Johnstown High School Principal Scott Hale recently announced the Top Ten students of Johnstown’s graduating Class of 2025, including valedictorian Diya Patel and salutatorian Julia Moses. Graduation will take place on Friday, June 27 at 7 p.m. on Knox Field. GJSD’s Top Ten students include:
Diya Patel, Valedictorian
Diya Patel, the daughter of Amar and Pinal Patel, is the valedictorian for Johnstown High School’s Class of 2025. She plans to attend Boston College in the fall where she will major in Biology.
Throughout high school, Diya demonstrated consistent leadership by serving as class secretary during her freshman and sophomore years, and as class president during her junior and senior years. She currently is co-president of National Honor Society and previously served as the vice president of Photography Club. She was an active member of Science Club, Key Club, and Art Club, and played varsity volleyball as a middle blocker.
Diya was honored as a George Eastman Young Leader by the University of Rochester and served as a HOBY Ambassador and Junior Staff Leader. She also served as a student advisory member on the District’s Shared Decision Making Committee, contributing to a subcommittee focused on revamping the student dress code.
Diya is a Borlaug Scholar with the World Food Prize Foundation and Cornell University, where she conducted international research on food insecurity. She is also a New Visions Health Scholar, having completed the academically rigorous one-year program offered through HFM BOCES during her senior year.
In service, Diya dedicated over 2,000 hours as a Mandir Activities Leader and Regional Core Team Member with BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, helping plan regional events, choreographing performances, mentoring youth, and fundraising for tree planting and Susan G. Komen. She also interned at Lexington Arc, supporting adults with disabilities through household care and enrichment activities.
Julia Moses, Salutatorian
Julia Moses, the daughter of Brandon and Christina Moses, is the salutatorian for Johnstown High School’s Class of 2025. Julia plans to attend Boyce College in the fall, where she will major in biblical and theological studies.
Julia is the treasurer of National Honor Society and an active member of the Class of 2025. She has been on the high honor roll for all four years of high school and has received many academic awards, including a certificate of scholarship award for both geometry and French 3, an academic award for environmental science and world history, and certificate of achievement awards for English, math, health, chemistry, and physics. Julia also received awards for AP composition and language, American history, algebra II, chemistry, and ceramics & sculpture. She enjoys serving her community by working at her church, tutoring, and helping run the Johnstown High School’s Thrift Shop.
The remaining students on the “Top Ten” are listed here in alphabetical order:
Elliot Brownell
Elliot Brownell looks forward to attending the Rochester Institute of Technology with the goal of earning a BFA in film and animation, with a focus in 2D animation. He was accepted into RIT’s Art Experience (ArtEx) program, which will give him special access to the outstanding creative expertise housed in RIT’s College of Art and Design, and the ability to pursue additional learning opportunities.
JHS Art Club was established during Elliot’s freshman year at JHS. He has been actively involved with the group since its inception and served as president of the club his junior year. Under his leadership, the JHS Art Club actively contributed to numerous community events and projects, including the barn quilt square outside the school, the Vet to Vet Veteran’s Day clay poppy memorial, Christmas ornament-making activities, a special Valentine’s Day event, and the ongoing Empty Bowls Fundraiser.
Elliot has received many awards for his artwork from prestigious local organizations including SPAC’s Festival of Young Artists (“Outstanding Artist Award”), the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, Fulton County Student Art Contest Winner Award, and the FMCC Juror’s Choice Award. He also created an animated PSA that aired on Glens Falls’ WNCE “Look Media.”
Mason Gray
Mason Gray, son of Albert Gray and Jendra Edwards, will attend Hudson Valley Community College this fall to study electrical technology. During high school, Mason was actively involved in Student Council, International Club, and Student Government. He also participated in athletics, playing both soccer and lacrosse.
Jakob Hanna
Jakob Hanna is the son of Catarina Rapp and Jeffrey Hanna. He will attend Utica University this fall to pursue a doctoral degree in physical therapy.
Jakob has been actively involved in numerous clubs and activities throughout his time at JHS. He serves as the secretary of the William A. Wright Chapter of the National Honor Society, and is an active member of the Class of 2025.
