Norwich Announces 2019 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Valedictorian Taylor Hansen (photo above)  to pursue Biology degree, play basketball at SUNY Geneseo.  Salutatorian Hannah Klockowski (photo below) to study at the University of Rochester, looks to become doctor

The Norwich City School District is proud to announce that Valedictorian Taylor Hansen and Salutatorian Hannah Klockowski will lead Norwich High School’s 2019 Graduation Ceremony.  The Class of 2019’s top two academic students will deliver speeches during this year’s Graduation Ceremony, scheduled for 10 a.m. June 29 at Ulrich Field.
NHS will hold two special events earlier that week: The NHS Honors Banquet is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 25 at the Canasawacta Country Club and Senior Awards Night is set for 7 p.m. June 28 at the high school.

TAYLOR HANSEN
Class of 2019 Valedictorian
Norwich High School Valedictorian Taylor Hansen is an amazing young woman who has dedicated herself to academics and extra-curricular activities. She is a well-rounded student who can balance a myriad of responsibilities and excel at all of them.
Taylor has pursued Advanced Placement classes and immersed herself in challenging coursework while finding time for the National Honor Society, Pep Club, Dollars For Scholars, freshmen mentoring program and three varsity sports (basketball, soccer, track and field).
The four-year class secretary, who also volunteers in the Norwich community, led the Purple Tornado varsity girls basketball team to Southern Tier Athletic Conference and Section 4 Class B championships this past winter. This graceful, powerhouse point guard will take her wide-ranging skill set to the college level, but the fabric of Taylor’s life will forever be tied to the bonds she formed during her athletic journey at NHS.
NHS also selected Taylor for the Scholar Recognition Award, which is given to outstanding students within the DCMO BOCES region and beyond. All SRA winners may select an influential mentor to honor. Taylor chose NHS Social Studies Teacher Bethany Stratton, who has supported and maintained a positive relationship with her former student for years. The two have been invited to attend the 2019 Scholar Recognition Banquet from 5:30-10 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at SUNY Oneonta.
Taylor also thanks NHS English Teacher Richard Bernstein for always challenging her to think. Prom, winning sectionals and time with friends rank among Taylor’s favorite high school memories. Her smile, compassionate demeanor and calm tenacity will long be remembered at NHS, and we are confident that she possesses the strength to make her dreams come true.
Taylor will start her pursuit of a biology degree this fall at SUNY Geneseo. Her advice to peers: “Work hard at whatever you choose to do and to remember that perseverance is the key to success in life.”

HANNAH KLOCKOWSKI
Class of 2019 Salutatorian

Norwich High School Salutatorian Hannah Klockowski (photo below) can do it all, too, completing a rigorous course of study that included Advanced Placement and Morrisville classes while participating in a variety of extra-curricular activities.
Hannah’s high school resume features membership in the National Honor Society and YES Leads!; two varsity sports (soccer and track & field); volunteer work with the Norwich Family YMCA, Chenango United Way, Norwich Rotary Club and the Chenango County Health Department; student government; and excellence in orchestra.
Currently the Class of 2019 President, Hannah has graced our stages as an orchestra member since fourth grade, working in collaboration with others to create beautiful music. She is grateful for her time spent with NHS Music Teacher Allison Rehn, who helped Hannah understand the power music has to transcend language.
Hannah attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards conference as a junior and truly took that experience to heart. RYLA teaches students to leave everything better than you found it, including your interactions with others. Hannah’s kindness and genuine spirit are apparent in all of her interactions, and the ability to focus on academics and a small group of friends has made her high school experience a memorable one.
Hannah thanks NHS Science Teacher Alison Locke for her instructional style and willingness to assist, as well as NHS Social Studies Teacher Jamie Maholchic for her dedication to the National Honor Society and the time she spends encouraging students and fostering independence outside of class time.
Hannah will study neuroscience or biology at the University of Rochester. Her goal is to become a doctor and conduct research. Her advice to peers: “Be nice and do good.”
Hannah’s dedication and compassionate spirit will always be a part of NHS. We wish her well in her future endeavors.