Before Saturday’s Old Rochester Regional High School graduation, seniors were lauded for academic achievements at the Class of 2014’s Awards Night.

On Thursday, June 5 family, friends and seniors gathered for the event. Senior Awards Night honored students for their academic, athletic and service achievements.

Foreign language, English, history, mathematics, physical education, science, unified arts and entrepreneurship programs awards were given to the seniors with the highest cumulative grade throughout four years in each department.

Certificates of excellence were presented to the senior with the highest grade in each individual course. In total, 13 department awards and 34 certificates of excellence awards were handed out.

Valedictorian Leah Thomas and the other top ten scholars were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements throughout all four years. Thomas will go to Northeastern University’s honors program.

John Hewitt was awarded the French and English department awards and two certificates of excellence awards. He also earned National Merit Scholarship status for outstanding standardized testing.

“Any student who spends his or her nights studying instead of sleeping, and who diligently pursues knowledge instead of grades, will not only succeed in arbitrary ways, but in life,” Hewitt said. He will attend the University of Pennsylvania.

The Unsung Hero Student Council Award, a principal’s award, and two certificates of excellence went to track star Samantha Barrett.

“Senior year was fast moving and fun!” Barrett said.

Awards were also handed out for American Field Service Club Recognition, the drama club and community service.

Guidance counselors and sponsor organizations announced scholarship winners. Bri Perry earned the Charles E. Winterhalter Memorial Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarship. This scholarship “seeks to invest in students who are exemplary role models in their communities and have the initiative to fulfill their educational goals.”

“I’m so excited,” Perry said about winning the award, “I’m so fortunate to have had my education at such a great school.” Perry will attend the University of Connecticut’s honors college.

The class of 2014’s 160 graduates made up, in Perry’s words, “One of the most decorated, successful and intelligent classes to pass through ORR.”