CHURUBUSCO -- A country girl in a big city.

That's how Churubusco native Sierra Filion could best describe her thoughts on going off to college at Syracuse University this fall.

"It's pretty small here, and I've been around here my entire life, so I'm not sure exactly what to expect."

Valedictorian

A self-proclaimed "nerd," Sierra was named valedictorian of her graduating class at Chateaugay Central School.

The ambitious teen was active in numerous activities throughout her high-school career, including the groups Empowered Teens, Students Against Destructive Decisions and the homework club, in addition to taking advanced-placement courses.

Sierra was also a three-year member of her school's chorus and a participant in a mentoring program in which she tutored and helped young children once a week.

Achieving the status of valedictorian wasn't something the teen had thought about too much.

"I've always worked hard to keep my grades up there, and I'm proud that I've been able to do it," she said. "It's been more for myself than for anyone else."

Sierra said her mother, Sharon Perry, was probably more excited about the achievement than she was.

When the teen first heard that she had received top honors, she made sure not to tell her mother right away.

"When my mom got home, I acted like I had something really bad to tell her," Sierra said.

When she finally broke the news, her mother was ecstatic.

"I was so excited," Sharon said. "I couldn't wait to tell everybody I knew."

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