Matthew Newvine has been named valedictorian of DCS’ graduating class of 2025. He is the son of David and Laurel Newvine. After graduating from Duanesburg, Matthew plans to attend Binghamton University to study mechanical/aerospace engineering, with the goal of becoming an aerospace engineer. He says his dream job would be to work for a firm with defense contracts and design propulsion systems for military applications.
At Duanesburg, Matthew participated in several enriching extracurricular activities, including Jazz Band, pit orchestra for DCS Drama Club, and was a member of the varsity golf team. He currently serves as the vice president of the DCS Robotics Club, of which he has been a member since seventh grade. He is also a member of the National Honor Society.
When asked about experiences and teachers who have influenced him during his time at DCS, Matthew said his time in Robotics Club with technology teacher Mike Gauthier as advisor, provided him the most memorable and influential experiences. He cited the club and Mr. Gauthier specifically, as inspiring him to want to become an engineer. “Robotics Club has helped me acquire skills in designing a robot, working with a team, and solving problems,” he said.
Other memorable experiences from his time at DCS include going on student field trips for his FIRST Robotics competition, with his fellow band classmates, and a class trip to Washington D.C.
Matthew is the recipient of the National Rural and Small Town Recognition Award and the RPI Medal Award, and was also designated as a Commended Student in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
He is a member of Boy Scout Troop 501 where he attained the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. His Eagle Scout project entailed rebuilding the Waterfall Trail for the George Landis Arboretum, where he frequently volunteers with Troop 501 for the facility’s biannual plant sale. He is also a member of Our Lady of Fatima, where he has been an active volunteer for various community events. In addition to staying on top of his educational and extracurricular demands, Matthew works part-time at Hannaford.
Matthew was asked to give advice to younger students at DCS, to which he responded, “Treat school like a buffet. Try many different things so you can get the most out of your limited time here. Like a buffet, you don’t want to waste time filling up on just the bread.”
Brooke Grenier, the daughter of Sharlene and Matthew Grenier, has been named the salutatorian of Duanesburg’s graduating class of 2025. After graduating from DCS this June, Brooke plans to further her education by attending college with an intended major of archaeology or global business. Although she has not made a final decision as to where she will attend college, she is strongly considering Babson College in Massachusetts.
Her career aspirations are to be an archaeology professor, and describes her dream job as something that allows her to conduct archeological research in the field.
As a student at Duanesburg, Brooke was involved in several extracurricular activities and held many student-leadership positions including Leo Club (co-president), Student Council (co-president), and Yearbook Club (vice president). She also serves as secretary for National Honor Society and is a member of Mock Trial, and Book Club. In addition, she is a member of the track and field team and serves as a peer tutor and a mentor for AP Seminar & Research.
Of the many teachers Brooke has had over the years at DCS, she singled out Mrs. Pless as someone who left the biggest impression on her, and as someone who influenced her educational career at Duanesburg.
When asked what advice she would give to younger students at DCS, Brooke said “Build good relationships with your teachers and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Have a long-term goal to work towards.”
Brooke is the recipient of the Saint Michael’s College Book Award, Elmira College Key Award, and the HOBY NY East Youth Leadership Scholarship. She is involved with many community initiatives including service as a volunteer counselor for Schoharie Valley Community Camp and as a student researcher for the Duanesburg Historical Society. She is also a founding member of the Village Beautification Committee for the Village of Delanson.