New Life Christian School Class of 2020

New Life Christian School Class of 2020: See list of graduates, meet 2 top students

Tens of thousands of high school students across Central New York will graduate shortly in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic that dramatically changed the second half of their senior year.

They had no in-person classes, no proms, no spring sports, and most will have no chance to walk across the stage at commencements.

To celebrate the Class of 2020, we are publishing lists of the graduates from more than 60 schools in the heart of New York state.

We also will report who is the valedictorian and salutatorian and give them a chance to share some thoughts about school, the pandemic, family and life. (This school’s valedictorian and salutatorian are below the list of graduates.)

New Life Christian School

Candidates for Graduation

Kristopher Alt

Lillian Andrews

David Carr

Jackson Kessler

Cory Mangine

Andrew Sierson

Ricardo Vazquez

Abigail Wile

New Life Christian School valedictorian Abigail Wile (left); and salutatorian Cory Mangine

New Life Christian School

Valedictorian

Name: Abigail Wile

Town: Cassville

Parents: Glenn and Doris Wile

My plans for the next few years: I plan on going to Syracuse University, College of Engineering and Computer Science. I will be majoring in Electrical Engineering and participating in the Army ROTC Program.

My career plans: I plan to go into the United States Army Reserve to do Research and Development in robotics and drones using my electrical engineering degree.

The highlight of my senior year: Two highlights from my senior year were a career fair held at MVCC that I attended with my BOCES engineering class, and organizing a very successful fundraiser for the my high school's student council.

The person who inspired me the most: The source of my inspiration is my older brother, Zachariah Wile. He helped me realize that failure is a part of the growing process. He also told me, again and again, to remember where I came from and how much I have grown.

What I do to unwind or relax: I like to read, watch television, and play video games with my brothers and friends to relax and unwind. Some of my extracurricular activities are playing basketball and soccer, and being Student Council president.

The word or phrase best that best describes my personality: My friends have used the words "passionate, diligent, loyal and thoughtful" to describe me.

My advice to our graduating class: To my senior classmates and friends: always work hard, no matter what task is set before you.

The best part about social distancing: The best part about social distancing is that I was able to slow down...everything came to halt, allowing me to do more of the things that I enjoy.

The biggest impact of the pandemic on my senior year: The biggest impact on my senior year because of the pandemic is not being able to have a real graduation.

The one thing I hope to accomplish in my lifetime: One thing that I wish to accomplish with my life is to live in Italy for awhile and then move back to the United States to live in a mid-western state.

New Life Christian School

Salutatorian

Name: Cory Mangine

Town: Lebanon

Parents: KC and Kristi Mangine

My plans for the next few years: Attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and major in Aeronautical Science with the flight option.

My career plans: To become an Air Force and/or commercial pilot.

The highlight of my senior year: I have had the opportunity to take multiple online courses through Embry-Riddle and I have really enjoyed the challenges and the freedom that has given me.

The person who inspired me the most: My cousin, Andrew "Mutt" Muhs, April 20, 2002, USMC. He was a Captain in the United States Marine Corps and he served as a radar intercept officer. His dedication, hard work, and service to our country has always been an inspiration to me.

What I do to unwind or relax: I am a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol. I volunteer (and run) with organizations like Team RWB and the New York Run for the Fallen. I like to hike, especially in the ADK's and I like to travel. My family and I just completed driving through the 48 contiguous states in February.

The word or phrase best that best describes my personality: Clever, independent, and straight-forward

My advice to our graduating class: “It is a mistake to try to look too far ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time.” - Winston Churchill

The best part about social distancing: The opportunity to find 2 new jobs (and learn new job skills) to save money for college.

The biggest impact of the pandemic on my senior year: Not being able to be with my friends and to experience our last few months together before we all go away to college.

The one thing I hope to accomplish in my lifetime: To make a difference and to serve my country.