interests and has contributed to the South Jefferson community in a number of ways. Melinda is an inducted member of the National Honor Society. She has also served as a SADD member for the past four years. In that capacity, she has participated in educational campaigns and community forums to promote healthy decision making and raise awareness of critical societal issues. Ms. Shultz has also participated and supported South Jefferson’s Sources of Strength group, a peer to peer effort to promote healthy living. In all of these organizations, she has served as a role model and mentor to younger students.