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Gavin Bonczkowski is many things to many people at Gilbertsville-Mount Upton. He’s a mature, responsible and respectful leader. He’s a polite, pleasant and hard-working student. He’s a supportive and caring friend. And he’s the perfect example of what makes our GMU community like family.

Gavin is extensively involved in drama, music, clubs and athletics at GMU. A Boy’s State nominee, Gavin serves as treasurer of the National Honor Society and as a class representative on the High School Student Council.

Gavin is an exceptional stage performer, with several leading roles as a member of the GMU Drama Club (Gomez in The Addams Family, Bert in Mary Poppins, Grimsby in The Little Mermaid). The Senior Chorus treasurer is also musically gifted as he recently performed well on a Level 6 piece in the NYSSMA Solo Festival to earn a prestigious position in the Area All-State Mixed Chorus. Additionally, this All-County Chorus member plays first chair baritone in symphonic band, bass in jazz band and quads in marching band. He has been a part of GMU performing ensembles since the fourth grade.

Athletically, Gavin has influenced GMU sports for several years. His athletics resume includes Tri-Valley League All-Star recognition during four varsity soccer seasons; Midstate Athletic Conference All-Star honors during five varsity baseball seasons; and four varsity basketball seasons that featured multiple TV All-Star selections, Class D All-State accolades and 1,000 overall points through his junior year. He is also a Section IV representative on the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Gavin continues to be a leader outside of school, too. Currently a Life Scout, he is very close to earning the highest level of Eagle Scout. Through the Boy Scouts (Troop 44), Gavin has challenged himself to succeed in many adventures. He recently completed his Eagle Scout Project to install a flagpole at GMU’s track and soccer field so the national anthem could be played at every outdoor sporting event. The project included planning, presenting and earning approval from GMU’s Board of Education.

Gavin also designed and built two picnic tables for the GMU Booster Club and participates in the 4H Gilbertsville Dairy Club, showing dairy cows, beef cows, rabbits and pigs during multiple events. Gavin completed the 4H Dairy Challenge and 4H Dairy Quiz, too, earning him the opportunity to compete at both regional and state competitions.

Also an active member of the Gilbertsville Baptist Church, Gavin has played AAU basketball in Utica, Legion baseball for Norwich and completed an internship as an Internet Live Stream Broadcaster for the Oneonta Outlaws.

Gavin is planning to play basketball at a four-year college or university and has expressed interest in accounting, sports management, communications and agriculture.