Onteora High School announced its 2026 valedictorian, salutatorian, and Principal’s Award recipient on Wednesday, with all three students planning to pursue STEM fields in college.
Valedictorian Shelby Buryk, of West Hurley, will graduate with an Advanced Regents Diploma with Distinction and the New York State Seal of Biliteracy in French. She is the treasurer of the student government and managing editor of The Talon, Onteora’s school newspaper. She also earned regional recognition with her teammates on the Science Olympiad team.
Buryk plans to major in neuroscience at the University of Vermont’s Patrick Leahy Honors College.
“Both of my parents are always supportive and understanding,” she said. “I am grateful that they have encouraged me to approach everything, inside of school and outside, in a way that makes me feel comfortable, capable, and confident.”
Buryk has been recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction and received the Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award and School Recognition Award from the College Board National Recognition Program.
Salutatorian Fiona Green, also of West Hurley, will graduate with an Advanced Regents Diploma with High Honors after completing a course load that included nine Advanced Placement classes. As class president, she helped raise more than $7,000 for her class by designing Catskill Mountains merchandise and organizing events.
Green served as captain of Onteora’s varsity cross country and track and field teams and qualified for state-level competitions.
She was named an AP Scholar with Distinction, received the College Board Rural and Small Town School Recognition Award, is a member of the National Honor Society, and performed as a violinist in the school orchestra. She also volunteered for the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network.
Green plans to attend Brown University to study neuroscience.
“My mom, my dad, my brother, and my grandpa have all been very helpful and supportive during my time in school,” she said. “They have trusted me to make my own decisions, academic or not, and given me the independence I need to flourish.”
Jenny Albright, of Boiceville, received the Principal’s Award. She earned recognition as an AP Scholar with Honors and took Advanced Placement courses.
Albright served as president of the art club and contributed to The Talon. She also participated in philosophy club and served as the student representative to the Board of Education. She is a member of the National Honor Society and competed in Science Olympiad, earning regional medals.
“Don’t let others define you,” Albright advised younger students.
She plans to major in human biology on a pre-med track at the University at Albany.
Mia Quick is an editorial assistant at The Overlook. Send correspondence to mia@theoverlooknews.com.