Samantha Saye, daughter of Steven and Allie Saye of Dunkirk, was named the valedictorian of Dunkirk High School's Class of 2012. Saye earned a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with Honors and had a final weighted grade point average of 100.99. She plans to attend Elmira College in the fall where she will pursue a double major in chemistry and biology.
Saye earned an impressive array of honors and awards in her four years at DHS. These include: the Elmira College Valedictorian Scholarship, the Rensselaer Medal Award and Scholarship, the NYSAFLT Philip A. Fulvi Award Scholarship, the Chautauqua County School Boards Association Honor Award, the John L. Kreider Scholarship, the AP Scholars Award with Honors, the NYS Regents Scholarship for Academic Excellence and the US Air Force Math & Science and Scholar/Athlete Awards. She is also a member of the 2012 WNY Business First All-Academic Honors Team.
Saye was also involved in a wide variety of extracurricular programs throughout her time at DHS. These include the swim team, track and field team, French club and National Honor Society. She was an also an important part of the high school music program where she was a member of the Select Choir for three years. In the community Saye has volunteered her services at DHS sporting events, at Sunday school and for the USA Swimming Program.
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Samantha Saye
When asked about a quote with significant personal meaning, she quoted Yoda from the Empire Strikes Back: "Do, or do not. There is no 'try'."
Katherine (Kat) Carr, daughter of Barbara and Gerald Carr, was named the salutatorian. She will attend Jamestown Community College; her intended major is liberal arts. She has received or been offered several scholarships and awards including the Far West Council of School Superintendents Scholarship, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter No. 459 Scholarship, New York State Regents Scholarship for Academic Excellence, Ruth Benson Walrod Memorial Scholarship and the Jamestown Community College USA Scholarship. Carr was honored this year as a Western New York Business First Community All Star and also won the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award from the University of Rochester in her junior year.
Her activities confirm her leadership and commitment to her school and community. She is an active member of SADD, Student Council, Envirothon, Drama Club, and National Honor Society. Her volunteer experiences include: Special Olympics volunteer, organizing Prom Promise events for SADD, Autism Awareness Walk, Teddy Bear Drive for abused children, and City of Dunkirk Youth Bureau YES volunteer. Many of Carr's community service hours are dedicated to her church, Blessed Mary Angela, where she serves as a Eucharistic Minister and altar server. She received the Bishop's Altar Server of the Year Award for her service. Carr is very involved in the DHS music program and is a member of band, jazz band, chorus and select choir. She also has had leading roles in the musicals throughout her high school tenure.
When asked about a memorable high school experience Carr looked back on her experience with SADD. She reflected, "That as a member of SADD, working together with the other members and dedicating our time to plan and organize events to promote non-destructive decisions has taught me not only what teamwork is but how my voice can help make a difference in the world."
