Meet the 23 winners of Syracuse.com’s 2024 Best and Brightest Awards

Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse.com honored 23 Central New York high school students at the 2024 Best and Brightest Awards Wednesday at the Redhouse Arts Center.
The honor recognizes the accomplishments of area high school seniors in the Class of 2025. Eligible students included those with at minimum B or 3.0 grade point average attending school in Section III (Cayuga, Cortland, Onondaga, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oswego, Oneida and Otsego counties).
Students nominated themselves with an application, essay, letters of recommendation, details about their academic successes, extracurricular activities and service to their school and community. They were also asked to write a personal narrative about their experiences. A panel of syracuse.com judges then selected the winners.
The winning students were honored in front of their families at the 2024 Best and Brightest Awards ceremony on Wednesday evening, with presenting sponsor Upstate Honda Dealers Association.
Helena Sipley, Westhill HS
Laney is a three-sport athlete in cross country, indoor and outdoor track and holds leadership positions as Treasurer within each. Her various recognitions include the American History Book Award, Outstanding Tri-M Musician Award, Naval Horizon essay winner, and recipient of the Women in STEM RIT award, among others. This past fall, she interned for a local political campaign.
She is described as hard-working, selfless, focused, compassionate and cheers the successes of others. Laney is passionate about human rights, social justice, and equality for all.
Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes from a young childhood age, Laney has discovered her interest in the field of epidemiology, which would allow her to study how various diseases affect diverse populations. In the future, Laney hopes to use her voice to advocate for better public health awareness as well as pursuing her interested in music and recreational running.
Ashley Pawelczyk, Bishop Ludden HS
Ashley has been a leader on and off the soccer field at Bishop Ludden over the past four years. Not only an outstanding player achieving many individual awards, but she has also shown her leadership by organizing fundraising games for a scholarship fund in honor of a former teammate’s mother.
As a student, she challenged herself by taking the most difficult classes offered and has already started taking college classes. Of course she has a long list of awards.
Her recommendation letters describe her as selfless and willing to step out of her comfort zone.
The summer she spent at Camp Sunshine, changed her life by inspiring her through to become a pediatric physicians associate. She plans to study biology in college to achieve that goal.
Oluwafeyisike (Sike) Ajagbe, Westhill HS
Sike is class president at Westhill High School, and is expected to be Valedictorian. She participates in a wide range of activities including both National and French Honor Society, Tri-M National Music Honor Society, Health Occupations Students of America and Student Senate.
She is also an integral member of school theater productions, and the school band as a gifted musician, having mastered the euphonium. On top of this she is a member of the varsity tennis team.
Her glowing letters of recommendation describe her as one of a kind, strong, intelligent, and natural born leader – illustrating her dedication to hard work. She has served food to the less fortunate, mentored in her school’s “Westhill Buddies” (big brother/big sister) program, collected clothing for refugees, hosted community events for children in the Westhill district and more.
She plans to study biology or in a biology-related major, and research cultural diversities and disparities in healthcare, with a longterm goal of becoming a doctor.
Jadyn Baker, Marcellus HS
Jadyn attends Marcellus HS and is a member of the National, French, Social Studies and Math Honor societies.
Her activities include the Francis House Youth Auxiliary Board, Superintendent Student Council, Students Against Destructive Decisions Club, Transition Team Leader, Character Ed Club, and the United Way Day of Caring School Supplies Drive. She attended the 2024 Empire Girls State, as one of 10 girls selected to represent Onondaga County at this event.
Jadyn is captain of the Marcellus Girls Varsity soccer team. Her coaches describe her as a team leader, punctual, with an excellent work ethic, and possessing good character.
The impact of animal cruelty ads on her as a girl motivated her to seek volunteer work at Helping Hounds and at a local Vet Clinic. Those experiences have inspired her to start on the path of becoming a veterinarian by studying biology in college.
Alexa Battaglia, Manlius Pebble Hill School
Alexa is described as a quiet leader with maturity and a good sense of humor.
Her résumé of musical accomplishments on the violin is outstanding. She has been selected to the Syracuse young artist orchestra for four years, and serves as the president of both the MPH tri-M music honor society and bluegrass fiddle club.
