Murphy named Amsterdam High School’s 2020 Valedictorian

The Valedictorian for Amsterdam High School’s Class of 2020 is Matthew Murphy. Murphy’s overall average is a 100.167, achieving this with a schedule filled with honors and Advanced Placement classes. To meet Murphy you would never know that he has achieved great academic honors. He has won numerous academic awards including the President’s Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, New York State Comptroller’s Achievement Award, and the Neena C. Rao Humanitarian Award. Murphy is also President of high school National Honor Society and a member of AHS’ New York State Science Honor Society.

Murphy is a competitor on the soccer field and the baseball diamond and has been part of many extracurricular activities throughout high school, including Masterminds, an NCBI student leader, Reality Check of HFM Counties and he attended a statewide Youth Summit the last two summers. Murphy is a quiet, unassuming leader. He can be counted on to complete any task without ever asking for adulation and he has been an integral part of every organization or volunteer opportunity. He will be missed greatly. Murphy plans on attending Villanova University to study Chemical Engineering.

Desbiens named Amsterdam High School’s 2020 Salutatorian

The Salutatorian of Amsterdam High School’s Class of 2020 is Rein Desbiens. Desbiens is graduating with an 98.284 overall average and has consistently been at the top of his graduating class. Desbiens has challenged and stretched his learning at AHS by taking Advanced Placement classes and honors classes. He is a member of Amsterdam High School’s National Honor Society and AHS Science Honor Society. He is also on the school Masterminds team.

Desbiens works just as hard on the football and lacrosse fields. He a three-year varsity football player and was a captain during the 2019-20 season. He is a four-year varsity lacrosse player. Desbiens’ leadership on the playing fields is revered by his teammates and coaches. Desbiens exemplifies how hard work is key in overcoming obstacles and life’s challenges. He is a gifted and dedicated student who achieves any academic goal he sets for himself. Desbiens will be attending Syracuse University in the fall and we look forward to hearing about his future successes.