Over the last several years, senior Methew Schenck has worked hard to maintain his pursuit of academic excellence. That hard work has paid off, as Schenck was recently named Class of 2022 Valedictorian.

Schenck said he is very proud of this achievement, noting that the hard work and stressful times were worth it in the long run. Schenck said he would like to thank many individuals for helping him achieve this honor, including family, faculty and friends.

“I want to thank my parents for supporting me all the way back in Korea. I want to thank my friends for helping me get used to America. And I would like to thank my teachers for helping me with all my work,” he said.

When asked what he will miss most about Union Springs upon graduation, Schenck said the people who made him feel at home. 

“I made many friends in this high school, and all of the teachers were very friendly,” Schenck said. “I had a lot of fun talking to them, and I will miss everyone.”

After graduation, Schenck will be attending SUNY Korea to major in computer science. His hope is to one day work in the video game industry. When asked what advice he would give students entering high school next year, Schenck said he would advise students to ask as many questions as possible.

“I never would have succeeded this much without asking questions,” he said.

Riley Secor was named class Salutatorian, an honor he said he is very proud of.

“I have spent the last four years working hard to get the grades I have today and I am proud of my diligence and focus,” he said.

Secor said he would like to give appreciation to his teachers who made his high school experience enjoyable. Secor also credited his dad and prayer for helping him get through some stressful times, including Regents exams.

Secor said he will miss his teachers and friends who helped him throughout his four years at Union Springs High School. After graduation, Secor hopes to do missionary work for the Jehovah’s Witnesses before exploring more opportunities down the road. When asked what advice he would give to incoming freshmen, Secor said time management is a key to success.

“Time management is one of the most important things to be mindful of since we all have a limited amount of it,” he said. “Above all, try to find something that gives you purpose like I already have. I hope everyone can find that.”