Sun Valley Celebrates Top 10% of Class of 2025 with President’s Education Awards

Sun Valley High School proudly honored its highest-achieving students during a special ceremony on Thursday, May 29, recognizing the top 10% of the Class of 2025 with the prestigious President’s Education Award for Educational Excellence.

Held in the Sun Valley auditorium, the event opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by sophomore Jack Abate, followed by a rendition of the National Anthem performed by the Chamber Choir. Principal Mr. John Paul Roskos welcomed families, faculty, and honorees before introducing guest speaker Felicia Christaldi, a 2021 Sun Valley graduate, who shared words of encouragement and inspiration with this year’s scholars.

The President’s Education Awards Program, established in 1983, honors students who demonstrate outstanding academic success, leadership, and dedication. Each honoree received a certificate and commemorative pin in recognition of their achievements.

Superintendent Dr. George Steinhoff delivered closing remarks, praising the students for their academic commitment and congratulating them and their families on this milestone accomplishment.

The 29 recipients represent the very best of Sun Valley’s academic excellence. From future engineers and doctors to artists, scientists, and public servants, these students have already begun forging meaningful paths toward success.

Light refreshments were served in the cafeteria following the ceremony, as the Sun Valley community came together to celebrate the hard work, perseverance, and bright futures of these exceptional students.

Meet the Honorees

James Anderson will further his education at the University of Florida where he plans to major in Environmental Science and plans to work as an Environmental Scientist researching sustainability and clean energy. He is an AP Scholar, member of multiple Honor Societies and holds leadership roles in clubs such as newspaper and Ultimate Frisbee. James is the Class of 2025 Salutatorian.

Kosta Antonis will be attending Lehigh University to study Mechanical Engi­neering. He plans to work and continue his education to earn his Masters De­gree in Aerospace Engineering. Kosta is the Vice-President of the Math Hon­or Society and a member of the National, Science, Social Studies and Spanish Honor Societies. He is an AP Scholar with Honors and rounds out his high school achievements by competing on both the soccer and tennis teams as well as being Co-President of the Ultimate Frisbee Club and a member of Student Senate.

Sara Bitner will continue her academic studies at Pennsylvania State Univer­sity majoring in Marketing. Her career goal is advertising for companies with commercials and billboards. She plans to live in the city and create advertise­ments. She is an AP Scholar and a member of the National, Math and Span­ish Honor Societies. While at Sun Valley, she participated on the cheer team and has consistently achieved honor roll status.

Aiden Byrd will attend the Honors College at Pennsylvania State University focusing on Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. He hopes to contribute research and complete his senior thesis for Schreyer's Honors College. He a member of the National, English, Math, Social Studies and Spanish Honor Societies and an AP Scholar with Distinction. Aiden's activities include being a member of the Soccer and Tennis Teams as well as Student Senate. He has a part-time job at a retirement community and is the proud recipient of an Honors College Scholarship from Penn State.

Brandon Carr will be attending Franklin & Marshall College where he will major in Data Science and continue his wrestling career. He wants to coach, give back to his community and continue running his small Christian busi­ness. Brandon is a member of the National, English, Math, Science and Spanish Honor Societies. He has many wrestling accolades including All Delco Wrestler of the Year, PIAA State Runner-Up, Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association All-Academic 1st Team and the Butch Ryan Scholar Athlete Award recipient.

Ashley Celestino will be studying History at Delaware County Community College. She would like to work as an archivist at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. She is a member of the National, Science, Social Studies, Spanish and Tri-M Honor Societies. Ashley's activities include Lead Critic in Cappies, yearbook member and Mock Trial Captain. She is a Distin­guished Honor Roll recipient and was awarded academic scholarships from the schools to which she applied.

James Centola will study at New Mexico State University with a major of Computer Science and Economics. His goal is to work in a data and software field specializing in the impact of human behavior on the economy. He in­tends to enter a graduate program in Behavioral Economics or Neuroeco­nomics. He is a member of the Math, Science and Spanish Honor Societies. James participates in the Robotics, Science Olympiad and Delco Hi-Q clubs. James was recognized as an AP Scholar, National First Generation Student and was on the DCCC President's List. He received various scholarships from New Mexico State University.

Caroline Cisco will be continuing her education at the University of Pitts­burgh majoring in Biological Sciences. She plans to work in the medical field as a Physician's Assistant. Caroline is a member of the National, English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Spanish, Tri-M and Technical Honor Societies. Her activities include: Class of 2025 Vice-President, Varsity Volleyball Captain and National Honor Society cabinet member. She is an AP Scholar and has consistently received Distinguished Honor Roll.

