Most know that Goshen has its longstanding tradition of honoring its top six graduating seniors, instead of the traditional top two.
Celebrating the top six Honor Grads is a multi-generational observance in the community, and this year’s recipients — seniors Marcella Barnhorst, Avaree Freiberger, Zachary Jessup, Andrew Rampulla, Rachel Seo, and Regan Sullivan –are proud to hold this distinction for the Class of 2022.
Marcella Barnhorst
Marcella will attend the University of Notre Dame where she plans to major in biology. She is the daughter of Brad and Christine Barnhorst of Goshen.
Extra-curricular activities/athletics: National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society (Spanish & Latin) – public relations officer, Leo Club – treasurer, Varsity Swim Team – co-captain, New York Sharks Club Swim Team, Viola studies.
Honors and awards: National Latin Exam Summa Cum Laude Award, OCMEA All County Orchestra, NYSSMA Area All State Orchestra
How does it feel to be named an Honor Grad?
I feel very honored to be given this distinction alongside my hardworking peers! It is gratifying to see all of my hard work paid off in such academic success. I owe so much of my success to the wonderful learning atmosphere and community of family, friends, and teachers who have believed in me throughout my high school career.
What do you look forward to the most after graduation?
I am excited to embrace the uncertainty that will ensue in my future academic and life experiences. I hope to welcome possible failure as a stepping stone to future success and growth. I am also looking forward to enjoying my summer with family and friends before leaving for college and beginning a new chapter of my life.
What do you believe is your greatest strength?
I believe perseverance to be my greatest strength. I attribute much of my success to my ability to work through failure until I reach a goal.
What change would you like to see in the world?
I would like to see a world where people are more kind and considerate. Everyone has their own personal struggles and even the simplest of selfless acts could be the reason someone smiles. We should all embrace each other for our differences and use them to unite with compassion.
What is your favorite Goshen memory?
By far Jellybean Field Day!
Avaree Freiberger
Avaree will attend the University of South Carolina where she will major in biology on a pre-medical track with plans of attending medical school after graduation. She will minor in dance and be a member of the dance team as well. She is the daughter of Stacie and John Freiberger of Goshen.
Extra-curricular activities/athletics: Leo Club, Interact Club, National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, ballet.
Honors and Awards: Honor Roll, Merit Scholarship for University of South Carolina, National Latin Exam medal
How does it feel to be named an Honor Grad?
I feel incredibly grateful to be named an Honor Grad and to have the opportunity to be able to represent my graduating class of 2022.
What do you look forward to the most after graduation?
I look forward to the new experiences I will have after graduation. I will be going to college in South Carolina and beginning my schooling for my future career. I know it will be challenging, but I can’t wait!
What do you believe is your greatest strength?
I believe my greatest strength is my determination.
What change would you like to see in the world?
I would like to see the division in our world settled and a more peaceful future for the upcoming generations.
What is your favorite Goshen memory?
My favorite Goshen memory is experiencing senior year with my best friends. Goshen gave me three best friends who make every memory I have made here at Goshen better. I love you Regan, Kayla, and Julianna!
Zachary Jessup
Zachary will attend Cornell University College of Engineering where he will major in computer science. He is the son of Todd and Stacy Jessup of Goshen.
Extra-curricular activities/athletics: Varsity Golf Captain, World Language Honor Society Treasurer, National Honor Society, Model UN, Math Team President, Stage Band, Symphonic Band
Honors and Awards: National Merit Scholarship Finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction
How does it feel to be named an Honor Grad?
I am grateful for the honor and would like to thank my family, friends, teachers, and coaches.
What do you look forward to the most after graduation?
I look forward to continuing my education and meeting new people.
What do you believe is your greatest strength?
I believe my greatest strength is my determination.
What change would you like to see in the world?
I want the world to be a more honest place.
What is your favorite Goshen memory?
Jellybean Field Day
Andrew Rampulla
Andrew will continue his track career at Florida State University and plans to start his own business. He is the son of Andrew and Rosemarie Rampulla of Goshen.
Extra-curricular activities and athletics: Captain of track team and cross country team.
Honors and Awards: Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership.
How does it feel to be named an Honor Grad? It’s great to see four years of hard work materialized.
What do you look forward to the most after graduation? More independence and living in the south.
What do you believe is your greatest strength? My work ethic.
What change would you like to see in the world? Educational equity.
What is your favorite Goshen memory? Penn Relays.
Rachel Seo
Rachel will attend Princeton University where she will major in molecular biology and earn a certificate in Gender and Sexuality Studies on a pre-medical track. She is the daughter of Sanghee Lee and Kyo Seog Seo of Goshen.
Extra-curricular activities and athletics:
President of Chamber Orchestra, President of Mock Trial, President of World Language Honor Society, Co-Captain of Varsity Tennis, National Honor Society, Green Team
Honors and Awards: Violinist in All County, Area All-State, and All-State Orchestras, National Latin Examination Summa Cum Laude and Cum Honore Maximo Egregio, National Merit Scholarship Commended Student, AP Scholar, Goshen Great: Chamber Orchestra, Certificates of Achievement: AP Language and Composition, AP World History, AP US History, Advanced Latin, Chamber Orchestra, First Aid/CPR
How does it feel to be named an Honor Grad?
It’s definitely exciting! I’m truly grateful for my family and friends, and of course, all the teachers and mentors who have helped me get to this point.
What do you look forward to the most after graduation?
I’m excited to spend time with my family and friends this summer before meeting new people and becoming a part of a new community in college. I also look forward to becoming more independent and taking classes in subjects I have not had the opportunity to explore in high school.
What do you believe is your greatest strength?
As silly as it may sound, I think being okay with failing and knowing when to stop caring or stressing about certain things is my greatest strength, as it has allowed me to persevere instead of feeling discouraged during difficult times.
What change would you like to see in the world?
I would like the world to be a more empathetic place. Everyone’s diverse life experiences uniquely shape their identities, so judging them based on their appearance and our limited interactions with them, rather than keeping an open mind, is, in my opinion, quite foolish and ignorant.
What is your favorite Goshen memory?
Jelly Bean Field Day!
Regan Sullivan
Regan will attend Marist College in the fall. She is the daughter of Lisa Bauer and Kevin Sullivan.
Extra-curricular activities and athletics: Interact Club, Leo Club, National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society
Honors and Awards: Honor Roll
How does it feel to be named an Honor Grad?
It feels great. All the hard work has paid off.
What do you look forward to the most after graduation?
I am excited to be in college and to take classes that relate to my major.
What do you believe is your greatest strength?
Persevering through difficult times.
What change would you like to see in the world?
I would like to see the world treat everyone equally.
What is your favorite Goshen memory?
The Accounting field trip as really fun. We went to New York City to explore the Financial District.
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