CARTHAGE, NY — On behalf of the Carthage Central School District, HS Principal Jamie Moesel is pleased to announce its academic leaders for the Class of 2021.  Our Valedictorian is Brian Scott Williams, Jr., son of SSG (Ret.) Brian, Sr. and Remedios Williams, of Felts Mills, NY and our Salutatorian is Eric Jiang, son of Han Jiang and Yu Wu of Black River, NY.
As the top students in the class after 3 ½ years, Brian achieved an average of 99.425%, and Eric attained an average of 98.445%. The Carthage CSD extends its congratulations to the Williams and Jiang families and recognizes their continued dedication to education and the Carthage School Community.
Ranked first in his class, Brian has been recognized for his academic standing by being named a National Merit Finalist (12) and AP Scholar with Distinction (11).  As a member of the National Honor Society since 11th grade, Brian is serving as Chapter President as a senior. Brian’s additional academic-related experiences and accolades include representing CHS at the HOBY Leadership Conference (10) and High Honor Roll (12).
As a student participant, Brian’s been involved in Student Government and served as its Secretary (10) and Vice President (11). As a member of the Science Olympiad in grades 9-11, he and teammates won an 8th place regional medal for their Circuit Lab participation. Brian was also a member of Key Club (9) and assisted in blood drives as a member of the NHS.
The District wishes Brian great success in the future as a Computer Science major at Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY.
Ranked second in his class, Eric Jiang has been recognized in our school community for his outstanding performance in our JROTC program and various other academic achievements. Eric has shown great dedication to this program and this is seen through his various accomplishments and awards. For the 2020-2021 school year, Eric has led the Army Junior ROTC Comet Battalion as the Commander overseeing the activities of the 160 students involved in the program. Last year, he served as Command Sergeant Major. As a senior, he received the Distinguished Cadet award and last year the Superior Cadet Award (11). For all four years of high school, Eric has been a member of the JROTC Ceremonial Color Guard, JROTC Drill Team, JROTC Physical Training Team, JROTC Marksmanship Team, JROTC JLAB Academic Team, and JROTC Service Learning Team. Additionally, Eric led the Color Guard in numerous ceremonial, sporting, and parade events throughout the community. In 2020, Eric led his Platoon in a Drill Competition in Buffalo, NY where they were awarded 3rd Place 2020. As squad leader in 2019, they were awarded 1st Place for Armed Squad Element.
The academic recognitions Eric has received include Academic Achievement and Excellence (9-11), High Honor Roll designations (9-12), Elks’ Student of the Month (12), and membership in the National Honor Society (11, 12).
In addition to his academic contributions, Eric participated in four years of Math League Competitions and was ranked 3rd amongst our students for the last two years (11, 12). Eric was also a member of the Carthage Varsity Swim Team (9).   Additionally, Eric has offered his assistance for the 2019 Freshman Kickoff Day, the 2019 Black River Carnival, and, for the last five years, has volunteered at the Black River Sally Ploof Hunter Memorial Library.
The District wishes Eric great success in the future as an aerospace engineering major at Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY.
The Carthage Central School District and Robert G. Wallace Chapter of the National Honor Society will present Brian and Eric with award plaques and gifts to signify their outstanding achievements.