• Valedictorian and salutatorian

     

    New Paltz High School (NPHS) is proud to announce the valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2025: Charlie DePoala and Brian Koji Oyama Tierney. These two exceptional students exemplify the academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement that define the spirit of NPHS.

    Valedictorian – Charlie DePoala

    With a stellar weighted grade point average (GPA) of 101.686, DePoala has earned the honor of being named valedictorian. The son of Salvatore DePoala and NPHS English teacher Lauren DePoala, DePoala is an AP Scholar with Distinction, having completed an extraordinary 13 Advanced Placement courses during high school—and having self-studied for one more. His academic pursuits extended beyond the classroom, earning him the equivalent of 75 college credits, including Organic Chemistry I and II over the summer.

    A passionate vocalist, DePoala was selected for several prestigious musical groups, including  All-Eastern, All-State, Area All-State, and All-County Choir. Also a mathematics enthusiast, he competed in the Dutchess-Ulster-Sullivan-Orange (DUSO) Math League Sectional Championship, the New York State Mathematics League (NYSML), and the American Regions Mathematics League (ARML). He also participated on the school’s Mock Trial Team, which was awarded third place in New York State last year.

    His leadership is equally noteworthy: DePoala is the president of the National Honor Society, and is treasurer of both the Choir and the Model United Nations Club. He will attend Princeton University in the fall to study Chemical and Biological Engineering. He plans to pursue a career as a patent attorney, specializing in chemical engineering. When asked for his advice to younger students, DePoala said, “Find things you love to do and pursue them as far as you can go.”

     

    Salutatorian – Brian Koji Oyama Tierney

    Tierney, the son of Roderic Tierney and Sayuri Oyama, is graduating with a weighted GPA of 101.560 and an Advanced Regents Diploma. He completed seven AP courses, including AP Chemistry, Biology, and Calculus, and earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. He is also a member of the National Honor Society.

    A future Biochemistry major at John Hopkins University, Tierney credits his passion for Science to inspiring teachers like Stephannie Costello  and David Thibodeau, whose Chemistry classes sparked his ambition. He is president of the Asian Culture Club and an active member of the Students of Color Alliance as well as the Japanese Conversation Table at SUNY New Paltz. He also participated in the Youth for Understanding Summer Study Abroad program in Japan.

    Tierney has also contributed over 50 hours of tutoring at NPHS and participated in numerous service projects through the National Honor Society. Reflecting on his journey, Tierney said, “I’d like to thank my parents–I couldn’t ask for anything more from them. They have always been there to support me, teach me, and have given me the respect as an individual to allow me to flourish.”

    A Bright Future Ahead

    New Paltz High School Principal Samuelle Simms remarked, “Charlie and Brian both exemplify a successful New Paltz High School student as passionate learners who completely dedicate themselves to their individual interests. We are proud of their current and future successes.”

    Superintendent Stephen Gratto added, “Students like Charlie and Brian remind us of what is possible when talent, perseverance, and community support come together. Their accomplishments inspire not just their classmates, but all of us in the District. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their success and cannot wait to see where their journeys lead.”