Johnstown High School Principal Nick Snow announced the Top Ten students of Johnstown’s graduating Class of 2026, including Valedictorian Ian Yucha and Salutatorian Ayla Naselli. Graduation will take place on Friday, June 26 at 7 p.m. on Knox Field. GJSD’s Top Ten students include:
Ian Yucha, Valedictorian
Ian Yucha, the son of Steven and Laura Yucha, is the Valedictorian for Johnstown High School’s Class of 2026. During his time at JHS, he was actively involved in Student Council, International Club, Key Club, Drama Club, and the Class of 2026. Additionally, he participated in FCMEA All-County performances and other choir-related activities throughout his high school career. He has also volunteered with the Fulton County Regional SPCA and participated in various community service activities throughout his time at JHS. Ian will attend Ithaca College in the fall to major in psychology while pursuing a career in acting.
Ayla Naselli, Salutatorian
Ayla Naselli, the daughter of Joe and Nikki Naselli, is the Salutatorian for Johnstown High School’s Class of 2026. While at JHS, Ayla served as the President of the National Honor Society, International Club and Key Club. Ayla was also the Treasurer of the Student Council and Drama Club. Ayla has appeared in numerous Drama Club performances. Two of her favorite roles were as Schroeder in A Charlie Brown Christmas, and as Karen in Spongebob: The Musical. She was a member of the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Marching Band, and Chamber Choir. This year Ayla was chosen to participate in the NYSSMA Area All-State Choir, where she performed with over 200 students. She served as the captain of the varsity soccer, Nordic ski, and track & field teams for the past two years. During her time in Johnstown, Ayla has performed in numerous musical groups, including the Albany ProMusica High School Choir and the SPAC Festival of Young Artists. Ayla will attend Ithaca College in the fall to pursue a degree in music education. There, she will be a member of the Leadership Scholar Program, participating in seminars that will further develop her communication and leadership abilities.
#3 – David Jarabek
David Jarabek, son of Jay and Patti Jarabek, is attending Elon University in the fall where he will major in environmental engineering. While at JHS, David was a member of the varsity football, soccer, and lacrosse teams. Beyond athletics, he served as President of the Class of 2026 for all four years and was President of Science Club his junior year. David maintained a 95+ average over all four years of high school. His career goals are to work for an engineering firm that solves real sustainability issues and helps Earth become a better place.
#4 – Camilla Ventura Mercedes
Camilla Ventura Mercedes is the daughter of Mary Mercedes de Ventura and Gregorio Ventura. She was an active member of several clubs throughout high school, including the Art Club, Bugle Club, Key Club, Science Club, Film Club, and the Science and Technology Entry Program. She was also a member of the William A. Wright Chapter of the National Honor Society. She earned awards for her studies and her artistry, including the Art Award, the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award, the Student Award of Excellence, and the Algebra II Award. During her time at JHS, Camilla gave back to her community through volunteering at the One Church Street Food Pantry as an after-school STEM activity workshop worker, tutor, and translator. Camilla participated in many enriching opportunities during her time at Johnstown, including selling artwork displayed at the SPAC Festival. Her artwork was also displayed in local art shows at FMCC and the Paul Nigra Center. Camilla will be attending Fulton-Montgomery Community College next fall to continue her education in nursing.
#5 – Elliot Haverly
Elliot Haverly is the son of Michael and Bobbi Jo Haverly. He will be attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall to study computer science. He was the Treasurer of the Class of 2026, and was a member of the International Club, Key Club, and Student Council. He was inducted into the National Honor Society and was a musician in the Wind Ensemble at JHS. Elliot was a three-season athlete competing on the lacrosse team and serving as a captain for both the cross-country and Nordic Ski teams. He also served on the Captain’s Council during his senior year. Elliot has been actively involved in his community, volunteering for the Fulton County Regional SPCA, St. Mary’s “Clean Up Day,” Wreaths Across America, and St. John’s Episcopal Church, where he served as a junior vestry member.
#6 – Braeden Fennessey
Braeden Fennessey, son of Daniel and Shelly Fennessey, was accepted into the Honors Program at Bentley University, where he will major in Finance with a minor in Business Administration. At JHS, he was active in the National Honor Society, Principal’s Student Advisory, Captain’s Council, Science Club, and Class of 2026 activities. He played the trombone in band all throughout high school and participated in All-County Band. A three-sport athlete, Braeden competed in varsity soccer, golf, and basketball, serving as captain of both soccer and golf. He earned MVP honors for both golf and soccer and earned Scholar-Athlete recognition throughout his time as a varsity athlete. Braeden was named the WAC Senior Scholar-Athlete for basketball, and this spring, was named the WAC Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Academically, Braeden maintained high honor roll status while taking AP, Honors, and college-level courses, and earned the RIT Business and Leadership Award. Outside of school, Braeden enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing guitar, fishing, skiing, and spending summers with family in Rhode Island where he works as a lifeguard.
#7 – Soria Hock
Soria Hock is the daughter of Erin and Scott Hock. She will fulfill her lifelong dream of studying elementary education and has chosen SUNY Cortland to continue her studies. Soria was a five-year member of the varsity golf team, serving three years as captain and earning awards including Most Improved, Most Outstanding, and a selection to the All-Star team. She is a member of the William A. Wright Chapter of the National Honor Society and was selected to serve as a student representative on the District’s Shared Decision Committee and Portrait of a Graduate Committee, where she helped shape school policy and vision alongside faculty and administrators. Soria has held the position of Secretary for the Class of 2026, Student Council, International Club, and National Honor Society, and served as Treasurer for the Yearbook Club, Key Club and the golf team. Soria is a dedicated community volunteer who has volunteered for the Backpack Program, Earth Day cleanup, and the annual Blood Drive.
#8 Mason Barter
Mason Barter is the son of David and Lindsay Barter. He will attend Western New England University to study communications. While at JHS, Mason was involved in Student Council, Mr. Chamberlain’s lip sync group, cross country, basketball, track and golf. He joined the drama club his senior year, which has inspired him to pursue a minor in theater at college. Mason’s strong academics and continued volunteer service earned him membership in the William A. Wright Chapter of the National Honor Society.
#9 – Kaiden Heroth
Kaiden Heroth is the son of Troy and Meghan Heroth. He will attend the University at Buffalo in the fall to study pharmacy. Kaiden participated in both varsity lacrosse and varsity swim. He was captain of the swim team and was the recipient of the Most Improved Swimmer Award. He was a member of the Captains’ Council, Wind Ensemble, and performed in the All-County Band. Kaiden was also Vice President of the Class of 2026, and President of the International Club. Academically, he was Vice President of the William A. Wright Chapter of the National Honor Society and maintained a 90+ GPA all through high school. Kaiden also participated in various acts of service to benefit the community, local schools and the Fulton County Regional SPCA.
#10 – Ethan Everest
Ethan Jeffrey Everest, the son of Lisa and the late Jason Everest, is currently undecided about his future plans. He is taking time to explore career interests and educational opportunities before making a decision regarding college or a career path. Throughout his four years of high school, Ethan completed several advanced classes and college courses while maintaining an average above ninety, and is grateful for the opportunities that he has been offered. He was also actively engaged in clubs, class activities, and community services. Ethan looks forward to gaining experience, developing new skills, and preparing for the next chapter of his life while fulfilling his potential.