West Seneca HS Top 10

On June 22nd & 23rd we celebrated the commencement of the Class of 2026, a class who has excelled in so many arenas. They have shined on our stages in award winning musicals and concerts. They have impressed us with their athleticism and teamwork on the court, field, rink and in the pool. And, they have demonstrated volunteerism and a commitment to service as our Warhawks raised thousands of dollars for cancer research and our Trojans took action in the community with service projects. Most importantly, the class of 2026 has academically excelled.

Recently, in the Our Schools printed mailer, on behalf of East Senior Principal Jason Winnick and West Senior Principal Jay Brinker, I was proud to announce the Top 10 graduates for the Class of 2026. We were thrilled to recognize this group of exceptional students whose dedication, perseverance, and academic achievements set them apart. These students represented the very best of our school communities, demonstrating that academics remain at the heart of all that we do.

Throughout their high school journeys, these outstanding scholars have embraced rigorous coursework, challenged themselves in and out of the classroom, and consistently pursued excellence. Their achievements are not only measured by grade point averages, but also by their commitment to learning, leadership, and growth. In short, they are our academic MVPs. These individuals have exemplified what it means to strive for success while inspiring those around them to do the same.

We recognize that every member of the graduating class has a story worth celebrating. Each graduate has overcome challenges, reached milestones, and contributed to the vibrant spirit of our schools. We take immense pride in all of our graduates and the diverse paths they will pursue.

Congratulations again to the Top 10 graduates of East and West Senior High Schools, and to the entire Class of this year. Your hard work has made us proud, and your futures are bright.

Sincerely,

Lisa M. Krueger, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

While at East Senior, I have dedicated some of my time as a student-athlete who has been a member of both the varsity soccer and varsity lacrosse teams since my freshman year. My commitment and performance in athletics have earned me recognition as an All WNY Scholar Athlete for soccer, and I currently serve as captain of the lacrosse team.

Beyond sports, I am actively involved in my community through participation in the West Seneca Youth Court, while also an active member of the Science, Social Studies, Spanish, English, and Music honor societies. I have earned the distinction of Student of Excellence.

In the fall, I plan to attend the University at Buffalo to pursue a degree in Industrial Engineering.

I have attended schools on the West side (Allendale and West Middle) until 7th grade, and have attended East side schools (East Middle and East Senior) since the 8th grade. Whether it be East or West, I have had the opportunity to participate in many clubs and interscholastic sports including Varsity Volleyball, Indoor and Outdoor Track. I have been an active member of Jazz band and a Student of Excellence honoree.

Through participation in Model UN, Class Council, Rho Kappa and National Honor Society, I have been able to apply and participate at another level as an Alternate Ex-Officio school board member.

From here I plan to attend college and major in Political Science. Even though nothing has been determined yet, I will be choosing between Notre Dame and West Point.

I have done and accomplished many things during my time at East Senior High School. Since elementary school, I have studied dance and assisted in dance classes as well. That experience has given me the opportunity to perform in the school musicals and ensemble performances. I have also been on the Varsity Swim Team since freshman year. I have also been a part of National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society and French Honor Society.

However, one of my favorite memories will always be going to France. This was such an amazing opportunity for me. This trip opened me up to so many new people and experiences that are so special to me. It let me interact with people whom I never would receive the chance to meet without this trip.

What will next year bring? I am planning on attending Binghamton University for Biology on a Pre-Med track next year.

I have a lot of fond memories from my time at East Senior High School. First being a member of the West Seneca Marching Band the last 5 years. Closing as Drum Major for my senior year has been an amazing experience. I also performed in the musicals throughout high school and recently played Patrick in Spongebob Squarepants the Musical.

Outside of school, I have been involved in the Southtowns Youth Orchestra, being selected for all-county bands and choruses as well. Beyond the fine arts, I have been inducted to the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Rho Khappa, and Tri-M Honor Societies.

Next fall I will be attending The Ohio State University to pursue a major in Aerospace Engineering and Music.

