Broadalbin-Perth announces the top 10 students in the Class of 2026

The Broadalbin-Perth Central School District has announced the top 10 students in the Class of 2026, a group of graduating seniors distinguished by grade point averages ranging from 96.608 to 100.490.

“It is a privilege to recognize our top 10 students — young people who have consistently demonstrated not only academic excellence, but determination, integrity, and a commitment to growth," said Broadalbin-Perth High School Principal Adam Barnhart. "Their achievements reflect countless hours of effort, the support of their families and teachers, and a mindset that values learning at the highest level. They have set a standard that inspires our entire school community, and we are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished.”

All graduating members of the Class of 2026 will be recognized and receive their diplomas during Broadalbin-Perth’s annual commencement ceremony, which begins at 7 p.m. Friday, June 26, at Patriot Field.

The top 10 students in the BPHS Class of 2026 are:

1. Graden Murphy (100.490)

Graden Murphy has served as senior class president and president of the National Social Studies Honor Society. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, Masterminds, and the Fishing Club, and served as a Lions Club student representative.

An active athlete, Graden was captain of the varsity golf team and a member of the varsity alpine ski team. His academic honors include the Rensselaer Medal Scholarship, being named an AP Scholar with Distinction, and receiving an Air Force ROTC tuition scholarship. Graden’s community service includes a mission trip to Namibia, Africa, volunteering as a pianist at a nursing home, and participating in events for Bob’s Trees and the Lions Club.

The son of Michael and Rachel Murphy, Graden plans to attend Auburn University to study aerospace engineering while participating in Air Force ROTC. He aspires to be a pilot in the Air Force.

• Favorite memory: "My favorite memory from B-P was playing on the golf team with all of my friends, and ski practice at Oak Mountain in the fresh powder."

• Teacher who has had the greatest influence: "Coach Mucilli has had the greatest influence on me. His ability to inspire the golf team and have a genuine connection with each of us players led us to a winning record and to sectionals. I also see Coach Mucilli every day in school, and the life advice that he has given me has been unmatched. I can say without a doubt that Coach Mucilli has helped shape the person that I am."

• Advice to younger students: "Always take the time to interect with those around you, but never let them determine what choices you make. Like Mohammad Ali said: seek the advice and cooperation from all those around you, but not permission."

• 10 years from now: "I hope to be flying fighter jets in the Air Force."
   

2. Jay Mannato (99.729)

Jay Mannato served as president of both the Film Club and the D&D Club. He was also active in Masterminds, Debate Club, the Social Studies Honor Society, and the Stock Market Club. Jay also participated in the soccer and lacrosse programs.

Jay has received numerous accolades, including the SUNY Geneseo Presidential Scholarship, the RIT Presidential Scholarship, the RIT Award for Humanities and Social Sciences, and third place as a Regional Champion in Client Services for FBLA. His community involvement includes beach clean-ups at Sacandaga Lake, working as a part-time cashier, and volunteering at cheer competitions.

The son of Sarah and Vincent Mannato, Jay will attend SUNY Geneseo to study history and adolescent education. He aspires to become a history teacher.

• Favorite memory: "Too many to choose, but winning against Averill Park with my soccer team was a moment full of so much joy."

• Teacher who has had the greatest influence: "Mr. Mucilli has impacted my life greatly. He taught my older sisters and hearing his stories about them in his classes has always brightened my day. I was never nervous about having a real, honest conversation with him. Any question I asked, he answered with sincerity and insight. His role in my life as a teacher influenced my career path, and he has helped me out in so many ways. He wrote my letter of recommendation and allowed me to be a student assistant for his class. He's just a wonderful person and an excellent educator."

• Advice to younger students: "Take your classwork seriously, but don't burn yourself out. It'll help you out in the long run if you put in the work now. Also, show up to your classes. Your teachers will appreciate it, and it will help you not fall behind."

• 10 years from now: "When I'm 28, I expect to be working as a full-time history teacher. I also hope to have a house of my own."
   

3. Gianna Bianco (98.778)

Gianna Bianco served as co-president of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and is a member of the National Honor Society, National Social Studies Honor Society, Business Honor Society, Film Club, and Math League. She also played JV soccer.

Gianna received scholarship recognition and presidential awards from Siena University, the University of Connecticut, and Le Moyne College. Her community service includes an accounting internship at Geva Accounting Firm LLC and volunteering for various elementary school events like the summer drama program, Boo at the School, and Breakfast with Santa.

The daughter of Marcello and Diana Bianco, Gianna will attend Siena University to study business administration with a concentration in finance. She aspires to eventually earn her MBA and become a chief financial officer.

• Favorite memory: "My favorite memory from my time at Broadalbin-Perth was in Brian Henry's AP Environmental Science class when my friend Ella and I won a scavenger hunt on the nature trail and got another group disqualified for cheating."

