Casco Bay High School in Portland held its 2015 commencement Thursday evening at Merrill Auditorium, awarding diplomas to 64 graduating seniors.

Casco Bay is Portland’s public expeditionary high school, which emphasizes interdisciplinary, project-based learning.

Sebastian Andrew, who plans to attend Concordia University in Montreal, was the class speaker.

Liam Fowler, who plans to attend Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont, was recognized as the graduating senior with the highest grade point average.

The school does not have a formal valedictorian or salutatorian.

Casco Bay High School held its graduation ceremony on June 4 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland. The following students were named to the National Honor Society.

CAITLIN CONLEY
She will be attending Earlham College in the fall.

MAYA ENG
She will be attending Goucher College in the fall.

LIAM FOWLER
He will be attending Middlebury College in the fall.

RACHEL GLOVER
She will be attending Whitman College in the fall.

NOAH LIBBY
He will be attending Bard College in the fall.

CARLO MACOMBER
He will be attending Colby College in the fall.

ELISE MARTIN
She will be attending The University of Maine in the fall.

EMILY MOONEY
She will be attending Unity College in the fall.

PAIGE PELZER
She will be attending Sarah Lawrence University in the fall.

ETHAN PIERCE
He will be attending Brown University in the fall.

ZACHARY RUSSELL
He will be attending Tulane University in the fall.

RENATA SERIO
She will be attending The University of Kings College in the fall.

ISABEL SZATKOWSKI
She will be attending Clark University in the fall.

BENJAMIN TERO
He will be attending The University of Maine in the fall.

BENJAMIN WEATHERHEAD
He will be attending The University of Cincinnati in the fall.

Casco Bay High School’s Class of 2015

Ahmed Adnan, Sebastian Samuel Cattermole Andrew, Emmy Worena AveryWitham, Eben Peter Baker, Edith May Bucknell, Caitlin Joy Conley, Samantha Elizabeth Crowley, Eliza Ferris D’Anieri, Molly Ruth Daley, Alexandra Dawn Romaine Dasch, Jacob Stearns Doughty, Samantha Nadine Dunnigan, Mary Jacqueline Dzik, Maya S. Eng, Liam Andre Webster Fowler, Eda April Lloyd French, Rachel Lian Glover, Aidan Cafazzo Gordon, Sahra Abdinoor Hassan, Kimberly Claire Henry, Matthew Benjamin Holt, Noor Khalil Ibrahim, Camille Seme Kirongozi, Savannah Elizabeth LaBrecque, Collin Edward Lavigne, Alexander Lawsure, Mackenzie Mae Lewis, Noah William Libby, Carlo Steven Testa Macomber, Elise Thy Martin, Sasha Lily McClure, Azari Ayinde Minter, Mina Khalid Mohammed, Zahara Hope Monydet, Jacob Samuel Moody Emily Jean Mooney, Esther Ndikumwenamwe, Lena Graves Needelman, Gashim Obwoya Nyapir, Musdaf Omar, Paige Dianna Pelzer, Ethan Gregory Pierce, Peter Robert Quinlan, Nathaniel Patrick Red, Nathan George Russell, Zachary Lee Russell, Will Matthew Sarvis, Mackenzie Sarah Semba, Renata Jeanne Serio, Asa Gabriel Shadis, Delaney ZiJing Shea, Asael Sibo, DeBrekah Beatrice Simms, Zachary Smith, Oriana Rossi Smith, Isabel Ursula Eckhardt Szatkowski, Benjamin Walter Tero, Jean Justin Wakati, Patricia Achola Wani, Benjamin Stephen Weatherhead, Andrew Edward Weeks, Michika Bryan Yahara, Zoe Osei Yeboah and Darious Zhanise Stacy Zagon.

AUGUSTA – The Maine House has given initial approval to a bill that supporters say will ensure parents know their right to opt their children out of standardized tests.

The House rejected an effort to kill the bill with an 80-62 vote Friday. The chamber then sent the bill to the Senate.

Parents are already free to have their children sit out of standardized tests. But supporters of the bill say that many parents don’t know they have that option.

The amended version of Assistant Democratic Leader Sara Gideon’s bill would require the Maine Department of Education to produce a report each year outlining the federal and state laws on standardized tests.

The department says that schools could lose federal funding if they test fewer than 95 percent of students each year.

Biddeford High School held its graduation on June 5 at Waterhouse Field and awarded 195 diplomas to seniors. The following students were named top scholars for the class of 2015.

SEAN BLACK, Salutatorian
He is the youngest son of Jeff and Wendy Black. He has played football and lacrosse through all of his four years at Biddeford, serving as captain of the varsity lacrosse team for the 2014 and 2015 seasons, and being named varsity boys’ lacrosse Most Improved Player in 2013. He was inducted into National Honor Society and has participated in Model United Nations. In 2014, he was named an AP Scholar with Honor and a National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Student. This spring, Sean was chosen for a Scholar-Athlete Award from the Maine Chapter of the National Football Foundation, and was recognized as one of Maine’s top student-athletes by Norway Savings Bank. In the fall, Sean will attend Case Western Reserve University and plans on pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering

CONNOR BOUFFARD
He is the son of Brian and Kenda Bouffard. Throughout his time at Biddeford High School he has participated in many clubs and extracurricular activities while having a demanding class schedule. He has run for Biddeford’s cross-country and track teams, and has participated in Student Council for the past four years. Along with these clubs he participated in National Honor Society, Interact, and several Advanced Placement classes. In outdoor track and field he is one runner in the four-member 4×800-meter relay team that holds the school record with a time of 8 minutes and 26 seconds. In the fall he will be attending the University of Maine at Orono, majoring in mechanical engineering. He is anxious to get involved in several clubs on campus like the Ultimate Frisbee club, Outdoors club, and many others.

TIA DESIMONE
She is the daughter of James and Cindy DeSimone of Biddeford. Tia has attended three southern Maine schools during her four years of high school which include: Old Orchard Beach High School, Bonny Eagle High School and Biddeford High School. During high school, Tia has participated in varsity indoor and outdoor track and has been the Secretary of the Gay Straight Transgender Alliance, as well as the Secretary of the French National Honor Society. As a member of the International Thespian Society, she has acted in five theater productions and was elected the Vice President of Bonny Eagle’s Drama Club. Tia has also received her Nursing Assistant Certification through Biddeford Regional Center of Technology and will be attending the University of Southern Maine in the fall, majoring in nursing.

MARISSA HEFFERNAN, Summa cum laude
She is the daughter of Jennifer Harnish and Kevin Heffernan, of Biddeford. During her four years at BHS, Marissa has participated in National Honor Society, RFA Writing, Model UN, Interact, track and field, ice hockey, and field hockey. She is the managing editor of The Roar and the editor of The Abyss, as well as a columnist for the Journal Tribune. She is also the captain of track and field and the President of NHS, a National Merit Scholar and a Free Spirit Scholar. In the fall, Marissa will be attending the University of Arizona Honors College, where she will major in journalism and environmental studies.

JESSICA LAVERRIERE
She has been an impressive member of the Biddeford High School community for the past four years. She plays field hockey, ice hockey, and softball and has been a three-sport athlete throughout high school. Through that she has received multiple awards including MVP defense and SMAA second team in field hockey, senior all-star team in hockey, and the Tiger Pride Character Award twice. In addition she has been involved in many clubs including Interact, Model United Nations, TEDx, and journalism. She has been a mentor to freshmen, captain of field hockey, and for two years editor of the yearbook. She is actively involved in community service and has just recently been inducted into National Honors Society and National Technical Honors Society. After high school she will be enrolled in the honors program at Bryant University majoring in marketing with a minor in communications.

KATIE LETELLIER
She is the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Letellier. During her four years at Biddeford High School, Katie has been a part of the following: Interact Club, field hockey, BHS French Exchange Program, and KO Mentoring. She was also elected Secretary of Biddeford’s National Honor Society. In the fall, Katie will be attending Saint Michael’s College where she will pursue a degree in physical therapy.

RUOMEI LIN, Valedictorian
She is the daughter of Hui Lin and JingYao Zheng. During her four years at BHS, RuoMei has participated in Interact Club, National Honor society, tennis team and math team. She also is the recipient of a University of New Hampshire book award. She will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in fall.

ADAM MICHEL, Summa cum laude
He is the son of Kevin and Sheri Michel, brother of Madison, of Biddeford. During his four years at BHS Adam has participated in National Honor Society, Interact, varsity soccer, varsity tennis and baseball. Adam received the All Academic Award for participating in varsity sports while maintaining a high level GPA. Adam will be attending the University of Maine in Orono to pursue a dual major in mathematics and business.

CAMERON PETIT, Summa cum laude
He is the son of Michael and Lisa Petit of Biddeford. Throughout his four years at Biddeford High School, he has worked tremendously hard at both his academics and extracurriculars. Sharing an equal passion for both, Cameron spent countless hours studying to accommodate his full and difficult schedule, while spending even more time participating in Interact, National Honors Society, Student Council, and Journalism Production. Cameron was named Editor in Chief of The Roar newspaper his junior and senior year, and elected Student Body Vice President his senior year, taking on the array of responsibilities that came with those titles. He helped organize homecoming and spirit weeks, blood drives, school dances, and other community events for which he could still be found at school an hour before and an hour after the bell rang each day in preparation. As his senior year comes to a close, Cameron will miss his time spent at BHS, knowing that he would not be the same person today without the opportunities he encountered there. In the fall, Cameron will be attending the University of New Hampshire and plans to study biomedical science.

JILLIAN SHELTRA, Summa cum laude
She is the daughter of Roy and Jayne Sheltra of Biddeford. Jillian finished sixth in her class with a 4.16 GPA. During her four years at Biddeford High School she participated in three varsity sports and earned status as a Golden Tiger. She is the current Student Body Secretary and has participated in Student Council since her sophomore year. Jillian has tutored in math over the summer, been a Junior Volunteer at Maine Medical Center, and participated in the Interact club. She has been a Kick Off Team mentor to incoming freshman for two years, and cites this experience as creating some of the best memories in high school. After winning the regional Brain Bee at UNE, she represented Southern/Central Maine at the National Competition at the University of Maryland. She also has maintained a job at Dunkin’ Donuts for over two years. Jillian will be attending Bates College in the fall and intends on studying neuroscience, and plans on becoming a surgeon after attending medical school in the future.

Marshwood High School held their graduation ceremony at 6 p.m. on June 5 at the school in South Berwick. Here are the top ten and honor graduates for the class of 2015.

ANDREW BLUNT, valedictorian
He is the son of Christopher and Debora Blunt and lives in South Berwick. Andrew served as vice president of the Piscataqua Chapter of the National Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. He was a varsity member of Marshwood’s alpine skiing, cross country and tennis teams. He was a member of the Hawks Outdoor Leadership Development, as well as a captain of the math team. He won numerous Aimee Schramm Book awards and departmental math awards. He was active in the music program, leading as the drum major for the high school marching band, performing in the concert and jazz bands playing the trumpet and French horn, and taking part in honors festivals. In his free time, Andrew enjoys mountain biking, hiking, skiing, surfing, and playing the guitar. In the fall, Andrew will attend Bowdoin College.

JACKSON ROBERTS, salutatorian
He is the son of Randy and Joanne Roberts and lives in Eliot. He was a member of both the Spanish National Honor Society and the Piscataqua Chapter of the National Honor Society. He was a four-letter member of the varsity golf team, and during his junior and senior seasons Jackson served as the team captain. He has also been a member of the Marshwood Math A-team since sophomore year. Over the course of his high school career Jackson received departmental awards for physics, chemistry, English and Spanish. In his free time Jackson enjoys golfing, traveling, reading, exercising, and staying politically informed. He will attend West Virginia University in the petroleum and natural gas engineering program.

WILLIAM RAMSAY
He is the son of David Ramsay and Marianne Evans-Ramsay, of South Berwick. William is a member of the National Honor Society and the secretary of the Spanish National Honor Society. He has participated as a member of the Marshwood ski team since his freshman year and was the captain his senior year. Beginning his junior year, he played on the tennis team. Other activities include Marshwood’s One Act plays, baseball, student government and science club. Through his high school career, William has received multiple Aimee Schramm book awards and departmental awards in physics. During his free time, William loves alpine skiing, mountain biking, playing tennis and generally being outside. He also likes to build things, casually participate in theater, and listen to good music. At this point in time, William doesn’t know where he will be attending college, but he will be engaged in the liberal arts.

GIANNA RICCARDI
She is the daughter of John and Jennifer Riccardi and lives in Eliot. She played varsity soccer, basketball, and softball throughout her high school career. Gianna received the English Award her freshman year, has been a member of the Latin National Honors Society since her freshman year, and has been president of the Latin Club since her junior year. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, cooking, watching movies, and volunteering for the Service Dog Project. This fall, Gianna will attend Vanderbilt University to study biomedical engineering.

GRACE POULIOT
She is the daughter of Beth Werker and Gary Pouliot and lives in South Berwick. Grace served as secretary of the Piscataqua Chapter of the National Honor Society. She was also president for the student government executive board and the Interact Club. She was a member of the varsity ski team and has run track and field. She won the ski team Coach’s Award, the Sophomore Citizenship award, and the Rotary Youth Leadership Award. She received the Norman B. Sherwood Scholarship and the South Berwick Rotary scholarship. In her free time, Grace volunteers at the South Berwick Food Pantry, the Marshwood Great Works School, and the Crossroads House Program. She works as a lifeguard for the City of Dover and waitresses at the Weathervane Seafoods in Kittery. This year,  she was part of the “We the People” State Championship Team and the 2015 Rotary Youth Services Conference. In the fall Grace will attend the University of Maine Honors College on a Presidential Scholarship and will major in elementary education.

