POLAND — Poland Class of 2023 valedictorian Natalie Hobin and salutatorian Seth Walther say it was their drive to succeed and their hard work that has led them to being named to the top of their graduating class.

Both have been near the top of their class since around sixth grade and are excited to continue learning in college. They said they are appreciative of the support from their family at home and at school, saying they could not have done it without the teachers at Poland.

“The teachers at Poland are very special,” Walther said.

“They pushed us to be our best,” Hobin added

Hobin is the daughter of Robert and Amanda Hobin. She says becoming valedictorian has been a goal of hers since around sixth grade.

“I’m a very determined person. The self-driven part is very much a part of me,” Hobin said.

During her time at PCS, Hobin has been the president of Student Council, a member of the National Honor Society, an officer of the Class of 2023, vice president of the Science Club, a member of the yearbook club and
played golf, soccer and softball, according to school officials.

“I like to push myself to be better,” Hobin said.

Hobin will attend the University of Alabama and plans to major in engineering. Her dream job would be to hold a position on the management side of engineering.

When asked about what she would tell other students at Poland who are working toward their goals, Hobin said, “Hard work pays off.”

Walther is the son of Arthur and Jennifer Walther. He says he enjoys and thrives on learning and excelling in school while crediting an internal push to succeed.

He also notes the motivation from his family with his sister Emily being named the valedictorian for Poland’s Class of 2020.

“I wanted to make her and my parents proud,” Walther said. “I enjoy pushing myself.”

Walther has served as National Honor Society president and a member of Student Council during his time at PCS. He has also played on the basketball team and has been the baseball team manager, according to school officials.

Walther will attend SUNY Polytechnic Institute to major in computer engineering and hopes to one day hold a top job at a semiconductor chip manufacturing plant.

To the younger and future students at Poland, Walther offered this advice: “If you work hard, you really can get there.”