Congratulations to Emilie Hopkins and Mrs. Victoria Smith for their recognition in the Scholar's Recognition Program for her academic excellence, leadership, and community service.
The Scholar Recognition Program celebrates outstanding graduating seniors from public, private, and parochial secondary schools within the DCMO and ONC BOCES supervisory areas. Students are selected based on academic excellence, leadership and service to their schools and communities.
Each student nominates a mentor who is an educator who has made a meaningful impact on their education. Emilie Hopkins selected Mrs. Victoria Smith as her mentor. Mrs. Victoria Smith is a Secondary Mathematics Teacher at Afton Central School District for seven years. She currently teaches Algebra II, Statistics, Calculus I, Financial Math, and Calculus II. She is advisor of the Senior Class and National Honor Society. She challenges her students to think analytically and strive to do their best. Emilie wrote the following describing Mrs. Smith:
Over the past four years, Mrs. Smith has shown her unwavering dedication to not only teaching but supporting her students through every milestone. Whether I needed help solving a difficult math problem or navigating college applications, Mrs. Smith always put myself and my peers above all else. The support that Mrs. Smith has shown me is something that I will forever be grateful for. She is one of the best educators and most kindhearted person that I have ever met, and for that reason I have selected her as my mentor because without her, I wouldn't be here today.
Emilie demonstrated academic excellence as the Valedictorian of the Class of 2026 while pursuing her associate's degree through Tompkins Cortland Community College and participating in the New Vision Allied Health Program. She is also a leader in her community.
Emily intends to continue her education at Villanova University majoring in Biology. Her goal is to continue her education through medical school to become a dermatologist. Afton Central School District is proud of Emilie for her recognition and her accomplishments. We eagerly anticipate her bright future.