AFTON – Ashley Curtis, daughter of David and Tammy Curtis of Afton, has achieved the academic honor of Valedictorian for Afton Central School's Class of 2011. She has maintained a seven-semester grade point average of 96.15%.
Ashley has divided her time in school among various endeavors. She has been a member of the school’s band, jazz band, Accent (a select singing group), and chorus. For band and jazz band she plays flute, saxophone, and bassoon. This year she was chosen to be the head majorette and she has participated in All County band as well as the NYSSMA program on bassoon. For chorus, Ashley received the Top Female Vocalist award twice and has performed in the All-State and All-County Choirs. She has participated in the NYSSMA program as a vocalist as well.
Ashley has also participated in the sports programs available at Afton Central School. She was on the JV Soccer team, Varsity Bowling team, and JV Field Hockey team. She received the Scholar Athlete award during her first bowling season. She has also kept score for the Varsity Soccer team home games for two years.
For clubs and activities, Ashley has been a member of the National Junior and Senior Honor Society. She has been a member of the League of Extraordinary Young People (LEYP) and has participated in Mock Trial. She has spent many hours working on the school’s yearbook and has dedicated her morning to
WACS-TV. Ashley has also been class president as well as treasurer and librarian for various clubs.
Outside of school, Ashley is active in her community. She has participated in the Afton Community Theatre, the Binghamton Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Holy Noise, a teen band that plays on special occasions at her church. At her church, Ashley has participated in several celebration productions for Easter and Christmas. She works in the nursery once a month with two year olds and volunteers as a leader during Vacation Bible School. She has helped out in many Adopt-a-Highway clean ups, speaking competitions, and the State Choir with the FFA.
In the fall, Ashley will either be attending Elmira College or SUNY Oneonta, majoring in Chemistry. She plans to become a forensic analyst. Once Ashley has her feet firmly planted in the working world, she plans to continue her education to get her masters in chemistry.
Jeffrey Smith, son of Gregory and Jennifer Smith of Afton, is the Salutatorian for Afton’s Class of 2011 with a seven-semester grade point average of 94.67%.
During his high school years, Jeff was a member of Afton’s bowling team. He is also a member of Chorus and Accent and participated in Area All State and NYSSMA. He has been on high honor roll for the past four years, and is a member of the National Honor Society. A conscientious student, Jeff was recognized by the faculty and awarded the Senior-of-the Month Award for Dependability.
Outside school, Jeff occasionally helps out at his church and sings in his church’s choir. He has also given time serving food to others during the Word of Life competition as a Teens Involved volunteer. Last summer, Jeff was selected for and attended Boys State, a camp to instill discipline and a love of democracy to the attendees.
This fall Jeff will be attending Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. He has received their President’s scholarship and Salutatorian scholarship. Jeff plans to become a pharmacist. He is also considering entering the Air Force ROTC.