ODY is proud to announce the scholars who achieved top academic honors for the Class of 2026. Please join us in congratulating Vera Korol and Riley Constantinetis for their outstanding accomplishments and leadership throughout their high school careers!
Valedictorian
Vera Korol has been named valedictorian of the ODY’s Class of 2026. This fall, Vera plans to attend Herkimer County Community College where she will study Biological Sciences.
Vera says achieving the title of Valedictorian of the Class of 2026 is her proudest achievement.
She has been involved with many clubs and extracurricular activities during her time at ODY. She is a member of the National Honor Society, student council, blood drive, drama club, yearbook, band, chorus, Youth Summit and the College for Every Student (CFES) program. In her senior year, Vera became the first ODY student to serve as Ex-Officio Student Member of the Board.
Vera is quick to credit her family’s support and encouragement as instrumental in shaping her personal journey and in helping her achieve academic excellence.
“I would like to recognize my parents, Vladimir and Svetlana Korol for always pushing me to achieve my goals and supporting me throughout my entire life,” she said, “and my brother, Arseniy, for teaching me patience and how to uphold the ‘Korol’ title. They helped shape the person I am today and I could not have done it without their help.”
She shared this candid advice with younger ODY students: “Your high school actions and decisions do matter and will forever impact your future.”
Outside of academics, Vera enjoys a variety of activities, including playing video games, singing, playing the trombone, fishing, and shopping.
Salutatorian
Riley Constantinetis has been named salutatorian for the 2026 graduating class at Owen D. Young Central School. In the fall, she plans to attend Mohawk Valley Community College to study Radiologic Technology and play soccer.
While at ODY, Riley was active in many extracurricular activities including the following athletics teams: soccer, ice hockey and softball. She was involved in yearbook, student government and the College for Every Student (CFES) program.
Riley acknowledges the constant encouragement of her parents and their belief in her as key influences in her success.
“I would like to recognize my parents. They have always put their own lives on pause to put me and all my activities first. They are the first people to congratulate me when I do something good and first to be there to comfort me when I fail,” she shared. “They have taught me countless valuable lessons and have shaped me into the best version of myself that I can be. I would not be where I am today without them.”
Riley’s best ODY memory is a recent one: “Winning sectionals for soccer this senior year.”
Her advice for underclassmen is: “Do not be scared to go after what you love because you're scared of what others may think.”
Her interests outside of the classroom include working out, spending time with friends and family, and traveling.