• Teacher who has had the greatest influence: "The teacher who has had the greatest influence on me is Anthony Mucilli because he is always someone you can laugh with and is incredibly joyful. Mr. Mucilli is someone I look up to not only as a teacher but also as a person, and I feel lucky to have him in my life. He is always willing to share and listen to our stories during advisory or in class about anything and everything. When the time comes, he also gives thoughtful advice and guidance. His support has made my time at Broadalbin-Perth extremely memorable, and I will always appreciate the positive impact he has had on my life, which will stay with me long after I graduate."

• Advice to younger students: "Advice I would offer to younger students about school is to try to enjoy learning as much as possible and to ask questions, even if you're too nervous to. Always take opportunities that come your way. Don't forget to surround yourself with people who make you happy, be nice to others, and thank those who have helped you!"

• 10 years from now: "In 10 years, I hope to be happy and successful in my career, have a pet cat, and travel the world."
   

4. Ariana Gendreau (97.902)

Ariana Gendreau participated in chorus during her younger school years and was involved in club activities at B-P. She served as captain of both the dance team and the lacrosse team, and also played soccer.

Ariana achieved academic distinction by making the Principal's List every year of high school. She has secured a merit scholarship, entry into a university scholars program, a work-study position, and an institutional grant for her upcoming college career. Outside of school, she works part-time at Dunkin' Donuts.

The daughter of Julia Stahl, Ariana plans to attend Union College to study psychology. She hopes to build a career as a psychiatrist, with a potential specialization in criminal or forensic psychiatry.

• 10 years from now: "I hope to be working in my field."
   

5. Seniya Salman (97.322)

Seniya Salman has held multiple prominent leadership positions, serving as president of Masterminds, president of the Debate Club, and vice president of the Film Club. She is also the secretary for the Social Studies Honors Society and an active member of the National Honors Society and student government. Seniya also competed on the varsity girls lacrosse team.

Her academic merits include a Jefferson Scholarship nomination, an RIT merit scholarship, and a B-P Character Award and Academic Achievement Award. Outside of school, she engages in community tutoring, environmental cleanups, donations to animal shelters, and coordinates blood donation drives for the American Red Cross.

The daughter of Salman Shafique and Somia Salman, Seniya will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to study biomedical engineering. Her career aspiration is to develop advancements in medical technology that improve the daily quality of life for patients.  

• Favorite memory: "There is no one particular memory that comes to mind when I think of my favorite memory at B-P, but just getting to be with my friends, learning, stressing over exams together, and just being able to have fun with them every day will be my favorite memories from B-P." 

• Teacher who has had the greatest influence: "Mr. Battisti, because he has taught me how to view and approach things differently. Instead of just knowing and acknowledging that something is just the way it is, I have learned to question the reasoning behind it. His calm and positive attitude also makes students feel comfortable in his classroom, which makes it easy to talk to him and share your problems/concerns. He always listens and gives students great advice. Mr. Battisti also has a great sense of humor, which makes classes like calculus and physics fun and enjoyable.

• Advice to younger students: "It's okay to take it easy. Don't stress over every test/quiz/homework you get. Just try your best to pay attention in class and listen to your teachers."

• 10 years from now: "I hope to be working as a biomedical engineer, living close to my family, and being ready to settle down, get married, and have a family of my own."
   

6. Riley Bakuzonis (97.236)

Riley Bakuzonis served as band president, drama house manager, vice president of the Social Studies Honor Society, and class safety officer for student government. He was also a member of the Debate Club and National Honor Society.

Riley participated in tennis, bowling, soccer, golf, and both indoor and outdoor track and field during his time at BPHS. Riley was honored with the Clarkson Achievement Award, an AP Scholars Award, Student of the Month, and a Sportsmanship Award. His community footprint includes working at Hannaford, operating a local lawn care business, and volunteering for community events and parades.

The son of Genienne and Bryan Bakuzonis, Riley will be attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he will be majoring in aerospace engineering. His long-term goal is to design rovers, rockets, and satellites as an aerospace engineer for NASA.

• What you'll miss about high school: "High school band. Getting to continue and grow through the program for nine-plus years has taught me so much, and the experiences I’ve had will stay with me forever."

• Teacher who has had the greatest influence: "Mr. Battisti because he always found new ways to challenge me and encouraged me to stay on track. Getting to have him for two years in engineering, calculus, and physics has had a huge influence."

• Advice to younger students: "Get involved. High school goes by faster than you think."

• 10 years from now: "I’ll be living in Florida and working for NASA as an aerospace engineer."
   

7. Nico Minkler (96.960)

Nico Minkler has served as class president, president of the Social Studies Honor Society, vice president of the Varsity Club, and is a member of the National Honor Society. Nico also competed in golf, lacrosse, and indoor and outdoor track and field.

