Congratulations to our top 10 achievers of the Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Class of 2025!
Kenneth Calabrese is the Valedictorian of the Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Class of 2025. Throughout high school, Kenneth has been a member of the National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society. With a passion for art, he strives to become a well-known figure within the art field, working hard to achieve his goals within school and outside of it. Kenneth plans to attend RIT to further sharpen his art skills, along with hoping to learn about computer programming.
Jeffrey Lillard is the son of Jeff and Marie Lillard, and is the Salutatorian of the Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Class of 2025. He is a member of many different groups and clubs, including National Honor Society, Student Council, and the Drama Club. He dedicates most of his time hanging out with friends participating in various activities, his favorite being the Drama Club. After graduation, Jeffrey plans to attend SUNY Oneonta to pursue a degree in Dramatic Arts. In due time, he hopes you’ll see him soon.
EmmaJo Schmidtmann is the daughter of Chris and Carrie Schmidtmann. She is ranked in the top 10 of the Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Class of 2025. She has been a member of the Mohawk Valley FFA since seventh grade and has held officer positions all of her high school career, including serving as president for her junior and senior years. She has competed at all levels of leadership and career development events and competitions, including states and nationals. She is the 2024 New York State champion of the Senior Creed speaking competition. Throughout her high school career, she has volunteered over seventy hours of community service in various ways. She has played varsity soccer throughout her entire career and was part of the team that won sectionals. She has been a member of both the National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society since seventh grade. She has committed to play soccer for the NCAA SUNY Cobleskill women’s team while studying in Animal Industry and Animal Science.
Sydney Hazzard is the daughter of Justin and Angela Hazzard, and is ranked in the top 10 of the Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Class of 2025. She has been class treasurer throughout high school. She has also been a member of the Mohawk Valley FFA and National Honor Society, as well as being on High Honor Roll for her entire high school career. Sydney has played both varsity basketball and softball. She plans to attend Herkimer County Community College in the fall of 2025 to pursue a degree in Education.
Dominic Taglialatela is the son of Benjamin and Jessica Taglialatela, and is ranked in the top 10 of the Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Class of 2025. Dominic played basketball and soccer throughout his high school career. In his free time he volunteers at the Helping Hands food pantry. Dominic also enjoys snowboarding and playing guitar. He plans to attend the University of Albany to pursue a degree in Psychology.
Collin Eakin is the son of Robert and Jodi Eakin, and is ranked in the top 10 of the Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Class of 2025. He has been a member of the National Honor Society while being active in his community. He has also been a captain of the varsity soccer, basketball, and baseball teams for the last two years. He will be attending Hudson Valley Community College in the fall to study Construction Management.
Baler Stowell is the son of Kerry and Karen Stowell and is ranked in the top 10 of the Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Class of 2025. Baler has played soccer and basketball all throughout high school. He is also a member of the National Honor Society. Baler plans to attend Herkimer County Community College to study Physical Education.
Lily Johnson is the daughter of Stephanie Johnson and Jeff Johnson, and is ranked in the top 10 of the Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Class of 2025. She is secretary of the OESJ Class of 2025 as well as a member of Art Club and Mohawk Valley FFA. She attends the CTE New Vision Health program. Lily plans to attend North Dakota State University to study Chemistry on the Pre-Dental track.
Emily Sheldon is the daughter of Michele and Ryan Sheldon, and is ranked in the top 10 of the Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Class of 2025. Emily is a member of the National Honor Society, treasurer of Student Council, and president of Drama Club. She has also been a Girl Scout for the past 11 years. Emily plans to attend SUNY Potsdam in the fall to pursue a degree in early Childhood Art Education.
Kendall Przestrzelski is the daughter of Deanna Horender and Christopher Przestrzelski, and is ranked in the top 10 of Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Class of 2025. Kendall was the class secretary in 9th grade. She has been a member of the National Honor Society throughout high school. Kendall was also a member of the Mohawk Valley FFA in 7th-12th grade. She participated in track and field in 11th and 12th grades, and was on the varsity cheerleading team in 9th-11th grade. Kendall played varsity soccer throughout high school and served as captain her senior year. Kendall will be attending Herkimer County Community College for Small Business Management and will be playing collegiate soccer.
Congratulations to our Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Class of 2025! Your dedication, hard work, and achievements have been nothing short of outstanding! All of the staff at OESJ, the community members, and your peers are so proud of everything you have accomplished, and wish the best for all of your futures ahead!