CHESHIRE, Mass. — A Hoosac Valley High School senior was recognized for her excellence in the science lab and beyond.

 

Kimberly Mach, top student of the class of 2025, received the Superintendent's Award during Monday's School Committee meeting. Mach is an athlete, honors chemistry student, and advanced writer, and is even delving into dark matter in physics.

 

"I think it's fulfilling," she said about the award. "Because when I learned that it existed, I wanted it so I feel like it's a testament to my hard work."

 

The Certificate of Academic Excellence from the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents was presented by Superintendent Aaron Dean. Only one student from each high school receives the award each year.

 

Dean congratulated Mach and noted that "this type of achievement doesn't come by accident," telling her parents he is sure that they are great role models.

 

Committee member Adam Emerson said he has been fortunate enough to see nine of these awards and it is always a pleasure to see the honorees' accomplishments.

 

"You and your family should be extremely proud of what you've accomplished," he said.

 

Principal Colleen Byrd shared endorsements from Mach's teachers.

 

One teacher first met the student when she a young child on the soccer field, commenting that Mach "wants to be the best at everything she does and works very hard to achieve that goal."

 

"Kim is fastidious when it comes to bringing an increased level of organization to the chemistry lab," another teacher wrote. "As an honors chemistry student last year, she left no equation unsolved, and was truly at the top of her class."

 

Mach was commended for her success in doing, communicating, and problem-solving in science during her time at Hoosac. As a senior, she is said to demonstrate "phenomenal skills in science writing on a regular basis."

 

This includes skills on the engineering team, where she is described as a great teammate. Mach was recognized for mastering Newtonian mechanics and delving into dark matter.

 

She was also deemed an "extraordinary student" with "exceptional" writing skills and work that is always insightful, detailed, and mature.

 

"Over the past years, I have witnessed her quiet wit and sense of humor along with the respect, kindness, and empathy she shows others," the teacher wrote. "She is a role model student and has a bright future ahead."

 

In other news, the Hoosac Valley Regional School Committee is seeking a representative from Cheshire to fill a term ending in May.

 

"They can kind of get a taste for it at the most exciting time, budget time," Emerson said.

 

"And then decide if they want to run again."

 

Those interested should send a letter of application and proof of voter registration to be filed with the district secretary to: Aaron Dean, Hoosac Valley Regional School District, 49 Park St., Adams, MA  01220.