Nico is the recipient of the Clarkson Leadership Award, the AP Scholar Award, and has been on the Principal's List. His community involvement includes working at Fox Run Golf Club and volunteering for church events and at Bob’s Trees.

The son of Brandt and Stacia Minkler, Nico will attend Clarkson University to study mechanical engineering. He hopes to build a professional engineering career located in either North or South Carolina.

• Favorite memory: "The bus rides to golf matches."

• Teacher who has had the greatest influence: "Mr. Mucilli. He was my golf coach and teacher. I found myself in his classroom every day during homework halls, lunch, and advisory. He is someone who has helped shape me into who I am today."

• Advice to younger students: "Yes, school is important. Chase those good grades and try hard. However, don't let that get in the way of you having fun along the way. Find the balance where you can enjoy your time and make memories without sacrificing your grades."  

• 10 years from now: "I hope to be living down south with a steady income and family."
   

8. Molly Mariano (96.880)

Molly Mariano served as class vice president and secretary of the National Social Studies Honor Society. She was also involved in student government, Masterminds, and the Drama Club, where she worked as a stage manager. In the athletics department, Molly participated in softball, indoor track and field, soccer, and cross country.

Molly has received the Elmira College Key Award, the BPHS Blue Award, and has made the Principal's List. Her community service includes altar serving, working the sports booster club concession stand, helping to organize the Senior Citizens Prom, and volunteering for Rise Against Hunger.

The daughter of Melinda and Matthew Mariano, Molly plans to attend Northeastern University to study psychology. She aspires to enter the specialized field of forensic psychology.

• Favorite memory: "Homecoming and spirit weeks."

• Teacher who has had the greatest influence: "Mr. Samek – he and I have very similar personalities and humor, and he has been there for me all throughout high school."

• Advice to younger students: "Give everything you've got each day because it truly pays off in the end. But don't forget to have fun too; those moments matter just as much."

• 10 years from now: "I'm hoping to be successful in my career and eventually start my own family."
   

9. Cameron Verrego (96.631)

Cameron Verrego served as co-vice president of the National Honor Society, treasurer of the Social Studies Honor Society, and student representative to the Board of Education. He was a captain of the varsity football team, earning the Heart of a Patriot Award and the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete Award, and was a founding member of B-P's re-established wrestling program.

Cameron’s awards include the RIT Computing Award, two Character Awards, and the Pride of New York Scholarship. He has volunteered at blood drives, for Rise Against Hunger, and as an AV technician at his church.

The son of Amy Boss and Victor Verrego, Cameron plans to attend the University at Buffalo to study mechanical engineering. He hopes to build machines that make certain tasks easier.

• What you'll miss about high school: "I'm going to miss school sports, especially football."

• Teacher who has had the greatest influence: "Mr. Jennings, because he has always pushed me to be the best version of myself, and he has always been there for me."

• Advice to younger students: "Always prioritize sleep and taking care of your body. Your mind and body are only as good as the way you fuel and maintain them."

• 10 years from now: "I hope to be making a good living, starting a family, and being involved in my community."
   

10. Christiane Park (96.608)

Christiane Park has been a student director for the drama program and served as sophomore class co-president. She was an alto/tenor section leader for the choir and served as senior captain of the varsity volleyball team, earning Foothills Council Honorable Mention accolades as a senior. Christiane also participated in softball and outdoor track and field during her time in high school.

Christiane received the Women in STEM RIT scholarship and has been on the Principal’s List for four consecutive years. She is active in youth ministry, clothing donations, and other activities with her church, and she works part-time at Subway and as a babysitter.

The daughter of Chris and Kim Park, Christiane will attend Le Moyne College in Syracuse to study behavioral neuroscience. She aspires to become a school psychologist or guidance counselor to help students who are struggling with behavioral issues or feelings they cannot yet fully comprehend.

• Favorite memory: "Performing in my high school drama program's spring musicals and helping to direct certain shows. Also, the senior run that happens during Homecoming week. All the seniors get together to run throughout the halls while the underclassmen watch."

• What you'll miss about high school: "The community. Broadalbin is known for its community – not just families or organizations, but also how those people and groups can become close to you."

• Teacher who has had the greatest influence: "My high school guidance counselor, Charla Simonson. Along with helping me prepare for my future college experience and navigate high school, she helped me decide what I want to do with my career. She was a major influence on my decision to work with students in my future."

• Advice to younger students: "Do not change yourself to be accepted by someone. If you have to alter your positive mindset around someone negative, then they shouldn't be the ones you associate with."

• 10 years from now: "I plan to work in an elementary school as a school counselor or a psychologist. I also want to direct high school drama productions wherever I end up."