She has received multiple honors at the regional and state level in both the sciences and performing arts. She serves as Class Vice-President, is a member of the National Honor Society and is the recipient of the Rensselaer Medal for Math and Science Achievement (RPI Scholarship Award), and an Excellence in American History Award.
Through her high school’s roots & shoots club she was able to renovate her school’s greenhouse and start a composting project with the food service staff. These efforts resulted in a science fair project, creating biodegradable home insulation from mushroom roots and inspiring a path to study environmental science.
Shreya Bhattacharya, Fayetteville-Manlius HS
As co-captain of the tennis team, she led her teammates to win sectionals for two consecutive years and made it to the state championship tournament for doubles. Her leadership extends beyond the court, as she organized team practices, dinners, and a mixed doubles fundraiser with the boys’ tennis team, raising money for the FM Food Pantry. She is president of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Club and serves as crisis director at Model United Nations by editing chair letters, training staffers, and has raised over $20K for charity at more than 10 conferences.
Shreya is managing editor at her school newspaper and edits section articles, published a biweekly column related to mental health and has been recognized as an AP Scholar With Distinction. She received the platinum prize and musical sensibility award at the Beethovinci International Music Competition and is a member of the Tri M Honor Society for Music, Spanish Honor Society and Science Honor Society.
Shreya is founder of the Mental Health Institute and presented workshops to more than 100 people in India, leading over 10 mentors to support 20+ students and conducted three annual surveys on mental health resources in school. She has presented student needs for mental health resources to the F-M Board of Education and met with Sen. Charles Schumer and Gov. Kathy Hochul staff to discuss state and national projects and proclamation.
Shreya hopes to attend Georgetown University with ambitions to study public policy and ultimately create laws that will impact society, especially in mental health.
Deniz Gursoy, Fayetteville-Manlius HS
Deniz is a leader at F-M high school and an integral member of numerous clubs and organizations, including President (and former Treasurer) of the Programming Club, Model UN (where he won the outstanding delegate award), Math League, Mock Trial, Robotics, Student Council Fundraising Chair, Class of 2025 Treasurer, Medical Club, Health Professionals of Tomorrow, and Science Olympiad.
He’s participated in myriad summer academic programs, including the esteemed and highly competitive Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University. He was one of the 48 participants selected from applicants from throughout the US.
Deniz was captain and lead coder for his team in the MIT Beaver Works Autonomous Race Car Grand Prix (driverless technology); a six-week program/competition held through Syracuse University.
His references describe him as possessing an innate curiosity with a love for learning as well as kind, hardworking, and easy to communicate with.
He plans to study chemical and biological engineering in college.
Abbigail Lane, Liverpool HS
Abbigail is Co-Captain and Varsity Member of the Girls Swim and Dive Team. She is Co-Captain and Stroke Seat in Varsity A on the Crew Team, winning 3rd place in the NYS Scholastic Rowing Championship in 2024 and participating in the National Scholastic Rowing Championships. She has been a Lifeguard and swim instructor for the past several years.
Abbigail is co-founder and Vice President of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), an organization whose mission is to empower HOSA-Future Health Professionals to become leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration, and experience. She is a volunteer for Epiphany Parish’s Community Outreach with We Rise Above the Streets making bagged lunches for Syracuse’s homeless.
Abbigail plans to obtain a bachelor’s degree in the realm of biological sciences.
Evan Paradise Mastroccio, Nottingham HS
Evan participates in choir and orchestra, serves as Vice President of his National Honor Society and supports Outreach and Public Relations in his student government. He also participates as a leader in Link Crew, welcoming Freshman to high school. Evan has participated in Le Moyne College’s GenCyber cybersecurity-centered Summer Program.
Evan is an active member in Theater, where he has held 5 lead roles across 6 onstage productions over the past three years. He works as a stagehand for The Syracuse Orchestra several hours a week, a role that requires an ever-expanding knowledge of both practical and technical needs, from time management, to the care and set up of precision instruments, to a working grasp of high quality audio equipment.
He earned an Art & Design Scholarship Award from Rochester Institute of Technology and earned an AP Scholar Award from the College Board.
