Cornwall High School seniors Megan Gagnon and Christa Sidoti have been best friends since fifth grade. The two have finished with the top two grade point averages in their class. Gagnon is the Class of 2015’s valedictorian while Sidoti earned salutatorian honors. Each will speak at the graduation ceremony.
“It’s like a name to our accomplishment,” Gagnon said. “It doesn’t change anything we’ve done, but it recognizes us.”
Gagnon and Sidoti learned last year of their class rankings, which became official earlier this month.
“Last year I was surprised to find out I was ranked second,” Sidoti said, even though she made the prediction seven years ago. “It’s a good achievement, but I wanted to hold it officially for graduation. I was trying to work really hard first semester. Taking four AP classes, that was pretty hard. It felt good to know it was all finalized.”
Despite their prior knowledge, Sidoti admits she never tried to overtake Gagnon for the lead.
“She’s one of my best friends. I was never trying to come at her. I’m proud of both of us.”
Maintaining a grade point average over 100 might be difficult for some, but Gagnon finds it relatively easy.
“I’ve always tried to do the best that I can. In every class I strive to get good grades. A lot of my friends, like Christa, push each other. We’re competitive in a supportive way in academics and athletics.”
Aside from a full day of classes, both teens maintain a full plate of extracurricular activities.
Gagnon played varsity and club soccer and used to be on the track team. She’s a member of the Student Government Organization, National Honors Society (NHS), the math team, and she’s a Safe School Ambassador. Outside of school, Gagnon volunteers at St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital and the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley. She’s a tutor and a lifeguard.
Sidoti played varsity and club volleyball, ran track, and played travel soccer, but quit to focus on her schoolwork. She’s also a member of NHS and is a Safe School Ambassador. She’s volunteered with Cornwall’s summer volleyball clinic and at her church camp. She’s also a tutor.
Even with busy schedules, the girls find time for schoolwork.
Gagnon said it’s about time management and prioritizing. She tries to get most of her homework done in school.
“Extracurriculars work to our advantage,” Sidoti said. “They provide structure. You don’t have any other option but to do your homework. When you’re busy you don’t have time to procrastinate. I’m big on asking questions in class. I think that helps a lot. I think I annoy my classmates because I’m always raising my hand. It definitely helps when I’m confused.”
With their status as valedictorian and salutatorian solidified, one might think the two might try to take it easy for the remainder of the school year.
“It’s not in our genes to slack off,” Gagnon said. “We might slack off a little, but slacking off for us is normal for other people.”
