Congratulations to the Pine Bush High School Class of 2024 valedictorian Saige Valentino and salutatorian Angela Hilgenfeldt.

Meet Valedictorian Saige Valentino

 

Future plans: What college/university will you be attending in the fall and what will your major

be? I will attend SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music and pursue a MusB in vocal performance

 

What are some of the activities, clubs and sports you have enjoyed here at PBHS?

Girls Varsity Tennis, PBHS Drama Club (Plays/Musicals), Interact Club Secretary, Wind Ensemble (Oboe), Mixed Choir, Select Choir, Jazz Band (Guitar/Vocalist).

 

What awards and recognitions have you received?

Seal of Biliteracy, Seal of Civic Readiness, Rensselaer Medal, St. Bonaventure-Bonny Scholarship, Bucknell University Award for Outstanding Promise in Physics and Astronomy, Rotary Youth Leadership Academy, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar NYE, Office of NY State Attorney General Triple C Award, OCMEA Vocal Performance Scholarship.

 

Which schools did you attend here in Pine Bush?

Edward J. Russell Elementary, Crispell Middle School, Pine Bush High School

 

What does the accomplishment of being the valedictorian mean to you? Has this been a goal of yours?

This accomplishment means to me that if I really want something and really apply myself towards achieving it, then I can and will. This has been a consistent goal of mine since my first regents-level class in 8th grade, simply because I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it, and as the years have gone by it has become a way to motivate me towards keeping up with school and striving towards greatness.

 

What is your favorite memory from PBHS?

My favorite memory from PBHS was my first ever play, She Kills Monsters, where I met my best friend and performed in a piece very close to my heart as the dynamic between me and my younger sister is heavily similar to that of the sisters in the play.

 

What advice would you give to younger students?

Ironically enough, don’t worry so much about grades. Focus on actually learning, because in the long run it is not the grades you get that will help you, but the things you learn and the lessons you gain that will set you up for success.

 

Is there anyone you would like to thank who has been a part of your journey?

 

I would like to thank my mom, who always pushes me to be my best when I falter, my father, who always has full confidence in my abilities, even when I don’t, Barbara Valentino, for showing me how to be kind and show love no matter what, Marci Shankman, for showing me how to balance work and fun, my sister, for being someone that pushes me to be a role model, and my Mickey, Arla, and Magnus, for being pawesome. Thank you also to my lovely best friends, who I cannot live without, and to Jim, Harvey, and Bucky, for the love.

I would also like to thank my amazing musical mentors: Ralph Wagner (PBHS Wind Ensemble), Deborah Portzline (private vocal instructor), Brian Shaw (PBHS Jazz Band), Nick Ruggeri (PBHS Choirs), Robin Evans (PBHS Drama Director), Doreen Sandor (retired EJR Choral Director), Judy Bracco (retired EJR/PBE Band Director), Valerie George (Crispell Blue Band), and Eileen and Dan Sclafani (Standing Room Only Theater Company) for making me the musician I am today. It truly takes a village.

 

Meet Salutatorian Angela Hilgenfeldt

 

Future plans: What college/university will you be attending in the fall and what will your major be?

I will be attending Hofstra University as a biology major on a pre med track.

 

What are some of the activities, clubs and sports you have enjoyed here at PBHS?

I have been playing girls varsity flag football for two years. I also was involved in the PBHS Interact Club, and I am a member of the PBHS Academy of Finance.

 

What awards and recognitions have you received?

I have received the Pine Bush Scholar Athlete Award, and I have been recognized as a National Honor Society member for two years. I have also received a high honor roll over my four years of high school.

 

Which schools did you attend here in Pine Bush?

I attended Pakanasink Elementary School and Circleville Middle School.

 

What does the accomplishment of being the salutatorian mean to you? Has this been a goal of yours?

Being salutatorian is a great accomplishment to me. I have always had high goals for myself, but I never thought I would make it as far as I did. I feel honored to represent my school as the class salutatorian.

 

What is your favorite memory from PBHS?

My favorite memory has been enjoying time with my friends in school and learning together throughout the years.

 

What advice would you give to younger students?

I would tell younger students to strive to be the best that you can and to always be yourself.

 

Is there anyone you would like to thank who has been a part of your journey?

I would like to thank my mom because she has always been there for me through every struggle I have faced throughout my years of high school. She is the reason I have gotten as far as I have.