CHS Names Valedictorian and Salutatorian for Class of 2025
Chase Yom was taking a quiz in his AP Government class Wednesday when he was called down to the counseling office.
“All of a sudden I heard my name called and I thought, oh no, what’s going on,” he said. 
When he came to the college counseling office, Principal Brian Piazza told him the good news: Chase was selected as valedictorian for Carmel High School’s class of 2025.
Chase, 17, who aims to become a doctor someday, said he most enjoyed studying social studies and science during high school.
“I have had a string of really, really great social studies teachers here who have inspired me,” said Chase, who lives in the Town of Carmel. “I plan to study science and eventually go to medical school.”
Chase, who attended Matthew Paterson Elementary, runs a non-profit -- Instruments Inspire -- which donates musical instruments to children in need. He isn’t the only great student in his family: his older brother, Christian, was the valedictorian for the class of 2023.
Kayleigh Harney was selected as salutatorian for the Carmel High School class of 2025.
“I’m very surprised,” Kayleigh, 18, said. “I never really thought I could do this.”
Kayleigh’s family was not surprised that she’d be a success. Her sister Claire, who is in 10th grade, was also on hand for the announcement.
“I knew she’d get this,” Claire said. “I’ve been calling it since she was a sophomore. She’s so smart and she works so hard.”
Kayleigh, who is on the cross country and track teams, plans to study business or journalism in college and is already working toward those goals. She is a reporter for the Future Business Leaders of America Newsletter for New York State – the FBLA Express.
A resident of the Town of Carmel, Kayleigh attended Kent Primary School and credits teachers she’s had throughout her school career with helping her to succeed.
“There have been so many people who would stay after for hours to help me,” Kayleigh said. “I couldn’t have done this alone.”