Home Page Home Page Events Events Photos Photos Diocese of Ogdensburg Home Page  
Follow Us on Facebook


Archives 2026 Top Graduates in our Catholic Schools

June 17, 2026

Barber, Delaney, Smith lead IHC grads

The Academic leaders of the Immaculate Heart Central (Watertown) Class of 2026 are Stacia Barber, valedictorian; Julianna Delaney, salutatorian and vocational leader; and Brenden Smith, vocational leader.

VALEDICTORIAN
The valedictorian of Immaculate Heart Central School Class of 2026 is Stacia Barber, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Harold and Shannon Barber. She will graduate with a New York State Regents Diploma with a cumulative grade point average of 98.87.

Stacia was selected as vice president of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapter of the National Honor Society, participated in the IHC Faith Community Service Program, has been on the High Honor Roll for all four years of high school and was a member of Whiz Quiz for three years.

Stacia has enjoyed many of her classes at IHC, particularly her science classes, with anatomy and physiology coming in at the top spot. She has received many awards during her time at IHC including, a Tri-County Art Award, NY State Comptrollers Award, the Walter Zapf Jr. Class of 1951 Memorial Scholarship, the Friedline Cavalier Good Character Tuition Scholarship, the Sister Jeanne Baptiste History Tuition Scholarship, the Donald and Bernice Gardner Memorial Scholarship, the Ellen G. Sboro Memorial Scholarship, the Sisters of St. Joseph’s Science Award, a NYS Scholarship for Academic Excellence, the Rotary Annual Science and Math Award, along with the Lemoyne College Heights Award, the Clarkson Achievement Award, and the RIT Science and Math Award.

Stacia is a four-year Frontier League scholar athlete who has played varsity soccer since eighth grade and has served as team captain for the last three years. She has also played lacrosse for three years and recently joined the golf team. This year, she has been awarded the prestigious Joe Macsuga Memorial Coaches’ Award.

This fall, Stacia plans to attend Siena College, where she intends to major in health science. She plans to become a physician’s assistant.

SALUTATORIAN
Julianna Delaney, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Michael Jr. and Jodie Delaney; granddaughter of Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Lori Delaney and Mr. & Mrs. John and Carolyn VanBrocklin, is this year’s salutatorian. She will graduate with a New York State Advanced Regents Diploma with Science and CTE Endorsements and a cumulative grade point average of 98.43. Julianna was selected as the president of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapter of the National Honor Society and remained on the High Honor Roll throughout high school.

Julianna is also a vocational leader in the New Visions program, has been named Student of the Quarter, and has been inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. She has appreciated the real-world applications she has experienced through the program. She is not just a student active in school; she is also a dedicated member of her community and a volunteer for our Faith Community Service Program. She is the President of the Rotary Interact Club, where she oversaw the organization of the Stem Cell Registry, this year’s Capstone Project.

Julianna is a Frontier League scholar-athlete who served as team captain for multiple years and earned varsity letters in soccer, basketball and lacrosse. She began playing varsity soccer in eighth grade and was named honorable mention in tenth, second team in eleventh, and first team her senior year. This year, she was awarded the Clarence “Boots” Gaffney Award for her athletic accomplishments.

Throughout her four years of high school, Julianna has served in various roles as part of student government and is a member of the Whiz Quiz team. Julianna has won many awards at IHC, including Sisters of St. Joseph Awards in English, History, and Mathematics, the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award, the Clarkson Leadership Award, and the RIT Women in STEM Award. She has also been awarded several scholarships, including the Sr. Hortense Cavanaugh English Tuition Scholarship, the Robert and Jane Dermady Memorial Tuition Scholarship, the Alice Jane Coughlin Memorial Scholarship, and the Margaret Wiley Memorial Health Sciences Scholarship. Julianna has also been named a 7 News Academic All-Star and has received a NYS Scholarship for Academic Excellence.

This fall, Julianna will attend Suffolk University, where she plans to major in biology through the honors program. Her plan is to become a medical doctor and work in emergency medicine.

VOCATIONAL LEADER
Brenden Smith, son of Peter Vandeusen and Lyn Smith, is this year’s outstanding vocational leader for the Immaculate Heart Central Class of 2026. Brenden has a cumulative average of 83.5. Additionally, he has achieved a cumulative average of 95 in the Welding program, has been named Student of the Quarter twice, and has recently been inducted into the National Technical Honor Society.

Brenden plays varsity basketball and was a past member of the varsity lacrosse team. He is a member of the Mystery Play and has dedicated many hours to practicing and performing with the group as they traveled around the state. He was awarded the Air Force Technology Education Award, the Jrecks Sub Winning Attitude Award, and the Richard Doe Tuition Scholarship for his positive attitude, contributions to the school community, and achievements in academics and athletics.

Brenden has enjoyed his welding classes so much that he will advance his studies in welding at Onondaga Community College and plans to pursue welding as his career.

The Immaculate Heart Central School and surrounding community are extremely proud of all three students and their accomplishments. Congratulations and good luck in your future endeavors.

 

Plattsburgh’s Seton Catholic honors top grads

Seton Catholic School in Plattsburgh congratulates its top graduates, Valedictorian Abigail “Abby” Schaub and Salutatorian Lydia Wahba.

Abby, who will graduate with a 98.1 GPA, will attend the University of Notre Dame to study business analytics.

An AP Scholar and National Honor Society Treasurer, Abby has earned Highest Honor Roll recognition throughout high school. She is a dedicated leader as Key Club President and an engaged participant in various volunteer activities throughout the community.

Abby also excels in competitive Irish dancing and serves as a coach, sharing her talents with the community. A varsity cross country runner, she is admired for her balance of academics, leadership and service, as well as her humility, character and commitment to excellence.

Lydia Wahba graduates from Seton Catholic this June as salutatorian with a 97.7 GPA.

She will attend McGill University to pursue pre-med studies.

Lydia has distinguished herself through rigorous coursework, including multiple Advanced Placement classes, and participation in the competitive New Visions Medical Program. Lydia is committed to service, volunteering at CVPH Hospital and gaining hands-on experience through medical camps and physician shadowing.

A scholar-athlete and dedicated leader, she founded Seton’s French Club and serves in several roles, including Student Council vice president and Key Club officer.

North Country Catholic North Country Catholic is
honored by Catholic Press
Association of US & Canada

Copyright © Roman Catholic Diocese of Ogdensburg. All rights reserved.