The end of the school year typically brings the start of summer weather but also the closure of high school memories for our graduating students. This week, we are highlighting the Class of 2025 Valedictorian Peyton Del Vecchio and Salutatorian Elise Lendrum. Both students have brought energy and focus to their time in the district and will be entering a new pathway as they travel different courses upon graduation.
Peyton Del Vecchio
Meet your Class of 2025 Valedictorian Peyton Del Vecchio. In addition to being named valedictorian, Ms. Del Vecchio has been incredibly active outside of her academic pursuits on campus. She is competitively active in BMX racing and has been previously crowned New York State Champion Bicycle Motocross champion in 2023 and 2024. She is also a member of Dance Diversity in Valatie, NY, where she dances primarily to hip-hop.
Aside from her outside activities, Ms. Del Vecchio is a force in the classroom. She participated in College in the Classroom and has compiled 22 credits toward a future degree. This dual enrollment program allows high school students to take college courses and earn college credit while still attending high school. Upon graduation, she will be entering the United States Marine Corps and will concentrate on a career in logistics. She is scheduled to begin boot camp in August 2025.
“I hold myself to a very high standard,” shared Ms. Del Vecchio. “I work hard to accomplish my goals, and I believe everyone can be successful if they put their mind to it. BKW is a great school, and they have offered me, and many others, the resources we’ve needed to be successful.”
Ms. Del Vecchio would like to recognize the following teachers who have made an impact during her time at BKW: Mrs. Keyser, Mr. Whitfield, Mr. Wright, Ms. McGovern, Ms. Harrington, Mr. Morin, and Ms. Gorman.
Elise Lendrum
Ms. Lendrum is the salutatorian for the Class of 2025. In the fall, she will be attending the State University of New York at Plattsburgh to study nursing. Her pathway to that area of study was encouraged by her participation in the Capital Region BOCES New Visions Program. The New Visions Program is for high school students interested in an in-depth, honors-level study program in medical or health-related fields during their senior year.
In addition to participating in the program, Ms. Lendrum spent numerous hours engaging in clinical rotations at St. Peter’s Hospital where she had access to 27 different departments across the hospital campus. She spent her time observing and understanding how departments work to provide patient care.
Ms. Lendrum has been a constant presence on High Honors throughout her high school career. She also received the Society of Women Engineers High School Certificate of Merit.
“BKW has been my home, and the community aspect has been so important to me,” shared Ms. Lendrum. “It’s something I will miss. I look forward to studying nursing and I’m grateful for all the opportunities that I’ve received at BKW. I would like to thank the following teachers who’ve helped me get to where I am today: Mr. Jackson, Mr. McConnelee, Mr. Lemire, Ms. Corso, and Mrs. Kane.”
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