submitted by Erin Clary
On May 13, the Capital Area School District Association (CASDA) honored New Lebanon High School senior Evan Burgess at its 29th Annual Scholar’s Recognition program dinner at the Albany Marriot.
Burgess will attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, this upcoming fall. He is the president of the National Honor Society. He was a recipient of the RPI Medal Award, Elmira College Key Award, and attended the National Youth Leadership Forum on National Security. Evan is a varsity athlete in Track and Field, Volleyball, Swimming (Captain) and Soccer (Captain). He also participates in the High School Band and Choir.
Burgess named music teacher Valene Synakowski as the teacher who had the most influence of his life.
“Miss Synakowski has devoted herself to improving the Music Department and inspiring every one of her students,” he said. “She has been a mentor and true friend.”
The 2015 ceremony featured more than 500 exceptional high school seniors, their parents and the teachers who most influenced their academic careers in attendance. Students are selected not only for their academic achievement, but also for their qualities of citizenship and leadership.