Fillmore Central School has announced its top graduating students for the 2022-23 school year.
Mitchell Ward, son of the late Derek Ward, Crystal Carmer and Albert Carmer, has been named valedictorian with a 95.7 unweighted average, with Katelyn Pastorius, daughter of Lisa and Jason Pastorius, salutatorian following with a 94.97 unweighted average.
The valedictorian will graduate with over 30 college credits and has been accepted with an undeclared major at Hilbert College, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Mercyhurst University, Lake Erie College, Rivier University and Nazareth College.
The salutatorian is graduating with 20 credits and is planning to attend SUNY Geneseo to major in early childhood education.
Ward has excelled in sports, participating in varsity soccer for five years, helping lead his team to Class D1 Section V Championships in soccer in his freshman, junior and senior years. He earned team captain honors and has been Fillmore’s all-time leader in career goals, assists and points, along with a single-season record for goals and points.
He was Section V Small School Player of The Year, three-time Adpro Sports Player of the year, two-time All-State, two-time Big 30 Player of the Year, two-time county MVP, two-time All Greater Rochester All-Star and ultimately helped lead his team to the state championship in his senior year.
He also participated in varsity basketball for four years, also being team captain and two-time county all-star rankings, and played varsity baseball for five years, earning team captain, two-time county all-star and a Section V Class D1 championship in his junior year.
The valedictorian is a member of the National Honor Society, was selected as the Standard Bearer and attended Boys State through the American Legion Dee Victor Thomas Post 1155. He has participated as co-president of the Awards Committee for one year and participated in Student Council for two years.
Outside of school, Ward has assisted with coaching third-through-sixth grade youth soccer and has worked as an apprentice to his grandfather. He also is a former member of the Badge of Honor Association.
Pastorius has participated in soccer for two years and volleyball for three years during high school.
She participated for two years in Student Council and learned skills for her future career by aiding in Fillmore’s 3PK and Kindergarten classrooms, completing reading and station activities.
Outside of school, the salutatorian has worked at the fair and the Celtic Festival.