Salmon River Central School District announces this year’s valedictorian, Gunner Mitchell, son of Aaron and Julie Mitchell, a dedicated student who has attended the district since kindergarten.

Gunner has consistently excelled academically, demonstrating a strong commitment to his studies and is anticipated to graduate from Salmon River High School with a Regents diploma with Advanced Designation with Mastery in Math and Science. His academic achievements are reflected in his weighted GPA of 101.27.

Gunner’s involvement in school life extends beyond the classroom. His athletic pursuits include cross country, where he competed at the state level during his sophomore year, and participated in indoor and outdoor track. Gunner is also a member of the National Honor Society, showcasing his dedication to scholarship, service, leadership and character. A talented musician, Gunner has honed his skills on the trumpet and French horn since fourth grade as a member of the school band. He participated in events such as Music in Our Schools in Albany.

Looking ahead, Gunner will be pursuing a degree in computer engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Henrietta, New York. Following his college studies, he plans to serve his country by attending Officer Candidate School and joining the United States Navy.

Outside of his academic and extracurricular activities, Gunner enjoys a variety of hobbies. He is an avid fan of Rubik’s Cubes, with a collection of over 40. He has achieved a personal best solving time of 8.99 seconds! His interests also include exploring the world of music through vinyl records, and delving into the art of coffee, experimenting with espresso and various brewing methods.

Reflecting on his time at Salmon River, Gunner encourages younger students to strive for balance, emphasizing that while academic success is important, there are many other aspects of life to explore and enjoy.

Congratulations to Gunner on being named valedictorian of the graduating class of 2025. The district celebrates his achievements and wishes him the very best in his future endeavors.

The Salmon River Central School District is pleased to recognize this year’s salutatorian, Kelsey Barkley, daughter of Benjamin and Katherine Barkley, for her exceptional academic talent and dedication to community and athletics.

Kelsey has achieved a distinguished academic record, expected to graduate from Salmon River High School with a weighted GPA of 100.64. She is expected to receive a Regents diploma with Advanced Designation with Mastery in Science, a testament to her dedication and hard work.

Kelsey’s academic journey will continue at Clarkson University, where she plans to pursue a four-year degree in biology, potentially focusing on biochemistry. Her aspirations include attending the University of Buffalo for dental school and establishing her own dental practice in the North Country, demonstrating her commitment to serving her community.

Throughout her time at Salmon River, Kelsey has excelled in academics and athletics. Her soccer achievements include First Team and Second Team honors in the Northern league, and she served as captain of the Salmon River team. Kelsey plays soccer year-round, including club teams, but will shift her focus to primarily her studies when attending Clarkson.

Kelsey is also committed to her school and community through her involvement in the Varsity Club and Student Council, where she was a team representative for her soccer team, and the Science Honor Society at her former school district, Norwood-Norfolk. She is also a member of Sources of Strength, an upstream suicide prevention program, after being nominated by a Salmon River staff member. Her community service includes assisting with elementary school events, performing clean-up duties and volunteering at events like the Valentine’s Day dance. She also played lacrosse for a year.

Kelsey advises younger students to avoid procrastination.

“Get things done as soon as they’re given to you,” she said. “It just helps with stress and feeling anxious all the time.”

Congratulations to Kelsey on being named salutatorian of the graduating class of 2025. The district commends her achievements and wishes her continued success.