ANNE SPEZIA
She is the daughter of Mark and Kathleen Spezia, of Eliot. Anne is a member of the Piscataqua Chapter of the National Honor Society and the Latin National Honor Society. She served as a member-at-large of the Student Government, Latin Club, and Recycling Club since her freshman year. She was president of the Recycling Club, vice president of the Latin Club, and a writing tutor in the student writing center. An avid dancer, Anne has taken lessons in tap, jazz, ballet, and pointe for 15  years. She has also been an altar server for Corpus Christi Parish for the last seven years. Anne was awarded High Honors for academic achievement on multiple occasions, and received the Art Department Photography Award during her sophomore year. In her free time, Anne enjoys scuba diving with her father and brother, kayaking, walking her dog and reading. In the fall, she will attend the University of Maine as a member of the Honors College and a student in the business school.

LINDEN GRACE COLBY
She is the daughter of Andrew Colby and Deirdre Donchian and lives in South Berwick and Kittery. She participated on the girl’s cross country team and in the spring musicals, as well as dancing at Brixham Danceworks throughout her high school career. This year, Linden was awarded three Gold Key awards and one Silver Key award for her artwork in the Maine Region Scholastic Art and Writing Contest. She was a high honors student for three years and received a captain’s title in her senior cross country season. When she is not completely immersed in various art projects, Linden spends her free time running, getting lost in foreign countries, and spending time with her friends and family. She is excited to start her third summer working at Charles River Creative Art Program and she will be attending Savannah College of Art and Design in the fall to study fashion design and marketing.

NICHOLAS BARRETT
He is the son of Anne and Steve Barrett, of South Berwick. He played hockey and lacrosse throughout his high school career. He also played hockey every year for the Hawks as well. He earned multiple scholar athlete awards for each team, as well as an MVP Award for the hockey team. Besides athletics, Nick loves spending time with his family. In his free time, he enjoys biking, playing cards, going to the gym, being outside, and hanging out with friends. Nick will attend the University of Miami for the Aerospace Engineering program.

CASSANDRA GAGNON
She is the daughter of Albert and Penny Gagnon, of South Berwick. She is a member of the Piscataqua Chapter of the National Honor Society. She did costume design for the One Act and Spring Plays since her sophomore year, earning an Excellence in Costume Design Award at the regional theater festival last year. She was also a tutor in the writing center and won the sophomore English Award. She enjoys art, particularly mixed media, writing, with a preference for poetry, and studying politics. In the fall, she will attend the Fashion Institute of Technology with a major in advertising and marketing communications and is considering a minor in fashion studies. She hopes to concentrate in journalism both in the field of fashion and on a larger socio-political scale.

JACOB SCREMIN
He is the son of Claudio and Jennifer Scremin, of Eliot. Jacob is a four-year participant on the lacrosse team and a two-year participant on the varsity hockey team, earning multiple scholar-athlete awards. In his sophomore year, as a member of the Science Club, he represented Marshwood at the Windstorm Challenge at the University of Maine in Orono. In his senior year he was a member of the Marine Biology Club that competed in the Nor’Easter Marine Science Quiz Bowl, a regional division of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl. Jacob has worked at a local beachside inn for the past three years. He will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the engineering program.

Additional Honor Graduates maintaining a four-year average of 92% or better include:
Zoe Brown, Lauren Brown, Madeline Budroe, Erin Campbell, Lydia Carlson, Kyle Claus, Roger Connolly, Nicholas Dalecki, Mia Donatello, Margaret Dowd, Abigail Doyle, Madeleine Doyle, Ryan Fife, Hailey Gagne, Elliott Greene, Olivia Harper, Liam Hawthorne, Caroline Jacobs, Neylon Kaeppel, Emily Kahler, Lane Klossner, Grace Leavitt, Amy Lietz, Jennifer Marcus, Lydia McIntire, Megan McLean, Annie Moloney, Eli Nixon, Kylie Normand, Sarah Oakley, Michelle Olsen, Kayla Perry, Olivia Rowell, Griffin Simmons, Logan Smith, Heather Snook, Lydia St. Pierre, Taylor Sturdevant, Sophia Syrene, Kaitlin Tarr, Alec Taylor, Tanya Thomas, Aiden Trager, Abigail Waters, Samantha Waters, Piper Wilber, Liam Williams and Sarah Wood.

Marshwood High School’s class of 2015:

Aleisha Marie Audette, Jessica Anna Bachry, Cameron James Baker, Nicholas Barrett, Drew Bartlett, Samantha J. Bartlett, Lucas Tanner Blanchette, Alexander Bloom, Andrew Christopher Blunt, Korinne Davis Bohunsky, Lauren Louise Brown, Molly Kaitlin Brown, Zoe Katherine Brown, Daniel Lincoln Brownell, Madeline Lorraine Budroe, Jake Cagnina, Erin Reed Campbell, Georgia Kendall Caramagno, Lydia Carlson, Abigail Carson, Hanssen S. Casey, Joelle Marie Casey, Zachary James Clark, Kyle J. Claus, Morgan Mariah Colbath, Linden Grace Donchian Colby, Finn Catherine Collins, Roger Patrick Connolly, Nicholas Hays Dalecki, Abigail Rebekah Dolph, Mia Isabelle Donatello, Margaret Grace Dowd, Abigail Ruth Doyle, Madeleine R. Doyle, Kiley Cecile Dulac, Gabrielle Einstein, Sarah Anne Engel, Patrick John Fallon, Ryan Fife, Tyler A. Fife, Tyler John Forrester, Thomas G. Fuller, Samantha Noel Furbish, Hailey Elisa Gagne, Dylan A. Gagner, Cassandra Alice Gagnon, Julian Gale, Brett Ezekiel Gerry, Jenna Rachel Gilbert, Ryan Frederick, Gilliam, Brenden Scott Goodwin, Danielle Amber Goodwin, Nathan Ryan Gosselin, Elliott R. Greene, Megan Katherine Greener, Ronald Grenier, Thomas Seth Hanson, Kayla Harbuck, Olivia Harper, Liam Hawthorne, Samuel J. Hebert, Annetta Guerra Hepburn Jeffrey Hichens, Zachary A. Hodges, Griffin Hooper, Jackson Howarth Jeffrey Tyler Howe, Cody M. Hughes, Courtney Lynn Hussey, Tori Lin Hussey, Jeremy Richard Hutchinson, Sydney Jackman, Caroline Jacobs, Brett William Janes, Neylon Elizabeth Kaeppel, Emily Ann Kahler, Jessica Abby Kimball, James F. King, Jarrod A. King, Olivia Anne King, Nicholas M. Kinkade, Lane Klossner, Brinton D. Kriz, Angela Leigh Lavigne, Kyle W. Lavoie, Grace Emily Leavitt, Jacob C. Leavitt, Jacob M. Lebel, Jayna Adele Ledger, Agustin Ethen Lewis, Hayley Lewis, Amy Lietz, Sabrina Lizotte, Daniel Robert Longtin, Brian Francis MacDonald, Tanner B. MacDonnell, Cassie Marie MacPherson, Jennifer May Marcus, Jillian Margaret Marcus, Alicia Marr, Gisela Mata, Michaela Matthews, Madisyn A. McCormack, Noah McDaniel, Nicole Erin McGee, Ashley M. McGourty, Coleman Walter McIntire, Lydia Ducayet McIntire, Megan Ann McLean, Molly McManus, Randy Metreaud, Marquestino A. Miranda Annie Noelle Moloney, Sean Montgomery, Killian Murphy, Alex Ucheze Nduaguibe, Nathan A. Nebbia, Hunter Ryan Newsome, Eli J. Nixon, Kylie Ryanna Normand, Conor Michael Nuhic, Dayna O’Brien, Sarah Kate Oakley, Michelle Laurianne Olsen, Hilsa Eveline Parinding, Dominique Nicole Parker, Kyle Jeffrey Parmley, Kayla May Perry, Jeremy R. Perschy, Hanna Grace Philbrick, Joshua Thomas Piper, Lindsey Poirier, Grace Werker Pouliot, Veronica Lillian Pruett, Zachary S. Quintal, William Ramsay, Thomas F. Rasmussen, Chancellor Renner, Gianna Nicole Riccardi, Mark Richardson, Maxwell Estes Richardson, Jackson R. Roberts, Amanda Rose Rovnak, Olivia Glenn Rowell, Justin R. Roy, Kimberly Sanborn, Abigail Lynn Sargent, Abigail Satrape, Taylar Rose Schoff, Jacob Scremin, Alexander Plank Serrano, Elijah Shields, Griffin Simmons, Andrew O. Smith, Cassidy Smith, Grace Merritt Smith, Isaac Avery Smith, Logan Smith, Heather Lynne Snook Anne Marie Spezia, Kolton St. Pierre, Lydia Grace St. Pierre, Courtney A. Stackpole, Luke Tyler Stankovich, Troy E. Stevens, Montana Sky Stewart, Taylor Dean Sturdevant, Cheyenne Charlotte Sullivan, Ryley Lynn Cole Sullivan, Mitchell J. Sylvester, Sophia Elaina Syrene, Kaitlin Tarr, Alec Phillip Taylor, Tanya Jo Thomas, Emily Tobey, Ian Tobey, Alexandria Marie Toland, Callum Toole, Aidan Dakota Trager, Andrew Trenholm, Colleen Rae Tuano, Korbin Charles Walker, Abigail M. Waters, Samantha Mae Waters, Emily Grace Weaver, Andrew Wengert, Haley M. Whitaker, Piper Kye Wilber, Jacob William Wilkinson, Avery E. Willett, Liam Adams Williams, Sarah Elizabeth Wood and Jessamine Young.

Royal Academy of Gray held its graduation on June 5 at First Parish Congregational Church in Yarmouth. The following students were recognized at graduation as Gold Cord Honors. The students honored participated in the school’s college preparatory program and received a grade point average of 3.5 and above.

Students who earned Gold Cord Honors include:
Carita Detellis, who plans to attend Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts, to major in business/theater arts.
Patrick Isaiah Hernandez, who plans to attend Mesa Community College in Tempe, Arizona.
Francesco Lapitino is taking a gap year. He is a potter and business owner.
Erik Lehoullier is planning to take a gap year.
Anne Moore is a dancer for Portland Ballet Company.
Keariel Peasley is a writer.
Michaela Thurlow is a professional singer and actor.
Josiah Varney is planning to take gap year.

The following 23 students were awarded diplomas.

Anne Moore, of Alfred; Katelyn McLeod, of Auburn; Loreal Legare, of Denmark; Troy Dongo and Isabella Ionta, of Gray; Micah Velazquez, of Gray; Erik Lehoullier, of Hiram; Dennis Milliken, Jr., of Jefferson; Travis Powers, of Lewiston; Jeffrey Dyke, of Raymond; Coleman Bodemer and Logan Bodemer, of Rockwood; Carita DeTellis, of Rumford; Hannah McFarland, of Sabattus; Curtis Trimmer, of South Portland; Keariel Peasley, of South Thomaston; Joshua Bilodeau, of Standish; Isaiah Hernandez, of Arizona; Michaela Thurlow, of California; Julianne Murray, of Massachusetts; Francesco Lapitino, of New Hampshire; and Josiah Varney, of Pennsylvania.

Bonny Eagle High School held its graduation at 7 p.m. June 5 at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. The following students rose to the top 10 percent of the class of 2015.

LAUREN COLLINS
Lauren is the daughter of Marjie Collins, of Standish. She received high honors during her four years at Bonny Eagle. She is a member of the Spanish Honor Society and recipient of the Kiwanis Club Honors Award. She was a varsity football cheerleader for four years and participated in winter cheering for three years. She received the Sportsmanship Award, SMAA All-Conference First Team for three years, and the SMAA All-Conference Honorable Mention. Lauren plans to attend St. Joseph’s College to study nursing. After college she plans to work as an ICU nurse while attending graduate school to become a nurse anesthetist.

KAYLA CRABTREE
Kayla is the daughter of Donna Corkum, of Buxton. She is a member of the Pi Cone Math Team and student council. She participated in girls outdoor track and field and cross country. She received the award for Most Improved for girls outdoor track and field. She received high honors and was on the Director’s List (Honors) at WRVC for computer repair and networking. Kayla will be attending the University of Southern Maine to study computer science. Kayla would like to pursue a career in computer programming or web design.

ELIZABETH DOYLE
Elizabeth is the daughter of Kevin Doyle and Valerie Scanlon, of Limington. She is a member of the National Honor Society and received high honors throughout her four years. She is a member of the Math Team, Jazz Band, Jazz Combo and Concert Band. She participated in the District 1 and Maine Allstate Music Festivals. She is the recipient of the Freshman Band Award, and was awarded a gold rating for her solo performance at the Maine State Jazz Festival. She participated in field hockey in her freshman year and cross country and outdoor track as a junior. Elizabeth will be attending St. Joseph’s College where she will major in environmental science with a minor in education. Elizabeth would like to become an ecology educator.

JESSICA RAY
Jessica is the daughter of Richard and Andrea Ray. She is a member of the National Honor Society, was class president for three years and student council treasurer. She is the recipient of the Kiwanis Certificate of Academic Achievement, College of the Atlantic Book Award, SMAA Citizenship Award, BE Tourism Marketing Award, SMAA All-Academic Team for volleyball, basketball and lacrosse, BE Journalism Award, Bruce Dobkowski Sportsmanship Award. She participated in Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Seminar, blood and bone marrow drives, SMAA Student Athlete Summit, Wounded Warrior Project, BE Behavioral Parent Meetings for child care, Relay for Life, Vacationland RV and Camping Show, Project Grad Fundraising, Youth Lady Scot Basketball Summer Camp, and was a volunteer for Special Olympics. She was also captain of the volleyball, basketball and lacrosse teams. Jessica plans to attend the College of Charleston in South Carolina, where she will study business with hopes of becoming an event manager for corporate businesses and companies.

