Meet the 2022 Nottingham Valedictorian & Salutatorian!

We are so proud of all of our Class of 2022 #SCSDGraduates! Today, learn more about the Valedictorian and Salutatorian at Nottingham - the school's top two academic performers this year.

Nottingham Valedictorian: Kyle Giardine

What are your plans after graduation (what college, what interest in terms of major)? I will attend the University of Richmond, where I plan to study political science and economics. I may want to pursue law school – I’d like to work in public policy or potentially work in a financial firm to study economics.
 
What activities have you been involved in outside of class/outside of school? Mock Trial, Key Club Treasurer, Honor Society, Ref for East Side Soccer on the weekends, work at a pool in the summer. Vice President of the Senior Class.
 
What has been the best part of your high school career and why? I loved homecoming! I loved the multicultural festival that we had freshman year – it showcased our community and celebrated our diversity. In terms of my general high school experience, I really loved my teachers. A lot of my teachers were so caring and communicated well – I had a great relationship with them.
 
What was your proudest moment in high school? Making the County Championship for Mock Trial – that was a proud moment! Last year, in doubles tennis, I made it to quarterfinals and I was proud of that. And in Mr. Procopio’s physics class my junior year, we had an egg drop competition – partner and I won that, and we’re still the best egg drop to date!  
 
What are you most looking forward to about college? I’m excited for the independence – it’s time for me to get out and explore the world on my own. I’m excited to get to focus on the academic areas that I want to get into. In high school, your options are limited. I’m excited to take classes that I’ve never even thought of taking before. And the warmer weather in Richmond!
 
What’s the best thing you’ve learned over the course of your time in the SCSD? Nottingham has a really unique course load – I had a lot of fun with the SUNY ESF classes – I liked that they incorporated the environment. I took conservation psychology where we learned about how your environmental ethic changes – things I wouldn’t have learned in other high schools. In general, I would say taking initiative is the best thing I’ve learned. If you want to get things done and enact change, you really have to get the ball rolling. I found my voice a lot at Nottingham. I’ve become a better advocate for myself and others.
 
What advice would you give to other students as they continue their studies here? Get involved right away. Some people don’t do that and then don’t have the best time. Join activities – there’s nothing wrong with trying them! You may meet your best friends. Get started on your college stuff early because it’s stressful. If you want to get everything done and not panic, don’t procrastinate.
 
What is something major you hope to achieve in life? Because I want to go into public policy, I’d like to be an elected representative and get a really big public policy proposal through. Especially environment related – urban landscape use is a big deal in Syracuse. I hope to make the community a better place.
 

Nottingham Salutatorian: Yasmine Kanaan

What are your plans after graduation (what college, what interest in terms of major)? Dartmouth to study Public Health on a Pre-Med track. After college, I hope to attend medical school to become a surgeon.
 
What activities have you been involved in outside of class/outside of school? Key Club – was the Lieutenant Governor for our region. Seeds of Peace. Muslim Student Association. National Honor Society. Northside Learning Center.
 
What has been the best part of your high school career and why? I loved going to the multicultural festival. We haven’t had it in 2 years because of COVID – it was great to see my teachers dancing, everyone wearing traditional clothing. Meeting everyone I’ve met – all my teachers and friends – they’re the ones who have made the school better.
 
What was your proudest moment in high school? When I took my first SUPA class. I think it was SUPA US History and SUPA Physics. Taking SUPA classes was the first step in taking control of my education. It was a big step. Taking a college class, you feel so much pressure. My first AP class as a sophomore – afterwards, it was such a relief.
 
What are you most looking forward to about college? I’m looking forward to taking control of my education in a more serious way when I can really focus on what I want to do. Having more time to do those extracurriculars and be more involved in my community. I’m also looking forward to meeting new people and working in a cool environment and doing research.
 
What’s the best thing you’ve learned over the course of your time in the SCSD? A teacher told me once: you are your best advocate. Learn how to fight for what you want. Everyone in SCSD pushes you to do that. Know that what you want, you don’t have to settle. If you want to take a class, advocate for yourself. That’s the hardest and the best thing I’ve had to learn!
 
What advice would you give to other students as they continue their studies here? Branch out and try new things. You might like things you hadn’t expected to. You may end up really liking something new. Be curious – look for the opportunities. Participating in new things can change you, so be open minded and curious and advocate for yourself.
 
What is something major you hope to achieve in life? I hope that one day I can work as a Doctor Without Borders and serve in underserved countries. I would not be here for today if it wasn’t for the immigrants in my family who are supporting me. You have to always remember where you come from. I credit everything I achieve to my family and my community – I hope that one day I can give back to my community as a doctor.