Monticello High School is proud to announce Lyndsey Kaplan as the Class of 2025 valedictorian and Joseph Campbell as the salutatorian. These two senior students have worked hard to earn this distinction, building a reputation for academic excellence, leadership and perseverance throughout their years in the Monticello Central School District.
Read on to learn more about these up-and-coming graduates, and how their journeys at Monticello High School prepared them for success in the future:
Lyndsey Kaplan, Valedictorian
As Monticello High School’s (MHS) Class of 2025 valedictorian, Lyndsey Kaplan credits her success to strong connections with teachers, unwavering family support, and the opportunities she embraced throughout her high school career.
“The biggest key to my success was the teachers at Monticello,” Lyndsey said. “I always had someone I could go to if I needed help.” She also acknowledged her family’s role in her academic journey. “They really pushed me and made sure I challenged myself.”
Lyndsey was a dedicated member of the MHS Academy of Finance (AOF), where she immersed herself in business studies and served as secretary, treasurer, and ultimately president. Through AOF, she gained valuable experience in professionalism, interviewing, and internships—skills that helped her land jobs and thrive in leadership roles. Thanks to her coursework through the Academy, she’ll graduate with the NAFTrack Certification in business, a designation from the National Academy of Finance that indicates college and career readiness.
Outside of AOF, she was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in student council as part of the event planning board.
Lyndsey plans to attend Binghamton University to major in psychology, with the goal of becoming a psychoanalyst. Thanks to the college credits she earned during her time at MHS, she will complete both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just four years.
Looking back, one of her favorite memories was watching her older sister walk in her cap and gown during the annual Panther Parade of Pride, a MHS tradition where soon-to-be graduates walk through the hallways of all the district’s school buildings, cheered on by staff and students. “It was emotional for me… that was my older sister leaving me,” she said. Her sisters remain her inspiration, having both graduated from Monticello and gone on to successful paths.
Lyndsey’s advice to younger students is simple: “Start talking to your teachers. They want you to succeed.” She also gave a heartfelt shout-out to her parents, her sisters, and two teachers in particular — Mr. Jenks, and Ms. Keesler– who had a meaningful impact on her experience.
As she prepares for the next chapter, Lyndsey leaves behind a legacy of leadership, professionalism, and perseverance.
Joseph Campbell, Salutatorian
Even before being named Monticello High School’s 2025 salutatorian, Joseph Cambell, has always had his sights set high. With plans to pursue aerospace engineering, Joseph is ready to take his passion for space and design to the next level.
He credits his success to a combination of dedication, supportive teachers, and his family. “Definitely the support of my parents and my teachers,” Joseph said. “Added to that was just ceaseless dedication. I’ve been very passionate about the subjects of most of the classes I’ve taken.”
Joseph will attend the University at Buffalo this fall to major in aerospace engineering. He hopes to one day work on projects similar to those at NASA or SpaceX, building technology that can venture beyond Earth. His love for engineering began early, fueled by woodshop classes and a lifelong fascination with stars and space.
At MHS, Joseph was a member of the National Honor Society and captain of the math team. He also played on the golf team and attempted to launch several clubs, including chess and engineering.
One of his most memorable experiences at Monticello Central School District came long before high school. As an elementary student, he collaborated with peers on a STEM project to present smart water fountains to the school board—an experience that still stands out as a highlight of his academic career.
Joseph also shared advice for younger students: “Keep pushing. No matter how tough things get, there is an end. The darker periods of your life will pass by in the blink of an eye.”
He offered thanks to his parents, his younger sister—an incoming Monticello freshman—and Mr. Jenks, a teacher who helped shape his ability to communicate with confidence and clarity.
As he prepares for college and a career filled with potential, Joseph Campbell carries with him the values of perseverance, curiosity, and vision.