East Rochester’s top grads heading in different directions

One of East Rochester’s top graduates is going to West Point; the other is heading west.

Valedictorian Craig Carlisle plans to study history at the U.S. Military Academy while Julia Benson, the salutatorian, plans to study advertising at the University of Nebraska.

Carlisle said he was kind of surprised when he found out he was at the top of his class. It wasn’t something he expected.

“It was never my intent to go after being valedictorian, but I always worked very hard so it was a nice crowning achievement, so to speak,” he said. “Throughout high school, my favorite subjects have been world history, journalism and English class. This year, I’d probably say journalism.”

After completing military service following graduation from West Point, Carlisle said he’d like to get into international relations or teaching.

He’s enjoyed his years at East Rochester, particularly running track, cross-country trips to Saratoga and “art class with my friend Rebecca Steely.” Carlisle said his art teacher, Beth Vercolen, and Cindy Brandt, his English and journalism teacher, were very influential and helpful and that David Copp has been one of his biggest inspirations and motivators.

“He’s been very supportive and always a great role model,” Carlisle said. “He’s really helped me become a successful athlete.”

Carlisle started running indoor and outdoor track in middle school.

“I’m going to miss everybody and everybody knowing me and the camaraderie and the family atmosphere,” Carlisle said. “I think our class is probably the most united, and I think we have the most school spirit and the most drive to succeed and pursue our own goals. Everyone is different, individually — unique — and yet we all support each other and encourage each other in whatever paths we’ve taken through the years.
That’s something I don’t think other classes have as much as we do.”

Carlisle said his parents, Forrest and Melissa Carlisle, have encouraged him throughout his life, backing him in his pursuits, whether it was sports or the life path he chose.

“They’re very helpful, and it’s appreciated,” he said.

Benson, daughter of James and Yvonne Benson, also mentioned Brandt among her most influential teachers, along with Lisa Cook (English) and Bethany Sheehan (social studies).

Benson most enjoyed art, health and math classes, and playing field hockey and lacrosse, throughout her four years in high school. She also ran indoor track the past few years and played basketball as a freshman and sophomore. Among her fondest memories are winning the state field hockey championship in her junior year, homecoming and Moving Up Day.

Benson found out last month that she was the class salutatorian.

“I was surprised and honored and excited about it,” she said, noting her parents have always been encouraging and supportive, as has her 15-year-old brother, Elliott.

“He has a great sense of humor and has encouraged me,” she said.
Principal Jill Slavny said Carlisle and Benson are representative of the diversity, responsibility and reliability of the Class of 2010.

“They are true student leaders in our building, both of them,” she said. “It’s impressive what they’ve done academically, but that’s only one area where they’ve excelled. I think one of the things that isn’t talked about often when you talk about valedictorians and salutatorians is they’re just enjoyable people. They’re pleasant to be around. They have strong character, and they are truly well-rounded individuals.”

By diversity, she said she means the talent they have in a variety of different areas: academically, musically, artistically and athletically.

“The other thing that has been really enjoyable about working together with this group this year is that they’ve performed so well together as a group,” she added. “They’re a lot of good individuals that have truly worked well together as a class.”