SHANNON STEWART
Shannon is the daughter of Wayne and Wendy Stuart, of Buxton. She is a member of the National Honor Society and was awarded the Honors Chemistry Department Award and the Phi Beta Kappa Academic Achievement Award. She participated in basketball all four years. Shannon is planning to attend the University of New Hampshire to study nursing.

ABBIE ST.PIERRE
Abbie is the daughter of Brian and Bea St.Pierre, of Buxton. She is a member of the Spanish National Honor Society, Key Club, Model UN, Student Council and Upward Bound. She has been the recipient of the Kiwanis Honors Award for three years. Abbie plans to attend St. Joseph’s College for pre-veterinary biology. She will then go on to veterinary school and plans to become an equine veterinarian.

DANIELLE MCCLURE
Danielle is the daughter of Brian and Michelle McClure, of Buxton. Danielle is a member of Teen Trendsetters, Student Council, Prom Committee, the Yearbook staff and a member of the Competitive Dance Team at All That Dance. She has received honors and high honors, golds, high golds and platinums, as well as placing in each category of dance. Danielle plans to study cosmetology at Spa Tech Institute, and then attend either the University of Southern Maine or Southern Maine Community College to obtain a business degree and start her own salon.

KAYLA MOOERS
Kayla is the daughter of Scott and Rebecca Mooers, of Limington. She is an honor roll student and also editor in chief of the yearbook. She was a member of the Civil Rights Team and Key Club during her junior year. Kayla is attending St. Joseph’s College, where she will study pre-med. She will then continue on to medical school. She plans to become a doctor of internal medicine.

EMILY PAGE
Emily is the daughter of Richard and Joyce Page, of Limington. She has been on the honor roll for four years. She has volunteered for the Special Olympics and babysits her younger brother, Ethan, who has cerebral palsy. Emily is planning on attending the University of Maine to study medical research and biology.

RACHEL RATTE
Rachel is the daughter of Henry and Margaret Ratte, of Steep Falls. She is a National Merit Commended Student, an AP Scholar, and recipient of the Williams College Book Award. She received the Freshman Honors English 9 Award, Sophomore Honors U.S. History Award and Honors Functions. She also received the Stats and Trig Award, Junior Instrument and Music Award. She is a member of the Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Pep Band and Robotics Team. Rachel plans to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, where she will major in international business, minor in Chinese and possibly double major in computer science.

AUSTIN FLANIGAN
Austin is the son of Lee and Nikki Flanigan, of Limington. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Outing Club and the Math Team. He is the recipient of the AP Calculus Award, Honors Algebra II Award and the Economics Award. He was awarded the Kiwanis Award for Academic Excellence for four years. He participated in soccer, indoor track and outdoor track. Austin will attend the University of New England to study marine biology. He plans to pursue a career in research.

CARTER GLEASON
Carter is the son of Clay and Nicole Gleason, of Standish. He is a member of the Math Team the Drama Club and the Thespian Society. He has been on the honor roll for four years and was the 2013 MEST Up Champion. Carter will be attending the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

COURTNEY GRANT
Courtney is the daughter of Peter and Deborah Grant, of Hollis. She was awarded the Smith Book Award, the Undergraduate Award and Kiwanis Awards. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the Drama Club and the International Thespian Society. She was awarded Best Techie, the Set Design Award, Student Technical Director and is an International Thespian Presidential Scholar and MEST Up winner. Courtney plans to attend either Smith College or Cornell University to study engineering and technical theater.

OLIVIA HEBERT
Olivia is the daughter of Michele Desmaris and stepfather Tim Gresh, of Raymond; and Paul Hebert and stepmother Karina Hebert, of Portland. She is an honor roll student and a member of Key Club. Olivia plans to attend Chapman University in Orange, California, where she will study biological sciences.

KIRSTEN THOMAS
Kirsten is the daughter of Allen and Gloria Thomas, of Buxton. She received high honors all four years. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Natural Helpers, Spanish Honor Society; and was a class officer and a student representative to the school board, the budget advisory committee and the curriculum committee. She received the MPA Principal’s Award, the Eagle Award, Freshman Choral Award and Book Award with scholarship. She also participated in tennis. Kristen will attend the University of New England for medical biology. She plans to be a paramedic or pursue a career as a medical professional.

NINA TRUSLOW
Nina is the daughter of Chris and Sandra Truslow, of Standish. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Civil Rights Team and a Barbara Bush Teen Trendsetter. She received the Honors English 11 Award, Honors Lab Physics Award and the Maine Society of Women Engineers Certificate of Merit. She is the recipient of the Honors Algebra 2 Award, Honors US History Award, Honors FST Award, Honors Discrete Math Award, Honors English 11 Award, Honors Lab Physics Award, and Maine Society of Women Engineers Certificate of Merit. She participated in field hockey and cross country. Nina plans to study civil/mechanical engineering at the University of Vermont. She would like to go on to Americorps, and then work in engineering. After that she’d like to possibly own a farm or become a bookseller.

RAEGAN YOUNG
Raegan is the daughter of Scott and Charlene Young, of Steep Falls. She is a member of Drama Club, Thespian Society, Jazz Band, Vocal Jazz, Newspaper and Girls State. She is the recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award and the Cornell Book Award. Raegan plans to attend Plymouth State University majoring in environmental science and policy.

CARLY BIEGEL
Carly is the daughter of Peter and Carolyn Biegel, of Standish. Carly is a member of the National Honor Society, was a Girls State alternate and received the State Journalism Award and the Sage Book Award. She participated in soccer, swimming and lacrosse, was a member of the SMAA All-Academic Team for soccer and swimming, SMAA All-State Team for soccer (Honorable Mention) and was the swim team captain. Carly plans to attend Susquehanna University.

MEGAN BROWN
Megan is the daughter of Bill Brown, of Limington, and Gayle Brown, of Limerick and lives with her aunt Tami Kimball, of Limington. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, a Teen Trendsetter reading mentor and a writer for the Eagle Times. She received high honors for four years, the Journalism Undergrad Award, Junior Female Scholar Athlete, the French 1 Undergrad Award, Teen Trendsetter Award, Alexander Hamilton Citizenship Award and the NESPA Special Achievement Award for sports story. She participated in indoor and outdoor track during her sophomore and junior years. Megan plans to attend Boston University where she will study journalism. She plans to become a sports writer or editor.

ELIZABETH BUSHEY
Elizabeth is the daughter of Mark and Pamela Bushey of Standish. She is a member of the National Honor Society and also Student Council. She participated in girls’ soccer and basketball for four years, and was a member of the SMAA All Academic Team Soccer, SMAA All Academic Team Basketball, and attended the 2014 SMAA Leadership Summit. She is the recipient of the Kiwanis Award for Scholastic Achievement, Sophomore Scholar Athlete Award and the Bruce Dobkowski Sportsmanship Award. Elizabeth will be attending the University of Rhode Island, where she will study biomedical engineering.

ALYSSA LIBBY
Alyssa is the daughter of Steven and Karen Libby, of Buxton. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Math Team, the yearbook staff and a literacy mentor for the Barbara Bush Literacy Program. She received high honors, the Accounting 1 Award, Physical Education Award and the St. Michael’s College Book Award. She is the recipient of Elite Dancer Scholarship, WCDE conventional scholarship, top soloist and was a member of the Senior Company Jazz and Hip Hop teams and competitive dance. Alyssa plans to attend the University of Maine, where she will study civil engineering. She would like to become a structural engineer and continue dancing.

KYAUNNA LIBBY
Kyaunna is the daughter of David and Tarrean Libby Jr., of Standish. Kyaunna is a member of the student council, Model UN, the Outing Club and National History Day. She participated in cross country and both indoor and outdoor track. She was awarded Most Improved Outdoor Track in 2012, Freshman Female Scholar Athlete, Most Dedicated Cross Country in 2014, Most Valuable Cross Country in 2014, Most Dedicated Indoor Track in 2014 and 2015, All-Academic SMAA and BE, AMAA Girls All-Conference Team and was a member of the 2012 and 2013 State Champion cross country team. Kyaunna will study mass media at Garden City Community College in Kansas, where she will attend on a full athletic scholarship.

JEFFREY MARTIN
Jeffrey is the son of Troy and Patricia Martin, of Buxton. Jeffrey is a National Honors Society officer and a three-year scholar athlete. He is also the recipient of the Bonny Eagle’s Citizenship Award. He participated in soccer, basketball and tennis and was awarded the Most Improved in Soccer in 2011 and Basketball in 2015. He was awarded the Bruce Dobkowski Sportsmanship Award for soccer in 2012 and 2013 and tennis in 2014. Jeffrey will be attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute to study computer science and computer engineering.

EDWARD MAXWELL
Edward is the son of Yvonne Maxwell, of Buxton. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Math Team, Jazz Band, Robotics, Outing Club and Pep Band. He has received high honors, the English 10 Award and the AP Chemistry Award. He participated in basketball and baseball in his freshman and sophomore years and cross country, indoor and outdoor track as a junior and senior. He was the co-captain of cross country and indoor/outdoor track, awarded The Bruce Dobkowski Sportsmanship Award, Most Dedicated for Cross Country and Most Improved for indoor/outdoor track. Edward plans to attend either Worcester Polytechnic Institute or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to study aerospace/mechanical engineering.

JAMES MAXWELL
James is the son of Yvonne Maxwell, of Buxton. James is a member of the National Honor Society, Math Team, Robotics Team, Outing Club, Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Pep Band and Pit Band. He was awarded the AP Calculus Award, Math Team Award and Sophomore Band Award. He participated in baseball in his freshman year and also in cross country and track and field. He was the co-captain of both cross country and track and field and was awarded Most Improved Runner in cross country. James is planning to attend a four-year engineering program at University of Maine, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or Worcester Polytechnic Institute

LAUREN WRIGHT
Lauren is the daughter of Stephen and Kelly Wright, of Standish. She was a varsity football cheerleader. Lauren plans to attend George Mason University to study biomedical engineering. She would like to continue her education to get her master’s degree and work in her field.

Bonny Eagle High School’s class of 2015

Elizabeth Adkins, Rafik Afiri, Danielle Anderson, Michael Arsenault, Joshiah Audet, Derek Axelsen, Russell Barlow, Jacob Barney, Haley Bean, Eva Bean, Nicholas Bean, Karen Beaulieu, Jillian Berry, Alex Berry,
Carly Biegel, Ariana Black, Alexis Bourque, Kevin Bowman, Alison Braley, Arthur Bridges, Mathew Bridges, Megan Brown, Antonio Bruni, Addison Bryant, Elizabeth Bushey, Devin Butler, Jared Campbell, Karly Cannell, Derek Carpine, Amanda Carter, Dustin Chandler, Madison Chappell, Erin Clark, Dylan Colby, Lauren Collins, Victoria Cook, Kellan Corbett, Kayla Crabtree, Denzel Crockett, Melody Cropley, Benen Davenport, Cassandra Davis, Jeffrey DeCoster, Brian Dennison, Eric Dennison, Antonio DiBiase, Frederick Dickinson, Brady Dix, Elizabeth Doyle, Nicholas Dubay, Zachary Dubiel, Kira Dumont, Melissa Dunham, Caitlyn Dyer, Stephen Estes, Shayla Farley, Nicholas Farmer, Angela Fazzi, Kerrigan Fish, Austin Flanigan, Ashley Flint, Dean Flint, Ashley Fogg, Nicholas Fortin, Katelyn Foster, Dylan Francis, Brice Frisco, Dylan Fry, Jaimee Gammon, Caleb Garland, Alisa Garland, Hannah Geaumont, Connor Gibson, Matthew Gilbert, Makayla Gillespie, Jade Gillian, Carter Gleason, Sarah Goff, Daina Goodrich, Adam Goodwin, Gavin Grant, Courtney Grant, Dilan Gray-Menard, Tye Greely, Zackery Gryskwicz, Richard Harmon, Chandler Harmon, Ryan Harris, Haley Harrison, Michael Head, Olivia Hebert David Hegarty, Ricky Higgins II, Tyler Hitchcock, Jason Hodgkin, Ronald Hoeflick, Christopher Howard, Aaron Huff, Monica Hunt, Nicholas Irish, Brittany Jack, Shelby Jackson, Alexis Jongerden, Adam Kennie, Joshua Kennie, Joel Kessler, Nicholas LaBreck, Thomas LaFreniere, Alexis Lambert, Adam Landry, Kimberly Larabee, Makayla Lauritsen, Garret LeClair, Patrick Libbey, Kyaunna Libby, Riley Libby, Alyssa Libby, Joshua Libby, Harley Light Daniel Lindberg, Hannah Litif, Joseph MacDonald, Lauren MacIsaac, Ethan Mackie, Emily Mahony, Benjamin Malloy, Nathan Mandeville, Serena Manson, Danielle Marsh, Jeffrey Martin, Lily Martin, Samantha Maxfield, Edward Maxwell, James Maxwell, Danielle McClure, Delaney McCullough, Megan McGarey, Meaghan McGovern, Kristyn McIntire, Alyssa McLaughlin, Elizabeth Merrill, Stephanie Michaud, Justin Miles, Zackary Moody, Kayla Mooers, Megan Morash, Emily Morrison, Justin Morton, Griffin Mowatt, Jared Murray, Spencer Nelson, Justus New, Thy Nguyen, Morgan Nickerson, Shannon O’Clair, Dylan O’Clair, Emily Page, Joshua Parker, Kelsey Parkin, Angel Parsons, Isaiah Perry, Haley Phinney Nikkolas Pierce Alyssa Pierson, Shayne Plummer, Lane Poirier, Kristen Polky, Peter Pompeo, Andrew Poulos, Kelsi Powers, Andrew Price, Kelsey Price, Aidan Qualey, Carley Quinn, Brianna Ramsey, Rachel Ratte’, Jessica Ray, Parker Reali, Collin Regan, Jodie Remington, Dillon Reynolds, Courtney Reynolds, Zachary Reynolds, Crystal Reynolds, Dylan Ricci, Victoria Richards, Baker Riddell, Adam Rondeau, Natalie Ross, Corey Roussel, Brianna Roy, Allison Rullo, Jacob Ryan, Max Salevsky, Kassandra Sargent, Brian Sawyer, Adam Secord, Taylor-Lin Sellner, Cailyn Shepard, Micah Small, Matthew Smith,
Marcus Smith, Samuel St Ours, Abbie St Pierre, Jacob Staples, Nora Steiger, Jacobb Stevens, Shannon Stewart, Zane Stoddard, Desiree Strout, Samantha Stutes, Matthew Sweeney, Trey Tenney, Kirsten Thomas, Rosalie Thomas, Brittney Thompson, Toni Towne, Zane Townsend, Russell Tracy, Kyle Trudelle, Nina Truslow, Lauren Turner, Rylie Turner, Nicole Usher, Roland Vansyckel, Zachary Varney, Sarah Walker, Tyler Wallingford, Adam Warnock, Jeremy Warren, Dalton Washburn,Sara Wear, Ashley Welch, Nicholas Wellington, Royce Wessell, Tyler Westberry, Seyena White, Brittany White, Mason White, Kyle Whitman, Lauren Whitten, Lucas Winslow, Matthew Wintle, Rosanna Woodruff, Lauren Wright, Paul Yarumian, Raegan Young and Joseph Zampini.

