Alexander Gouza, Valedictorian

Alexander Gouza has been named the Valedictorian for the Cairo-Durham High School graduating Class of 2024. Academically, Alex has excelled, maintaining his status on the high honor roll for all four years of high school, and participating in several honors, college-level, and AP classes, challenging himself extensively during his high school career. Thanks to his participation in these courses, Alex has been recognized for his academic efforts receiving the Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology from the University of Rochester, the Rochester Institute of Technology 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. Throughout his four years of high school, Alex has been a part of the school’s Varsity Soccer and Tennis teams. Alexander was also an active member of the school's musical programs including; marching band, concert band, and jazz band for which he plays alto, tenor, and barry saxophone. He 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. Alex is also a member of several clubs and groups like Cairo Durham's National Honor Society and the Wellness Club. Due to his efforts both in and out of the classroom during his high school years, Alex was accepted into 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.

Brendan Feeney, Salutatorian

Brendan Feeney is ranked the salutatorian of the Cairo-Durham High School Class of 2024. Throughout his high school career, Brendan has participated in sports such as Junior Varsity Basketball, Varsity Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball, and Golf, and earned MVP’s and Coaches Awards in those respective sports over the years. He has also been involved heavily in the Music Department at Cairo Durham, participating in band, marching band, chorus, handbell choir, jazz band, and the Drama Club’s musicals since 2019, along with the set build for the musicals. He also took part in NYSSMA for instrument and voice, All-County band, and jazz band, and was selected for Area All-State for band. Regarding coursework, Brendan took 10 total AP and college-level courses and maintained high honor roll throughout his four years while also being a member of the National Honor Society. Outside of school, Brendan works construction over the summer and enjoys watching movies, spending time with family and friends, skiing, snowboarding, playing sports and music, driving and eating. Brendan plans on attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to study Environmental Engineering. 

Colin MacGiffert

Colin MacGiffert is graduating with Honors and is ranked third in the Cairo-Durham High School Class of 2024. Throughout his years at Cairo-Durham, Colin participated in Varsity Soccer from 8th grade through his senior year, being named as Captain in both his junior and senior years. He was honored to be voted MVP for his last three years of play. In addition to soccer, Colin also played Varsity Volleyball and Varsity Track and Field for two years. Outside of his school teams, he has also played on a Premier Soccer Club Team in Massachusetts for four years.

Colin has been an active member of the Cairo-Durham High School Music Department as a member of the High School Band, Hand Bell Choir and Marching Band, as well as the High School Chorus. He attended NYSSMA festivals, participated in All-County Chorus and Band Concerts, and multiple Area-All State Chorus Concerts. As the President of the Class of 2024, Colin has been involved in a variety of extra-curricular clubs and service organizations such as National Honor Society and the Interact Club. He served as the Treasurer of the National Honor Society through his Senior Year. Colin was recently named as a 2024 Outstanding Student by the Capital District YMCA, which recognizes students and teachers for their outstanding leadership qualities in school activities and community events. Upon graduating from Cairo-Durham, Colin plans to attend Binghamton University where he will follow a Pre-Health Track as he works towards earning his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He is currently participating in a Career Research Seminar at Lee Physical Therapy and Wellness in Cairo, where he is obtaining first-hand experience in a busy and successful physical therapy clinic.

Echo Roe

Echo Roe, an honors graduate from Cairo-Durham High School’s Class of 2024, has exemplified academic excellence throughout her four years of high school. As well as being a role model in school, Echo has participated in numerous volunteer opportunities outside of school. She has engaged in various clubs such as Yearbook Club, National Honor Society, and National Art Honor Society. Her consistent high honor roll status, despite having a vigorous course load, demonstrates both her work ethic and ability for high achievement. In her spare time, Echo values moments with those closest to her, aspiring to grow in ability and intellect through those she looks up to. Echo’s intense commitment for success that is meaningful will continue with her in her future aspirations. Following graduation, Echo plans to attend SUNY New Paltz and study Social Change, as well as examining the role of ethics in everyday life. In the future, Echo will strive to make a difference through exploring these ideas, as she analyzes the growing world around her.

Emma Kargoe

Emma Kargoe is an honors graduate for the Cairo-Durham High School graduating Class of 2024. Throughout her four years of high school, Emma was an active member of the Music Department and Drama Club as well as the Student Council. Furthermore, Emma was President of the Cairo-Durham chapter of the National Honor Society for the 2023-24 school year. She has received recognition for her commitment to music at multiple All-County and Area All-State festivals for voice, trombone, and flute. Additionally, Emma was one of the few recipients in Greene County to receive the Outstanding Student Award presented by the YMCA in April. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, spending time with her sister, Aryah, and performing in plays and musicals. Following graduation, Emma will be attending Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, and plans to study Music Education with a minor in Theatre Arts. In the future, she would like to be a high school band or choral director.

Marc Cammarata

Marc Cammarata is an honors graduate for the Cairo-Durham High School graduating class of 2024. During his four years of high school, Marc was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, CDTV, Drama Club, and Class Office. Marc has also played multiple different sports including Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Golf and Tennis. In his spare time, he likes to read, watch movies, play sports and spend time with his family. Following graduation Marc plans to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and study Computer Science.

