Two exceptional seniors at Cato-Meridian Junior-Senior High School have earned the prestigious titles of Valedictorian and Salutatorian.

Nathan Dennis, son of Dan and Leann Dennis, has been named the Valedictorian of the Class of 2025. He has achieved a remarkable weighted grade point average of 102.33 and will graduate with over 60 college credit hours. Nathan has consistently challenged himself through accelerated, online, and Advanced Placement courses, and has achieved mastery level on all of his Regents examinations. He will graduate with an Advanced Regents Diploma with Honors, as well as the Seal of Civic Readiness and the Seal of Biliteracy.

Beyond the classroom, Nathan has been actively involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities. He was a dedicated member of the Spanish Club (grades 9–12), Student Council (grades 9–12), Drama Club Stage Crew (grades 10–12), and the National Honor Society (grades 11 & 12). He served in several leadership roles, including Vice President of Spanish Club, Class President (grade 12), Vice President of his class and the whole school student council (grades 10 & 11), and Class Officer (grade 9). This year, he also led the National Honor Society as President.

Nathan was also a key contributor to the cross country, indoor track, and varsity outdoor track teams. Throughout his athletic career, he earned numerous awards and honors, and served as team captain during his senior year.  Some of these accomplishments include winning four consecutive league championships in the 4 x 400, as well as a League Championship for triple jump. Nathan was also part of the Scholar-Athlete teams. 

In addition to his academic and athletic achievements, Nathan has demonstrated a deep commitment to his community. He has volunteered his time for various school events and local service projects, embodying the spirit of civic engagement. His strong leadership, humility, and unwavering work ethic have made a lasting impression on both peers and faculty.

Nathan has been recognized with several academic honors and awards throughout his high school career, celebrating his excellence across disciplines. He plans to attend State University of New York at Cortland in the fall, where he will major in Sports Management and Pre-Law. Known for his integrity, curiosity, and passion for learning, Nathan leaves behind a legacy of excellence and service at Cato-Meridian.

Elaina Williams, daughter of Matthew and Renee Williams, has been named the Salutatorian of the Class of 2025. She has earned an impressive weighted grade point average of 100.62 and will graduate with 40+ college credit hours, having embraced a challenging academic schedule that included advanced and college-level coursework. She will graduate with a Regents with Advanced Distinction Diploma, Mastery in Science, Mastery in Math, as well as the prestigious Seal of Biliteracy in French and the Seal of Civic Readiness, reflecting her dedication to global citizenship, civic responsibility, and excellence in language proficiency.

Beyond her academic accomplishments, Elaina has been a proud and dedicated member of the French Club (grades 10-12) and National Honor Society (grades 11 & 12), serving as the secretary this year. She was a part of the Drama Club for three years, participating in Shrek the Musical, Grease, and The SpongeBob Musical. She has been in the band for all four years of high school, and has performed Taps each Memorial Day with the Cato Legion. This year, she also became involved as a member of our FFA.

Elaina has also been a standout athlete, participating in varsity cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track throughout all four years of high school.  She swam for C-M’s QJS3 Swim club for two years, participated in the MIC Program as a swim instructor the last two years, and is a Junior Coach for the Otters Swim Team. She has been awarded Scholar-Athlete, First Team All-League for cross country and track and field (various times), along with Second Team All-League, and has won five Section III Championship titles in track.

Known for her quiet determination, compassionate spirit, and strong work ethic, Elaina is respected and admired by faculty and classmates alike. Following graduation, she plans to attend D’Youville University, where she will major in Physical Therapy, with aspirations to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist. She will also participate on D'Youville’s track and cross country teams at the Division II level.

We are incredibly proud of Nathan and Elaina’s accomplishments and look forward to their bright futures ahead.