Greater Portland Christian School held its graduation ceremony on June 5 at South Portland Church of the Nazarene. Diplomas were awarded to 14 seniors.

James Rudolph, valedictorian
David Frye, salutatorian
Kyrie Austin
Ashley Imler
Abigail Morabito
Marisa Lane
Jessica Smith
Cheyanne Gagnon
Lydia Chick
Tyler Steinwachs
Chris Purinton
Ben Roach
Matthew Hammond
Ryan Waugh

Students at Maine’s community colleges will have an easier time entering the state’s university system under a new credit transfer agreement to be signed next week.

Officials from the two public college systems and Gov. Paul LePage will be at the signing ceremony Monday at 10 a.m. at the Randall Center at the University of Maine at Augusta. Under the agreement, students can seamlessly transfer 35 units of general education courses.

The agreement is important because students have complained that credits earned at the community colleges did not easily transfer to the state’s four-year universities, which could cost students time and money if they had to take additional courses to fulfill requirements.

High schools across Maine are celebrating the Class of 2015 this month, but the graduating class of North Yarmouth Academy has a special distinction: Within the top 10-ranked students, there are two sets of twins.

Marina and Olivia Stam are identical twins, as are Abbie and Tess Hinchman. Identical twins are the result of one fertilized egg splitting in half and occur about once in every 285 births. And that makes NYA’s high-achieving pair of twins a striking coincidence – and one that suggests there might be some academic advantage to having an identical double.

Tess, however, said that this was not her experience.

“I don’t really think it makes a difference for us,” she said. “We’re not … competitive with each other. I think our family has always just fostered a love of learning in us.”

“I think the one advantage is that I’ve never been without a study partner,” added Abbie wryly.

The Stam twins likewise did not believe it made an enormous difference, although the similarities in their academic records were striking.

“We’ve had the same exact schedule, same exact classes, every year,” said Olivia. “We have the same interests: We’re both more humanities-oriented. We both have been taking French since middle school, and we both love that.”

“One year we had the same GPA down to the second decimal place,” continued Marina. “We’re really close academically, but we’re not competitive with each other.”

The Stams and Hinchmans are the only twins in the class of 48 seniors at NYA. The Hinchmans live in West Bath and the Stams live in Cumberland. All of the top 10 students in the class are girls.

Both sets of siblings look very much alike, but their mannerisms are more similar still: They have near-identical speaking tones, bear themselves in the same way, and often finish the other’s sentences.

All four students are headed to different colleges: Marina to Bowdoin College, Olivia to Emory University, Tess to Tufts University and Abbie to Middlebury College. They said this will be a difficult experience at first.

“I think we’re nervous – we’ve never been apart for more than three days,” said Tess. “It’s going to be difficult for sure, but I think it’s also exciting.”

“When you’re a set of twins, you have an identity as ‘the twins,'” remarked Marina. “It’ll be nice just to be ourselves ….”

Clearly they all take pains to find their own niche.

Olivia is a first-chair flautist in the all-state orchestra, while Marina got into the top All-Conference Tennis Team this year. Tess volunteers four days a week tutoring young students, while Abbie was on a committee that last year raised $20,000 for a Guatemalan school.

They maintain that the negatives of having a twin are far outweighed by the positives.

“I think I’m really lucky – I’ve got to grow up with my best friend,” said Tess. “Abbie and I have never fought, and I’ve never had the concept of what it’s like to be lonely. I’ve always got someone in my corner, which is amazing.”

“The flip side of that is that when you’re a twin, your whole identity can be as a twin,” added Abbie. “You get pigeonholed. Either you’re the ‘smart twin’ or the ‘athletic twin’ or the ‘musical twin,’ and it’s not as clear-cut as that.”

Despite the long odds of having two sets of twins in the top 10 students, there is plenty of scientific evidence that there is more at work than coincidence or sibling rivalry. Studies into identical twins form a key part of the nature vs. nurture debate, and some of the results are arresting. In 1979, psychologist Thomas Bouchard investigated twins Jim Springer and Jim Lewis, separated at birth and reunited at the age of 39. He found that both had married and divorced a woman named Linda, before getting married again to a woman called Betty. One had named his son James Alan, the other had named his son James Allan, and both had had dogs called Toy. In addition, both had the same job, smoked the same cigarettes and drank the same beer.

The NYA twins are not quite as similar, but the Stams have a joke that “people tell us apart by our earrings.”

Heading to different colleges and being apart is “definitely bittersweet,” says Abbie.

North Yarmouth Academy held its graduation ceremony on June 7. The following 10 students rose to top of their class.

MURIEL ADAMS
She is a daughter of Deborah and David Adams, of Freeport.
Honors and Awards: Cum Laude Society (1), AP Scholar, High/Highest Honors for 4 years, Robert R. Martin Prize for Math (2014), Rensselaer Medal Award (2014). National Latin 4 Exam – Magna Cum Laude (2014), National Latin 3 Exam – Silver, Maxima Cum Laude (2013), National Latin 2 Exam – Silver, Maxima Cum Laude (2012).
Activities: Varsity Field Hockey (4), Regional Champions (2014), State Champions (2012), Varsity Indoor Track (4), Coaches Award (2013), Varsity Indoor Track (4), State Champion (2013), MVP (2014), Conference Champion (2013-2014), USATF Junior Olympics (3), Jazz Band (4), Wind Ensemble (4), Stee1 Band (1), Robotics Team (4), Kiva Club (3), volunteer for Safe Passage (3).
Future Plans: University of Vermont

ELLIS BURGOON MISKELL
She is a daughter of Harriet Burgoon Miskell and Warren Miskell, of Yarmouth.
Honors and Awards: Cum Laude Society (2), Highest Honors for 4 years, AP Scholar with Distinction (2014), National Merit Scholarship Winner (2015), Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award (2014), Robert R. Martin Prize for Math (2014), John O. Hall Prize for Chemistry (2014), Robert O. Linscott Prize for Scholarship and Leadership (2013). French 5 – Outside Experience – Gold, 2nd in state (2015), National French 5C Exam – Silver, 1st in state, 2nd nationally (2014), National French 5E Exam – Gold, 1st in state, 1st nationally (2013), National French 5 Exam – Bronze 1st in state, 4th nationally (2012). National Latin 5 Exam – Gold, Summa Cum Laude (2015), National Latin 4 Exam – Gold, Summa Cum Laude (2014), National Latin 3 Exam – Gold, Summa Cum Laude (2013), National Latin 2 Exam – Gold, Summa Cum Laude (2012).
Activities: Varsity Cross Country (4), Captain (2014), Varsity Indoor Track (4), Varsity Outdoor Track (4), Equestrian (4), Portland Youth Symphony Orchestra (4), All-State Orchestra, String Ensemble (4), Steel Band (1), Math Team (4), Division D State Championship (2014), and volunteering/community service (3).
Future Plans: Yale University

CHARLOTTE EISENBERG
She is a daughter of Carol Eisenberg and David Simpson, of Peaks Island.
Honors and Awards: Cum Laude Society (2), Highest Honors (4), AP Scholar (2014), National Merit Scholarship Winner (2015), Payson Bird Prize for Composition (2013), Scholastic Art and Writing Awards – Silver Key and Honorable Mention (2013 and 2014). National French 5 Exam – Bronze, 5th in state (2015), National French 4 Exam – Certificat de Reussite (2014), National Latin Exam – Silver, Maxima Cum Laude (2012).
Activities: Varsity Field Hockey (4), Regional Champions (2014), State Champions (2012), Varsity Outdoor Track (3), Maine Youth Court – advocate (4), Math Team (4), Class D State Champions (2014), community service – Safe Passage (4), Poetry Out Loud (3), Regional Finalist and State Finalist (2), Model UN (4), Mock Trial (4), and summer bike touring (4).
Future Plans: Haverford College

ABIGAIL HINCHMAN
She is a daughter of Deborah Weis and Stephen Hinchman, of West Bath.
Honors and Awards: Cum Laude Society (2), High/Highest Honors – 4 years, AP Scholar with Honor (2014), Dr. Howard Rollins Ives for Scholarship and Leadership (2012), Frederick H. Dole Prize for Excellence in History (2014); Maine Writers and Publishers’ Alliance, 3rd in Youth Fiction (2012), National Spanish 3 Exam – Gold, 3rd in state (2014), National Spanish Exam – Silver, 6th in state (2013), National Spanish Exam – Silver, 7th in state (2012).
Activities: Varsity Cross Country (4) – captain (2), Coaches Award (2013), Varsity Nordic Skiing (3), Coaches Award (2), Junior Varsity and Varsity Tennis (4), Youth Court – advocate (2), Model UN (4), Mock Trial (4), volunteer – Safe Passage (4), North Yarmouth Strings Quartet (4), Steel Band (1).
Future Plans: Middlebury College

VIRGINIA HINCHMAN
Daughter of Deborah Weis and Stephen Hinchman, of West Bath.
Honors and Awards: Cum Laude Society (2), National Merit Semi-Finalist, High/Highest Honors – 4 years, John H. Mitchell Prize for Leadership and Scholarship (2014), Payson Bird Prize for Composition (2012 and 2014), John O. Hall Prize for Physics (2012), John O Hall Prize for Biology (2013). National Spanish 4 Exam – Bronze (2015), National Spanish 3 Exam – Silver, 5th in state (2014), National Spanish Exam – Silver, 3rd in state (2013), National Spanish Exam – Gold, 4th in state (2012).
Activities: Mentor/tutor (1), Youth Court advocate (2), Model UN (4) – Founding Member and Head Delegate; theatre/drama (4), volunteering/community service (4), Math Team (4) Class D State Champions (2014), Treble Chorus (4), Varsity Outdoor Track (2), Varsity Volleyball (3) – Good Sportsmanship Award (2), Steel Band (1).
Future Plans: Tufts University

HANNAH HUNGERFORD
She is the daughter of Stephanie Wood and Andre Hungerford, of Portland.
Honors and Awards: Cum Laude Society (1), High/Highest Honors – 4 years, AP Scholar with Honor (2014).  National Latin 5 Exam – Silver, Maxima Cum Laude (2015), National Latin 4 Exam – Magna Cum Laude (2014), National Latin 3 Exam – Gold, Summa Cum Laude (2013), National Latin 2 Exam – Gold, Summa Cum Laude (2012).
Activities: Varsity Volleyball (4), Good Sportsmanship Award (2), Varsity Tennis (4), Yearbook Editor and Photographer (3), Emerge Literary Magazine Editor/Graphic Designer (4), Volunteering/Community Service (3), Drama (3), String Ensemble (4), Maine District II Honors Festival (4), Steel Band (1), babysitting (4).
Future Plans: Barnard College

DIANA MCLEOD
She is the daughter of Barbara Charry, of Freeport; and Iver McLeod, of Bath.
Honors and Awards: Cum Laude Society (1), High/Highest Honors – 4 years, Steve Morris Scholarship (2012). National Spanish 5 Exam – Bronze, 8th in state (2015), National Latin 3 Exam – Gold, Summa Cum Laude (2013), National Latin 2 Exam – Gold, Summa Cum Laude (2012), National Spanish 3 Exam – Honorable Mention (2013), National Spanish 1 Exam – Silver, 6th in state (2012).
Activities: Varsity Volleyball (4) Captain (1), Most Improved (2), Good Sportsmanship Award (2), JV/Varsity Tennis (3), Varsity Indoor Track (2), Basketball (2), Robotics (2), Kiva Club (3), Model UN (3), Math Team (2), Class D State Champion (2014), volunteering/community service (2), Maine Audubon Education Assistant (2011), Steel Band (1).
Future Plans: Middlebury College

ELEANOR SATO
She is the daughter of Susan and Takahiro Sato, of Gorham.
Honors and Awards: Cum Laude Society (1), High/Highest Honors – 4 years, Donald A. Schulman ’63 Prize in French (2013). National French 5 Exam – Honorable Mention, 8th in state (2015), National French 4 Exam – Certificat de Reussite (2014), National French 2 Exam – 8th in state (2012).
Activities: Portland Ballet – CORPS program and Company Apprenticeship (4), leading/solo roles in Victorian Nutcracker (2012-2014), French Exchange with Lycee Notre Dame (2013), Varsity Singers (4), Chorus (2), Model UN (2), prom committee (1), yearbook (1), steel band (1).
Future Plans:  Fordham University

