The Saugerties Central School District has announced Becky Li as valedictorian, Sydney Poyer as salutatorian and Mrinank Mitra as the recipient of the principal’s award for the Class of 2025.
“We are incredibly proud of Becky, Sydney and Mrinank for their exceptional accomplishments and leadership throughout their time at Saugerties High School,” said principal Shannon Molyeanoux. “They have each made a lasting impact on our school community and serve as shining examples for future classes.”
Valedictorian Becky Li
Becky Li, daughter of Na Xie and Shaoshuan Li of Saugerties, has earned the honor of valedictorian with a weighted GPA of 102.352. She completed eight advanced placement (AP) courses and eight college-level courses.
Li participated in Science Olympiad, Math Team, Student Government, Student Council, National Honor Society (NHS) and the Research Club, serving as the president for NHS and Research Club, as well as the co-president and assistant coach for Science Olympiad. She also volunteered numerous hours through Key Club and is working toward both the Seal of Biliteracy and the Seal of Civic Readiness.
Accepted to both Brown University and Cornell University, Li, undecided on which school she will attend, plans to pursue a major in biochemistry or biological science, with a minor in accounting. She ultimately hopes to pursue a career in medicine, inspired by witnessing medical emergencies in her family at an early age.
“I’m so appreciative of my time at Saugerties,” Li said. She credits her science aspirations to Janice Martin’s biology class. “Her lessons were always engaging and kept me interested,” she explained. A standout moment from her high school years she adds was advancing to the state level for both her Division B and C Science Olympiad competition teams. It felt really good to win after the previous year’s loss, closing this chapter of my life on a high note.”
Salutatorian — Sydney Poyer
Sydney Poyer, daughter of Jennifer Poyer of Malden-on-Hudson, earned the distinction of salutatorian with a weighted GPA of 102.267. She completed eight AP courses and five college-level courses.
Throughout high school, Poyer was actively involved in Key Club, Science Club, Spanish Club, girls’ varsity tennis, Math Team and Student Council, while also serving in leadership roles such as secretary, vice president and president of Key Club, secretary and president of Science Club, and secretary of Student Council. She is a member of the National Honor Society and worked as a busser at the Main Street Restaurant.
Poyer expressed deep appreciation for her math teacher, Shawn Blatter. “He’s a great teacher and has provided me with advice and guidance in both my academic and personal life, helping me become a better student,” she stated.
Accepted to SUNY Stony Brook, Poyer plans to major in biology and pursue a career in medicine. She shared that what she will miss the most in Saugerties is the sense of community. “The people here really care about one another — the teachers support you and your friends cheer everyone on.”
Principal’s award recipient — Mrinank Mitra
Mrinank Mitra, son of Devarshi Mitra and Chandrani Ghosh of Saugerties, is the recipient of the 2025 principal’s award, an honor recognizing a student who exemplifies academic excellence, leadership and service.
Mitra achieved a weighted GPA of 101.663, taking nine AP courses and four college-level courses. He was an active member of Spanish Club, Science Club, Key Club, Math Team, Student Council and varsity tennis. His leadership included serving as treasurer of the Spanish Club, Science Club, Key Club and Student Council. He also served as captain of the varsity tennis team.
A competitive tennis player for the past ten years, Mitra was the Mid-Hudson Athletic League boys tennis singles champion in Grade 11, and placed second and third in Grades 10 and 9, respectively. Outside of school, he worked as a summer camp counselor and interned at Wofford Advisors.
Mitra plans to study financial management at the University of Virginia. His advice to younger students: “Don’t focus too much on grades — just try doing your best while enjoying what you like to do.”
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