Indian River Class of 2019 leaders announced

PHILADELPHIA, NY — Indian River High School is proud to announce the academic leaders of the Class of 2019: Valedictorian, Hannah Bajakian, daughter of Todd and Michele Bajakian from Fort Drum; Salutatorian, Erika Elcsisin, daughter of Mike and Linda Elcsisin from Calcium; and Vocational Leader,  Dakota Dalton, son of Scott and Erin Dalton from Evans Mills.

Hannah Bajakian has been named the 2019 Valedictorian with a cumulative grade point average of 98.58. Hannah has taken advanced classes throughout her high school career and will graduate with 29 college credits through Syracuse University, University at Albany and Jefferson Community College with the potential of earning extra credits through CLEP testing. Hannah has been on the Honor Roll throughout her high school career. She has received numerous academic achievements and accolades in her advanced classes as well as first place in the Chemistry and Physics Science Fair. She has several awards for volunteer work and Theater accomplishments.

Hannah is extremely active in her school community. As a freshman, Hannah was involved in many clubs and activities including Stage Crew, Drama, French, Art, and Math Club, and was a member of the Teen AIDS Task Force.  In her sophomore and junior year, Hannah continued with Drama and Math Club. She was then President of the Teen AIDS Task Force and was a member of the National Honor Society as well as the International Thespian Honor Society. Last summer, she attended Empire Girls State where she was elected for many leadership roles. She is currently Vice President of the Drama Club and National Thespian Honor Society and a member of the International Thespian Society.  Hannah is also President of the National Honor Society and Teen Aids Task Force.  Hannah is continuously active in Indian River’s Orchestra and Chorus.  She participated in NYSSMA and was selected for Bi-County Chorus and Area All State Chorus during her sophomore and junior year. As a senior, she had the honor of attending NYSSMA Conference All-State. Through the years, Hannah has played several lead roles in plays and musicals. She is currently first chair cellist and 3rd year ambassador for the NYSTEA Student Conference.

Hannah not only excels in school, she generously volunteers her time and energy to her church and community.  She donates much of her time to organizations such as DPAO, Watertown Urban Mission, Jefferson County Hospice, Holiday Angels, Wreaths Across America, and World AIDS Day Ceremonies.  Hannah actively participates in her Church Choir and Youth Group volunteering in many capacities.  She also organized a successful voter registration drive last year.

Hannah will be attending West Point in the Fall.  Hannah, you have proven yourself to be a very talented individual who has the capacity to do great things with their life. Continue to make us proud as you face new challenges and adventures!  We wish you all the best!

Erika Elcsisin has been named Salutatorian with a cumulative grade point average of 98.02. Erika has taken numerous advanced classes throughout her high school career and will graduate with 31 college credits through Syracuse University and Jefferson Community College with the potential of earning extra credits through CLEP testing. She has been a member of National Honor Society since tenth grade and has maintained Honor Roll throughout her high school career.

Erika has been an active FFA member throughout her high school career.  She also participates in SADD, Ski Club, and Student Council. Currently, she holds the Treasurer position for the senior class.  Erika has been a member of our Varsity Cross Country and Varsity Track Team throughout high school. She also participated in Varsity Lacrosse for two years and Varsity Bowling during her junior year.  Erika has been named a scholar athlete since 9th grade. She won 2nd place in the Science Fair during her junior year and Heart of a Champion this school year.

Erika is active in her community as well.  She has actively volunteered for 4-H, Alzheimer Association, Heart Association, Trisomy 21, Relay for Life, and the Backpack Run.   Most recently, Erika has volunteered for the North Country Department Store event and FFA District presentations. She has also done volunteer catering and assisted with Teens for Miracles Fashion Show and Ag Literacy Day. Erika has also donated her time volunteering at her church in previous years.

Erika is undecided at this time about where she will attend but has been accepted to Hobart & William Smith, Nazareth, Clarkson, College of Saint Rose, Syracuse University and Ithaca College. Erika, we are confident you have a bright future ahead of you. We wish you all the best!

Dakota Dalton has been named Vocational Leader with a cumulative grade point average of 88.49.  Dakota attends Charles H. Bohlen Technical Center for Electrical Wiring where he has a cumulative GPA of 88.  Dakota has received Credit and Honor Roll Awards.  He was a member of our Indian River Football Team as a freshman.  He has participated in FFA since his junior year, and received the FFA Greenhand Degree.  At the completion of his senior year he will also receive his FFA Chapter Degree.

Dakota not only strives to do well academically, but he also works hard outside of school.  He spends his free time constructing and selling various items made of wood as well as various side jobs.

Dakota has already passed his aptitude test for the Electrical Union.  He has interviewed and is hopeful to be a part of the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) in June.

Dakota, we know you will be successful in all your endeavors. Best of luck to you!