Paige Kropp, 2026 Valedictorian
Paige Kropp, daughter of Stacy and Thomas Kropp, is the Valedictorian for Duanesburg’s graduating class of 2026. This fall, she plans to attend the University of Rochester where she will study biomedical engineering and continue her athletic career as a member of the women’s swim team.
Paige aspires to pursue a career in the medical field, either through medical research or clinical practice. Her dream job would be as a doctor who can conduct her own research while also caring for patients.
Paige was highly active in athletics and extracurricular activities at DCS and consistently sought out leadership opportunities. She served as President of both the National Honor Society and Student Government, Vice President of the Leo Club, and Secretary of the Yearbook.
Beyond school, Paige dedicated her time to causes and organizations meaningful to her, including Friends of the Schenectady County Public Library, Letters Against Isolation, and the Ellis Hospital Cardiac Classic Turkey Trot.
She has received numerous scholarships and honors, including the Outstanding Academic Achievement Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award. She earned the distinction of AP Scholar with Distinction, as well as the AP Capstone Seminar and Research Certificate. Additional awards include the RPI Medal Scholarship, the Meliora Scholarship, and the Renie Federighi Memorial Scholarship.
During her time at DCS, Paige identified Mrs. Rebecca Pless (AP Seminar & Research) as a teacher who had a significant impact on her academic journey. “Mrs. Pless pushed me outside my comfort zone in the classroom,” Paige said. “Beyond the classroom, she helped me edit and revise my scholarship application essays and offered valuable advice on improving the quality of my writing.”
Paige said that one of her favorite things about attending DCS is “being able to have close relationships with most of my teachers and peers.” Her parting advice to younger students at DCS is “It is okay to fail. You must accept your failures and learn from them.”
Declan O’Connor, 2026 Salutatorian
Declan O’Connor, the son of Joshua O’Connor and Nicole O’Connor, has been named the salutatorian for DCS’ Class of 2026. He plans to attend the University at Buffalo this fall, where he will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.
His career aspirations are to work as a mechanical engineer and “be able to use CAD and engineering practices to work in a robotics or automotive field,” stating that his dream job would be to “design roller coasters or Formula 1 cars”—that is of course, assuming life as a professional soccer player is out of the question.
While at DCS, Declan was a member of the DCS Robotics Club for five years and served as President. He participated in the district’s soccer program from modified through varsity and was a member of the varsity track & field team. He also serves as the Treasurer for the Class of 2026.
When asked to name a teacher who made a lasting impression, Declan noted that many educators influenced him, but he credits Mr. Gauthier in particular for some of his most meaningful experiences at DCS. “As dedicated as I was to academics, Robotics Club and classes like DDP and woodshop were my favorites. They really set me on the path to engineering, so I’m very grateful for that. Those classes were always fun, while still being creative and educational.”
Outside the classroom, Declan has been actively involved in his community. He served as an AYSO assistant soccer coach and referee, worked as a volunteer tutor, and worked as a summer camp counselor with the Duanesburg Park Program. He also supports the district as the audio-visual operator for Board of Education meetings, ensuring that everyone can be seen and heard at board meetings.
He is the recipient of several honors, including the University at Buffalo Pride of New York Scholarship, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Leadership Award, Syracuse University Orange Award, and the Stony Brook University Presidential Scholarship.
One of Declan’s favorite memories at DCS was reaching the soccer sectional finals alongside his brother and close friends. “I just loved the school community, and playing sports and games while being around my friends,” he said. He also fondly recalled class trips, including a visit to Washington, D.C., and riding roller coasters with classmates during a band trip.
For younger students, Declan offers simple but meaningful advice: “It’s incredibly important to make memories. Don’t let the days drag on and make it seem like a chore. Enjoy the time with friends, and find all of the fun there is even if school gets boring at times,” he added.