Congratulations to the Class of 2024 Valedictorian and Salutatorian Recipients!
On Thursday, May 30, 2024, during a beautiful commencement ceremony, the recipients of two additional Education Foundation awards were announced.
Recipient of the John & Laila Silan Valedictorian Scholarship: Ms. Karis Herrlin
Karis is involved with academics, clubs, and music at Kutztown as a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Concert Choir, Select Choir, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Kutztown Musicals, Senior SMART Mentor, Academic Challenge, and PA Math League. Karis is the Secretary of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and a Concert Choir Section Leader. Some of her awards and honors this year include Albany Township Historical Society Award, Bryan Hartman Music Award, National School Choral Award, Eastern Star Merit, Historical Society of Berks County Award, Presidential Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence, United States Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award, and recognition for both Tri-M Music Honor Society and National Art Honor Society. In the fall, Karis will be entering the World Race, a 9-month mission trip through Adventures in Missions. Following the gap year, she will be seeking an education at Cedarville University. A quote from her Valedictorian speech, “No matter where you stand right now, every one of us has more challenges ahead, but as we continue up this mountain and work to overcome the bumps in the road, we are gaining perspective, and each time we break through the clouds, the view gets better.” Congratulations Karis and good luck in your future endeavors!
Recipient of the John & Laila Silan Salutatorian Scholarship: Mr. Otis Engel
Otis is involved with music, clubs, and academics at Kutztown as a member of the National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Concert Choir, Select Choir, SMART Mentor, PA Math League, Academic Challenge, and Debate Team. He is also a multi-year member of the United States Cycling Olympic Development Team and cycles around the world. Some of his awards and honors this year include KASDEF Alumni Memorial Award, Reading Musical Foundation STEAM Award, Science Staff Award, Presidential Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence, United States Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award, and recognition for both Tri-M Music Honor Society and National Honor Society. In the fall, Otis will attend The Pennsylvania State University (University Park) for Aerospace Engineering. Otis ended his Salutatorian speech with “Right now at graduation, we are very busy looking forward, but we need to enjoy this moment while we are in it. We also need to learn from it and the people around us in order to live life to the fullest.” Congratulations Otis and good luck in your future endeavors!