Meet ITC's Class of 2026 Valedictorian & Salutatorian!
We are proud of all of our Class of 2026 graduates! Today, learn more about the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central (ITC) Valedictorian and Salutatorian. Stay tuned tomorrow to meet the PSLA at Fowler Valedictorian and Salutatorian.ITC Valedictorian Feature – Elif Coskun
What activities have you been involved in outside of class/outside of school? Science Olympiad club, Math club, Volleyball, NHS, Student Government (Vice President junior year)
What has been the best part of your high school career and why? The best part of high school has been seeing how much I’ve changed since freshman year. Looking at myself now, I can see how much I’ve grown as a person – and that makes me so excited for all the growth that’s to come in college and beyond.
What was your proudest moment in high school? Junior year, our school had an awards ceremony to recognize students for academic excellence. I remember my friends and I were sitting together in a group, and we were cheering each other on. I felt so proud to be part of such a supportive community. It was truly uplifting and something I’ll never forget.
What are you most looking forward to about college? I’m most looking forward to people who are from places beyond Syracuse and New York State. I’m excited to learning about their lives and hearing how we all ended up in the same community for college. I can’t wait to make those connections!
What’s the best thing you’ve learned over the course of your time in the SCSD? The most important thing I’ve learned is how much you have to seize your own opportunities. They will show up for you… but you have to take them and make the most of them.
What advice would you give to other students as they continue their studies here? My advice for other students is: push yourself. Don’t let yourself become stagnant. Always try to foster that motivation within yourself to keep going. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone is what got me to where I am today!
What is something major you hope to achieve in life? I hope to be able to visibly see the positive impact I’ve had on someone. Naturally seeing the fruits of my labor would make me so proud… it would make all the hard work worth it.
ITC Salutatorian Feature – Leigh Semmens
What are your plans after graduation (what college, what interest in terms of major)? I will be attending Niagara University where IWhat activities have you been involved in outside of class/outside of school? Pride Club, Softball, Theater (Executive Student Director), Math Club, Student Government (Secretary junior year), NHS
What has been the best part of your high school career and why? The best part of my time in high school was finding my community with the Corcoran theater department and C.A.S.T.. It was so special being part of that beautiful family and learning to do work that’s something I enjoy – and that brings me an emotional reward.
What was your proudest moment in high school? My proudest moment was being the Executive Student Director of our theater group and seeing everyone grow. Being in a leadership role, it was beautiful to see my classmates come into themselves through theater. It brings me a sense of pride that I was part of that.
What are you most looking forward to about college? I’m most looking forward to the independence and self-discovery. I know there will be opportunities for me to find people who are meant to be in my community!
What’s the best thing you’ve learned over the course of your time in the SCSD? I’ve learned how to create balance. I used to struggle with perfection; but I’ve come to understand that it all comes down to doing my personal best. Things won’t always be perfect! I’ve also learned to delegate responsibilities so I don’t overload myself.
What advice would you give to other students as they continue their studies here? Understand yourself. Take the time to get to know yourself and what you need. Gain self-love and self-appreciation, or you’ll never be happy – no matter where you are.
What is something major you hope to achieve in life? I hope to find joy and contentment in what I’m doing. I tend to focus on working to meet other people’s expectations, and I hope to find a balance where I can also feel like I’ve brought out the best in me for my own benefit.
