The Catskill High School Class of 2023’s highest-ranking students based on weighted grade point averages are:
Valedictorian
Karsen Chiminelli, daughter of Karen Van Wie and Ron Chiminelli, plans to attend Brown University next year to study biology. Karsen has been the co-president of the Class of 2023 since 9th grade, and is president of National Honor Society. Karsen has been heavily involved with the music program, participating in chorus and multiple school plays, with leading roles in “Pippin,” “Tarzan,” and “Sister Act.” She has also been very active in extracurricular activities such as varsity volleyball, Student Government, FCCLA, Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Team, Odyssey of the Mind, and Yearbook Club. Karsen has also been a volunteer for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program, and has received the President’s Volunteer Service Silver Award for her community service work.
Salutatorian
Adam Konsul is the son of Amy and Joe Konsul of Athens and the brother of Joseph, William, and Christopher Konsul. He plans to attend Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. At Northeastern, he plans on majoring in biomedical engineering, but is willing to keep his options open as to explore all of his interests. While in high school, Adam participated in the Symphonic Band, Concert Chorus, Drama Club, Jazz Band, Student Government, Yearbook Club, and Yellow Ribbon. Last fall, Adam was accepted to play French horn in the Area-All State Symphonic Orchestra. He has also participated in various All-County music festivals. In FCCLA, he has served as the chapter’s publicity officer. He has been treasurer for National Honor Society and the Class of 2023. Adam played for Catskill’s varsity volleyball team, which recently won a Patroon, sectional, and regional championship. Last summer, Adam worked as a summer recreation counselor as part of the summer program held by Catskill CSD and the Town of Catskill, which he plans to do again this summer.
Adam will be graduating with an Advanced Regents Diploma with Honors and Mastery in Math and Science. Adam is honored to be the Salutatorian of the Class of 2023 and would like to thank everyone who has given him support thus far.
#3
Christopher Konsul, son of Joe and Amy Konsul is the third of four brothers, as he is a quadruplet. Three seems to be a fitting number for him! Next year he plans to attend Northeastern University where he still remains undecided as a member of the Exploratory Program. Chris has always been incredibly curious about anything and everything, and has had a passion for learning for as long as he can remember, so committing to a major has been challenging. While in high school, Chris actively participated in volleyball, FCCLA, Band, Jazz Band, Chorus, the musical, National Honor Society, Student Government, Class Office, Yearbook Club, Yellow Ribbon, and more. He is most proud of winning a regional, sectional, and two Patroon championships with his volleyball team and also of serving as the 2022-2023 New York State FCCLA President. He has also worked as a math tutor and waiter in the past, but right now he only works summers at the elementary school as a recreation counselor. He is very thankful to all the school staff and all of the people he’s encountered in his lifetime for contributing to the person he is today and he is excited for what the future brings!
#4
Joseph Konsul, son of Amy and Joe Konsul, plans to attend Northeastern University next year where he will major in nursing. Joseph also has three brothers: Adam, Chris, and William. While in high school, Joseph participated in the Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Chorus, Drama Club, Yellow Ribbon Club, National Honor Society, FCCLA, Student Government, Yearbook Club, and was a Student Government representative for the Class of 2023. This year, Joseph was selected to perform in the Area All-State Mixed Choir which was based on his NYSSMA performances the previous years. Joseph was also on Catskill’s boys varsity volleyball team that has won two Patroon Conference championships, as well as one sectional and one regional championship. Over the summers, Joseph works for the Town of Catskill for the Summer Recreational Program.
Joseph will be graduating with an Advanced Regents Diploma with Honors and Mastery in Math and Science. Overall, he is very grateful for receiving this recognition and thanks his parents, teachers, and friends for their support.
#5
Maya Weaver, daughter of Warren and Etsuko Weaver of Catskill, plans to attend SUNY Oneonta in the fall where she will major in childhood education. During her time at Catskill High School, Maya was the flute section leader in band, has had supporting and lead roles in the school musicals, and was captain of the girls volleyball team for her junior and senior years. She was also involved in the National Honor Society, Santa’s Helpers, and Festival of Trees. Maya has a strong passion for music and expresses it through playing the flute. She has performed multiple solos at NYSSMA, played in five All-County concerts, two Area All-State concerts, and even played in the All-State band in December 2022. Outside of school, Maya was selected as the WMHT Student Musician of the Month for January 2022, babysits, and works during the summer as a summer recreation counselor.
#6
Nicholas Konsul, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Konsul of Catskill, plans to attend The University at Buffalo next year where he will major in accounting. While in high school, Nicholas participated in band and was a member of Yellow Ribbon, Student Government, FCCLA, varsity volleyball, Yearbook Club, and National Honor Society. He was also involved in the community where he helped with collection during church services, participated in Santa’s Helpers, participated in Festival of Trees, and organized the CHS Blood Drive through National Honor Society. He has also worked a part-time job at Rip Van Winkle Brewery for the past two years.
#7
Xiao Li Chen, daughter of Mr. Li and Mrs. Chen from Catskill, plans to attend the CUNY College of Baruch next year where she will major in biology. While in high school, Xiao participated in Chorus, was a member of FCCLA, Student Government, Yellow Ribbon, NHS, and was involved in the school play as both an ensemble member and stage crew member. She would like to thank her friends and family for their incredible support through all four years of high school.
#8
Lauren Liberti, daughter of Anthony and Elizabeth Liberti of Catskill, plans to attend Villanova University next year where she will major in criminology and minor in business. During her senior year, Lauren attended the New Visions Emergency Preparedness, Informatics, Cyber & Homeland Security program at UAlbany. While in high school, she was involved in many clubs including FCCLA, Business Club, National Honor Society and was captain of the varsity girls soccer team. She also worked part time at Hunter Mountain and enjoyed skiing on the weekends.
#9
Liliana Seeley, daughter of Vincent and Gwen Seeley, plans to attend City College of New York next year to pursue her art career. She has a passion for art and creating and has been involved in Mrs. Doney’s art class and Mr. Hernandez’s broadcasting classes. She works in the restaurant business where she has had the opportunity to also work as a graphic designer for a business owner in her town.
#10
Aaliyah Shook, daughter of Melissa Shook, plans to attend Boston College next year where she will major in nursing. While in high school, Aaliyah participated as an advent contributor to the girls varsity basketball, softball and soccer programs. Aside from athletics, Aaliyah was also a member of National Honor Society and a teen suicide prevention program known as Yellow Ribbon. Acting as an advocate of her generation and connector of her community, she had also spoken at local protests of the BLM Movement in the Town of Catskill and Cairo NY.
In an attempt to give back to the same programs that had made all the difference for her growing up, Aaliyah also volunteers as an assistant coach to a group of third and fourth grade girls. In working with these girls, she claims, “Arguably these girls have taught me more than I have taught them. In their own little ways, each and every one of those girls reminded me of why I have fallen in love with the game of basketball. It is an experience that I am beyond grateful for.” She has also worked part time at Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company for the last two years.