Berlin CSD 2021 Valedictorian – Jordanne Brazie
Congratulations to Jordanne Brazie, daughter of Jarrid and Julie Brazie of Stephentown, NY, who has been named the 2021 Valedictorian of the Berlin Central School District. Jordanne is known for being driven, self-motivated and determined. Throughout her time in high school, she has focused on taking the most challenging college preparatory classes Berlin has had to offer. As a senior, she has participated in Questar III’s rigorous New Visions STEM program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and taken calculus classes at a local community college. Over the summer, Jordanne worked as a camp counselor for children with special needs through Rensselaer County ARC, a job that has instilled her with empathy, patience and compassion.
Among her many activities, Jordanne has participated in soccer, outdoor track and field, co-ed youth hockey, varsity bowling, Masterminds, InvenTeam (who were semi-finalists in the 11th annual “Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest,” receiving a prize of $15,000), Science Bowl, Science Olympiad, History Bowl and NYS Environthon. She has also participated in Super Troopers, Travel Club, Student Council, Concert/Jazz/Marching Band and served as captain for various academic teams.
Her volunteer and community service activities include refereeing and acting as assistant coach for Taconic Valley Youth Soccer, Link Leader Student Mentor and online tutoring during the Covid-19 pandemic. Her work experience includes Gardener’s Ice Cream Shoppe, summer camp counselor at Rensselaer County ARC and ticket office at Jiminy Peak Ski Resort.
Those who know Jordanne best point out her acute focus on the future and ability to seek out opportunities that will help her reach her goals. She puts time and thoughtfulness into important decisions and is eager to take on challenges and learn new things. Her ability to lead, attention to detail, strong self-advocacy skills and desire to rise to every occasion are all assets that will undoubtedly serve her well in college. She has yet to decide where she would like to go to school next year but says she would like to focus on Astro-Physics and hopes to work for SpaceX or NASA in the future. Reflecting on some of the life experience she has gained during high school, Jordanne, “For a senior girl to go up to a fourth grader and say ‘Wow, you’re doing great,’ and really encourage somebody, it means the world to a young kid. I think once you understand the responsibility you have as a human being to other people, you can really make a difference.”
Berlin CSD 2021 Salutatorian – Bridget Hermann
Congratulations to Bridget Hermann, daughter of Todd and Suzanne Hermann of Berlin, NY, who has been named the 2021 Salutatorian of the Berlin Central School District. Bridget is a highly intelligent and hard-working with a maturity and understanding of what it takes to not just achieve at a high level, but to exceed expectations. In high school, she quickly became a leader in the school community, role model to her peers and recognized by her teachers.
Bridget has taken and excelled in challenging college preparatory classes throughout high school. As a senior, she has narrowed her focus on the arts and hopes to major in Art History in college. Next year, she will be attending SUNY New Paltz and hopes to one day work in a museum. She is a member of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Masterminds, drama club and Berlin Super Troopers. She has taken part in the local Shakespeare competition and volunteered her time to the middle school homework club. She has also attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Architecture Career Discovery program.
Bridget has demonstrated maturity as well as a high level of self-awareness when it comes to realizing her strengths, interests and goals. She does not hesitate to seize opportunities that are outside of her comfort zone or to take a risk in her art class. She is also a determined learner – when Berlin was unable to offer a college level art history class this year, she found a way to take the course through a local community college. This year, she won first place in the Olympics of the Visual Arts (OVA) competition.
“Sometimes, like any other high schooler, I don’t want to try that day,” Bridget said with a laugh. “But, I always want to do the best that I can, and to learn as much as I can. Because, if you’re not learning, what are you doing?”
Congratulations again, from the Berlin CSD, to Jordanne Brazie and Bridget Hermann – we are so proud of you!
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