JAMESTOWN, N.Y. – Jamestown High School has announced Belle Johnson as the Valedictorian and Leonardo Tehan as the Salutatorian of the JHS Class of 2025.

“Belle and Leo represent the very best of Jamestown High School,” said JHS Principal Allyson Smith. “They are not only outstanding scholars, but they have embraced the wide range of opportunities available to them and made meaningful contributions to our school community. We are proud to recognize them as this year’s top two students and can’t wait to see where their futures lead.”

Valedictorian Belle Johnson is the daughter of Beth and Bryce Johnson. She plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh, where she will major in chemistry on a pre-medical track. She is a member of the indoor and outdoor track and field teams, cross country team, National Honor Society, Ski Club, and the Chautauqua Striders Youth Advisory Committee.

She has earned numerous honors including the Theodore M. Peterson Award in Chemistry, the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award, the Milton J. Fletcher Award, the Alison Ney-Christa Stineman Memorial Scholarship, CTA Female Character Athlete of Year, Jasmine Cantor Scholarship, John Zabrodsky Honorary Scholarship, an AP Scholar with Honors designation, and selection as a Girls State Nominee.

“JHS is special because of the wide range of opportunities it offers,” Johnson said. “The variety of classes and extracurricular activities allows each student to find their place in the community and prepare for their future.”

Johnson cited Lisa Holt’s calculus class as her favorite: “Her support and encouragement have pushed me to be my best,” she said. “She truly cares about both the subject and her students.”

Johnson added that her time at JHS has prepared her to “collaborate with diverse perspectives by encouraging me to recognize and appreciate ways of thinking and learning that differ from my own.”

Salutatorian Leonardo Tehan is the son of Christopher and Michela Tehan. He will attend the University at Buffalo to study biomedical science with plans to pursue a career as a surgeon. Tehan is a member of the National Honor Society and Ski Club and has received recognition as Student of the Year, the Milton J. Fletcher Essay Award, Ethel Davis Award, Jaqueline Lanphere Award, Jasmine Cantor Award, and Jamestown School Forest Award. 

He describes JHS as a place full of possibility: “It’s special because of the opportunities students have to explore a variety of interests,” he said.

His favorite class was Introduction to Business with Amy Schultze. “She cares about the students and made class fun, creative, and exciting every day.”

Tehan also credits JHS with helping him learn how to manage a healthy work-life balance — something he says will be essential as he transitions to life after high school.

Both Johnson and Tehan will deliver addresses at Jamestown High School’s Commencement Ceremony on Friday, June 20, at the Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater.

The 2025 JHS Commencement Ceremony will be held on Friday, June 20 at 7 p.m. at the Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater. The ceremony will be live streamed at jpsny.org/graduation. Baccalaureate will be held on Tuesday, June 18 at S.S. Peter & Paul Church at 7 p.m. For any questions regarding graduation activities, please contact Jamestown High School at (716) 483-3470.