Daisy Matus prepares for the future as Webutuck’s valedictorian for 2021
Daisy Matus Photo submitted

Daisy Matus prepares for the future as Webutuck’s valedictorian for 2021

WEBUTUCK — With the traditional graduation theme of “Pomp and Circumstance” resonating in her classmates’ ears and a promising future shining brightly ahead of them, Daisy Matus will soon be leading the North East (Webutuck) Central School District’s graduating Class of 2021 into the future as its valedictorian.

From her kindergarten days to her final year of high school, Daisy has been a Webutuck Warrior throughout the entirety of her academic career. During that time, she has strived to participate as much as she could in the district’s available activities and extracurriculars. Along with serving as vice president of her class for the last four years, she has been involved with Mock Trial, National Honor Society, Junior National Honor Society, Yearbook Club and Student Council.

Reflecting on what she likes best about Webutuck, Daisy was quick to compliment the school’s small size, counting between 50 to 53 students enrolled in her class alone.

“Having a small class allows students to be able to connect with each other more personally,” she said. “The relationships, I think, are a little bit stronger as well as the relationships with the teachers.”

In terms of what could be improved at Webutuck, Daisy brought up the number of opportunities currently available for students apart from sports and the district’s existing clubs. 

For future classes, she recommended the district have more activities to allow students to venture out and experiment with what they like and don’t like and to help them gain more skills.

When asked about the skills she has gained during her time at Webutuck, Daisy said she believes she’s learned leadership skills from being involved in the different clubs and activities as well as responsibility and the ability to work with a team. 

When asked about her accomplishments, she became immediately humble.

 “I don’t think of myself as being very accomplished yet — I took AP classes and honors classes and I’m currently taking classes with Dutchess Community College and doing these activities,” she said. “I guess that’s one accomplishment — being able to balance schoolwork, activities and my personal life.”

Following her graduation from Webutuck on Friday, June 25, Daisy will continue her studies at Rochester Institute of Technology, where she plans to major in biomedical engineering. Looking to the future, she said she’d like to become an expert in her field, assume a position of leadership and be a part of a team that creates new and improved technologies and medical equipment.

To the future generations of Webutuck students, Daisy has advised that they make connections with and talk to the teachers.

“They can help a lot and it doesn’t have to be schoolwork — it can be other things as well,” she said.

Related Articles Around the Web

Latest News

Celebration of Life: Michael R. Tesoro, M.D.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life to honor Michael R. Tesoro M.D. (May 20, 1941-—Dec. 25, 2024) whose vibrant spirit touched so many. We will gather on May 17 at 11:30 a.,m. at Trinity Lime Rock to remember Michael’s life with love and laughter.

A light fare reception to immediately follow at the church’s Walker Hall.

Keep ReadingShow less
Keith Raven Johnson

SHARON — Keith Raven Johnson, a long-time resident of Sharon, died on April 26, 2025, a month after his 90th birthday, at Geer Rehabilitation and Long -Term Care facility in Canaan.

He was born on March 21, 1935, in Ithaca, New York, the son of John Raven Johnson and Hope Anderson Johnson.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sue Ann Miller Plain

NORTH CANAAN — Sue Ann Miller Plain, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, passed away on May 4, 2025, after a courageous battle with ALS. Sue Ann faced her illness with incredible strength, grace, and determination, never losing her spirit or her love for those around her.

Sue Ann was born on April 21, 1957, in Jersey City, New Jersey. She lived in North Canaan for 50 years where she built lasting friendships and began a life rooted in community and family.

Keep ReadingShow less
Joan Anderson Turnure

SALISBURY — Joan Anderson Turnure, 91, died after a long illness on May 3, 2025, at Noble Horizons in Salisbury. She was the loving widow of Michael DeBurbure Turnure.

Joan was born July 29, 1933, in Mexico City, Mexico, the daughter of the late Lawrence Anderson and Barbara (Ryan) Anderson. She grew up in Mexico and Maryland, later attending the Shipley School in Pennsylvania and earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from Vassar College.

Keep ReadingShow less