Natalie McGuire

Natalie McGuire, an honors graduate from Cairo-Durham High School's Class of 2024, has exemplified academic and extracurricular excellence. Throughout her high school journey, Natalie engaged in various activities including the Interact Club, serving as a Class Officer, and membership in both the National Honor Society and the National Art Honor Society. Her consistent High Honor Roll status throughout high school, despite a demanding course load, speaks volumes about her dedication and discipline. In her personal time, Natalie values moments spent with loved ones, reflecting her deep appreciation for community and connection. Her extensive volunteer work, both locally and internationally, not only highlights her compassion but has also shaped her future aspirations. Post-graduation, Natalie plans to attend Mount Saint Mary College to pursue a degree in Nursing, aiming to obtain her Registered Nurse's license. Her long-term goals are ambitious, as she intends to further her education with a master's degree to become a Nurse Practitioner, and possibly pursue a PhD.

Adrian McGuire

Adrian McGuire is an honors graduate from Cairo-Durham High School in the Class of 2024, and has shown to be exemplary with his academics and extracurriculars. During his four years of high school, he has primarily participated in the National Honors Society chapter, assisting in numerous events. Adrian has managed to maintain High Honor Roll status throughout his high school years, speaking volume as he managed to split time between academics, sports, and clubs. Over four years, Adrian has contributed mainly to the school community, where he tutored middle school students and helped in school events. In his spare time, Adrian likes to fish in the summer and ski and snowboard in the winter. Following graduation, Adrian plans to attend Alfred University to major in Mechanical Engineering. His future is bright as he hopes to travel for work and install equipment for people around the state.

Nova Conti

Nova Conti is an Honors Graduate for the Cairo-Durham High School graduating Class of 2024. Throughout her four years of high school, Nova has received many awards in recognition of her academic accomplishments, including High Honor Roll, College Statistics, Honors Chemistry and English. Nova also received several awards for her artistic abilities and achievements, as well as the Mustang Pride Award, which emphasizes the spirit she showed while on the Varsity Volleyball team. In her free time, Nova likes to spend time with her friends and family and enjoys being outside, especially with her dog. Following graduation, Nova plans on attending SUNY Purchase. Nova is interested in pursuing a career that focuses on art and/or working with children.

Skyler Kelly

Skyler Kelly is honored to be graduating 9th in the Cairo-Durham High School Class of 2024. Throughout her high school career, Skyler has consistently challenged herself with a rigorous curriculum, including honors, college-level, and Advanced Placement courses, all while maintaining a position on the high honor roll. She has earned a multitude of academic awards, and most recently she was recognized by the Capital District YMCA for being an outstanding student. Along with being dedicated to her academics, Skyler is also dedicated to her school community. She has always been actively involved with her class, serving as Co-Treasurer her senior year and previously serving as President and Secretary. Skyler has also played a very active role in the Interact Club throughout her years at Cairo-Durham by serving as both President and Vice President. You can usually find Skyler working, hanging out with her family or her dog, Charleigh. Skyler eagerly looks forward to the fall where she will be attending Maria College in Albany, to pursue her passion for nursing. She is determined to make a meaningful difference in the world and aspires to do that through her future role as a NICU nurse.

Zachary Russell

Zachary Russell is an honors graduate for the graduating Class of 2024 at Cairo-Durham High School. During his high school career, Zachary has participated in a variety of sports including Football, Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Track and Field and Baseball, while also maintaining active memberships in National Honor Society, chorus, band, marching band and drama club. As part of his role in National Honor Society, Zach has been involved in many community service events and has dedicated time after school to tutoring middle school students. Zachary has received many awards for his accomplishments including, the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness, Student of the Month in March 2024, the Wells College Scholarship for Leadership, the New York State Laborers' Union Section 2 Basketball Scholar-Athlete Award, the 2023-24 Mustang Pride Award, and he was recently selected as a Patroon Conference All-Star for his favorite sport, Baseball. In his spare time, he likes to spend time with his family and friends. Following graduation, Zachary plans to attend Alfred University to study Engineering where he will also play for the Alfred Saxons NCAA Division III Baseball team.

Abigail Brandow

Abigail Brandow is an Honors Graduate from Cairo-Durham High School's Class of 2024. Throughout her four years in high school, Abigail distinguished herself as an active and dedicated student. She participated in Varsity Soccer, Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field, and was a proud member of the National Honor Society. Additionally, Abigail served as Vice President of the Interact Club and a Student Council Representative. She also contributed to a Civic Readiness project at Cairo-Durham.

During her senior year, Abigail took courses at the University at Albany through Questar III BOCES New Visions: Pathways in Education, where she gained valuable experience by student-teaching at Cairo Durham Elementary School one day each week. As part of this program, she and her classmates initiated a Government project to install "Free Food Fridges" within school districts in the capital region, providing healthy, free food to students and their families in need. Currently, Abigail and her classmates at Cairo Durham High School are working on a civic project to supply free hygiene products to students.

Abigail has consistently been a High Honor Roll recipient throughout her high school years and has been on the Columbia-Greene Community College Dean’s List for the past two years. Her accolades include the Student Sage Award, recognition as a Varsity Soccer First and Second Team All-Star, and the Varsity Soccer Coach's Award.

In her spare time, Abigail enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, waitressing, working out, and playing sports, especially soccer! Following graduation, Abigail plans to attend SUNY Oneonta to study Early Childhood Education, aspiring to become an elementary school teacher.