The executive principal at Arlington High School had just given the "Outstanding Admiral Award" to Jennifer Dickson, 18, the day before she died in a car crash on Freedom Road, about a mile from the school.

Dickson, a senior, went to both the high school and Dutchess BOCES where she was studying to be a cosmetologist.

"She actually had a job lined up after graduation," Principal Paul Fanuele said on Monday during an interview in his office. "She was a great kid."

This is not the first time a student has been killed in a car crash in this area just days away from graduation.

"Sadly, this is the third year in a row, at this time of year, that we lost students from a local school," New York State Police Troop K Commander, Major RC Gregory said.

All four students killed in the three crashes were Arlington High School students. In the case of Dickson, police said she was traveling south on Freedom Road at 11:30 Friday morning before the car lost control.

"The vehicle left the roadway, struck a pole and continued on, several hundred feet into the tall grass," Major Gregory said. "The investigation indicates that she did have her seat belt on, and airbags did deploy in the vehicle."

An official cause has yet to be determined. Administrators said Dickson was likely coming from her morning classes at Dutchess BOCES to her afternoon classes at the high school. 

The principal posted a note on the school's website telling students and parents that counseling is available at the school for friends of Dickson who are struggling.

Friday's crash happened almost one year after the 2017 crash that also killed an Arlington High School senior. The two crash sites are about a hundred yards apart.

"We're tired of being tested, but we will prevail," Fanuele said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family."