Webutuck High School names top 2024 scholars

Riley ThirlwallProvided

Riley Thirlwall

Valedictorian

Having earned the honor of being named Valedictorian for the Webutuck High School Class of 2024, Riley Thirlwall is well prepared to move on to her college years.

In addition to being accomplished in her studies, Riley represents herself with confidence and strong communication skills. Additional talents include achievements in studies, sports and music, all areas where she has won recognition.

Riley began her schooling in the Webutuck School system in First Grade. She paused for an interview with The Millerton News on Thursday, April 18. Without hesitating, she said that she most enjoyed science and math courses, singling out Physics class for special mention.

“Gravity interests me,” Riley said, “It’s relative to time.”

“The Math Department is really good here, but I’m also good at it,” she said. The study of jet propulsion is a strong interest. She hopes one day to work with the NASA program. To the next logical question about whether she would ever participate in a flight into space, the reply was an enthusiastic affirmative.

“I would love to go to space,” Riley said.

Riley’s advice to all students, but particularly those beginning their Freshman class in the fall, was clear.

“As soon as you get an assignment, get it done as soon as you can. Better sooner than later,” Riley advised.

“Take advantage of extra help. If you don’t understand something you heard in class, work on it until you understand it,” she said, urging students to work more closely with their teachers. Students who feel comfortable with their teachers will be more comfortable with asking for the additional help.

“I try to get all my homework done while I’m in school, or if not, as soon as I get home,” Riley said.

Athletics have been an ongoing interest for Riley and she has been invited to the All-State program on her instrument, the clarinet, multiple times. Riley has also excelled in varsity soccer and girls’ basketball, helping her team to win the 2022-23 Class D sectional championship, the first such honor for the school in 25 years.

Riley has served as co-president of the Senior class, co-president of the Student Council and president of the National Honor Society.

During the summer, Riley plans to work at Candy O’s in Millerton, scooping ice cream, and she expects to continue her volunteer work in the food pantry program at North East Community Center (NECC) that she began recently. That she speaks Spanish, she feels, will help her with assisting NECC pantry visitors.

Daughter of Brandy Thirlwall and younger sister of Jordan Thirlwall, Riley plans to study aerospace engineering at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida with her forward gaze fixed on NASA.

Amanda IntrieriProvided

Amanda Intrieri

Salutatorian

Having attended the Webutuck school system since her enrollment in pre-K, Amanda Intrieri excelled in her studies from the start, setting a strong example for others and culminating in being named Salutatorian of the Webutuck High School Class of 2024.

During an interview with The Millerton News on Thursday, April 18, Amanda noted that she and Valedictorian Riley Thirlwall have been friends from the start of their elementary school days. They are now serving as co-presidents of their Senior class and co-presidents of the Student Council.

Intrieri is also vice-president of the National Honor Society.

Beyond her academics and self-confidence exhibited in her innate communication skills, Amanda has well-rounded interests and achievements, including in athletics, most notably cross-country and outdoor track. She said that she began running in the Seventh Grade.

Indicative of her sense of commitment to her sport, Amanda would train through the winter even though the school had no indoor track and field program. Her winter regimen could include running through the interior halls of the school to remain in tiptop shape.

Amanda has twice qualified for state-wide cross country competitions and once for an state-wide outdoor track meet. One of her favorite events, she said, is the 800-meter run.

Offering experienced advice to younger students, Amanda advised them to always stay motivated.

“Always stay on task. It’s hard,” Amanda said, adding that it is necessary to keep one’s grades up.

“I get extra help after school,” Amanda said. “Always ask questions.”

“I try to get most studying done at school, rather than waiting until later. It’s less stressful,” she advised.

When not studying, Amanda enjoys helping the community, participating most recently in her school’s observance of Earth Day and also Webutuck’s Community Day.

In the fall, Amanda will enroll at SUNY-Delhi, intending to pursue a career as a veterinarian’s technician or perhaps a veterinarian at an animal hospital. While in college, she also plans to continue with track and outdoor field.

“I love animals,” Amanda said of her chosen field of study.

The daughter of David Intrieri and Tina Breen, Amanda has one brother. Matthew Intrieri.