Cardinal O'Hara names top seniors

Cardinal O’Hara High School has named Kelly Brown valedictorian and Bethany Mandaville as salutatorian of the Class of 2024.

Brown is active in numerous clubs and sports teams, including president of student government, the international club, and captain of the varsity soccer, tennis and bowling teams, as well as being a cheerleader.

A saxophone player in the wind ensemble and a member of the jazz band, Brown said she enjoys being a tour guide for school events.

A member of the National Honor Society, Brown has received the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence as well as awards from the performing arts and math departments.

In addition to her accomplishments and volunteer work at Cardinal O’Hara, Brown also volunteers at the Creekside Assembly youth group and the Carnegie Arts Center in North Tonawanda and works at the Grapevine Restaurant.

Although undecided on a college, Brown intends to study political science and criminal law.

“My personal goals for life, after I’ve earned my master’s degree, is to find work that I want to do, connecting with all types of people,” she said.

Brown is the daughter of Kristin Ott and Eric Brown.

Mandaville, an active student and volunteer at Cardinal O’Hara, has taken part in numerous projects and clubs.

Among her Cardinal O’Hara accomplishments are as a member of the National Honor Society, treasurer of the Good Samaritan and drama clubs, having a major role in the school musicals and the fall plays, yearbook, international club and Masterminds.

Sports are also important to Mandaville, who is a member of the varsity tennis and soccer teams. A Cardinal O’Hara ambassador who helps with recruitment and student visits, she also is a mentor in the St. Margaret Scholars program at the school.

Although undecided on her choice of a college, she will study criminal justice with a final goal to become a member of the FBI.

She is the daughter of Jason and April Mandaville.

Cardinal O’Hara principal, Joleen Dimitroff said, “I am very proud of our outstanding valedictorian and salutatorian; both remarkable young women have exemplified excellence in every aspect of their academic journey. Their dedication, intellect and leadership have not only set the standard for achievement within our school, but have also inspired their peers.”

Baccalaureate service will take place at a liturgy at 6 p.m. May 30 at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church in North Tonawanda. Graduation will take place at 7 p.m. May 31 in the Cardinal O’Hara Performing Arts Center.