MARINA STAM
She is the daughter of Lynn and Theodore Stam, of Cumberland Foreside.
Honors and Awards: Cum Laude Society (1), High/Highest Honors (4), AP Scholar with Honor (2014), Donald A. Schulman ’63 Prize in French (2014), National French 4 Exam – Certificat de Reussite (2014), National French 2 Exam, 10th in state (2012).
Activities: Varsity Tennis (4) captain (3), 2nd Team All-Conference (2), Coaches Award (2), volunteering – NYA Lower School (2), community service (4), Mixed and Treble Choruses (4), Steel Band (1),  JV/Varsity Volleyball (4), Captain (1), Wind Ensemble (4), Emerge Literary Magazine (4), Admissions Ambassador (3), NYA Exchange Program with Lycee Notre Dame (1), summer camp counselor and babysitter (4).
Future Plans: Bowdoin College

OLIVIA STAM
She is the daughter of Lynn and Theodore Stam, of Cumberland Foreside.
Honors and Awards: Cum Laude Society (2), High/Highest Honors (4), AP Scholar with Honor (2014), National Merit Semi-Finalist. National French 5 Exam – Honorable Mention, 7th in state (2015), National French 4 Exam – Certificat de Reussite (2014), National French 2 Exam – 10th in state (2012).
Activities: Portland Youth Wind Ensemble (3), All-State and District II Bands (4), Wind Ensemble (4), Jazz Band (4), class secretary and treasurer (3), community service (4), JV/Varsity Tennis (4), Most Improved (1), JV/Varsity Volleyball (4), Good Sportsmanship Award (2), Winter Musical Accompanist, (4), Interharmony International Music Festival (1), Steel Band (1), Admissions Ambassador (3), NYA Exchange Program with Lycee Notre Dame (1).
Future Plans: Emory University

North Yarmouth Academy’s Class of 2015

Muriel  Adams, Ibrahim  Al Musawi, Benjamin Ambrose, Eoin Anderson, Hannah Austin, Nina Babbitt, Alexandra Barnes,  Anna Bilodeau, Kristina Block, Sumner Bright, Maximilian Bueche, Ellis Burgoon-Miskell, Emilie Burrill, Griffin Cady, Hannah Carr, Jesse Catir, Elizabeth Coughlin, Richard Cunningham, Madison Cutten, Boyang Ding, Charlotte Eisenberg, Scout Fischman, Chase Gendron, Abigail Hinchman, Virginia Hinchman, Hannah Hungerford, Patrick Jackson, John LeBlanc, Louisa Mahoney, Matthew Malcom, Clayton Manchester, Diana McLeod,Sarah-Jane Metsker, Mary Morrison, Isabella Munro, Donald Nicholas, Mary Noyes, Shelby Peavey, Marina Poole, Bradley Potter, Rhiannon Ramsey-Brimberg, Melanie Regan, Eleanor Sato, Anya Siviski, Olivia Stam, Marina Stam, Shiyao Tao and Sara Thompson.

Berwick Academy held their graduation ceremony at 2 p.m. on June 6 on Fogg Field. The following 15 students were recognized as Cum Laude seniors for the class of 2015.

NATHAN ANDERSON
He lives in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and is the son of Mark Anderson and Robin Silva. Nathan has been attending Berwick Academy for seven years. He made honors or high honors every term of high school. He was awarded the departmental recognition award for history his freshman year, was inducted into the French National Honors Society his sophomore year, and has placed well in the National French Exam for the last three years of high school. He was the co-leader of the school robotics team and has played saxophone since sixth grade. For the last four years he has made the York District I music festival, and this year he made the Maine Allstate Band for the first time. Nathan was incredibly active in the local music scene, and was involved in the Portsmouth Music and Arts center. He also worked in the Academy’s innovation center on a project involving medieval music and gregorian chant. Nathan has been a leader on the varsity tennis team for two years, and hopes to continue playing tennis through college. Nathan will be attending Swarthmore College in the fall and hopes to study religion and medieval history.

EMILY L. BORKOWSKI
She is the daughter of Keith and Margaret Borkowski, of Wells. She has attended Berwick Academy since seventh grade, and has been on the High Honor Roll every grading period. During high school, she has taken 10 AP and honors courses. Her junior year, she became a National Merit Commended Scholar and was also awarded the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Award. Being named a Rensselaer Medalist, she was offered a generous scholarship. She is also a member of the Spanish National Honor Society, and has received two Bronze and one Silver Medal on the National Spanish Exam. Emily played varsity soccer every season of high school. She has also played for Seacoast United outside of Berwick, and her Seacoast team won the Coastal Summer Challenge during her sophomore year. Additionally, she has also been a member of the crew team for the past two years. She was also active with set design, helping with various Berwick musicals over the years. Emily has been active in the Berwick community with many club affiliations over the years including Recycling; Peer Tutoring; Big and Little Buddies; Outdoor Club; Outreach; Yearbook, Literary Magazine and Mock Trial. She was a member of the Odyssey of the Mind Board and helps coach younger teams. Her Berwick Odyssey of the Mind Team had the distinction of winning first place and being World Champions. Additionally, she is a member of the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth and was awarded a Distinction Award in mathematics and critical thinking. During her junior year, she represented Berwick Academy and the State of Maine at the Global Youth Summit on Medicine at Brandeis University. Emily was also a U.S. Presidential Scholar Semi-finalist. She will be attending Bowdoin College, where she plans to focus her studies in math and sciences.

EMMA BRIN
She is the daughter of Dave and Erin Brin, of West Newbury, Massachusetts. Emma entered Berwick Academy in seventh grade. She has received departmental recognition awards in Spanish and history, and the Yale Book Award last year. Emma was inducted into the National Spanish Honors Society her sophomore year, and placed first in the state of Maine on the National Spanish Exam the past two years. Emma is a three-season athlete, playing varsity soccer and lacrosse since her freshman year and varsity basketball since her junior year, all of which she has received a Coach’s Award. She co-captained her lacrosse team this spring, which went undefeated in the EIL for the third year in a row and won the tournament this season. In addition to athletics, Emma also participated in Yearbook, Big & Little Buddies, and Outreach. Emma was awarded a scholarship to study abroad in Spain the summer following her sophomore year and spent that time living with a host family in Santander. She has also created a lasting connection with the organization Partners in Development and made two service trips to Guatemala. Emma will be attending Tufts University this fall. She remains undecided on her major.

MADISON CASSIDY
She is the daughter of Linda Plaza and the late James Cassidy of Strafford, New Hampshire. She has attended Berwick Academy since sixth grade. She has received honors or high honors every trimester since starting at Berwick. Madison has taken a combined eleven AP and Honors courses. She received the Departmental Recognition Award for French in her freshman year and for chemistry her sophomore year.  She was inducted into the National French Honors Society as a sophomore. Outside of the classroom, Madison played on the junior varsity field hockey and junior varsity lacrosse teams, and has been a member of the junior varsity tennis team during her junior and senior years. She has participated in a number of clubs including Model United Nations, The Vernacular, Big and Little Buddies, Math Team, and Foreign Film Club. Madison has also taken piano lessons and been a member of the Winter Outreach Volunteering program during her last three years of high school. Madison will attend Bryn Mawr in the fall and plans to pursue a pre-med track.

EMILY DUCHENE
She lives in Hampton, New Hampshire and is the daughter of Jennifer and Todd DuChene. Emily attended Berwick Academy for eight years. She has been on the high honor or honor roll every marking period. She earned the Departmental Recognition Award for Math during her freshman year and the Departmental Recognition Award for English during her senior year. She was inducted into the National Spanish Honor Society her sophomore year. Emily has been a member of the varsity cross country team, the junior varsity ice hockey team and the junior varsity lacrosse team for the last four years, captaining all three teams her senior year. Additionally, Emily was awarded MVP of the cross country team her freshman year and the Coaches Award for JV lacrosse her junior year. Emily will be attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan next fall.

MAGGIE DUCHENE
She is the daughter of Todd DuChene and Jennifer DuChene, of Hampton, New Hampshire. She has attended Berwick Academy since fifth grade. She achieved high honors each of her high school years. During her sophomore year, Maggie was inducted into the National Spanish Honor Society and earned the Departmental Recognition Award for the Sciences. Maggie took seven Advanced Placement and Honors courses. She played on the varsity basketball team since the eighth grade. During her sophomore, junior, and senior years, she was named a Class-C NEPSAC All-Star and, during her junior and senior years, she was awarded an EIL All-League Award. During her senior year, Maggie was captain of the varsity basketball team and was also named team MVP. Maggie has also been on the varsity lacrosse team since her freshman year. Off campus, Maggie has played on different AAU Basketball Teams since she was in seventh grade.
Maggie was involved with many different clubs, including the Literary Magazine, Big and Little Buddies and Recycling Club, and was a peer tutor during her junior and senior years. She also spent time in the summer volunteering to care for elephants in Thailand and to do construction work with Big Creek People in Action in West Virginia. Maggie plans on attending Kenyon College next fall where she will play basketball and major in biology while being on the pre-med/pre-veterinary track.

WILLIAM E. DUFFY
He lives in York and is the son of William P. Duffy and the late Susan T. Duffy. He has attended Berwick Academy since freshman year. Will has received honors or high honors during every trimester throughout his high school career. He has taken a total of eleven Advanced Placement and Honors classes. He received recognition awards from the language department for Spanish during his freshman year and from the science department for astronomy during his senior fall. He ran on the varsity cross country team for four years, leading the team as co-captain this fall. In the winter, he acted in the school’s production of Once Upon a Mattress, and in his third year of participating in the musical played the lead role of prince Dauntless the Drab. He is a regular performer at coffeehouses both in school and the greater community. Will was a member of Model United Nations since his junior year. This year, he received the award for best overall delegate in his committee for both his representation of North Korea’s nuclear director at Philips Exeter MUN and Memnon at Dartmouth MUN. This summer, he will teach sailing to kids at the Agamenticus Yacht Club, where he has sailed since he was eight years-old.
Next year, he will attend Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York where he will study astronomy and physics. He also has an interest in learning Japanese that stems from his hobby of watching anime.

JAKE GREENSPAN
He is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Joshua Greenspan, of Portsmouth, NH. Jake has attended Berwick Academy since sixth grade. He earned both the departmental recognition award in history and the Brown University Book Award for excellence in written and oral expression. In his sophomore year he was inducted into The National Latin Honors Society and has won recognition in all five levels of the National Latin Examination. He is also a National Merit Commended Scholar. Jake frequently participated in the Berwick Academy Public Speaking Competition, winning first place his junior year. Jake has been a four-year veteran of the varsity tennis team, leading as co-captain his senior year and being voted an EIL all league player at first singles. He has been an active member of the Model United Nations, Mock Trial, and Math Teams, and the Student Investment Club since founding it in his sophomore year. Jake has also been involved with the Berwick Innovation Center for three years.
Jake plans to attend The University of Chicago to study economics and classics.

CLAYTON JACQUES
He lives in West Newbury, Massachusetts and is the son of Barbara Jacques and Christopher Jacques and stepson of Kelly Jacques. Clayton has attended Berwick Academy since fifth grade and achieved high honors for each marking period. He is a member of the National Honor Societies for Latin and Spanish and recently received the Maureen O’Donnell Oxford Classical Dictionary Award for his consistently high performance on the National Latin Exam. This past March Clayton was also honored to receive a National Merit AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Scholarship in recognition of his scholastic and extracurricular achievements. He has participated as a member of the cross country team for four years and a member of the crew team for the three years since its inception. He has penned works for the literary magazine The Vernacular and persevered through the 2015 Maine State Math Meet. Clayton joined the Model United Nations club his freshman year and has since served as co-leader of the club for his junior and senior years. Clayton volunteered at the G.A.R. Memorial Public Library in West Newbury for his senior project. Clayton will be attending Dartmouth College in the fall.

BROOKS JALBERT
He lives in Rollinsford, New Hampshire and is the son of Sandra and James Jalbert. He has attended Berwick academy since third grade. Brooks was on high honor or honor roll throughout his four years of high school. During his junior and senior years, his course load included five honors classes and three AP’s. Brooks was inducted into the Tri-M Music honor society and the National Spanish honor society. He participated in numerous extracurricular offerings including crew, lacrosse, basketball, private music lessons for several instruments, peer tutoring and other activities. Brooks won departmental recognition awards for both music and math during his sophomore and senior years respectively.
Off campus, he takes private piano lessons and performs often at different venues. This past year, Brooks organized and facilitated a canned food drive during Christmas that donated to three local food pantries in Portsmouth, Dover, and Newburyport. Brooks will attend Villanova School of Business and major in business.

KRISTEN JONES
She lives in South Berwick and is the daughter of Michelle and Charlie Jones. She has attended Berwick Academy since her freshman year as a Mary Z. Schleyer Scholar. She has achieved high honors or honors every trimester. She took a combination of 13 AP and Honors classes. Kristen was inducted into the Cum Laude Society as a senior and into the National Latin Society as a junior. She was a member of the yearbook committee, Literary Magazine, the Alliance, Big and Little Buddies, Drama club, Foreign Film Club, and co-founded the Astronomy Club. She has performed for campus and Upper School assemblies several times, and has been involved with organizing and leading the coffeehouse events this year. She received the Smith College Book Award. Kristen has played field hockey since her freshman year, the team’s first year on a varsity level. Over the past four years, the team has exceeded expectations by winning their EIL bracket for two years, and qualifying for NEPSACs this past fall. She received the coach’s award and team MVP award. Kristen was head captain during senior year, and was named EIL all league. She also participated in Berwick’s dance program as a part of Company Corps her sophomore year, advancing to Company Blue for the past two years, choreographing and performing a solo her senior year. She also participated on the varsity basketball team and was on the school’s crew team during its inaugural season. Kristen was part of the school musical for two years, including a leading role this past year. Last fall, Kristen and her classmate Parker Johnson began an innovation project, which involved forming a band, Dibs on the Drummer, and writing and recording original songs. Kristen will attend Brown University next year, where she will major in physics and astronomy, with a minor in music.

