Rachel Cargian named top of class

The Groton High School (GHS) Class of 2022 has announced its valedictorian, Rachel Cargian, and its salutatorian, Chloe Conger. With just a bit over two months to go until the pomp and circumstance takes place at 11 a.m. June 25, these students have earned their way to this crowning achievement with a weighted GPA of 100.8 (unweighted 99.5) for Cargian and a weighted GPA of 99.7 (unweighted 98.0) for Conger. Both will deliver remarks at the graduation ceremony.

This week’s column features Cargian, who is the daughter of Jeff and Robin Cargian and the sibling of Samantha and Emily Cargian.

Jeff, a 1984 graduate of GHS, is a subcontractor who builds water filtration systems through Pall Trinity in Cortland. Many know that Robin is the Groton Town Clerk. Jeff and Robin were married in 2001, established their home and raised their three girls here in Groton.

Rachel was very candid and honest when she said she was not completely surprised to have earned the valedictorian spot, but she is very honored by it and very touched to be following in her grandmother’s footsteps.

Jeff’s mother, the late Glenda G. (Gale) Cargian, was the valedictorian of the GHS class of 1954. Rachel is proud of that legacy, as well as that of her great-grandfather, Manly Gale.

Manly was a native of Groton, a retired president of the First National Bank of Groton, a charter member and past president of Carrington-Fuller American Legion Post 800, a former treasurer of the former Groton First Baptist Church, a past president of Groton Rotary Club and a past treasurer of Groton Masonic Lodge 496.

Manly also served in France during World War I and received a bachelor’s degree from the State College of Agriculture at Cornell University in 1920.

While Rachel is not quite as involved in things as her great-grandfather was, it’s possible that his and Glenda’s dedication to their education filtered down to her.

“I have always been an avid reader and avid in drawing,” Rachel said. “Drawing is a way for me to relax and unwind, but I have always studied a lot because I have always wanted to get good grades.”

Rachel is involved in the art club and is a member of the National Honor Society but largely spends her time outside of school studying. She has even developed her own study methods.

“I read all my textbooks and then make up my own test questions based on what I’ve read,” Rachel said. “I also test myself on the vocabulary and always remember my mom’s advice: ‘Don’t worry about what you already know — focus on what you don’t know.’”

Robin affirmed that and added that she had just recycled about 50 sheets of paper from what Rachel said she generated from about a month of studying and testing herself.

Rachel plans to attend the State University of New York at Buffalo to earn her bachelor’s degree in biology and then apply to physician’s assistant programs.

“In middle school, I thought I’d like to be an architect because I like to design houses and come up with layouts and floor plans, but at some point, that changed to my wanting to do something medically related,” Rachel said.

Rachel’s next thought was to pursue becoming a cardiologist because she is fascinated by the heart and how it works — plus the thought of making a lot of money was appealing to her — but her goal now is to become an emergency room physician’s assistant.

“I just decided that this year after being in the TST BOCES New Visions program the past two years at Cayuga Medical [Center],” she said.

Robin added that “getting admitted to the BOCES New Visions program is very competitive.”

“Rachel’s counselor told us the year she applied that they had the most applicants they had ever had,” Robin said. “Many apply, but only a few are chosen.”

Rachel is very grateful for the opportunity she has had to shadow many different medical professionals in the program. She had exposure to the careers of nurses, doctors and medical technicians and spent time in obstetrics, endoscopy, emergency room, maternity, physical therapy, hospital security, biohazards, observing surgeries, the cadaver lab and more.

Rachel has chosen to focus on a career in the emergency room because she feels it will be a good long-term career for her with the most variety of things to see, including many interesting cases and people.

As Rachel has been attending school, she has also put in many extra hours to become a certified emergency medical technician (EMT) through TLC (Tender Loving Care) Ambulance Agency in Cortland and explained how grateful she is to the Groton Central School District for allowing TLC to hold its classes in the school and to Mike Keegan, her instructor. Rachel will earn her advanced EMT certification in June.

Rachel also spoke about how inspired she has been through the years by her aunt, Kathy Barron, who is a critical care EMT.

“I have just always admired Aunt Kathy’s confidence and how sociable and personable she is,” Rachel said.
Rachel concluded by saying how much she enjoys living in Groton — “the rural landscape, how everything is spaced out and how everyone knows each other.”

Rachel’s advice to students who are coming up after her is to “conduct yourself and act age-appropriately, have structure in your life and in your study habits and if you fail at things, self-reflect. If you fail, it’s your fault and no one else’s.”

Groton on the Inside appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Submit story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com or text or call Linda at (607) 227-4922.

In brief:

Offerings at J’s Arrays

Upcoming vendor offerings at J’s Arrays, 211 Main St., on April 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. will feature Basil Boutique, knitting and supplies, hand-painted saw blades and canvas, and Stampin’ Up.

Vendors are welcome to reserve a space on Saturdays through the end of June. Contact Janette at JsArrays211@gmail.com.

Open house and STEAM showcase

The Groton Jr./Sr. High School STEAM program will host an open house April 30 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the high school, 400 Peru Rd. Tours and information on all of the programs currently being offered, as well as the new health sciences program that will begin in fall 2022, will be available. All are welcome to attend for some light refreshments and an exchange of ideas as we celebrate our students’ return to STEAM at Groton!

Save the dates for summer fun

Groton Assembly of God, 701 S. Main St., is planning some fun activities for families and children this summer.

Plan to attend a block party on church property from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 4, with fun for everyone. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, bottled water and more, as well as a bounce house, obstacle course, lawn games and gifts — and it’s all free!

Vacation Bible School will take place July 24 through 28 in the evenings. This year’s theme will be “Mystery Island.” More details to come in the coming months, but save the dates now for your children to attend.