Ilion High School - Class of 1954

Ilion Sentinel - March 11, 1954

Ruth McKelvie and Slyvia Leistyna Head Ilion 1954 Graduating Class

Article 6

Ruth McKelvie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. McKelvie, 28 Vosburg St., and Slyvia Leistyna, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Leistyna, 242 Second St., have been named valedictorian and salutatorian at Ilion High School, it was announced by Richard Everhart, acting principal, yesterday.

Miss McKelvie won too honors with an average of 95.59, and Sylvia Leistyna earned a 94.59 mark. Both were well above the average for valedictorian and salutatorian.

Other members of the top ten list of students included: third, Edna Nelson, 94.23; fourth, Patricia Sponburgh, 93.57; fifth, John Getman, 91.40; sixth, Younger "Bud" Power, 91.37; seventh, Robert Loomis, 90.41; eighth, Ann Corwin, 88.50; ninth, Larry Bortel, 88.44 and tenth, Sally Harter, 88.05.

In all, seven seniors attained averages of 90 plus, which is the largest number to do so in many years.

Sylvia and Ruth, in addition to their high scholastic ranking also participated in many activities during their school years.

Both of the girls took part in the senior play, and both were on the staff of the golden Quill, school newspaper. Ruth as editor-in-chief and Sylvia as managing editor. Sylvia was also editor-in-chief of the "Mirror", school annual and Ruth also work on the staff.

In addition, they were both members of the Senior National Honor Society, the Choir, the Eleven Belles, both went to the New York Herald Tribune Youth Forum and attended the music festival.

Ruth was also a member of the Sectional All-State Band for two years and for two years was accompanist for the Freshman choir and Orpheus. For four years, she was a member of the band and orchestra.

She was a member of the Library Club, the Historical Club, the All-County Band, the Future Teachers of America, and also participated in intramural sports.

She was the winner of the DAR Good Citizenship award. Upon graduation, she plans to enter Houghton College in New York, where she will study music.

Sylvia, in addition to the before-mentioned activities, attended Girls State, received the Bausch and Laumb science award, was Queen of Triangle, was a member of the Junior National Honor Society, the Phi-Chi Club, Debate Club, Library Club, the Historical Club, Choir and took part in intramural sports.

After graduation, she will enter the University of Rochester where she will teaching career.