ISABEL REIS
She is a daughter of Ann and Channing Reis, of Hampton Falls New Hampshire. She has attended Berwick Academy since ninth grade earning high honors all four years.  She received the department recognition award in mathematics her freshman year, and was inducted in the National Honor Society in French as a junior. She also received the Harvard Book Prize her junior year, and as a senior was inducted into the Cum Laude Society. Her course load has included a mix of nine honors and AP level classes. Isabel was elected as a junior to serve on the school’s Honor Committee and was re-elected to that position as a senior. She has been an avid Berwick Admission tour guide all four years, serving as a head tour guide her junior and senior year.  She participated in the  “Relay for Life” cancer awareness charity her sophomore year raising more than $2,000 and has been a member the Outreach Club, an Upper School community service organization. Isabel has been a member of the varsity swim team and varsity lacrosse team all four years. During her freshman year, she qualified for the US Olympic Swimming Trials in the 100 meter butterfly. Overall, she has been a top New England swimmer since the age of eight, breaking several New England age group records and placing 6th at the Speedo Junior National Championships last year. She received the Robertson Award recognizing her accomplishments as one of the top NE Prep School Swimmers, and is the current all-time New England Prep School record holder in the 100 yard butterfly. Izzy was voted “Swimmer of the Year” by Foster’s Daily Democrat for two years in a row and awarded Boston Globe All-Scholastic in swimming four years in a row.  She achieved All-American status her junior year and has been an academic Scholastic All-American for three years. She holds several pool records at venues around the northeast.  Isabel has also played lacrosse since she was eight years old.
Isabel was accepted as a member of the class of 2019 at Princeton University, where she plans to continue her competitive swimming.

BRENNAN SANTANIELLO
He lives in Kingston, New Hampshire and is the son of Joseph and Sara Santaniello. He has been at Berwick since fifth the grade and was inducted into the Cum Laude Society his senior year. Brennan earned high honors in every marking period since sophomore year and was an honor roll student his freshman year. He took eight AP and honors classes. In addition to the Cum Laude Society, Brennan was also inducted into the Tri-M National Music Honors Society. He finished third in the state of Maine for the 2014 Chemistry Olympiad test, and recently received one of five scholarships granted by Unitil to students in the seacoast area who are planning to study science, technology, engineering, or math.
He was a member of the varsity golf team, league champions for the last six years, and the varsity baseball team. As a sophomore and junior, Brennan received an all-league honorable mention in golf. As a senior, Brennan was the co-captain of the team, received all-league status, and even earned a spot on the Boston Globe all-scholastic list. Brennan also received the Coach’s award as a senior. He has also participated in many musical activities. He plays the guitar, piano, and cello and has participated in Berwick’s Winterfest for the Arts multiple times. Brennan has also been a member of various pit bands for Berwick’s Lower School and Middle School productions. Brennan played the cello in the District 1 Honors Music Festival and a UNH Orchestra performance. Throughout high school, Brennan has been a tour guide for the Berwick Admission office, a peer tutor, and the head of chemistry club, a student-run extra help session for sophomore students enrolled in their first year of chemistry. Off the Hilltop, Brennan is an active member of the St. Michael’s parish in Exeter, New Hampshire. He participates weekly in music ministry playing the piano, the bass, and the guitar.
Brennan will attend Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and majoring in chemical engineering.

BENJAMIN THUT
He is the son of Drs. David Thut and Kate Harris, of Dover, New Hampshire, and proud older brother of Chad Thut. He began attending Berwick Academy in his seventh grade year. Ben achieved honors in all trimesters of his freshman year, and high honors every trimester of the next three years. He was awarded Departmental Recognition Awards in both English and Biology. Ben took seven honors classes and four AP classes, including US history, psychology, English and statistics. In his junior year Ben was given Berwick Academy’s Blue and White Award for contributions to the school. He was inducted into the national Spanish Honors Society, as well as the Art National Honors Society. He was elected to leadership positions in student government all four years of high school, and served as senior class president. He was a member of the Student Wellness Advisory Team his junior and senior year. Ben is the proud Big Buddy of a Berwick kindergartener, and also enjoyed leading school coffeehouses with fellow Cum Laude inductee Kristen Jones. He played  junior varsity lacrosse; was captain of the junior varsity soccer team, and played on the varsity basketball team. Last year, Ben embarked on an Innovation Center Pursuit in Music Production, played a lead roll in the school musical, and played third singles on the junior varsity tennis team. He participated in service trips to West Virginia and Belize with his South Church youth group. He additionally organized and led two Berwick Academy service trips to West Virginia and will return for a third time this summer.
He was accepted to the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded music, at Tisch School of the Arts, at New York University. In the fall, he will study music production and business.

SARAH YANOFSKY
She is the daughter of David Yanofsky and the late Krissy Yanofsky, of Greenland, New Hampshire. She has attended Berwick Academy since kindergarten, and has achieved high honors and honors for every grading period of high school. She was inducted into the National Spanish Honor Society her sophomore year, and ranked in the top six in the state on the National Spanish Exam all four years. Sarah received departmental recognition in Spanish her senior year.
She is a three-year member of the junior varsity lacrosse team, where she was voted captain and received a Coach’s Award in her junior year. Her senior year, she joined the varsity swim team and the crew team. She is a peer tutor for math, chemistry, and Spanish, a student tour guide, a Big Buddy to a Lower School kindergartener, a member of Outreach Club and a member of the Math Team. Off campus, Sarah enjoys Bikram Yoga, skiing, horseback-riding, playing cello, hiking, traveling and cooking. She came in second place in the 2015 USA National Yoga Asana Championship her senior year. Sarah mspent the first five months of her junior year studying abroad in Zaragoza, Spain.
She plans to attend Tulane University in the fall.

These 79 students were awarded diplomas.

Hirsh Raj Agarwal, Nathan Robert Anderson, Chandler James Ashburner, Jacob Walden Ball, Isabel Bedell Ballou, Emily Lynne Borkowski, Devin Michael Boyle, Tatiana Rose Bradley, Aimee Jo-Ann Briand, Emma Elizabeth Brin, Dana Sullivan Brooks, Kelly Elizabeth Burke, Natasia Jordan Burzynski, Madison Rose Cassidy, Caroline Stewart Clapp, Alexandra Clark, Jillian Elizabeth Caldwell Clark, Stephanie Elizabeth Clark, Jules Geary Cook, Aidan Ulysses Cookson, Matthew Martin Crawford, Liam Roy Darcy, Haley Anna Dixon, Abigail Morgan Donoghue, Brooke Kara Downey, Isaac Mathew DuBois, Emily Christine DuChene, Margaret Grace DuChene, William Edward Duffy, Isabella Sage Eldridge, Spencer Ryan Fascetta, William Dalton Grant, Jake Greenspan, Jacob Robert Gross, Andrew Pendleton Hale, Charles Meader Hardy, Jessica Ann Harley, Henry Herrick Henkel, Cambria Rae Horner, Susan Harvey Sterling Hourihan, Mark Gerry Hoyt, Clayton Eric Jacques, Brooks Cameron Jalbert, Parker Ashley Johnson, Kristen Michelle Jones, Rachel Lynn Kenney, Austin Matthew Kennie, Addison Trudie Kline, Taylor Elise Knox, Kaitlyn Francesca Lawson Joseph Paul Lazzaro, Lukas Alexander Linemayr, Jacob Stephen Lizama, Taylor Dee Lyman, Garrett James McDonald, Rachael Elizabeth McManus, Luke Henry McNamara, Christopher Leo Michaud, Julia Rose Mini, Juliet Dorothy Moore, Shane Patrick Napolitano, Brent David Phillips, Isabel Dare Reis, Patrick Armstrong Robb, John Connor Ronan Mei Salas Brennan Haley Santaniello, Peter Thomas Shaw, Stephanie Ann Storey, Natalia Suraci, Ashley Michelle Szczapa, Stephen James Terenzio, Benjamin Harris Thut, Kennedy Olivia Hall Tischner, Sarah Heston Trojan Conor Patrick Tully Marshall Edward White, Sarah Taylor Yanofsky and Willow Boone Zakian.

Westbrook High School held its graduation June 6 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland. The following students rose to the top 10 of the class of 2015.

CASSADIE L. GALLANT, valedictorian
She is the daughter of Scott and Carol Gallant, of Westbrook.
Honors: National Honor Society (11,12); Bausch & Lomb Award; Academic awards in English, honors earth science and social studies.
Activities: Envirothon-10,11,12; Spanish Club 9,10,11,12; volunteer at the soup kitchen (9,10,11,12).
Future plans: Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and major in elementary education.

GREGORY S. VIOLETTE, salutatorian
He is the son of James and Diana Violette, of Westbrook.
Honors: National Honor Society (11,12); Phi Beta Kappa Award; State Champion-100 Butterfly, 100 Backstroke; All State-Swimming in the 200 Free, 100 Back, 200 & 400 Free Relay; Dennis Connolly Swimming Award: Most Valuable Swimmer (9,10,11); SMAA All-Academic; SMAA All Conference-200 Medley Relay, 100 Backstroke, 400 Freestyle Relay; SMAA Student Athlete Summit.
Activities: swimming (9,10,11-Captain, 12), tennis (12), Math Team (11,12), Envirothon (11).
Future plans: Marist College

EMILY N. THORNTON, honor essayist
She is the daughter of Gregory and Kimberly Thornton, of Westbrook.
Honors: National Honor Society (11,12); National Technical Honor Society (11,12); class secretary (9); class director (10); Williams College Book Award; SMAA All-Academic; SMAA All-Conference Honorable Mention-Soccer. Academic awards in mathematics and science.
Activities: indoor track (9,10,11), soccer (9,10,11,12-tri-captain), softball (9,10,11), student council (9,10), Interact Club (9,10,11,12), RSVP (9,10,11).
Future plans: Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and major in nursing.

JOHN M. PETERS
He is the son of Gregory and Gail Peters, of Westbrook.
Honors: National Honor Society (11,12); Harvard Book Award; SMAA All-Academic; Most Improved-Golf. Academic Awards in English, history, mathematics and science.
Activities: golf (10,11,12-tri-captian).
Future plans: Southern New Hampshire University and major in business administration/finance.

ALEXIS R. REDMOND
She is the daughter of Sarah Redmond, of Westbrook, and David Redmond, of Old Orchard Beach.
Honors: National Honor Society (11,12); Rotary Youth Leadership Award; Best Rebounder; SMAA All-Academic; SMAA All-Star-Basketball. Academic awards in English, French 4, and social studies.
Activities: basketball (9,10,11,12-tri-captain); lacrosse (9); track and field (12); peer mentor (12); French Club (10-Vice-President,11-President); Envirothon (11,12).
Future plans: University of Northern Colorado.

COURTNEY A. JORDAN
She is the daughter of Scott and Shelley Jordan, of Westbrook.
Honors: National Honor Society (10,11,12); Rensselaer Medal; SMAA All-Academic. Academic awards in music, science, mathematics, English and social studies.
Activities: basketball (9); tennis (9,10,11,12-captain); Math Team (11,12); Key Club (10,11,12-Treasurer); Marching Band (11,12); Jazz Ensemble 1 (11,12); Jazz Ensemble 2 (9,10).
Future plans: Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and major in Chemistry.

KIANA C. TAYLOR
She is the daughter of the late Kenneth and Belinda Taylor and sister of Jennifer Ocean, of Westbrook.
Honors: Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Award; Perseverance Award. Academic Award in English.
Activities: Basketball (9); RSVP (9,10,11), YMCA volunteer (9); Part-time work (10,11,12).
Future plans: Wheaton College.

MARISSA N. MARTEL
She is the daughter of Scott Martel and Carolyn Levesque, of Westbrook.
Honors: National Honor Society (11,12); Smith College Book Award; SMAA All-Conference Honorable Mention-Soccer; SMAA All-Star-Basketball; SMAA All-Academic; Coach’s Award-Basketball; Best Offence-Soccer. Academic awards in mathematics, science and social studies.
Activities: basketball (9,10,11,12-Tri-Captain); soccer (9,10,11,12-Tri-Captain); track and field (9,10,12-Captain); Peer Mentor (12); RSVP (10,11,12).
Future plans: University of Maine and major in nursing.

EVERETT S. PRAIRIE
He is the son of Keith and Jane Prairie, of Westbrook.
Honors: National Honor Society (11); Maine All-State Music Festival (11); Honors Band (10). Academic Award in mathematics.
Activities: Marching Band (10,11,12); Sock’n Buskin Theater (9,10,11,12); Trail Blazers (9).
Future plans: University of Hartford and major in acoustical engineering and music.

ISAIAH C. MANOOGIAN
He is the son of Tammy Barrows and Gary Manoogian, of Westbrook.
Honors: National Honor Society (10,11,12-vice-president); class vice-president (10,11,12); D.A.R. Good Citizen Award; Most Improved-Soccer; SMAA All-Academic. Academic awards in mathematics, English, social studies and Spanish.
Activities: basketball (9,10,11,12); soccer (9,10,11,12); track and field (9,10,11,12); Spanish Club (12); Peer Mentor (11,12); RSVP (9,10); Student Council (10,11,12-vice-president); Wreaths Across America (11,12); Lifeguard (11,12).
Future plans: University of Connecticut and major in pharmacy.

