Center Ridge High School honors Ben Tashak and Sean Edward as top graduates of 2025

During the recent Middle Country Central School District Board of Education meeting, two exceptional students were celebrated for their outstanding achievements as they prepare to graduate from Centenary High School. Ben Tashak was honored as the salutatorian, while Sean Edward was recognized as the valedictorian for the class of 2025.

Ben Tashak, who achieved a remarkable SAT score of 1520, has demonstrated academic excellence through his completion of 16 Advanced Placement (AP) classes and one college-level course, accumulating over 40 college credits before graduation. His leadership skills were highlighted as he served as president of the student activities organization, playing a key role in organizing successful events throughout the school year. Teachers praised Ben for his kindness, respectfulness, and ability to inspire his peers, noting his contributions to various school activities, including the math team and science Olympiad.

Sean Edward, with a weighted GPA of 102.39 and an impressive SAT score of 1530, also excelled academically, completing 12 AP courses. Beyond academics, Sean showcased his talents in music and athletics, playing the French horn in the school’s wind ensemble and leading the varsity golf team as captain and MVP. His leadership extended to the robotics team, which competed at the world championships in Texas, further demonstrating his commitment to excellence.

Both students received accolades from their teachers, who emphasized their humility, maturity, and dedication to their studies and peers. As they prepare for their next steps—Ben at SUNY Binghamton to study finance and Sean at the University of Pennsylvania for mechanical engineering—their achievements serve as an inspiration to their classmates and the community. The board expressed pride in their accomplishments and wished them continued success in their future endeavors.