Though Evan is currently undecided on a specific field of study that he would like to pursue, he is aiming for a very social and people-oriented career, as he enjoys meeting and collaborating with new people.
Liliana Mulchy, New Hartford HS
Liliana is captain of Varsity Swimming and Diving and active member in clubs including Spartan to Spartan, Pal to Pal Club and The 21 Club, a local group dedicated to raising awareness, supporting, and educating families about Down syndrome in the greater Utica and Central New York area. She is a recipient of the Jon Kaye Memorial Scholarship and has held numerous jobs including event planner, lifeguard and receptionist at a local salon.
Liliana’s brother Grant is the most special person in her life. He is seven years old and was born with Down Syndrome and was diagnosed with Autism a few years ago. This year, she obtained her certification as a Sensory Safe and Autism Certified Hairstylist. Completing this certification was important to her because there weren’t any certified hairstylists within all of District 3.
After high school, Liliana plan on studying business at a large university with a top-rated business school. She is passionate about being an entrepreneur and opening an inclusive salon so she can hire special needs individuals.
Matthias Patyi, Bishop Grimes
Matthias founded the History Bowl at his school, has been named captain, competed in nationals two years in a row and recently led the Varsity team to its first ever victory against Ludden, their main competitor in the tournament. Individually, he has been nominated for the International Geography Bee in Vienna in 2024 and National Geography Bee tournaments in 2024 and 2025.
Matthias is also Den Chief for the Boy Scouts of America and has recently earned the prestigious “Historic Trails Award,” a recognition for individuals who have made significant contributions to the restoration of historical trails. He also volunteers as a recreation assistant at Loretto Health & Rehabilitation and Fahey Rehab and is part of the Leadership Team at Camp Esther.
Matthias hopes to attend the University of Chicago and study economics and plans to study abroad in Germany to immerse himself in the language and culture. Ultimately, he hopes to make a meaningful impact on global economic systems, addressing complex issues like currency instability by exploring bartering as a medium of exchange.
Brian Tollar – Jamesville-Dewitt HS
From leadership roles in student government and science Olympiad to founder of his school’s Technology Student Association, musical involvement as a cellist and pianist and sports such as varsity golf, Brian Tollar’s list of extracurricular activities is impressive enough. But add to that a cumulative GPA of 101.55, SAT scores of 1530 along with his work adapting toys for children with disabilities (and creating his own website featuring these toys – techbybrian.com) and you have all the qualities of what it truly takes to be among the best and brightest.
Brian’s essay spoke from the heart, shedding light on what motivates this promising young man to do the kind of work he does, while dedicating several hours and late nights every week to a cause he finds fulfilling. In his essay, Brian writes: “I received dozens of thank you notes, positive reviews, and what was most meaningful to me, photos and videos of children playing with my modified toys.”
His plans for the future? To attend MIT as an electrical engineer.
In a letter of recommendation, a teacher wrote, “This boy will do nothing but uplift you and your community and he will give his heart and soul in the process.” We couldn’t agree more.
Aanya Verma – Fayetteville-Manlius HS
Aanya has an impressive list of activities that includes leadership and founder positions, volunteer work as St. Joseph’s Hospital, along with diverse experience in the fields of dance, swimming and shadowing medical professionals. Along with awards that include RIT Women in STEM, AP Scholar Award and Fayetteville Manlius High School’s Scholar Athlete Award, Aanya shows true dedication and hard work in her endeavors.
Her essay about her work as a volunteer is best summed up with her statement: “Volunteering reminds me that people aren’t simply cases ‘to fix,’ but complex individuals shaped by the love and influence of those around them. I aspire to become a doctor who embodies acceptance, treating patients with the utmost respect.”
This bright young student has a clear vision for her future, demonstrated by great ambition and confidence in what she can contribute to the world. A letter of recommendation illustrates her drive to take initiative founding the Red Cross chapter at her school all while taking on a rigorous academic and extracurricular schedule.
Caitlin Forshey, Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central
Caitlin is one of a handful of female students in the P-Tech program, at her high school. A program designed for students who have an interest in engineering and technology. She also takes multiple college courses at Onondaga Community College, where she will accumulate multiple college credits before graduating from high school.