Westbrook High School’s class of 2015

Gali Adaan, Tyler Adriance, Mohammed Al Kinani, Zaid Ali, Pierina Appleton, Brady Arsenault, Brittney Arsenault, Amber Axelsen, Heather Bailey, Brianna Barlow, Haleigh Barrett, Jennifer Beecher, Emma Berry, Jeffrey Bois, Connor Bollig, Derek Breunig, Alexis Brown, Parker Chabot, Samantha Clark, Grace Conant, Brandon Conley, Joseph Cooper, Amberly Delponte, Kerigan Demers, Sadie Dorn, Travis Doyon, Taylor Driscoll, Frank Dushime, Tyler Eastman, Liana Enright, Olivia Esty, Nargas Faizizada, Hannah Farr, Nicole Ferguson, Blake Fillmore, Angelina Fournier, Jacob Gagnon, Catherine Galipeau, Cassadie Gallant, Isabelle Gato, Isaiah-Jamal Gava, Marie Girineza, Isabelle Goodrich, Isabel Greenblatt, Kaitlyn Greenlaw, Hayley Grover, Hannah Harmon, Ashley Harriman, Lea Hopkins, Michael Howard, Jr., Cameron Hutchins, Kaitlynn Hutchins, Landry Ininahazwe, Matthew Irish, Changkuoth Jany, Abigail Jensen, Alexis Jensen, Maurice Johnson, Jacob Joiner, Courtney Jordan, Sage Kalicky, Brendan Kellogg, Doaa Khalil, Rebecca Knowlton, Taylor Landry, Cera Lane, Raymond Lane III, Gradi Lapika, Gabriella Latini, Thomas LeBlanc, Destiny Lemire, Chharavy Leng, Mariah LePage, Jordan Litchfield, Jiani Ma, Alaa Makki, Sophia Manning, Aleah Manoogian, Isaiah Manoogian, Marissa Martel, Faith McKinley, Megan Moody, Alicia Mooers, David Moore, Julie Mudasumbwa, Morgan Mulkern, Justin Neptune, Assa-Abel Niyongabo Michael Nutter, Chadd Pelletier, John Peters, Halee Phelps, James Phelps II, Bryanna Phillips, Savahna Plummer, Ryan Poitras, Dhearick Ponomarenko-Story, Everett Prairie, Alexis Redmond, Bayne Richardson, Shannon Rielly, Andrew Rogers, Teejay Salisbury, Jaylah Sawyer, Alina Semenov, Brooke Shaw, Tyler Shaw, Zoe Shields, Hannah Smith, Noah Snyder, Anita Sou, Mackenzie Souza, Elizabeth Stalling, Matthias Stamey, Andrelle Steele, Maxwell Storm, Kiana Taylor, Antallia Thomas, Nadira Thomas, Emily Thornton, Emily Torrey, Quoc Tran, Anthony Trask, Patrick Udomsay, Sage Van Eekhout, Gregory Violette, Cassidy Webster, Patrick Weimer, Luther Williams, Nicholas Zabenko and Saadeldin Zackaria.

Noble High School held its graduation ceremony at 7:30 p.m. June 6 at the  school in North Berwick. The following students rose to the top 10 for the class of 2015.

FELICIA NICOLE PAGE, valedictorian.
She is the daughter of Gary and Cathy Page, of Lebanon. Felicia has received the Maine Principal’s Association Student of the Year Award, the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society Award, the Rogers William Book Award, and was a Noble Honored Student of the Month. She had numerous leadership roles throughout high school, including serving as president of her class and student body president. Felicia was a student representative on the school board, where she presents regular reports on high school events and activities from the student perspective. She was also a member of the National Honor Society and a founding member of the Noble Dress Boutique, a student led prom dress donation center, which provides prom dresses to students who otherwise could not afford them. Felicia plans to attend Bates College to major in medical biology and to minor in genetics. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend dental school. Once Felicia has a successful dental practice, she plans to volunteer her services in rural areas of the state.

TORIELLE CONNOR, salutatorian
She is the daughter of Tracey Connor of Berwick. Torielle is a member of the National Honor Society, Chamber Singers,Treble Choir, and Project SEARCH, an after school enrichment program for gifted and talented students. She was also a French mentor at the North Berwick Elementary School, introducing elementary school students to French culture and language. Torielle is a talented musician and she enjoys writing songs and playing acoustic guitar. Torielle plans to attend Suffolk University in the fall and is the recipient of a dean’s scholarship and a trustees’ scholarship. She plans to major in business with a specialization in entrepreneurship and to minor in real estate. Torielle hopes to own her own company one day.

KIANA CHABOT
She is the daughter of Roy and Candida Chabot, of Lebanon. Kiana was selected to receive the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship Award. She was a member of student council, serving as secretary this year. Kiana is also a member of the National Honor Society and Project SEARCH, an after school enrichment program for gifted and talented students. She serves on the Believe Committee, a community group focused on raising aspirations for all students. Kiana also volunteers at the Noble Dress Boutique, a student led prom dress donation center, which provides prom dresses to students who otherwise could not afford them. Kiana will attend the University of New England to study medical biology/pre-med. Her long range goal is to work with Doctors Without Borders, delivering medical aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters or exclusion from health care.

HENRY HINTERMEISTER
He is a son of Dr. Charles Hintermeister and Dr. Teresa Breault, of North Berwick. Henry is a student-athlete, who excels in both venues. Henry is the president of the National Honor Society and received the 2014 Scholastic Art and Writing Gold Key and the 2013 Scholastic Art and Writing Silver Key. Henry’s extra-curricular activities include four years varsity outdoor track (captain 2014 and 2015) four years varsity indoor track (captain 2014 and 2015) and two years varsity soccer (captain 2015.) Passionate about writing, Henry plans to pursue his interests in English literature and history at Tufts University. His future goal is to write professionally for script or stand up comedy and to continue to write humor.

AUTUMN RIVAS
She is the daughter of Jennifer Mason, of North Berwick. Autumn is a recipient of the St. Thomas University Book Award. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and has participated in vocal and theatre excel throughout high school. She was also the director of the Noble High School show choir for two years. Autumn has been involved with theatre at Noble High School as well as in the community for the past four years, earning numerous lead roles and high praise for her acting skills. Autumn participated in the Maine All State Honors Choir, the All National Honors Choir and the Jazz All State Honors Ensemble. She plans to attend The Paul Mitchell School of Cosmetology in the fall.

JEFFREY ANDERSON 
He is the son of Jeff and Nancy Anderson, of North Berwick. Jeffrey received the French Student of the Year Award as well as the Student of the Month Award. He served as the student representative on the district’s Believe Committee. He was also the co-director of student council, secretary for the National Honor Society, a member of Project SEARCH, and a French mentor at North Berwick Elementary School. Jeffrey is a recipient of a Dean’s Scholarship at the University of New Hampshire, where he plans to study pre-med. Jeffrey’s future goal is to make a difference by helping others as a physician.

MEREDITH FEENSTRA
She is the daughter of Jay and Brenda Feenstra, of Berwick. She was The Berwicks’ 2105 Volunteer of the Year for achieving over 1800 community service hours giving therapeutic riding lessons to children with disabilities. Meredith was a member of the National Honor Society, the National Barrel Horse Association and the N Bar H Riding Club. She was a National Barrel Horse Association Youth world qualifier in 2014 and 2015 and a yellow ribbon winner. Meredith will attend the University of New Hampshire, where she plans to major in bioengineering with a minor in therapeutic riding. She hopes to use her degree to design prosthetics for disabled veterans.

KATHRYN TAYLOR
She is the daughter of Jeff and Kim Taylor, of Lebanon. Katie is the recipient of the Maine Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship as well as the Dirigo Award from Thomas College. She was a member of several athletic teams, which earned her 12 varsity letters and a 12 letter plaque. She was team captain for field hockey, basketball and softball, and she earned many outstanding player and teammate awards. Katie was also selected to participate in numerous All Star, All State and All Conference games. She attended various conferences throughout high school, including the Southern Maine Athletic Association Sportsmanship Summit and Dirigo Girls State. She is a member of the National Honor Society, student council and she worked as a French mentor at the North Berwick Elementary School. Katie plans to attend Thomas College in the fall, where she will major in political science. Once she has earned her undergraduate degree, Katie plans to attend law school.

KATERI BRITTANY GOMES
She is a daughter of Richard Gomes and Cynthia Young-Gomes, of North Berwick. Kateri was a Noble High School recipient of the Rensselaer Medal. She is a member of the National Honor Society, she received the French Student of the Month Award all four years of high school, and she participated in the “We the People” competition in 2014.  Kateri, a member of Noble’s Drama Club, was a cast member in “the Wizard of Oz” and “The Pajama Game.” She is a regular volunteer at a local Animal Welfare Society shelter. Kateri will be attending the University of Rhode Island, where she plans to double major in international biomedical engineering and Spanish.

SEAN SHOREY
He is the son of Brian and Bambi Shorey, of Lebanon. Sean is the recipient of the Embry Riddle Chancelor Scholarship, the Clarkson Scholarship and the Clarkson Merit Scholarship. He is vice president of the National Honor Society, and a member of the varsity lacrosse team. He also plays the drums for Noble’s Jazz and Symphonic bands. Sean will be attending Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, where he will study aerospace engineering.

Noble High School’s class of 2015

Tanner Aldrich, Jeffrey Michael Anderson, Nicolas Athans, Allyson Aubin, Ryan Babcock, Justin S. Bailey, Melodie J. Bailey, Kaylee M. Balcewicz, Rachel Beane, Renee Y. Bedard, Timothy D. Bell, Tyler Benner, Erin Bernier, Shane Berry Malik L. Bistoury, Adrianna Marie Boardman Paul Boivin, Taylor Kay Bourbon, Benjamin Bridge, Erica Lynn Brown, Traver Elwin Brown, Jr., Troy L. Bruton, Jade Buckman, Devin Burke, Emma Burns, Brandon R. Burris, Jeffrey Cameron, Kiana S. Chabot, Caleb Adam Chambers, Tyler Cheever, Shane Cleveland, Kailey J. Coleman, Keith Wyatt Colwell, Torielle Connor, Benjamin Caleb Cooley, Christopher David Cote, Jeannine Leah Cote, Benjamin Michael Couture, Samantha Cox, Hunter Davis, Tucker Davison, Charles Day Carolina De Feo, Jaysie DeWolf, Sean P. Dillon, Courtney Mychela DiNardo, Kimberly Kay Donoghue, Dylan Bryce Doucette, Danielle Nichole Dubois, Taylor Marie Dupont, Hannah Durant, Jamal Durrani, Corey Eastman, Joshua Emard, Elizabeth Endyke, Patrick Fahy, Meredith Feenstra Hannah Elizabeth Fields, Alex Fitzgerald, Alyssa Flagg, Brandon E. Ford, Sarah Ford, Rachel Fowler, Keaton M. Gagne, Tanner Gahagan, Miranda Gerard, Autumn Grace Getman, Kasie M. Gillette, Angel Marie Glazier, Kateri Brittany Gomes, Kiana M. Goodwin, Johnathan M. F. Gould, Katie Goyette, Reilly Mark Greenlaw, Liam Griffin, Taylor Grover, Camrin Guimond, Sabastian D. Gabriel Guptill, Matthew Guy, John Hamme, Paige Harmon, Kelsey Hart, Sarah M. Hashem, Kristen Hill, Henry A. Hintermeister, Brittany Hobbs, Caleb Nathaniel Holmes, Emma Hornbrook, Olivia Blaze Houston, Sophie Hunter, Cameron L. Johnson, Michael A. Jones, Tyler Carlton Joy, Andrew C. Kimble, Jr.,  Tylar J. Kinnison, Carsten Kocek, William J. Lago, Nickolas Lane, Joseph Langley, Jared Lapierre, Donald Timothy LaRock Michael V. Lavoie, Dylan James Leary, William Nicolas LeBright, Joshua LeFebvre, Zachary C. Lesmerises, Daniel Scott Levesque, Noah I. Lewis, Jasmine K. Liwanag, Serena Brooke Lockhart, Phuong Lu, Chaley P. Machado, Kelsey MacKinnon, Julianne McDonough-DoaneBailey McKenna, Nathaniel W. McQueen, Alexander Menter, Katie Lynn Morissette, Caulin Morrison, Samuel K. Morse, Laura D. Nicolo, Elijah Norton, Felicia Nicole Page, Jacob Papciak, Morgan Taylorr Perillo, Austin Perkins, Ryan M. Perry, Matthew D. O. Poblador, Ryan Anthony Poligni, Max W. Pommier, Aidan D. Pratt Dean E. Pratt, Jr., Dominic Puopolo, Mickayla Brook Quimby, Tyler James Rabideau, Wyatt Ricker, Autumn Rose Rivas, Casey Lynn Robert, Brent Glen Rogers, Dominick Rogers, Leah Rene Russo, Spencer Rutt, Kelsey Santeusanio, Alexandra Sardinha, Zachary J. Schluntz, Joshua Schultz, Kayla Rose Shafer, Cheyenne K. Shaw, Makenzie Alexa Shisler, Sean Shorey, Nolan C. Smeeton, Keegan Smith, Wyatt Smith, Anna Colby Snow, Morgan Jaye Staples, Molly Stapleton, Madalyn Stella, Ryan J. Strate, Corbin C. Study, Brianna L. Tallard, Dylan Tasker, Olivia Rae Tasker, Kathryn Elizabeth Taylor, Noah Taylor, Emily C. Thornton, Rebecca Tiberio, John J. Toomey, III, Alexander L. Torno, Logan  G. Torno, Aleah M. Trepanier, Daniel T. Upton, Makayla F. Urrutia, Elizabeth Valcourt, Gregory Scott Valcourt, Jared Dean Wagner, Patriq Deon Walker, Kyle L. Webber, Colton  Z. Wheeler, Jordan Nicole White, Joseph Wilkinson, Brittany A. Wright, Junda Yu, Jacob Zenga and Christopher Ziadeh.