Some of the many things I have been involved in at East Senior High School include; National Honor Society, Rho Kappa Honor Society, Science Honor Society, French Honor Society and English Honors Society. I enjoyed Drama Club and participating in the school musicals, as well as Varsity Volleyball and Tennis.

However, one of my favorite experiences was my internship at the Aquarium of Niagara, which I acquired through the Academy of Life Science and have remained a volunteer at the Aquarium.

This experience has influenced my choice to attend Stonybrook University majoring in marine biology and pre-veterinary medicine next fall.

Some of the words I use to describe myself are dedicated, creative, ambitious, responsible, and passionate. I have witnessed myself become more confident, while academically I have continued to hold myself to high standards, while understanding that a grade doesn’t define me.

I have been actively involved in Drama Club, Nothin’ But Treble, FSMP, Spanish Club, and Model UN. Outside of school, I am currently completing my third year as a student intern in the Before & After School Program at Clinton Street Elementary.

I have personally found working in the Before & After School Program a very rewarding activity. In giving the opportunity to care for the kindest kids in the district I’ve ever met. Helping younger students with homework, crafts, and anything else they need. While being someone they can look up to and know they can come to for anything, is the most meaningful thing I can take away from any activity I participate in.

I have participated in many things while at East Senior High School. Some being National Honor Society, National English Honors Society, Rho Kappa, Student Council, Engineering Club and the Engineering Academy. I also participated in Varsity Bowling and Varsity Golf.

What some may not know, is that I take great pride in being one of the Co-Founders of West Seneca Cares. Where annually, we collect items to make gift baskets. These baskets are then given as Christmas gifts to individuals in retirement homes, who don’t have other family members to enjoy holidays with. This idea started as a discussion with my grandmother, as something we could do for local seniors who are alone during the holiday season. The inaugural year was 2018 at West Seneca Manor. Due to its success, it has expanded each year into multiple homes in the area.

This fall I will be attending the University at Buffalo studying Architecture.

In the many experiences I have had while attending East Senior High School, the one I am most proud of is my participation in the school musicals. It has always been something that I have enjoyed since elementary school. Drama Club has also been a huge part of my high school career and something I will always remember.

Outside of school, I have had two jobs. One as a cashier at Wegmans and the other a swim instructor at the British Swim School in Orchard Park. I started swim instruction in 2025, after receiving my lifeguard certificate. These classes include swim instruction for children starting at six months of age to adult and include lessons in water safety as well.

This fall I plan on attending Canisius University’s All-College Honors program for Biochemistry with a Pre-Med path.

In all my time at East Senior High School, music and musical theatre have always been my passion in addition to my academics. Amongst many of the words that I use to describe myself, I would say that I am; hardworking, creative, honest, ambitious, artistic and curious.

I have volunteered at NYSSMA, Jr. Theater Festival and The Wonder Awards at Shea’s. I have participated in school musicals, plays and concerts. My heart is in Theatre. Being on stage allows me to be any person that I choose to be. It allows me to step out of my comfort zone. I currently work at Regal Cinemas and in the Before & After School Program.

I look forward to what is left this school year. However, I look forward to pursuing a Bachelors in Fine Arts focusing on Musical Theatre this fall SUNY Fredonia or The University of Tampa.

I have a lot of memories from the last few years. I have been a member of both the Spanish Honor Society and the National Honor Society while also participating in gymnastics and track. For three years, I have played tennis primarily focusing on doubles. I have also participated and assisted in tennis lessons.

Through these activities, I have developed discipline, teamwork, and strong time-management skills.

Next fall I plan on attending Canisius University as a Biology major with a Pre-Med track.

During high school I have had the opportunity to be inducted into multiple honor societies and hold leadership positions within them. I was an officer in the National Honor Society, Co-President of Spanish Society, President of Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society. I am currently working on earning the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

However, throughout all my years of school, I have always enjoyed science. It has been my favorite subject for as long as I can remember. I’ve always loved learning about how the world around us works and how the human body works. Then, around 8th grade, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She thankfully beat her cancer after a couple years, but ever since then I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. It became a strong passion of mine to become a doctor and help people, just as doctors helped my mother.