A member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet, President of the Student Government, Math Club, Stage Crew, a participant in Engineering Wars, Science Olympiad and the Syracuse University Pre-College program. In her free time Caitlin works part time at the YMCA and volunteers at the Humane Society of CNY.
She plans to major in biomedical engineering with hopes of be able to create educational aids for neurodivergent children to assist them in school.
Kelly Liu, Fayetteville-Manlius HS
Kelly’s lengthy volunteer resume is impressive, including a back-to-school supply drive, where she collected over 400 items for local schools. Her membership in the Positivity Project shows her commitment to fostering good mental health and friendship in her school.
Kelly spent the past two summers at Upstate Medical University at unpaid Internships including the Pharmacology Department researching nanogel creation and simulated drug release research alongside graduate students.
She has studied the flute since 6th grade and has been the principal flutist of the Syracuse Orchestra’s Young Artist Orchestra for the past three years.
She is also a competitive swimmer with both her club and HS teams, and teaches swim lessons.
She is named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist, AP Scholar with Honor, and is a member of four high school honor societies.
Two meaningful descriptions of her from her references are: “She is one that I will wonder in the future where she will make a significant contribution to her community” and “She has proven herself to be a role model and leader in every activity and is a trusted ambassador to all.”
Kelly plans to major in biology or biomedical studies in college.
Avery Pritchard, Belleville Henderson HS
Avery participates in many activities, including Varsity softball, bi-county and NYSMMA Band, Marching Band, and has held leadership positions in Junior and National Honor Society. She is passionate about the sport of trap shooting and has held the position of vice president for the past two years.
Avery has achieved numerous awards recognizing excellence in community and and leadership from the University of Rochester, Wilks University, Elmira College, Keuka College and Russell Sage College.
She is just one of four students blazing a trail at Belleville Henderson Central School by taking an inaugural EMT-B course being offered in partnership with South Jefferson Rescue Squad, taking virtual classes and meeting in person on Saturday for hands-on practical instruction. Her school counselor notes that “she has taken the challenges that life has thrown as her and used those challenges as a means to focus on and as motivation to pursue a career of helping other.”
Through the EMT training, Avery has learned how to think quickly to solve difficult problems and plans to pursue a career as a paramedic.
Declan Reed, Christian Brothers Academy
Declan has always been fascinated by space. Over the past two years, he has participated as a student consultant in the STEM program for the Air Force Research Lab and Quanterion Solutions through the Griffiss Institute where he built a drone and placed first in the Challenge Competition. He also interns at the Griffiss Institute, assisting professors, doing inventory and helping to plan STEM outreach programs. He has taken summer courses at Northwestern and Syracuse Universities, studying physics and astro-bioengineering and earned certifications in AI, math for data science, cybersecurity and cloud computing from Codeacademy.
A three-sport athlete in cross country and track, Declan has been a sectional qualifier and champion. His other activities include Model UN, peer ministry, and mock trial. He has earned the Xerox Award for Innovation Technology from University of Rochester as well as the College Board’s National African American Recognition and AP Scholar with Distinction Awards.
Declan plans to major in aerospace or mechanical engineering, pursue advanced degrees, and dreams to be an aerospace design engineer.
Katherine Rinn, CW Baker HS
Katherine has been involved with a diverse set of activities and sports, ranging from field hockey and Ski Club to mentoring younger students, and holding leadership positions and participating in community events through FCCLA. She has job shadowed at the Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Center at Upstate University Hospital, where her mentor described her as being compassionate, thoughtful, empathetic and determined.
As a volunteer teen coach for Girls on the Run, Katherine has been able to return her gifts of physical and emotional health education to a younger generation by encouraging skills to build confidence, develop meaningful relationships, and discover the joy of movement.
She has been recognized with various awards, including the Huntington Award for showing courage, strength and tenacity as well as the University of Rochester Xerox Award for achievement in innovation and the St. Lawrence Book Award for dedicated in community service. She also received the Pfizer in Pursuit of Hope Award for participating in the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Landmark Clinical Trial.
