NORWICH – The Norwich City School District is proud to announce that Valedictorian Taylor Hansen and Salutatorian Hannah Klockowski will lead Norwich High School’s 2019 Graduation Ceremony.
The Class of 2019’s top two academic students will deliver speeches during this year’s Graduation Ceremony, scheduled for 10 a.m. June 29 at Ulrich Field.
Hansen will pursue a biology degree and play basketball at SUNY Geneseo. Klockowski will study at the University of Rochester and wants to become a doctor.
The Norwich High School (NHS) will hold two special events earlier that week: The NHS Honors Banquet is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 25 at the Canasawacta Country Club and Senior Awards Night is set for 7 p.m. June 28 at the high school.
Taylor Hansen, Class of 2019 Valedictorian
Norwich High School Valedictorian Taylor Hansen is an amazing young woman who has dedicated herself to academics and extra-curricular activities. She is a well-rounded student who can balance a myriad of responsibilities and excel at all of them.
Hansen has pursued Advanced Placement classes and immersed herself in challenging coursework while finding time for the National Honor Society, Pep Club, Dollars For Scholars, freshmen mentoring program and three varsity sports (basketball, soccer, track and field).
The four-year class secretary, who also volunteers in the Norwich community, led the Purple Tornado varsity girls basketball team to Southern Tier Athletic Conference and Section 4 Class B championships this past winter. This graceful, powerhouse point guard will take her wide-ranging skill set to the college level, but the fabric of Hansen’s life will forever be tied to the bonds she formed during her athletic journey at NHS.
NHS also selected Hansen for the Scholar Recognition Award, which is given to outstanding students within the DCMO BOCES region and beyond. All SRA winners may select an influential mentor to honor. Hansen chose NHS Social Studies Teacher Bethany Stratton, who has supported and maintained a positive relationship with her former student for years. The two have been invited to attend the 2019 Scholar Recognition Banquet from 5:30-10 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at SUNY Oneonta.
Hansen thanked NHS English Teacher Richard Bernstein for always challenging her to think. Prom, winning sectionals and time with friends rank among Hansen’s favorite high school memories. Her smile, compassionate demeanor and calm tenacity will long be remembered at NHS, and we are confident that she possesses the strength to make her dreams come true.
Hansen will start her pursuit of a biology degree this fall at SUNY Geneseo. Her advice to peers: “Work hard at whatever you choose to do and to remember that perseverance is the key to success in life.”
Hannah Klockowski, Class of 2019 Salutatorian
