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A resident of Rosendale, Freja is the daughter of Naja Kraus and Nathan Ermer. She will graduate with 34 overall credits, which are composed of honors, advanced placement, and collegiate courses. She will graduate with 22 college credits earned through SUNY Ulster by taking college-level courses offered at RVHS. In addition, she is in the process of earning the prestigious New York State Seal of Biliteracy designation in Spanish. She is undecided on where she will attend college this fall. 

Freja is the vice president of National Honor Society and has been a class representative for Student Congress since her sophomore year. She is also the co-captain of Math Team, the vice president of World Language Club, a member of Science Olympiad, and a mentor for the Newcomers Uplifted program. In addition, she is an athlete on the school’s Track team.

A talented clarinet player, Freja served as the student director of the school band this year. She has been selected for All-State, Area All-State, and All-County music groups, which has given her the opportunity to perform with other top musicians across New York State. She is also a member of the Rondout Valley Jazz Band and has played in the pit band for the school’s musical the past two years. 

The valedictorian is thankful to her parents, brother, and everyone in her community who has supported her over the years. Noting the hard work and dedication of many Rondout Valley teachers, she expressed her particular appreciation for Spanish teacher Victoria Robertson. 

Freja offered the following advice to underclassmen: “Try new things and put yourself out there. You will meet wonderful friends, and you might find interests you didn't know you had.” 

Sam, this year’s salutatorian, is a resident of Cottekill and the son of Rachel Crozier and Alex Lever. In the Fall, Sam will be attending Cornell University, where he will major in Math. He will graduate with 28.5 credits, which are composed of Honors, Advanced Placement, and Collegiate courses. In addition to the college classes at RVHS, he has taken classes at SUNY Ulster in his spare time outside of school. 

Sam is a member of the National Honor Society and the Science Olympiad team, and is the co-captain of the Math Team, which made it to the State championships this year. He has also participated in the WISE program, which enables high school seniors to design an individualized, passion-driven project. His WISE project focuses on algebraic geometry and theory. Earlier this school year, Sam was named a semifinalist in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship competition, thanks to his PSAT scores. An accomplished tubist, Sam was selected for All-County and Area All-State music groups this year. 

While expressing his appreciation for all of his teachers at Rondout Valley, Sam gave special thanks to English teacher Joseph Reeder, and Math teachers Elise Cimino and Lisa Schoonmaker. When asked what advice he would give to incoming students, he said, “Study!”         

RVHS Principal Jessica Torok proudly commends these students for their achievements. "Freja and Sam have not only excelled academically but have done so with remarkable humility,” she declared. “They lead by example, always lifting others up and embodying the true spirit of kindness and dedication. Their achievements are matched only by their character, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate them."