Brownsville high school graduation set for Wednesday
Brownsville Area High School will hold graduation at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the high school gym. Joshua Cole was named the 2010 valedictorian. Rachel Rihaly is salutatorian. Kendall Connors is senior class president.
Cole, son of Holly Cole of East Millsboro, completed academic biology and physics, advanced placement English and history and honors English and chemistry courses.
He was awarded the Challenge Program’s academic achievement award in 10th and 11th grade and served as a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), Spanish National Honor Society, the math competition team and the academic league. He is a volunteer at the Brownsville Free Public Library.
Cole plans to attend either Pennsylvania Culinary Institute or the Art Institute of Pittsburgh to major in culinary arts with plans to open his own restaurant.
Rihaly, daughter of Mary Jo and Ronald Rihaly of East Millsboro, was named to the honor roll throughout high school and was inducted into NHS and the Spanish NHS. She completed academic courses in high school.
She is a recipient of the Allegheny College Trustee Scholarship, valued at $15,000 per year, and the U.S. Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award. She served as student council and the Interact Club president, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) vice president and as a member of the debate team, the academic league, the book club and the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science.
She participated in high school tennis and soccer and served as a Girl Scout.
Rihaly plans to major in biology at Allegheny College in Meadville. After college, she plans to obtain a graduate degree and then become employed at a research facility.
Connors, son of David and Tracy Connors of Republic, completed college-preparatory/academic courses in high school. She was named to the honor roll and served as FBLA president and student council vice president.
She won first place at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science regional competition and second place at the state competition. She also won first place at the FBLA competition in the accounting category.
Connors has volunteered as the Republic Community Library and the California Community Library and with PA Cleanways.
She is a recipient of the Republic Rotary Scholarship and the Peter J. Daley House of Representatives Leadership Scholarship.
Connors plans to major in biology at Lycoming College. After college, she plans to attend dental school with hopes to establish her own office in a high-demand area.