Area residents graduate from Hilltop

SPARTA — For two area residents, June 10 marked a milestone in her life as she became part of the 35th eighth grade class to graduate from Hilltop Country Day School.
Audrey Sacks, of Lafayette, was one of the 17 members of the Class of 2016 – the largest class at Hilltop in the last decade – who received their diplomas and set forth to begin a new chapter of their lives at their respective high schools.
Sacks will be attending Blair Academy in the fall.
During the ceremony, Sacks received the Science Award for her consistent effort to achieve excellence, a near perfect average and her demonstration of a clear understanding and application of scientific concepts. She also received the Instrumental Music Award for her passion and committed leadership in instrumental music at Hilltop for a decade as well as the Eighth Grade Academic Excellence Award for her exemplary work in every subject area.
“Hilltop has prepared me for Blair Academy better than I ever expected to be. I am grateful my parents chose Hilltop when I was in pre-kindergarten,” said Sacks. “Thank you everyone for making me who I am today.”
Justin Cooper, of Ogdensburg also graduated. Cooper will be attending Pope John XXIII Regional High School in the fall.
“Both the students and teachers have changed me for the better. The teachers at Hilltop actually care about the students and want the students to succeed,” said Cooper. “The teachers and students have helped me be a happier person.”