GMU's top five seniors; Valedictorian Leah Cotten, Salutatorian Natalie Livelsberger, Mackenzie Barnes, Andrew Stone, and Devon Hartwell (Submitted Photos)

GILBERTSVILLE – The Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School District is proud to announce the top five academic students in its Class of 2024.

GMU will formally recognize Valedictorian Leah Cotten, Salutatorian Natalie Livelsberger and fellow seniors Mackenzie Barnes, Andrew Stone and Devon Hartwell for their academic excellence during our 2024 Graduation Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. June 28 in the auditorium.

Valedictorian Leah Cotten

Leah Cotten has earned the honor of valedictorian for GMU’s Class of 2024 with the highest grade-point average. She has consistently excelled in all classes, maintaining high-honor roll status with grades above 90 percent. She serves as secretary of GMU’s National Honor Society and has an array of prestigious academic awards, including the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, the Principal’s Leadership Award, the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award, and the RIT Humanities and Social Sciences Award. Leah has further prepared for college by enrolling in the rigorous New Visions Allied Health Program at DCMO BOCES to learn more about the health field. Leah plans to pursue a Biomedical Sciences degree at SUNY Cortland with a Pre-Med track and a Psychology minor. She is the daughter of Hydie and David Cotten of Mount Upton.

Salutatorian Natalie Livelsberger

Natalie Livelsberger has earned the honor of salutatorian for GMU’s Class of 2024 with the second-highest grade-point average. Natalie has been an active member of our school community, making significant contributions through her involvement in various clubs and organizations. She holds several leadership positions at GMU, serving as president of our National Honor Society chapter and Students Against Destructive Decisions club, as secretary of Student Council, and as treasurer for the Class of 2024. Her academic awards include the Gold President's Education Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, the University of Rochester Susan B. Anthony Award, the RIT Science and Math Award, and the Wells College 21st Century Leadership Award. Natalie plans to pursue a Forensic Science degree at Alvernia University. She is the daughter of Alan and Rami Livelsberger of Unadilla.

Mackenzie Barnes

Mackenzie Barnes has earned the third-highest grade-point average for GMU’s Class of 2024. In addition to her academic achievements, Mackenzie has distinguished herself as a top scholar-athlete as a key member of the Raiders’ varsity girls soccer and varsity girls basketball teams. Mackenzie also participates in the GMU Clay Raiders. Her academic awards include the RIT Women in STEAM Award and the Principal’s Citizenship Award. Mackenzie plans to enter the workforce after graduation.

Andrew Stone

Andrew Stone has earned the fourth-highest grade-point average for GMU’s Class of 2024. Andrew is preparing for trade school by attending a career and technical education program at DCMO BOCES for Welding. Andrew has received recognition for his academic achievements through a variety of prestigious awards, including the Silver President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, the Chatham University Healthy Planet Award, and the RIT Business & Leadership Award. Andrew plans to attend the Missouri Welding Institute for advanced training and certification in Welding.

Devon Hartwell

Devon Hartwell has earned the fifth-highest grade-point average for GMU’s Class of 2024. Despite the challenges that come with balancing the demands of school and sports, Devon excelled in both areas. He is a three-sport scholar-athlete (basketball, soccer, track and field) who reached the 1,000-point milestone and set single-game school records for both points and three-point field goals this past basketball season. In addition to spending countless hours at athletic events, Devon served as the treasurer of GMU’s National Honor Society chapter. He has won awards for academics and athletics, such as the Wells College 21st Century Leadership Award, the University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award, the Section IV Character Counts Award, and the Three Sport Athlete Award. Devon plans to pursue a Physical Education degree at SUNY Cortland.

– Information from GMUCSD