AGAWAM — When Agawam High School’s Class of 2023 gathers for its commencement exercises on June 3, one of the happiest students there will be valedictorian Sierra Moccio.

Ever since the Agawam native was in middle school, her goal was to become the valedictorian of her graduating class. When the 18-year-old learned she had earned the highest academic achievement, she was immediately relieved — and eager to tell her parents.

“Putting in the work over these last four years to get here was hard and draining, but being rewarded for that grit still feels unreal to me,” she said.

What makes her achievement even more special is that Moccio will be the school’s 100th valedictorian.

“Absolutely crazy,” she said. “So many speeches that came before me, so many messages and advice that they had to offer to their individual classes. To be in that same position is an honor.”

During her first two years at AHS, Moccio worked hard to earn a high-grade point average that would set her up for success as the years went on. She also took as many Advanced Placement classes as possible because she knew that would help to bring up her GPA.

“Staying focused on schoolwork wasn’t that difficult, since I took a lot of classes I knew I would enjoy,” she said. “I’m a big science girl, so during the past four years I took biology, chemistry, environmental science, forensics, etc.”

Moccio said being open and honest with her teachers was also another “tremendous” help.

“They knew I would get my work done, so when I needed to take a moment for myself, they would let me. This way, I could work on my assignments with a ready mind.”

She knew her quest to become valedictorian wouldn’t be easy, because “the competition was most definitely tough,” since there were many students in the Class of 2023 who were also working hard. Moccio said it was tough, but having a goal of being valedictorian inspired her to work harder.

“It was just an extra push, an extra reason to show up and work hard. A lot of people get sick of school, and at one point, so did I,” said Moccio. “Over time though, I found school to be something that taught me perseverance. There was definitely going to be so much to learn every single day.”

Even on the worst days, Moccio knew school would give her something to look forward to. “So, every day I would wake up, bust my butt in school, go to dance class, and do it all over again the next day. This was hard. It was most definitely a long ride to get here, so being proud of myself is an understatement.”

Moccio said her mom and dad were her biggest supporters. They knew when she needed a break, but also when she needed to keep pushing. She credits them for helping her achieve her goal.

“Being valedictorian wouldn’t have even been possible without them. They’re beyond proud of me. Not for ending up in first, but rather for getting here while experiencing the ups and downs along the way,” she said.

 One of Moccio’s fondest memories at AHS is the pep rally for last Thanksgiving’s football game, since the “energy was so special” for her class — it was the first indoor rally for them because of the coronavirus pandemic. Other special memories for her include participating in Flags Across America with the National Honor Society, being among several juniors selected for a special award, and singing in Italian class.

“I will miss my teachers the most. I have been lucky enough to have some of the most supportive teachers. Whether it was a cup of coffee, advice, or even just a laugh, they were there for me,” she said.

What Moccio won’t miss is having to be at school for 7:20 in the morning or the chaos she endured in the parking lot as students rushed to leave school in the afternoon.

Since Moccio was always dancing, she never played any sports. However, she was the president of Best Buddies and Helping Hands programs, and also participated in the National Honor Society, As Schools Match Wits, and the Model Congress.

One of Moccio’s biggest dreams is dancing on Broadway. Dance is her greatest love, so instead of immediately going to college in the fall, she will attend the Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts for Musical Theatre Dance in Connecticut.

“If I went to college and didn’t focus on dance while I could, I know I would be failing myself,” she said. “Eventually, I plan on getting a degree in environmental science and political science. Helping the Earth while also understanding the politics behind how we do it is something truly important to me — and something I would love to get involved in.”

Moccio said going to Norwalk for dance and delaying her higher education is one of the hardest decisions she’s ever had to make.

“I’ve put school first since I was in kindergarten. My heart told me that this time, dance needed to go first. Now, I’m en route to Broadway,” she said.

When she delivers her farewell address, Moccio’s message to her classmates before they receive their diplomas will be to chase their dreams as she is doing: “We’ve spent a lot of time doing what everyone else has told us to do. Now, we get to do what’s best for us. Follow your heart, create your own path, and do not be afraid to veer away from the norm.”