Julia Colonna will attend Gwynedd Mercy University studying Radiation Therapy. She hopes to build connections with coworkers and patients while providing hope and comfort for those battling cancer. She is a member of the National, English, Math, Science, and Spanish Honor Societies as well as an AP Scholar. She is a member of the Class Committee and Student Senate and in her free time works at a retirement community. Gwynedd Mercy University awarded Julia the Presidential Scholarship, which is a full tuition scholarship.

Chloe D'Angelo will continue her education at Pennsylvania State University in Schreyer Honors College. She will be studying Physics with a career goal of performing research in theoretical physics and cosmology. She is the co­ founder and President of the Astronomy Club and dances with the Parkside Performing Arts Company. Chloe is a member of the National, Math, Sci­ence, Social Studies and Spanish Honor Societies, a National Merit Com­mended Scholar and an AP Scholar with Distinction.

Annabelle Deady will be majoring in CLEG (communications, legal studies, economics and government) at American University. In her future, she aspires to be involved in politics or law. Annabelle is the Class President and a mem­ber of the National, Art, English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Spanish, and Tri-M Honor Societies. She participates in choir, theater, Art Club, Student Senate and FCCLA. She was the recipient of the Exceptional Exploration in Media Award at the Senior Select Art Show. American University has award­ ed Annabelle the Dean's Scholarship.

Blake DiPasquale will attend Purdue University to study Chemical Engi­neering. She aspires to work in the engineering field focusing in pharmaceuti­cals. Blake's activities include: Captain of the Science Olympiad, Hi-Q and Robotics Teams, GSA President, National Art Honor Society Secretary, and Student Council President of the Japanese Language School of Philadelphia. She is a member of the National, Math, Science, Social Studies and Spanish Honor Societies as well as the Marching and Jazz Bands. Blake has been awarded five Science Olympiad medals, is an AP Scholar with Distinction and spends time volunteering at the Japanese Language School of Philadelphia.

Olivia Ellis will attend Villanova University to study Business and plans to have a career in a large hospital as a Healthcare administrator. She is a member of the English, Math, Science, Social Studies and Spanish Honor Societies and is a cabinet member of the National Honor Society. She is a the President of Student Senate, Captain of the Field Hockey Team and received the Cap­tain's Award for the team.

Jessica Hassel will be attending Pennsylvania State University where she will study Behavioral Health to help her become an occupational therapist working with people of all ages. She is a member of the National, English, Science, Social Studies and Spanish Honor Societies and participates in the Yearbook and Astronomy Clubs. Jessica is an AP Scholar with Distinction and has been recognized for her writing with an Americanism Essay Award, The American Library of Poetry Award and the Delaware County Poetry Contest Award.

Amelia Hawk will be attending Michigan State University studying entomol­ogy. She is an AP Scholar, and is in many honor societies including: Nation­ al, Art, English, Science, Social Studies and Spanish. For her achievement, Amelia is the recipient of the Presidential and Presidential Study Abroad Scholarships from Michigan State University.

Aidan Hearn is enrolled in Rochester Institute of Technology to study Com­puter Science with plans to become a cyber defense analyst for the Depart­ment of Defense. He is an AP Scholar and a member of multiple honor socie­ties. Aidan participated on the Sun Valley's Hi-Q team for four years earning him a spot on the All-Delco Team. Aidan has been a scout for eight years earning 45 merit badges, becoming a member of the Order of the Arrow and attaining the highest rank of Eagle Scout. He has earned Distinguished Honor Roll, won the Americanism Essay contest awarded from the American Legion, has been awarded the RIT Founders Scholarship and has been named a 2025 Performing Arts Scholar.

Grace Hegarty will be studying Nursing at West Chester University. She plans to become a pediatric nurse at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She is a member of the National, English, Math, Science Social Studies and Spanish Honor Societies as well as being an AP Scholar with Distinction. Grace is a member of the Sun Valley Cheerleading Team and was named cap­tain her senior year. She maintained Distinguished Honor Roll status and was awarded an Academic Excellence Award from West Chester University.

Natalie Horan will be studying Criminology in the Honors College at the University of Tampa. She plans to work in a federal bureau as a criminologist specialist after obtaining her degree. She is a member of the National, English, Math, Science, Social Studies and Spanish Honor Societies. Natalie received accolades as a member of the Sun Valley Soccer Team including: MVP, Coach's Award, First Team All Ches-Mont, Honorable Mention All-Delco and Team Captain. She is an AP Scholar and was awarded the Presidential Scholarship from the University of Tampa.

