The Hudson Valley is a great place to grow up and go to school. In fact, many local graduates have gone on to do big things.

From actors and writers to politicians and business people, Hudson Valley kids have gone on to work and excel in a variety of fields. Local alumni include a presidential candidate, a high profile TV host and a Twitter executive.

While improvements could be made at any school, the quality of education in the area remains high. Five local school districts ranked in the top 100 statewide, including Red Hook placing #50 and Spackenkill at #52.

There is no shortage of famous people locally, click here for a look at the top ten current residents. We hear Eddie Murphy has since left the area but James Bond still lives local.

Here's a look at the Hudson Valley's top ten area high school graduates.

More From WRRV-WRRB