Cairo-Durham Central School District

NEWS RELEASE from Cairo-Durham Central School District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cairo-Durham High School Announces 2023-24 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

June 6, 2024, Cairo, NY – The Cairo-Durham High School is proud to announce Alexander Gouza as valedictorian and Brendan Feeney as salutatorian for the graduating Class of 2024.

Excellence in academics, extracurricular activities and service to the school community have earned Gouza and Feeney their accomplishments of graduating at the top of their class.

“I am proud to recognize the hard work, dedication and fortitude of both Alexander Gouza and Brendan Feeney, not only in their senior year, but throughout their respective times as Cairo-Durham Mustangs,” Cairo-Durham Central School District Superintendent Michael Wetherbee said. “I congratulate them both and wish them the best in their endeavors post-graduation.”

Gouza has maintained his status on the Cairo-Durham High School High Honor Roll for all four years of high school, and participated in several honors, college-level, and Advanced Placement (AP) classes, challenging himself extensively during his high school career. 

His participation and effectiveness in these courses has been recognized by high-quality colleges, universities and organizations across New York State. Gouza received the Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology from the University of Rochester, the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Computing Medal, the National Rural and Small Town Recognition award, the AP Scholar with Honor award, and the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness.

Gouza has been a vital part of the school’s Varsity Soccer and Tennis teams and an active member of the school's musical programs including the marching band, concert band, and jazz band, for which he plays alto, tenor, and barry saxophone. Gouza is also a member of the concert chorus and has played several roles in the school's musical productions such as "Pippin" in the Cabaret in the Attic, "SnowBoy" in West Side Story, and "Morris" in Newsies. 

“With a kind demeanor and forward-thinking mindset, Alexander Gouza has been able to establish himself as a reliable young adult ready to tackle the real world,” Cairo-Durham High School Principal Catherine Dodig said. “Alexander’s commitment to excellence does not go unnoticed, and his drive to be better each and every day is truly admirable.”

The 2023-24 Cairo-Durham High School valedictorian is also a member of several clubs and groups, such as Cairo Durham's National Honor Society and the Wellness Club. 

Gouza was accepted to the University of Buffalo, where he will be studying Biomedical Engineering, and ultimately hopes to pursue a career in creating and developing prosthetic devices for those who are medically disabled after he graduates.

For Feeney, involvement and participation in academics and extracurriculars have been crucial for his growth. The salutatorian has consistently earned High Honor Roll recognition and is a member of National Honor Society while taking 10 total AP and college-level courses in four years.

“Brendan has been able to excel in all aspects of his high school career, despite a rigorous course load and active presence in the arts, sports and community,” Dodig said. “Brendan has been able to push the bar higher for future Mustangs in regard to goal-setting and efficiency.”

Participating in sports such as Junior Varsity Basketball, Varsity Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball, and Golf, and earning Most Valuable Player and Coach’s award recognitions in those respective sports over the years paired with his involvement in the Cairo-Durham High School’s band, marching band, chorus, handbell choir, jazz band, and the Drama Club’s musicals and set builds have been key highlights for Feeney. 

Outside of school, Feeney works construction over the summer and enjoys watching movies, spending time with family and friends, skiing, snowboarding, playing music and sports, driving and eating. Feeney plans on attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to study Environmental Engineering.

Gouza and Feeney will graduate with the Class of 2024 on June 28, 2024, with Commencement taking place at 7:30 p.m. at the Cairo-Durham High School stadium.

Click here to view photos and biographies of Cairo-Durham High School’s Class of 2024 Honor Graduates, students who are graduating that have a minimum 90% average.

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For further information, please contact:

Austin Crosier

Communications Specialist