Kira Kenvin will attend Pennsylvania State University majoring in business. She plans to pursue a career in the marketing industry. She is a member of the National and Spanish Honor Societies, Class of 2025 Committee, Student Sen­ate, Astronomy Club and plays on the Varsity Field Hockey Team. She has achieved honor roll throughout her high school career and received the Com­monwealth Award from Penn State University.

Mikayla Leary is enrolled at American University and plans to study Justice and Law. She will pursue a career in the criminal justice system in either the courtroom or in the field. She is President of Choir and the English Honor Society as well as a member of the National, French, Tri-M and Art Honor Societies, Chamber Choir, theater, newspaper and art clubs. Mikayla was awarded a Dean's Scholarship from American University.

Colin Loftus plans to major in finance at The University of Pittsburgh. His plans include obtaining his MBA and having a career in corporate finance. He is a member of the National, Math and Spanish Honor Societies. He plays on the Sun Valley Basketball team and was awarded a Presidential Scholarship from the University of Pittsburgh for his academic achievements.

Jesse Loro will study Finance at the University of Virginia. He aspires to be a quantitative financial analyst on Wall Street. He is President of the Math Hon­or Society, member of the National and Spanish Honor Societies and an AP Scholar. He is a National American Grappling Association Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist and works at Gennaro's Italian restaurant. The University of Virginia has awarded Jesse a scholarship to recognize his accomplishments.

Lily Martin will continue her education at Alvernia University where she plans to study Psychology and Criminal Justice. She intends to work with juve­nile delinquents after their release to improve their mental health when they re-enter society. Lily is a Junior Olympic Archery Division Member and a Black Belt in Tang So Do. She graduated from the Biotechnology Science program at Delaware County Technical School and is a member of the National, Sci­ence, Social Studies, Spanish, Technical and Tri-M Honor Societies. She is a Sun Valley High School Student of the Week, Employee of the Month at her job, Mock Trial Team Captain, AP Scholar and one of four students awarded a "Golden Ticket to Your Future Scholarship" which constitutes a full-tuition award to Alvernia University.

Dani Meredith plans to enter the workforce after graduation and take time to decide on her future educational path but plans to pursue Art Therapy as a career. She is a member of the Spanish Honor Society, an AP Scholar and participates in TSC All-Stars for Cheerleading.

Molly Ann Mucklow will attend Pennsylvania State University to study Chemical Engineering. She would love to perform lab research to improve the lives of others. She is President of the National and Science Honor Socie­ties, Captain of the tennis and mock trial teams, a Chief Science Officer and she recently completed a Biomedical Engineering Internship at Drexel Univer­sity. Molly is the Class of 2025 Valedictorian, received an ASPE Delaware Scholarship and was awarded a scholarship to the College of Engineering at Penn State University.

Jeremy Palmore will attend Pennsylvania State University studying Computer Science. He plans to develop his skills in computer science and use them to join a successful company where he can contribute as a software developer. Jeremy has been recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction from College Board.

Rahul Rathinam will be attending the University of Florida to study Biologi­cal Sciences on the Pre-Med track. He aspires to become a doctor and use his background in biology to help people. He is a member of the National, Math, and Spanish Honor Societies and an AP Scholar with Distinction. Rahul plays singles on the Sun Valley Tennis Team and earned second place in Ches-Mont Sportsmanship Awards. He volunteers with Charity Crossing and is a leader of a giveaway earning four PVSA medals.

Ashley Wassel will be studying at Pennsylvania State University in University Park majoring in secondary education. In her future, she plans to teach high school mathematics and hopes to inspire and help students. She is an AP Scholar and member of the National, Math, Social Studies and Spanish Honor Societies. Ashley also competes on the Sun Valley Varsity Volleyball Team, Unified Bocce and Track Teams and has been a 4-year Honor Roll recipient.

Brielle Wright will be attending Bucknell University studying Biomedical Engineering. She plans to work on medical research and improve technology. She received Distinguished Honor Roll throughout her Sun Valley years, is a member of the National, English, Math, Science and Spanish Honor Societies and an AP Scholar with Honors. She is Captain of the Girls Lacrosse and Basketball Teams and received All Ches-Mont Honors for both. She was recognized as this year's Butch Ryan Scholar Athlete Award recipient.