The Ellenville Central School District (ECSD) is proud to announce that Gabriel Julca is the valedictorian and Kayla Barbieri is the salutatorian of the Class of 2025. These academic achievers have earned the top two honors through exceptional dedication both in and out of the classroom, with Gabriel excelling in technology and cybersecurity and Kayla distinguishing herself in creative arts and design.
Gabriel, the son of Luz Mahecha and Eleodoro Julca of Ellenville, leads his class with a weighted grade point average (GPA) of 99.6. Kayla, the daughter of Dana and Geovanni (John) Barbieri of Ellenville, follows closely with a GPA of 99.3. Both students have maintained rigorous academic schedules throughout high school.
Gabriel, who is enrolled in the P-TECH Cisco Cybersecurity program at Ulster BOCES, will graduate with a Regents diploma and has already completed six college-level courses. His commitment to fostering community within his school led him to a leadership role as president of the Media-Arts Club, which creates a safe recreational space for students. He’s also an active member of the National Technical Honor Society, and recently earned first place in Internetworking at the 2025 New York SkillsUSA Regionals competition. In addition, he has been named this year’s salutatorian of the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center.
Kayla will receive an Advanced Regents diploma with Honors with Mastery in Science and has taken two Advanced Placement courses and three college-level courses. In her college-level English course, she was one of three students to achieve a prestigious "Exceeds" rating from the SUNY New Paltz Writing and Rhetoric Program. She has channeled her artistic talents through the Art Club, where she enjoys painting and drawing, and Drama Club, with Grease being her favorite production. Kayla also serves in the ECSD Mentorship Program that pairs seniors with Grade 6 students. Outside of school, she works part-time at Barthel's Farm Market and Creamery.
Both students, who are also National Honor Society members, have made significant contributions to their community. Gabriel has participated in a number of P-TECH community initiatives. For one project, for example, he studied invasive species and created a fun educational book to share with elementary school students. He also contributed to another project that raised awareness about pollution through posters, essays, and a website. Kayla previously volunteered at the Borscht Belt Museum in Ellenville, combining her interest in local history with her creative abilities.
When reflecting on their educational journeys, both students expressed gratitude to the teachers who supported them. Gabriel thanked P-TECH teachers Dawn Birnbaum (Math) and Noelia Santiago (English), as well as School Counselor John Paulsen and School & Community Engagement Coordinator Frank Mulhern for their unwavering support. Kayla gave shout-outs to Art teachers Jonathan Villegas and Rowan Kunz, and English teachers Rhiannon Fagan and Jennifer Meyer, who, she said, "always encouraged me to follow my passions."
Looking ahead, Gabriel will continue in the P-TECH Cisco & Cybersecurity program to earn his associate degree through SUNY Ulster, after which he plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at the University at Albany. Kayla intends to attend a SUNY college to study art with a focus on graphic design, a field that "combines lots of her passions" and offers diverse opportunities.
Ellenville Junior/Senior High School Principal Carl Pabón describes Gabriel as "a bright, disciplined, and motivated young man, and phenomenal human being as well," while characterizing Kayla as "a creative, talented, and smart young lady who will have a major impact in her field." Speaking of both students, he said, "wherever they land, that institution will be lucky to have them.”
The ECSD congratulates Gabriel Julca and Kayla Barbieri on their outstanding achievements and looks forward to following their future successes.