He is an avid sports enthusiast, and was a three-sport athlete at Johnstown, participating and excelling on the alpine ski, baseball and soccer teams. During his senior year, he added a fourth sport – golf. Jakob showed leadership through his athletics by serving as captain of the alpine ski and baseball teams during his senior year. He was a three-time state qualifier for Section 2 alpine ski racing and placed in the Top Ten for Giant Slalom at the NYSPHSAA State Championships in both his junior and senior years.
Outside of school, Jakob was involved in club baseball leagues and alpine ski racing throughout middle and high school. He is a dedicated member of the Ridge Runner Hunting Club and a passionate fisherman, having competed in several professional bass fishing tournaments.
Jacob enjoyed being part of the music program at Johnstown and played the saxophone through all four years of high school. Prior to picking up the sax, he played the flute and piano. He has received several awards including the AP Language and Composition Award, the AP Scholar Award, the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award and the Triple “C” Award, along with scholar-athlete recognitions and individual coaches awards each varsity season.
Jakob has volunteered at the local Episcopal Church Sunday NOAH dinners and works part-time as a server at the Saratoga Winery.
Austin Harrington
Austin James Harrington, son of Jason and Rachel Harrington, and Shannon Winchell, will attend SUNY Polytechnic Institute this fall to study computer science. Throughout high school, Austin has been involved in several extracurricular activities, including Masterminds, Jazz Band, and National Honor Society. During his junior year, he received the Xerox Innovation & Information Technology Award for his achievements in computer science. In addition to his academic accomplishments, Austin has volunteered at various school events and at the SPCA animal shelter. Outside of school, Austin maintains part-time employment at Price Chopper.
Tessa Harvey
Tessa Harvey is the daughter of Angela Taylor (Frank Taylor II) and Jason Harvey. She plans to pursue an engineering degree through the United States Army. During her time at JHS, she earned numerous academic honors, including the Earth Science Award, CADD Award, Algebra II Award, Spanish II Award, Albert E. Jewell Award, the Ticonderoga Award and “Student of the Month” awards for health and Spanish.
She challenged herself academically by participating in Advanced Placement, Honors, and FMCC courses. Tessa also represented the JHS APPLE Class in the We the People competition for Units 1 and 3. Beyond the classroom, she demonstrated strong school spirit and a commitment to community service through various acts of outreach and support to neighboring communities.
Gabriela Martinez Santos
Gabriela Martinez Santos, the daughter of Liz Santos and Laurance Monds, has distinguished herself as a dedicated and well-rounded student during her time at JHS. She has been an active member of the International Club and Photo Club, while also excelling in athletics as a varsity athlete in volleyball, softball, and basketball. Gabriela served as captain of all three teams, demonstrating her leadership and commitment both on and off the field. In addition to her school activities, she volunteers at her church, giving back to the local community. Academically, Gabriela has maintained high honor roll status throughout all four years and was recognized with the “Student of the Month” award for her achievements in art.
Lindsay Sweet
Lindsay Sweet is the daughter of Meagan and Jarrod Sweet. She will be attending Fulton Montgomery Community College in the fall to study biology, with plans to pursue a career in the medical field. Throughout high school, she participated in both soccer and track & field. She won awards for the “Most Dedicated” and MVP as a member of the soccer team.
Lindsay was also very active in the district’s drama program, scoring the lead role in two of the school musicals. In addition to her acceptance into National Honor Society, Lindsay was active in the Science Club, and was the treasurer for the Class of 2025.
Outside of school, Lindsay is a volunteer youth soccer coach. She also maintains two part-time jobs — one at the Johnstown Library and the other as a referee for the Fulton United Soccer Club. She would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her.
Molly Wilcox
Molly Alaina Wilcox is the daughter of Jennifer and Ryan Wilcox. She has plans to attend Hudson Valley Community College in the fall to study dental hygiene.
Molly was very active with athletics during her time at Johnstown, serving as the captain of the field hockey, basketball, and softball teams. In field hockey, Molly earned Honorable Mention as a Foothills All-Star, was named a First Team All-Star for the Independent League, received Scholar-Athlete recognition, the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Award, and the “Most Dedicated” award.
In basketball, she was named a First Team All-Star for the Western Athletic Conference, received the Scholar-Athlete award, was named MVP, and earned the “Coaches Award.” In Softball, she was also recognized as a Scholar-Athlete.
She has also been chosen as a “Student of the Month” in math, art, and science. Molly volunteers her time by participating in the District’s Backpack Program. She also assists with picking up trash along the rail trail and painting little league softball dugouts.