We're thrilled to announce David Oldrich as the Valedictorian and Grace Perito as the Salutatorian of the Class of 2024!
High School Principal Craig Shull commended them, stating, "David and Grace are diligent students who have set and achieved impressive goals. They're not only academically outstanding but also kind, caring and sensitive individuals.They care about their fellow classmates, their teachers, family and their community."
Mr. Shull continued, "They're respected by peers and staff alike, exemplifying the qualities we value in our Ichabod Crane Riders. I'm confident they'll succeed and make a positive impact on our world."
David, an Ichabod Crane student since kindergarten, has a passion for math and science. He aims to study engineering in college.“I enjoy solving problems and trying to understand how the natural world works around us,” he shared.
His ICC journey includes memorable experiences at Model UN conferences in Boston, where he connected with people from across the world, collaborating toward common goals in simulations of international relations.
An avid runner, David actively participates in track, indoor track and cross country teams. He's also involved in National Honor Society, Interact Club, Marching Band, Boy Scouts, Ski Club and Habitat for Humanity Club.
His advice to his fellow Riders: "Try your best, explore clubs, activities and sports. Take risks and seize opportunities. You won't know unless you try. Accumulate as many experiences as possible."
Grace became a Rider in the first grade, after her family relocated for her father’s job. With a passion for math and science, she aspires to study chemical engineering in college. "I'm fascinated by chemistry, biology and physics, delving into subjects at the cellular level," she said.
Grace is also a competitive dancer, starting when she was 4 years old, cherishing the friendships and team spirit in her dance community as a way to connect and unwind from her schoolwork. She currently attends Questar III's New Visions Program, where she is studying STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math). She takes college-level physics at RPI, alongside university students twice a week.
One of the standout experiences for Grace at Ichabod Crane was the annual eighth-grade trip to Washington, DC. “What a trip! It was so memorable and I just loved visiting the museums and landmarks.”
In addition to her academics and extracurricular activities, Grace volunteers monthly at the Kinderhook Elks Lodge, helping out during their Sunday meals.
“I have been doing this since sophomore year, so the Elks members and volunteers are always so excited to hear about my accomplishments, especially when I was named salutatorian,” she said.
Grace is proud of being named salutatorian, but shared that it wasn’t something that she was striving for. “I knew I was intelligent enough to get good grades and I have always been self motivated. My parents never put pressure on me and have always been very supportive. I am proud of myself, but I don’t think the number defines me. I will walk out of Ichabod with all the skills I have learned and that’s what’s most important to me.”
