Pioneer High School honored its Top 10 academic students and Top 3 Career Tech students at the Board of Education meeting on May 19.
Principal Joseph Cappadonia and assistant principals Kalli Harrington and Caroline Krug introduced the students in attendance while family members looked on. Commencement is June 26.
The students and Guidance Department provided the following info on their activities and future plans.
TOP 3 CAREER TECH STUDENTS:
NO. 3 MADISON SMITH - Madison plans to attend Jamestown Community College to major in Early Childhood Education, with the ultimate career goal of becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist. During her time at Pioneer High School, Madison has been a dedicated and active student. She was heavily involved in several extracurricular organizations, including SkillsUSA, FFA, and the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), where she proudly served as chapter Secretary. Outside of school, Madison balanced her academics by working at Gwenny’s Ice Cream Shoppe, gaining valuable experience in customer service and teamwork. In her free time, she enjoys fishing and shopping. Looking back, Madison’s favorite high school memories are the FFA field trips, which allowed her to explore new things and build lasting friendships.
NO. 2 SAVANNAH BEAUDETTE - Following graduation, Savannah will attend the nursing program at Jamestown Community College, with aspirations of becoming an ICU or trauma nurse, or pursuing a career as a first responder. A dedicated athlete and leader throughout high school, Savannah served as captain of both the varsity softball and swimming teams, and played for Cardinal Fastpitch. Her leadership also extended to BOCES, where she was a platoon leader for Criminal Justice and the Treasurer for SkillsUSA. Deeply committed to her community, she is already a volunteer firefighter for Machias and a future EMS professional. In her free time, Savannah enjoys playing softball, hiking, reading, and spending quality time with her friends, family, and daughter. Her favorite memory of Pioneer High School is taking hands-on courses—like the EMT and Criminal Justice classes at BOCES—which allowed her to explore her passions and clearly define her future career path.
NO. 3 JAYLYN HASTINGS - After graduation, Jaylyn will attend SUNY Alfred for Veterinary Technology, with plans to later transfer to SUNY Geneseo to pursue Creative Writing. Her career goals perfectly blend her love for animals and storytelling: she aspires to work as a Veterinary Technician at an animal clinic while one day publishing her own novel. In her spare time, Jaylyn embraces her creative side by reading, writing, listening to and creating music, and crocheting.
TOP 10 ACADEMIC STUDENTS
NO. 10 SAMANTHA YOUNGS - Samantha is a hard-working student who plans to study Biology at Ursuline College. She plans to become a physical therapist to provide care for those in need. Throughout her years at Pioneer, she has been a member of the varsity girls soccer team and track, and served as captain of the field hockey team. Samantha has also participated in the National Honors Society where she has completed many hours of service for the community. Samantha enjoys being outdoors, playing pickleball, and traveling. One of her favorite memories of Pioneer is attending Homecoming with her friends.
NO. 9 ETHAN WITTER - Ethan plans to attend JCC after high school to study business, with aspirations of becoming a future business owner. Outside of academics, he enjoys weightlifting and working part-time at Zimmer Footwear. One of Ethan’s favorite high school memories was watching students compete for chairs during a chaotic game of musical chairs at a pep rally.
NO. 8 EMERY BLUM - Emery will be embarking on a missionary trip to Belize this July. After which she will attend a Christian college. During her tenure at Pioneer, Emery played field hockey, ran cross country, participated in this year’s musical, led a bible study group, and was a member of National Honor Society. In her spare time, Emery enjoys snowmobiling, riding four wheelers, and playing guitar.
NO. 7 CHRISTOPHER WOLOSZYN - Christopher plans to attend Niagara University to study Finance. He hopes to pursue a career in financial analytics or become a financial consultant in the future. Throughout high school, Christopher has been actively involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities including tennis, marching band, high school musicals, chorus, 4-H, and the National Honor Society. He also volunteers for middle school musicals and balances two part-time jobs, working at Oberst Concessions during county fairs, as well as at McDonald’s. As Drum Major for the marching band, Christopher demonstrated strong leadership and dedication to his peers. Outside of school, he enjoys playing pickleball and participating in musical productions.
