HINSDALE — When Tyler Richards walks across the Hinsdale Central School stage in a few weeks to accept his high school diploma, he will be receiving his second degree in as many months.
Richards, who is Hinsdale’s valedictorian for the Class of 2025, was recognized May 16 as a graduate of SUNY Jamestown Community College.
Working diligently on college courses during his past few years at Hinsdale, Richards simultaneously earned the required credits for an associate’s degree in Individual Studies.
“Earning an associate’s degree in high school means a lot to me,” he said. “It shows the time and effort that I have put into my education and proves that I am able to push myself beyond expectations.”
Hinsdale partners with several area colleges to assist its students with pursuing dual enrollment or early college classes while in high school.
Guidance counselor Laura Ramos said it is important that Hinsdale students get every opportunity to prepare themselves for their future, part of why Hinsdale helps families pay for these college classes in different ways each semester.
Richards’ mother, Stephanie, shared that they are incredibly proud of him for earning his associate’s degree while still in high school, adding that Hinsdale’s partnership with Jamestown Community College made it possible.
“This opportunity has built his confidence and given him a head start on his future plans of dual majoring in Sports Media and Business Management at St. Bonaventure University,” she said.
During his time at JCC, Richards earned a spot on the dean’s list for both the fall and spring semesters and received an invitation to join the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, a distinction granted to students with a 4.0 GPA.
Richards has earned numerous honors during his high school career, such as consistently making the high honor roll and being inducted into the National Honor Society in his junior year. He also received the MVP for soccer and MIP for basketball in 11th grade.
Also during high school, Richards has been a member of many extracurricular clubs, such as Hiking Club for four years, treasurer and president; Yearbook Club for one year; International Club for three years, treasurer; Student Council Class of 2025 for three years, treasurer; Vocal Ensemble for three years, treasurer; Archery Club for four years; Ski Club for four years; basketball for four years, captain; and soccer for four years, captain.
Outside of school, Richards has been an active volunteer in his community. As a member of Scouts BSA, he has participated in various initiatives such as design work and constructing storage for hospital beds, as well as creating information boards and other projects.
He has also contributed to keeping his community clean by participating in litter pickups along the Allegheny River, creeks, walking trails and roadsides with several organizations, including the Allegany American Legion Spring and Fall Clean-Up, Allegany Cemetery Clean-Up, Hinsdale Youth Group, Elk Lick Scout Reserve and the Ancient Order of the Hibernians.
Richards has also been involved in placing and removing flags from veterans’ graves, served as a flag bearer for the city of Olean’s 9/11 ceremonies and assisted with flag retirement ceremonies organized by the Allegany American Legion. Furthermore, he has participated in the color guard for the Allegany Memorial Day Parade.
In annual food drives, Richards has gathered food for the Hinsdale food pantry for more than six years. Additionally, he dedicates his time to Toys for Tots, where he separates, wraps and distributes gifts to those in his community who are less fortunate. Also within his community involvement, Richard volunteers at nursing homes, where he engages in games and activities with the residents, fostering companionship.
Hinsdale Central will host commencement for the Class of 2025 at 7 p.m. Friday, June 27.
