NEWS RELEASE
The Carthage Central School District is pleased to announce the academic leaders for the graduating Class of
2025. They are: Valedictorian, Ella Marina Williamson; Salutatorian, Lauren Marie Blanton; Career and
Technical Honor Graduate, Jaired Wesley Bach.
Ella Martina Williamson, the daughter of Major James and Kerri Williamson of Black River has earned the
esteemed title of Valedictorian with an impressive cumulative average of 99.57. Throughout her time at
Carthage High School, Ella has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, as well as a
strong commitment to extracurricular involvement and community service. As the class
leader, Ella has achieved significant academic recognition, most notably being named a
National Merit Finalist and earning the AP Scholar with Honor award.
Since transferring to Carthage High School midway through her freshman year, Ella has
actively participated in a variety of extracurricular activities. She has excelled in Math
League, earning first place in both her junior and senior years. Additionally, she has been an active member of
Key Club and the National Honor Society. With a passion for writing, Ella took the initiative to establish the
Writing Club where she served as the president. She also participated in the Fall drama during her freshman and
sophomore years. Ella's leadership potential was further recognized through her selection for Empire Girls State
and the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar, where she served as an ambassador in 10th grade and a
counselor in 11th grade.
Ella's dedication to service is evident through her involvement in several school-related initiatives,
including Bridge Builders, 12 Honors events, Comet Connections, and peer tutoring. Her commitment to
environmental awareness led to her involvement in sustainability and composting efforts, and she was invited to
represent Carthage at the prestigious Chautauqua Institution in the summer of 2024 for her work in this area.
Beyond school, Ella actively volunteers with Bloom: Empowering the Military Teen. She also gained valuable
experience as a STEM camp aide at Carthage Central School during the summer of 2024.
Looking towards the future, Ella plans to attend Harvard University, where she will major in
government with a minor in environmental science.
Lauren Marie Blanton, daughter of Colonel Jesse and Robin Blanton of Fort Drum,
has been named the Salutatorian of the Class of 2025 with a cumulative average of
99.50. Lauren has managed to attain this distinction despite attending a different high
school, in four different states, every year. Lauren has consistently excelled in the
classroom, earning numerous academic accolades. These include membership in the
National Honor Society, recognition as a Scholar Athlete and the prestigious AP
Scholar with Distinction award.
Beyond her academic prowess, Lauren has actively participated in a wide array of extracurricular
activities, showcasing her leadership and diverse interests. In volleyball, she served as Captain and earned Most
Valuable Player of her Junior Varsity team. She later went on to receive LHSAA District I First Team
Honorable Mention. Lauren’s involvement in athletics extended on to managing both the girls and boys
volleyball teams. In 2022, Lauren was an active member of her Varsity Archery Team, qualifying for Kentucky
State and Nationals. Additionally, she participated in Varsity Track and Field, contributing to the team's
Kentucky State Class A Runner-Up title. Lauren also went on to serve as Class Treasurer for Student Council
and was affiliated with a variety of other clubs to include Anchor Club, Environmental Club, and 4-H, where
she placed fifth in LA State 4-H Career Preparation competition.
Throughout her high school career, Lauren has embraced every opportunity for learning and personal
growth. She has displayed a strong commitment to serving the needs of others and the community around her.
During her time at Carthage High School, Lauren has been involved in Bridge Buddies, helped to organize
Comet Connections, has supported the Peer Tutoring program, and has volunteered at various 12 Honors events.
Furthermore, Lauren's dedication to the wider community is evident through her roles as Bloom Military Teens
Social Media Manager, 2024 Miss Carlisle Pennsylvania Ice Queen, and her involvement with the Family
Readiness Group, Toys for Tots, Project Share, and the Backpack Project.
The District wishes Lauren great success at the University of Georgia, where she will major in exercise
and sports science with a physical therapy track.
The Career and Technical Honor Graduate for the Class of 2025 is Jaired Wesley Bach,
son of Justin and Jennifer Bach of Carthage, who attained an average of 97.43. Jared has
distinguished himself in the Electrical Wiring program through Charles H. Bohlen JR
Technical Center, while also excelling academically and in extracurricular activities at
Carthage High School.
Jaired’s academic accolades include being a member of the National Technical Honor
Society and National Honor Society. Furthermore, he earned the prestigious Elks Club Student of the Month
award. Being a student that takes studies very seriously, he focused on preparing and earning his CDL Class B
License, NYS DEC Storm Water Training certification and completed his OSHA 30.
In addition to his impressive academic and technical accomplishments, Jaired has shown a
commendable commitment to community service through his volunteer work of supporting the elderly and
training youth in the sport of hockey.
Demonstrating a truly well rounded high school experience, Jaired was a member of the Varsity Baseball
and Varsity Hockey team. His Varsity Hockey career includes being named captain of the team and Defenseman
of the Year for two years straight. He was also awarded the NYS Scholar Athlete Award.
The District wishes Jaired great success as he continues into Lineman school.
The Carthage School Community wishes to congratulate the Williamson, Blanton and Bach families on these
worthy achievements. The Carthage Central School District and Student Government will present Ella, Lauren
and Jaired with award plaques and medals to signify their outstanding achievements.