Katherine plans to attend college and major in pre-med, ultimately aspiring to become a pediatrician.
Gabriella Shuler, General Brown HS
As a student ambassador for the American Legion in her town, Gabriella helped the organization to raise money to donate to multiple nonprofits including the SPCA of Jefferson County, American Heart Association and Children’s Miracle Network, among others. She has volunteered monthly at her community’s food pantry since 7th grade and enjoys helping others and giving back.
As a three-sport varsity athlete in basketball, tennis and lacrosse, she has participated in each at the sectional level. In addition to her numerous volunteer activities and hobbies such as hiking, she holds a steady part-time job for a local business during half the year, where her supervisor notes her dependability as a trusted employee.
Gabriella has enjoyed her time job-shadowing in various healthcare fields and has become CPR (BLS) and First Aid certified and began clinical rotations at her local hospital earlier this month. She plans to further her education at the University at Buffalo, majoring in nursing and aspires to become a nurse anesthetist.
Rebeca Mendez Siquier, Jamesville-DeWitt HS
Rebeca has participated for the duration of her high school career in cross country, indoor and outdoor track, and has been named captain and qualified for sectionals in each sport. She has also followed an interest in music, participating as a member of the choir and orchestra and leading it as concertmaster as a senior, in addition to the Syracuse Youth Orchestra.
Over the last two years, Rebeca has been an instructor for the children’s guitar program at Syracuse University’s La Casita Cultural Center.
Moving to the U.S. from Venezuela as a child, Rebeca acclimated to attending an American school taught in English and is noted for being deeply engaged with learning by being bright, open and inquisitive.
Rebeca ultimately aspires to be a writer and has been a published poet in multiple magazines as well as a finalist for the Syracuse Stage Young Playwrights Festival. She plans to study communications and creative writing at Syracuse University.
Eliana Thompson, Liverpool HS
Music has always been an extremely important point of solace in Eliana’s life. She has been empowered to pursue her passion for music, becoming principal percussionist in her school’s symphonic band, the drum major of the marching band and a timpanist for the Syracuse Young Artists Orchestra.
She has also been awarded as a top presenter in her high school’s Science Symposium and is currently serving on the Board of Education as the student liaison for her school district.
Eliana is described as a determined individual who does not back down from any challenge put before her. She enjoys listening to music with her brother and is noted as balancing school and family effortlessly. In addition to her extracurriculars, Eliana has been employed in customer service and as a dog walker and babysitter.
Eliana hopes to further her education in music.
Lucy Wright, Tully HS
Lucy has been very active across sports, music, the arts and student council. She has participated in her school’s musicals throughout high school as well as in Shakespeare Competitions at the regional and national level.
She volunteered at Interact Rotary, earned 1st team honors in cross county, and held leadership roles in various clubs and student council.
She has received numerous recognitions such as the Clarkson University High School Leadership Award for outstanding leadership and academic promise, received an AP scholar award and is the recipient of the Rural and Small Towns Recognition Award for notable achievements.
She is described as having a rare combination of intellectual curiosity, empathy and dedication while remaining grounded and compassionate.
Lucy’s goal is to pursue political science or a pre-law major and aspires to find her place in government or law.
Henry Zhe-Heimerman, Nottingham HS
Henry has played a dynamic role in student government, band, mock trial and many other extracurricular activities. He is team captain of three sports: cross country, indoor and outdoor track and has been named student athlete of the week and has been a national qualifier at the state championships, holding several city records.
Henry has been recognized as an AP scholar with distinction, a Harvard book award recipient and is an accomplished musician in both piano and trumpet who has been a selected artist for various musical festivals. He also has been active as a volunteer in the community in the Crouse Hospital ER helping to discharge patients, keep patients comfortable and support the nursing staff in any way he can. Henry also worked at SUNY Upstate University Hospital over the summer collecting and arranging statistical data.
His teachers describe him as hard-working, a person of integrity and humility with a positive and generous spirit.
Henry is currently committed to Johns Hopkins University to run cross country and track at the Division 3 level and hopes to pursue biomedical engineering on a pre-med track.