The Gilbertsville-Mount Upton School District named its top two students for the Class of 2026. Andrea Favinger was named valedictorian and Adam Yasser was named salutatorian.
Favinger, the daughter of Amy and Gregory Favinger, has earned numerous academic distinctions, including the President’s Education Gold Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement. Throughout high school, she has consistently appeared on the district’s high honor roll and is a dedicated member of the National Honor Society. Her leadership and academic excellence also have been recognized with the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Award and the RIT Women in STEM Award.
She is a Midstate Athletic Conference All-Star in cross country, a sectional qualifier in indoor track, and a New York State Public High School Athletic Association Scholar-Athlete for the fall, winter and spring seasons. She contributes significantly to GMU’s music program as a valued member of the GMU Symphonic Band.
Yasser has earned numerous distinctions, including the RIT Computing Award, the Global Citizen Award, and the Supreme Court Justice Award. He also has been recognized as literate across all content areas for his strong academic performance.
A consistent presence on GMU’s high honor roll and an active member of the National Honor Society, he has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to academic excellence throughout high school. He is also a member of the GMU Choir, contributing his musical abilities to the district’s performing arts program.