In my sophomore year, I joined the Academy of Life Science, which has allowed me to take classes that further my knowledge on the medical field, such as Medical Terminology, Medical Ethics, and Anatomy & Physiology. I am now wanting to attend college, to continue my learning of medicine and become a doctor to help save lives. Just as my mother’s life was saved.

This fall I will become the first-generation within my family to attend college, as neither of my parents nor grandparents went to college. I plan on attending Cornell University, majoring in Biological Science in a Pre-Med track with the goal of becoming a surgeon or anesthesiologist.

This fall I plan to attend Vassar College with a major in International Studies. I am an active member of many clubs here at West Senior High School including Model UN, Class Board and Ski Club just to name a few. I loved being involved in the Mr. West Competition this year. For the last three years I have been the principal violist in the String Ensemble.

Last summer I studied abroad for a month in Spain. There I had the opportunity not only to be immersed with people, food and culture but also the opportunity to sharpen my conversational Spanish skills. This played a role in my decision to pursue International Studies. and to keep working on my Spanish studies as well. This experience also helped me work toward earning a Global Seal of Biliteracy along with presenting for the New York State Seal of Biliteracy.

This year participating in the musical will be a lasting memory, while I also look forward to the rest of my senior year and what it brings.

I have faced a few obstacles in school over my academic career. In Geometry freshman year, I struggled with the calculations in the first quarter of the year. Realizing quickly that to do well in high school level math, you have to be ultrafocused and study hard before tests and quizzes. This became the basis of how I have worked through high school. By always doing homework as soon as possible, remaining focused and participative in class, and studying hard before any tests and quizzes.

This coming fall I plan on attending Clemson University for Mechanical Engineering. I have always liked figuring out how things work, while using my brain to overcome challenges to come up with something new. I want to take this interest further and learn in detail how everything mechanical in the world works.

Physics is also something I’ve enjoyed during high school. Providing another sign to pursue Mechanical Engineering as a path for me. I want to make a positive contribution to the world by creating and innovating for the future.

During my time at West Senior, I have taken many AP courses in math and science. Thus helping me earn a STEM Scholarship to assist with tuition at the University at Buffalo. Since elementary school, I have been an active participant in scouting as an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader in the Boy Scouts. A leadership role within the troop. A role that has helped me during my academic career.

This school year I participated in an unpaid scholarship at Seneca Healthcare Center. Which I acquired through the Academy of Life Science.

I have been accepted and will attend the University at Buffalo in the fall of 2026 and named the recipient of the Daniel Acker Scholarship from UB. A scholarship given to students who promote diversity in the community. An award I am very honored to have received.

I have become deeply engaged in environmental conservation, science, and community service through extensive volunteer work and extracurriculars. I currently serve as a youth member of the West Seneca Environmental Commission (2026–2027) and have contributed over 240 hours to the Buffalo Audubon Society. Assisting in the reptile room, owl prowls, bird banding, seasonal festivals, trail maintenance, and working as a junior camp counselor for two summers.

At Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, I have participated in FrogWatch USA data collection and led a turtle education station at multiple fall festivals. My experience also includes serving as a Life Sciences Career Intern at the Buffalo Zoo, where I explored careers in wildlife biology and conservation, volunteering at Hawk Creek Wildlife, and leading salamander walks at the Allegany Nature Pilgrimage.

As an amateur wildlife photographer, my work has been featured by the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy, and I contribute to citizen science by identifying dusky salamanders for iNaturalist and HerpMapper. I am also an avid hiker. I am also in the Academy of Life Science.

Over my four years at West Senior High School I have been very active in many clubs and athletics. I have received the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. During this time I also enjoyed my time working at Paula’s Donuts and Leo’s Pizzeria.

I will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology in the fall of 2026 majoring in Electrical Engineering. I am extremely looking forward to getting involved on campus. Specifically in the Baja Club.

