Nikki Minkler – 2024 Valedictorian
Berlin High School
Russell Sage College
Nursing
Congratulations to Nikki Minkler, daughter of Carrie and Charles Minkler of Grafton, the 2024 Valedictorian of Berlin High School.
Nikki is graduating with an Advanced Regents Diploma and will attend Russell Sage College this fall for Nursing.
As a Mountaineer Nikki has enrolled in a challenging academic schedule while exemplifying what it means to be a well-rounded student. Nikki’s combination of academic and athletic excellence, leadership, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others is how she has achieved her success.
Nikki’s dedication to academic pursuits has allowed her to accumulate well over the required amount of credits for graduation. Throughout high school she has taken a rigorous college preparatory schedule, including an accelerated track in math and science and honors English and social studies courses.
During her senior year Nikki has split her time between the Questar III Nursing Program and Berlin High School. She enrolled in a Career Technical Education program this year to work on her goal of becoming a nurse.
Beyond the classroom, Nikki is a leader in her school community. She is a member of the National Honor Society, New York State Science Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, High School Student Council, and has been the Class of 2024 vice president for the past two years.
Nikki can also be found leading on the basketball court, and during her senior year earned the distinction of Section II Girls Basketball Scholar-Athlete. Nikki has played for three years on varsity, two of which she was co-captain. During her first year on the team she was awarded Most Improved Player and in her junior year the Coach’s Award.
Community Service and volunteering is paramount in her life. Since 2023 Nikki has been a volunteer firefighter at the Grafton Fire Department. Nikki has also spent the last four years volunteering at the Capital City Rescue Mission, serving food and helping with clerical duties, and as a Children’s Church teacher at the Mountain Chapel Church.
Last year Nikki received the University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award, and this year was awarded the Russell Sage College 2024 Trustee Excellence Merit Scholarship.
“Nikki is an above average student with exceptional time management skills,” said Berlin High School Counselor, Mrs. Melissa Cleary. “She is an excellent self-advocate and has great communication skills.”
Her motivation to help others through nursing and community service makes Nikki an outstanding example of a Mountaineer. She will be sure to shine at Russell Sage in the fall.
Elizabeth Hunt – 2024 Salutatorian
Berlin High School
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Pediatric Dentistry
Congratulations to Elizabeth Hunt, daughter of Mary Lou and Steven Hunt of Petersburgh, the 2024 Salutatorian of Berlin High School.
Elizabeth is graduating with an Advanced Regents Diploma and will attend Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences for Pediatric Dentistry.
Throughout high school Elizabeth has taken a rigorous schedule, which included six college level (dual enrollment) courses and one advanced placement course.
In her high school career Elizabeth participated in several sports at the varsity level: the Girls Soccer team, Swim team, and Softball team.
Elizabeth’s consistent focus has been on soccer. She has been an integral part of the girls’ varsity soccer team since eighth grade. She has been recognized as Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Defender, Most Improved Player, and this year was co-captain. In addition to sports teams, Elizabeth is a long time youth hockey player, and continues to compete on the ice.
Elizabeth’s strengths in character and leadership have been assets both on and off the field. Elizabeth is the student representative on the Board of Education, student council officer, class treasurer, member of the Prom Committee, and a part of the mentoring programs throughout middle school and high school.
Elizabeth is a member of the National Honor Society and NYS Science Honor Society. Last year she received the Clarkson Leadership Award, University of Rochester’s Bausch and Lomb Award, and the Northern Berkshire Youth Hockey Charlie Cooper Award.
Elizabeth has made a point to give back to her community. She is a referee for local youth soccer and an instructor in the learn to skate program for the Northern Berkshire Youth Hockey program. During the summer months, she can be found lifeguarding at Grafton State Park.
“Elizabeth is hardworking and kind, high achieving and modest, and an all-around role model and mentor to peers of all ages,” said Berlin High School Counselor, Rachel Harrison.
We look forward to seeing all that Elizabeth will accomplish at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences.