Saugerties announces 2026 academic leaders

(L-R): Saugerties High School’s 2026 valedictorian Emma French, salutatorian Sophie Vos and principal’s award recipient Christopher Stokes. (Photo by Kristine Conte) The Saugerties Central School District has named Emma French valedictorian, Sophie Vos salutatorian and Christopher Stokes recipient of the principal’s award for the Class of 2026. “We are incredibly proud of Emma, Sophie and Christopher for their outstanding achievement, leadership and dedication to our school community,” said principal Shannon Molyneaux. “Each has made meaningful contributions and will undoubtedly go on to do great things.” Valedictorian — Emma French Emma French, daughter of Richard and Lauren French of Glasco, earned a weighted GPA of 102.106, ranking first in a class of 195. She completed a rigorous program including advanced placement and college-level coursework in English, history, mathematics and science. French was active in band, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, The Writing Space, soccer, Tri-M Music Honor Society and the Student International Committee, serving as president of the Spanish Club and vice president of both the Student International Committee and the sign language club. She volunteered at St. Mary of the Snow Roman Catholic Church and will graduate with the Seal of Civic Readiness and two Seals of Biliteracy — in Spanish and American Sign Language. Accepted by the Rochester Institute of Technology, Syracuse University and the University at Buffalo, French plans to pursue a degree in finance with the goal of eventually entering a career in data analysis, business law, or accounting. French thanked her parents “for all the opportunities they provided me, especially when it came to trying new things,” and credits second grade teacher Frances Murphy for inspiring her early love of learning. Salutatorian – Sophie Vos Sophie Vos, daughter of Helene Lesterlin and Todd Vos of Saugerties, earned a weighted GPA of 101.635 through a program that included AP calculus,