RIT Baja is a prestigious Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) collegiate design team at the university. Where students design, build, and race all-terrain vehicles, competing in events and endurance races. I’m looking forward to the co-op experience and becoming an active member in the community through volunteer opportunities made available to me.

I plan to attend the University at Buffalo for a Bachelors in Fine Arts; specifically Musical Theatre. I plan to be active in clubs and intramurals there, just as my time at West Senior musical theatre, which took up the majority of my time after school. I would also like to minor in music production, where my love for music isn’t just in theatre, as I also have a desire to make my own music someday.

During my time at West Senior I didn’t only excel at academics. I was very active in the music ensembles which include vocal jazz, Bel Canto, ECMEA (Erie County Music Educators Association) festivals and All-State vocal performances.

In total, I have performed in 15 musicals. These include Nardin Academy’s productions of Legally Blonde and Footloose; West Senior productions of Mean Girls, Mamma Mia, Les Misérables, Something Rotten. While being an active member of MAWNY (Music Academy of Western New York) in Lancaster.

I have been a member of the Varsity Soccer team from 9-12th grade and the Varsity Lacrosse team from 11-12th grade, as a starter on both teams. Along with extracurriculars, I am involved in many honors societies. Such as National Honors Society, Spanish Honors Society and Rho Kappa.

In addition, I am also a mentor through the Fresh Start mentoring Program here at West. I have earned Athlete of the Month Award and the Kiwanis Award throughout my years of high school. I am also a part of the New York State Seal of Biliteracy Program and have been selected for Students of Excellence.

For my future, I plan to attend college and pursue a major in marketing and minor in Spanish.

This fall I plan on attending Daemen University. West Senior High School has brought me great success. I was ECIC First team for my sophomore and junior year at two different positions. A member of the All- Tournament team each tournament my team attended this year (Clarence, Eden, Grand Island, Battle of the 90, NY State Championships). Another honor I received was the sportsmanship award for Section VI at the state tournament this year. At the end of the year, I was honored to be given the title of All Western New York Player of the Year.

I am also a part of National Honor Society and Rho Kappa, where I must complete 30 hours of community service by the end of the school year which I have never failed to complete. I am also a member of the West Seneca Town Youth Court as well.

However, the greatest honor of all is that there is no one else in the world that I love more than my mom, Kimberly Burczynski and I am beyond proud to be called her son.

Jonah Higgins is a senior at West Seneca West Senior High School. He has performed in various stage plays and musicals throughout Western New York. At a young age he fell in love with anything related to history and music. Over the past few years Jonah has acted in theater productions, played the synthesizer in the Marching Band, saxophone in the Wind Ensemble, and sang in both Bel Canto and Vocal Jazz at West Seneca West.

Jonah scored a 100 on his NYSSMA solo where he was then selected to participate in both All-State Mixed Chorus and the prestigious All-Eastern Honors Mixed Chorus in Hartford, Connecticut, where he was one of forty-nine New Yorkers represented. In 2024 and 2025 Jonah had the incredible opportunity to take part in the Shea’s STAGE program, becoming a finalist both years including winning “Outstanding Leading Performance,” and also was awarded “Best Performance by an Actor.” Paving the way to perform at the Minskoff Theatre at the 2025 Jimmy Awards in NYC. Jonah is most proud of being the founding member of the school acapella group, The Acafellas.

In his free time Jonah enjoys participating on the varsity tennis team, playing numerous instruments including the piano, guitar and saxophone, as well as volunteering with the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Organization for their yearly film festival. In the summer he works as an overnight camp counselor and director of the theatre skills track at YMCA Camp Weona.

Jonah challenges himself academically with advance placement and college credit coursework, maintaining his position of 10th in his class, honors society membership: NHS, Rho Kappa, Tri M, and French Honors Society, and student of the month recognitions for music, social studies, and foreign language. In the fall Jonah will attend the Honors College as well as the Musical Theatre Conservatory at West Virginia University to pursue a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and a minor in Political Science.

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