Mr. Joseph Farrell, Carbondale Area Junior/Senior High School Principal, is proud to announce the Class of 2021 Honors Graduates.
Valedictorian- Bayley Grizzanti
Bayley Grizzanti, 18, is the son of Joanna and Michael Grizzanti. In high school, Bayley broke the Pole Vault school record as a member of the Track & Field team. He was also a member of the Golf team. He served as the Student Council Treasurer and was a member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Ski Club, Physics Club, and the National Honor Society. He is employed in the Data Collection department at IRI Scanscap. Bayley plans to attend Penn State University Park through the Schreyer Honors College, majoring in Engineering and minoring in Business.
“Attaining this achievement took a lot of hard work and dedication, especially throughout the periods of online learning,” explained Grizzanti. “Seeing it finally all pay off has revealed to me the virtues of persistence and patience, which will benefit me greatly in my college career and adult life.
“My high school career has been filled with many amazing experiences that have shaped my personality, passions, and morals,” added Grizzanti. “I have created many memories that will last a lifetime.”
Salutatorian- Avianna Pugliese:
Avianna Pugliese, 18, is the daughter of Lee Anne Pugliese and the late Sergeant First Class George Pugliese. In high school, Avianna was a member of the Soccer team, Prosper team, Spanish Club, Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, Physics Club, Watershed, and Yearbook staff. Avianna’s hobbies include playing video games, watching Marvel movies, and playing with her dogs. Her future plans are to attend Penn State University to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering with intent to later work with prosthetics.
“I am extremely proud to be my class’s salutatorian,” stated Pugliese. “I put a lot of hard work into accomplishing this, and it ultimately paid off.” She went on to add, “Time really does fly. It feels like I took my first steps into the building only yesterday. I am really going to miss the day-to-day things that took place.”
Third Academic Honor-Sarah Tolerico
Sarah Tolerico, 18, is the daughter of Sue and Mike Tolerico. In high school, Sarah was a three-sport athlete as a member of the Soccer, Basketball, and Track & Field teams. Additionally, she held leadership positions as Vice-President of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Secretary of Student Council. She was also a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Yearbook staff, and Prom Committee. She is a certified lifeguard at the YMCA and has volunteered her time working with Rails to Trails, VNA Hospice, youth basketball camps, Steamtown Marathon, food drives, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Feast. Sarah’s hobbies include playing basketball, painting, fishing, and playing video games. Her future plans are to attend Penn State University, University Park, to major in Chemical Engineering.
“Ever since I realized my potential to be in the top of class, I strived to be the best,” explained Tolerico. “Throughout my high school experience, I always put school first in order to obtain this achievement. It is an honor to receive it, and I couldn’t be anymore more grateful.” Sarah, reflecting on her high school experience, added, “I always looked forward to going to school. It gave me an opportunity to realize my skills and potential. This year has been especially difficult ever since Covid hit. Covid-19 put a hold on many opportunities and activities that I was looking forward to in my senior year. Leading up to senior year though, I met many students and teachers that have impacted greatly. High school provided me with many future opportunities and friends that I will have for the rest of my life.”
Carbondale Area’s commencement is set for Friday, June 11. A parade around Carbondale will start at 5:15pm with the ceremony taking place for the first time in recent history outside on the football field.
