Danielle Brown named SUNY New Paltz class of 2012 valedictorian

NEW PALTZ – Danielle Brown (Merrick, N.Y.), an adolescence education major with a concentration in English, has been named valedictorian for the class of 2012 at the State University of New Paltz. She maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average during her four years at the college to receive the honor. As valedictorian, Brown will address her fellow graduates during the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony to be held on Sunday, May 20, at 10 a.m. on the Old Main Quadrangle.

Brown came to New Paltz with an academic goal of majoring in education to become a teacher. She is currently student teaching at Saugerties High School in Saugerties, N.Y. “It’s a learning experience every day,” said Brown when asked about teaching an elective communications course to 10th and 12th graders. “The students are challenging and this has allowed me to develop my teaching style,” she added.

Danielle Brown

When asked about her recognition as valedictorian, Brown said she devoted her time at New Paltz to her academic pursuits. However, she also felt life balance is important. “Although I came to New Paltz solely for academics, college is so much more than that. It is also about making friends and spending time with them,” she said.

Brown selected her short story and American literature classes as her favorites at New Paltz, and noted that her professors were the reason for her choice. “One professor was not only a great teacher; she was very supportive both in and outside the classroom, and was instrumental in showing me the options for graduate study.”

Brown’s future plans call for continuing her graduate studies at New Paltz. She will be pursuing a Master of Arts degree in English, with the ultimate goal of becoming a high school teacher.