Class Of 2008 Valedictorian & Salutatorian

St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute is pleased to announce that Brian Chmielowiec has been named Valedictorian and Matthew Conway has been named Salutatorian of the St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute class of 2008. Both young men will give their commencement speeches during the graduation ceremony, scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 15th, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. The ceremony will take place at Kleinhans Music Hall, which is located at 71 Symphony Circle in Buffalo.

Brian Chmielowiec ’08 (Valedictorian) has devoted himself to studying the sciences, specifically the area of chemistry. As a junior, he was selected to participate in the 2007 U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad, one of only 20 students chosen from nearly 10,000 other students nationwide. This year, Brian was once again chosen for this honor and will attend a two-week study camp in June at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. As part of the St. Joe’s Science Olympiad team, Brian took part in the state competition for this national event and placed first, with his partner Jun-Hong Choi ’09, in chemistry. Brian was a member of National Honor Society, Math Team and Collegiate Scholars, as well as volunteering his time at the Vinecroft Retirement Community. An avid student, Brian filled his academic schedule with Advanced Placement courses: chemistry, American, Spanish, physics and calculus. As Brian prepares for life after St. Joe’s he stated, “I will really miss the people at St. Joe’s. I have made friends for life – students and teachers.” Looking back on his four years at St. Joe’s Brian remarked, “The greatest thing about this school is how many different opportunities we have – I’ve had so many different experiences and have actually bonded with other students as we pursued academic excellence.” To the incoming class of 2012 Brian advised, “As a freshman, get involved. There are so many experiences you can have at St. Joe’s – so take advantage of each and every one.” Upon graduation from St. Joe’s, Brian plans to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and major in chemical engineering.

Matthew Conway ’08 (Salutatorian) immersed himself in the academic and extra-curricular life at St. Joe’s. A member of National Honor Society, where he served as secretary, Matthew also participated in Chemistry Olympiad, varsity volleyball (sophomore/junior), varsity track and varsity cross country. He challenged himself academically through Advanced Placement courses such as chemistry, calculus, physics, and English, and through his community service at St. Joe’s, Matthew volunteered his time at St. Vincent de Paul and Habitat for Humanity. Matthew’s family has long been associated with St. Joe’s and it is from this perspective that he commented, “I love the tradition of this school, but I appreciated more the opportunity to make it mine. St. Joe’s offers a unique challenge for every student. It really is welcoming, challenging and inspiring. The reward is that if you apply yourself, you become the best that you can be.” Upon graduation from St. Joe’s, Conway plans to attend the University of Maryland and major in chemical engineering.

St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute congratulates both of these fine young men and wishes them the best of luck as they continue their studies.