OESJ’S CLASS OF 2026 TOP 10 REVEALED
Congratulations to our top 10 achievers of the Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Class of 2026!
Kaylee Heroth is the daughter of Adam and Shelly Heroth, and is the valedictorian of the Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Class of 2026. She has served as Treasurer and President of the National Honor Society and Class President. She has been most actively involved in New York FFA, serving as a chapter officer, district president, and State Secretary. She was the NYSFFA Prepared and Extemporaneous Public Speaking champion and national competitor in 2023 and 2024, respectively. She has also competed on the varsity cross country team, earning WAC All-Star twice, and has also competed on the track and field team. She plays the clarinet and alto saxophone in multiple high school band groups. Kaylee plans to attend SUNY University at Buffalo to pursue a degree in psychology.
Kali Hazzard is the Salutatorian of the Oppenheim-Ephratah-St.Johnsville Class of 2026. She is the daughter of Justin and Angela Hazzard. She has been a member of the National Honor Society and the Mohawk Valley FFA. She has also served as the class treasurer this past year. Kali has been on High Honor Roll for her entire high school career. She has played both varsity basketball and softball. Kali plans to attend Herkimer County Community College in the fall of 2026 to pursue a degree in business, and eventually open her own daycare center.
Chris Schmidtmann Jr. is the son of Chris and Carrie Schmidtmann. He is ranked in the top 10 of the Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Class of 2026. Throughout his high school career he has served as a class officer (7-11), a member of the Mohawk Valley FFA (7-12), a member of both National Junior Honor Society (7-9) and National Honor Society (10-12), as well as captain of the varsity soccer team. He has earned high honor roll every quarter since 7th grade. He is a 3 time WAC 1st team All Star recipient for soccer. He is involved in various volunteer activities and has logged many hours throughout the years which has helped him earn his NYS Empire degree for MV FFA. He completed the skilled trades program at HFM Boces this year. He was accepted into the very competitive ECM program at HVCC, but has decided to pursue an apprenticeship through the Local IBEW 1249 lineman program with plans to become an aerial lineman performing helicopter high line work.
Julia Elwood is the daughter of Steven and Theresa Elwood, and is ranked in the top 10 of the Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Class of 2026. She has been involved in many clubs and sports throughout her high school career. She has been a member of the National Junior Honor Society and has continued to be an active member of the National Honor Society. She has been a member of The OESJ Wolfpack Band as a drum major and section leader. She has also participated in varsity track and field, as well as serving as a captain for the Lady Wolves soccer team. She has spent time volunteering as an AYSO youth referee since 8th grade and has served as a student representative for the Saint Johnsville Comprehensive Plan Committee. She has plans to attend Niagara Falls Culinary Institute in the Fall of 2026, double-majoring in Baking and Pastry and Culinary Arts.
Lily Arduini is the daughter of Chris and Shelley Arduini, and is ranked in the top 10 of Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Class of 2026. Lily participated in soccer throughout her high school career and track her senior year while maintaining High Honor Roll. She has volunteered many times for her community over her high school career. Lily has attended the CTE program for Cybersecurity and Technology the past 2 years, earning her certificates. She has committed to play soccer for Suny Polytechnic Institute while pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity.
Brooke Arduini is the daughter of Chris and Shelley Arduini, and is ranked in the top 10 of Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Class of 2026. Brooke has participated in soccer throughout her entire high school career and track her junior and senior year. She has volunteered time at the St. Johnsville Community Fair as well as the pancake breakfast. Brooke has been on High Honor Roll for her entire high school career. She has attended the CTE Program for Cybersecurity and Computer Technology for two years, gaining multiple certificates. Brooke has committed to play soccer for the Suny Polytechnic Institute women's team while pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity.
Alanis Nicole Garcia Jaimes is the daughter of Leyli C. Chamberlain. She is ranked in the top 10 of the Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Class of 2026. Alanis has taken part in leadership roles such as tutoring and community service. She was part of a Science Olympiad club at her previous school. Although she has recently moved, her optimism for learning has continued to grow. She will be studying general studies at Fulton Montgomery Community College.
Hadley Crannell is the daughter of Matthew and Jessica Crannell, and is ranked in the top 10 of the Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Class of 2026. She has consistently earned High Honor Roll and is an active member of the H.C. Smith Benefit Club as well as the National Honor Society. For the past two years, Hadley has attended CTE for medical assistanting, building a strong foundation in the healthcare field. In addition to her academic achievements, she has played varsity softball for four years. After graduation, she plans to attend Fulton Montgomery Community College to pursue a degree in the medical field and continue working toward a future in medicine.
Zachary Brownell is the son of Gordon and Rachel Brownell. He is ranked among the top 10 of the Oppenheim-Ephratah St. Johnsville Class of 2025. He has been an active member of the Mohawk Valley FFA since seventh grade. Throughout high school, Zachary has competed in varsity baseball, soccer, and track, showing strong effort, dedication, teamwork, and perseverance. He has also taken on the challenge of attending Herkimer County Community College during his senior year, where he has already completed most of his needed general studies courses while currently pursuing a major in Physical Education. His academic achievement, athletic involvement, and commitment to personal growth highlight a well-rounded student prepared for future success.
Jay Christensen is the child of Christy Cresap and Anton Christensen. He is ranked in the top ten of the Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville class of 2026. He was a member of the Drama club throughout high school, holding the position of secretary for two years, and chief editor of his first creative writing class. During his junior year, he dedicated much of his free time to tutoring younger students. After graduation, Jay intends to take a gap year to work, and then to attend the University of Alaska, Anchorage, to study history or a branch of science.
Congratulations to our Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Class of 2026! Your dedication, hard work, and achievements have been nothing short of outstanding! All of the staff at OESJ, the community members, and your peers are so proud of everything you have accomplished, and wish the best for all of your futures ahead!