NO. 6 MEREDITH TITUS - Meredith has been accepted to SUNY Fredonia and intends to major in biology. She then plans to attend veterinary school to become a veterinarian. She has been a part of the air rifle team, marching band, and the pit orchestra. She enjoys reading, hiking, fishing, playing the flute, and singing. She has many fond memories of her time in Pioneer High School, not only with her friends, but also with her teachers. Some of these are Mrs. Woolley, Ms. Antonio, and Mr. Miga.
NO. 5 LLOGAN HORNER - Llogan Horner will graduate from Pioneer with an Advanced Regents Diploma and a CTE Endorsement in Pre-Engineering. He will attend Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in the Fall of 2026, where he’s been accepted into the Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Program for Computer Engineering. Once he earns his degrees in computer engineering, Llogan plans to become a successful Computer Engineer and contribute to the advancement of computer technology. Llogan is a member of the Boys Varsity Bowling team and the VEX Robotics Team. While at Pioneer, Llogan’s favorite memories stem from being a part of these teams, specifically when attending the VEX Robotics States Competitions and Bowling sectionals. Llogan has displayed leadership abilities as the lead coder of the VEX Robotics team, when volunteering and teaching students to build library boxes at the Delevan Elementary School, and assisting classmates with projects. In his free time, Llogan enjoys bowling, 3D modeling, 3D printing, robotics, laser engraving/cutting, field sports, and creating a variety of projects through soldering and machining.
NO. 6 GABRIEL WINFIELD - Gabe plans to attend the University at Buffalo School of Management to study Business Administration and Finance before pursuing a career as a corporate lawyer or quantitative analyst. Throughout high school, he has balanced academics, athletics, leadership, and work experience by participating in Varsity Tennis and Varsity Swimming while also serving as captain of the Varsity Tennis team. Gabe is heavily involved in leadership organizations, holding the position of Vice President of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and is in the the Academy of Finance, while also being a member of National Honor Society. In addition to his extracurricular activities, he works part time at McDonald’s, demonstrating responsibility and time management. Outside of school, Gabe enjoys golfing, watching and playing tennis, and following Formula One. One of his proudest accomplishments was helping his tennis team win the division title for the first time in school history. He also values the memories he made through the Academy of Finance, including trips such as river boating, visiting the Wyoming County Courthouse, and spending time at Beaver Hollow. He is especially grateful for the teachers, coaches, friends, and family who pushed him to improve both academically and personally throughout high school.
NO. 3 CORA HIRSCH - Cora will attend Ohio State University to study Business Administration with the goal of becoming a corporate lawyer. Throughout high school, she has been actively involved as a member of the Varsity Flag Football and Varsity Girls Soccer teams while also serving in numerous leadership roles, including President of the Class of 2026, Executive President of Student Government, President of National Honor Society, and Student Board Representative. In her free time, Cora enjoys baking and crafts. Her favorite memory from Pioneer High School was going to Disney World with her friends on the senior trip, where she made unforgettable memories she will always cherish.
NO. 2 ABIGAIL MASON - Abby is planning to attend RIT for a masters degree in physician assistant studies to pursue a career as a physician assistant. In her time at Pioneer she was on the varsity soccer, basketball and flag football teams in addition to marching band. Other clubs and activities were National Honor Society and part-time work at McDonald's. She was captain of the basketball and flag football teams and coached youth basketball camps. Her hobbies include lifting weights, playing sports, baking and reading. Her favorite memory of Pioneer was winning state championship on the flag football team in overtime.
NO. 1 TAYGA GRIFFIN - Tayga is committed to Liberty University to major in secondary education mathematics to become a high school math teacher. She is a member of the varsity cheerleading teams, during both the football and basketball seasons. Participating in other extracurriculars, she is the vice president of National Honor Society, a member of Students for Christ and Peer Helpers, the treasurer of the senior class, and the secretary of Student Government. She volunteers throughout the community, especially in church-based work, at places such as Circle C Ranch, C.H.O.I.C.E.S, the First Baptist Church of Arcade, and Real Life Church. Additionally, through the high school writing center, she has had the privilege of tutoring underclassmen to help prepare herself for a future in education. Outside of school and extracurriculars, she enjoys shopping, writing, crafting, and spending time with her friends. Her favorite memories from Pioneer are cheering at and attending games, as well as going to school dances.