PHILADELPHIA, NY — Indian River High School is proud to announce the academic leaders of the Class of 2021. They are: Valedictorian, Ethan Jones, son of Jason and Dr. Diane Jones, from Carthage, New York; Salutatorian, Mason VanTassel, son of Ryan and Amber VanTassel, from Philadelphia, New York, and Vocational Leader, Isaac Shinaberger, son of Brian and Melissa Shinaberger, from Fort Drum, New York.
Ethan Jones has been named the 2021 Valedictorian with a cumulative grade point average of 98.28. Ethan has taken advanced classes throughout his high school career and will graduate with 30 college credits through Syracuse University and Jefferson Community College as well as with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with Honors and Mastery in Math and Science. Among honors received include the National Merit Commended Scholar, the Bausch and Lomb Award, the Daughters of the American Revolution Citizens Award, and the National Merit Rural and Small-Town Recognition Program Award.
Ethan is an active member in our school community. He is a member of the Junior Classical League National Honor Society, as well as the President of the Junior Classical League. He was Magna Cum Laude for the National Latin Level Exam II and Cum Laude for the National Level Exam I. Ethan has been Secretary of the Math Club, member of Key Club, SADD Club, and Ski Club. Ethan was selected for the National Youth Leadership STEM Envision Program. He also attended the Congress of Future Medical Leaders National Academy Honors Program and received a Certificate of Achievement from the Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Medical Academy. Ethan is currently the Historian for the National Honor Society.
Ethan is currently Co-Captain of the Varsity Soccer Team. He also participated in two additional varsity sports to include the Indoor and Outdoor Track Teams. He volunteers at a local hospital, is a research assistant, and will be a coauthor to a research paper in a medical journal in Orthopedics studying Shoulder Instability in Active-Duty Military Patients. Ethan also coaches soccer at our local YMCA for Indian River United. Ethan has volunteered at multiple events for the American Heart Association, Relay for Life, and Community Health Fair. He has also sponsored multiple Indian River Can Drive charity events to support the Indian River’s Backpack Program. Ethan manages to excel academically, contribute to his school and community, while maintaining a part-time job!
Ethan has been accepted to Boston College, Penn State University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of Rochester, but is currently undecided as to where he wants to attend. Congratulations Ethan, we know you have a successful future ahead of you!
Mason VanTassel has been named the 2021 Salutatorian with a cumulative grade point average of 97.53. Mason has taken advanced classes throughout his high school career and will graduate with 36 college credits through Syracuse University and Jefferson Community College with the potential of earning extra credits through CLEP testing. Mason will graduate with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with Honors and Mastery in Math and Science. Mason has received numerous academic achievements and accolades in his advanced classes. He was inducted into the National Honor Society in tenth grade and has been on the Honor Roll throughout his high school career. Mason was the recipient of the St. Lawrence University’s North Country Augsbury Scholarship.
Mason was a member of our Math and Spanish Clubs as a freshman. He has remained active in SADD, Key Club, and Student Council throughout his high school career. Mason held the position of Secretary for Student Council in his sophomore year and President of Student Council during his junior and senior year. Mason played the role of “Eddie” in the Mamma Mia musical as a sophomore. Mason has been active in soccer and track since his freshman year. He was involved in indoor track during his junior year and is currently on the swim team. Mason has participated in M.A.S.H Camp and was also selected and participated in a National Student Leadership Conference in Boston.
Mason is not just active in school, he is also a dedicated member of his community. He created two fundraisers for local individuals in the community. He has taught church school at his church where he also volunteered regularly. He has participated in Relay for Life and has helped out at community dinners. Last year he was a soccer coach at the YMCA.
Mason has been accepted to Clarkson University, Elmira College, LeMoyne College, Lincoln Memorial University, Nazareth College, St. John Fisher College, St. Lawrence University, Siena College, and the University of Tampa. He is currently undecided as to where he wants to attend. Congratulations Mason, continue to make us proud as you face new challenges and adventures! We wish you all the best!
Isaac Shinaberger has been named the Vocational Leader with a cumulative grade point average of 91.17. Isaac attends Charles H. Bohlen Technical Center for Visual Communications where he has a cumulative grade point average of 85. Isaac will graduate with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation. Isaac has earned several honor/credit roll certificates throughout his high school career. Isaac was on the Bowling Team and a member of the Gaming Club during his sophomore year. He was active in our Maker Space Program for the past three years and was also a member of the Anime Club. Isaac was inducted into the National Honor Society and was also named an Indian River Student of the Month during his junior year.
Isaac is currently applying to colleges but is undecided as to where he wants to attend. Best of luck to you Isaac. We know you will be successful in all your endeavors.