Pine Tree Academy in Freeport held its graduation on  June 7 at the school gym. Three students qualified for the top 10 percent. They are:

ALLISON VERRILL
Activities: vice president of Student Association, sophomore year; president of Student Association, Junior year; captain of varsity soccer and varsity basketball teams; member of National Honor Society; Senior Class Vice President; traveled to Europe twice and Bermuda once with various music groups; participated in bell ringers for four years, band for four years and choir one year.
Future plans: Andrews University in Michigan, major in biology. Later, apply to a physician assistant program to pursue that career. Also plans to travel.

CHLOE HEADLEY
Activities: vice president and president of Student Association, junior and senior year; graduated from the Young Entrepreneurs Academy as the CEO of her own event coordinating company called Bash Events; member of the girls’ varsity soccer team; organized and led a student running club; and member of the National Honor Society.
Awards: Recipient of the Caring Heart Award and received a Presidential Scholarship to High Point University
Future plans: High Point University, majoring in international business. Later, start a business in interior design.

AMELIA PEKAR
Activities: Student at Pine Tree Academy for 13 years; sang in elementary chorus and academy choir; and played oboe, percussion, and baritone saxophone in the academy band. She also participated in the dramatic productions of “The Suessification of Romeo and Juliet” and “It’s a Wonderful Neverland”; member of the varsity girls’ soccer team for four years and the varsity girls’ basketball team for one; played and performed with the Advanced Bell Ringers for six years and went on two foreign tours to Central Europe and Scandinavia; served as a journalist on the school newspaper; secretary of the student association during sophomore and junior years.
Future plans: Walla Walla University, majoring in biochemistry, architecture or editing.

Pine Tree Academy’s class of 2015

Samuel Richard Delaware, Kimberly Renee Emerson, Katelynn Savannah Falter, Zachary Ethan Falter, Bosung Gong, Cody James Haggett, Chloe Margaret Headley, Franklin Edward Hodson IV, Haley Elizabeth Johnson, Kathryn Elizabeth Kruzich, Jakub Stefan Krzywoń, Rebecca Nicole Learned, Krishna Haresh Patel, Amelia Elizabeth Pekar, Luis Oseas Rodriguez, Shantel Lynn Seeley, Kenneth Frank Sweetser, Allison Rose Verrill, Sarah Ann Waterman, Christopher Newell Wilday and Peter Michel Wilkinson.

Thornton Academy held its graduation at 1 p.m. June 7 at the school. School officials presented diplomas to 356 students. Below are the students who achieved summa cum laude status.

PAULA MARIE CARAS, is the daughter of Lisa Cabot and George Caras of Saco. She is a competitive figure skater, captain of Academic Decathlon team, member of the National Honor Society, Interact Club, Ambassadors Club, Student Council, and plays piano. Paula will be attending Connecticut College to major in biology.

XINYI (LUCY) CHEN,  is the daughter of Liping Hao and Mingwei Chen in Beijing, China and is now living with homestay mom and dad Darlene and John Boissonnault of Dayton. In her years at Thornton Academy, she has been actively involved in math and science. She joined Thornton’s math team as a sophomore and has done well in all three years. She won first place in the Maine State Math Competition as a junior and second place as a senior. Meanwhile, Lucy is the president of TA Chinese Club, a leader of TA Amnesty International Club, and a member of National Honor Society. She is also a dancer and has participated in Dance Company for three years. Xinyi (Lucy) Chen is going to enroll in MIT for college and possibly major in engineering and business.

TORI JEANELLE DANIS, is the daughter of Johanne and Scott Danis of Saco. While at Thornton Academy, she participated in field hockey, tennis, Ambassador’s Club, National Honor Society, and Robotics. She received Excellence in Honors Chemistry, Pre-Calculus, and Spanish I, II, III, and was selected to the SMAA All-Academic Team for Field Hockey. She will attend the University of Connecticut next fall to major in chemical engineering.

HALEY MARIE DAGRACA, is the daughter of Michael DaGraca and Sandra DaGraca of Saco. During Haley’s time at Thornton Academy, she has participated in a wide variety of activities ranging from sports to student council. In student council, Haley has held the position of Class Treasurer where she has participated in things like Mr. TA, the Thanksgiving and Christmas drives and Children’s Winter Carnival. Haley was also selected to be a part of National Honor Society and the Reducing Sexism and Violence Program where she taught Saco middle schoolers the causes of sexism. Holding most special to her, Haley has participated in TA soccer all four years and was recognized for the All-Academic Team, the Western Maine Class A All-Star Team, the All-Conference Team and the Journal Tribune All-Star Team, her senior year. Haley plans to attend St. Joseph’s College in the fall.

KATHERINE GILLESPIE, is the daughter of Scott and Beth Gillespie of Arundel. She was inducted into the National Honor Society as a member of the Welcoming Committee, where she served as an Admissions Tour Guide. Katherine also devoted much of her time to the girls’ varsity soccer program, acting as a captain her senior year. One of Katherine’s favorite high school activities involved using this passion for soccer to host a 3v3 tournament to benefit Grassroots Soccer, an organization that educates and mobilizes young people to stop the spread of HIV. In addition, she has participated in Chamber Singers and Treble Choir, as well as the musical productions of Phantom of the Opera, CATS, and Pippin. Katherine is looking forward to attending Colby College in the fall and is planning to major in Global Studies.

EDWIN FRANCIS INNESS, is the son of Ed and Laurie Inness of Dayton. Throughout his years at Thornton Academy he has received numerous Certificates of Achievement and Certificates of Excellence. Eddie has competed in indoor and outdoor track and field all four years of high school, which earned him a spot on the SMAA All Academic Team. Eddie has enjoyed participating in the mentoring program his junior and senior years where he worked with a kindergarten class at Young School. Eddie attended Dirigo Boys State in June 2014. Eddie is looking forward to attending St. Michael’s College in the fall.

KELSEY ANN KEHOE, is the daughter of Jill Kehoe of Saco. She has dedicated her years at Thornton Academy to her academics, running and volunteering. Kelsey ran cross-country for three years where she earned her varsity letter and was able to compete in the state meet. She has been an active member of the Reducing Sexism and Violence Program, which is a club that works to combat bullying and conducts workshops at local middle schools. Kelsey also serves as a mentor to a young girl through Sweetser Services and she is the president of the Hunger Committee for the National Honor Society. Kelsey looks forward to attending the University of San Diego in the fall, where she plans to major in Psychology.

VICTOR RIBEIRO MENEZES, is the son of Evandro Menezes and Monica Ribeiro. Victor is from Southern Brazil and studied his first year of high school in his hometown, Campo Mourao. Victor transferred and moved to Thornton Academy as a sophomore, where he has been very active. Victor is the captain and No. 1 singles player of the tennis team, coach of the tennis club, a member of the Order of DeMolay and the National Honor Society, a soccer goalkeeper, and skier. Victor has been selected as a SMAA All-Stars tennis player and the recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution good citizen award. Victor looks forward to attending Georgia Institute of Technology, where he plans to major in mechanical engineering.

SYDNIE PICARD, is the daughter of Guy and Shelley Picard of Saco. She has been an active member of Student Council throughout her four years at Thornton Academy. Sydnie has also participated in treble choir for all four years, drama for two, and was inducted into the National Honor Society her senior year. She played multiple sports in high school, which included soccer, basketball, and her favorite, lacrosse. Sydnie plans to attend Fairfield University in the fall and her major is currently undecided.

JENNA LYNN SCOTT, is the daughter of Michelle and Jason Scott of Saco. Throughout her time at TA, Jenna served as Sophomore Class Vice President, Senior Class Secretary, and has received numerous Certificates of Excellence and Achievement. She has divided her four years here between the TA Players – where she has participated in 14 productions -, Student Council, Student Ambassadors, Orchestra, the Speech Team, and at the end of her junior year, she was inducted into the National Honor Society, adding one more thing to her schedule. Jenna is excited to attend Bowdoin College in the fall, and is very thankful for all of the support and opportunities she has been provided with at TA.

KATHERINE SENECHAL, is the daughter of Guy Senechal and Victoria Rogers. She has played varsity soccer throughout her years at TA, becoming captain her fourth year. She was inducted into the National Honor Society and participated with the Action Team, which is a volunteering group that reaches out to the surrounding town of Saco. She also has participated in varsity tennis in the spring, reaching captain her senior year. Katherine will attend Colby College next year, going in undecided for her major.

ERIN ELYSE TANGNEY, is the daughter of P.J. and Sue Tangney of Dayton. During her years at Thornton Academy, Erin was a member of the Interact Club and the Ambassador’s Club. She played three years of varsity soccer and lacrosse, earning a spot on the SMAA All-Academic Team. She was also inducted into the National Honor Society. Erin will continue her education at Loyola University Maryland in the fall.

XUEZHOU (EILEEN) WANG, is the daughter of Zongcui Zou and Li Wang of Tianjin, China.
She has been a member of Chamber Singers, NHS, Speech Team, and Interact Club. She will major in history at New York University.

WENHUI (JESSIE) ZHAO, is the daughter of Jianjun Zhao and Wen Li of Shanghai, China. Jessie is the valedictorian of the Thornton Academy Class of 2015. She was the recipient of the MPA Principal’s Award as well as the MPA Golf Tournament Scholarship. Jessie also received AP Scholar with Honor and a bronze medal in the 2014 Maine Academic Decathlon. Throughout her three years studying at Thornton Academy, she has been the captain of Action Team for three years, co-captain of Academic Decathlon for a year, and treasurer for Ribbon Club for two years. She has also been a member of the National Honor Society Tutoring Committee, Admission Committee student tour guide, Model United Nations, Neuroscience Club, and Thornton Academy Mentor Program. Jessie also started a project called Humans of America with her friends, which is a photo blog inspired by Humans of New York. Beginning this coming fall, Jessie will attend Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, where she plans to double major in Science and Business with minors in French and Educational Studies.

XINGPEI (AUSTIN) ZHUANG, is the son of Weihua and Xiaokua Zhuang of Shenzhen, China. Throughout his three years at Thornton Academy, he has participated in various activities involving athletics and art. Xingpei has been heavily involved in the Dorm Soccer Team, serving as captain, and the indoor-soccer league held by Fitness Center for three years. He is a member of Math Team, Interact Team, Small Ensembles, 5k Club, Chinese Club, and plays guitar and violin. Xingpei looks forward to attending Brandeis University in the fall, where he plans to major in Computer Science with a minor in Finance.

Thornton Academy’s  Class of 2015

Kyle Adams, Nicole Agapiou, Justin Alcorn, Sabena Allen, Taylor Allen, Danielle Amadon, Desiree Anderson, Heather Atwater, Quintyn Bachiochi, Robert Balsamo, Kevin Barrett, Gwyneth Beaudoin, Kayla Beaulieu, Kylie Beaulieu, Faith Benedict, Kaeleigh Benson, Mitchell Bergquist, Nil Berke, Dustin Bertrand, Jordan Berube, Hunter Beyea, Jarrell Biglow-Sastre, Cameron Bilodeau, James Black, Zachary Blow, Andrew Bogatses, Derek Boissonnault, Andrea Borsani, Jayden Boudreau, Justin Boure, Ashlyn Bourque, Kayla Bowman, Katrina Brenaman, Jack Breton, Cheryl Brown, Nicholas Brown, Vojtech Brtinsky, Zachary Bryant, Daniel Bullard, Amanda Burke, Christopher Camire, Quinn Campbell, Paula Caras, Christopher Caron, Isaac Caron, Cameron Carreiro, Brianna Chaisson, Cameron Chamberlain, Yiwei Chang, Tszying Chau, Abigail Chelate, Junyu Chen, Xinyi Chen, Xu Chen, Yawen Chen, Kong Wai Chu, Michael Clay, Matthew Cleary, Dani-Rae Clegg, Jenna Clum-Russell, Alexander Cole, Nicholas Cole, Sabryna Collins Hall, Evan Combes, Caitlyn Comeau, Margaret Connellan, Chase Coro, Corsetti Antonini, Brayden Costa, Emily Costello, Jonathan Cote, Ariel Courtney, Saffron Courtney, Gavin Crespin, Nicholas Cronin, Brooke Cross, Holly Crowell, Karaghan Curran, Haley DaGraca, Austin Daigle, Ryver Daigle, Tori Daigle, Mariah Dallaire, Brianna Daly, Tori Danis, Alexis Dapolito, Tyler DeGuzman, Nathaniel Deluca, Domonic DiPietro, Amirah Dor, Blake Douston, Tyler Dow, Caitlyn Doyon, Caleb Drabkowski, Jordan Dube, Kailey Dubuque, Holly Durgan, Hunter Ebling, Liam Eisenhaur, Timothy Elliott, Francesca Elnicki, Yuan Fan, Jacob Farnsworth, Jameson Faunce, Steven Field, Keira Fitzgerald, Tyler Fleurant, Curtis Fortier, Dennis Fournier, Shyanne Frazier, Stephanie Fuhrmann, Stephanie Fuller, Christopher Gagnon, George Gagnon, Logan Gailitis, Myles Gamage, Kassandra Garcia, Steven Gay, Christopher Geyssel, Katherine Gillespie, Spencer Girardin, Nathaniel Glaude, Meghan Goebel, Lucas Going, Christopher Golding, Eric Gooch, Charles Goodrum, Chelsea Goodwin, Aaron Goren, Nicholas Grantz Emily Gray, Liam Green, Ryan Haines, Kayla Haley, Lindsey Hall, Zachary Hall, Tyler Hannah, Johnelle Hardy, Brandon Harlow, Ali Harris, Christopher Harris, Emily Harris, Jessica Haskell, Kayleigh Henderson, Shawn Heyland, Tyler Hill, Tyler Hobart, Ashley Houp, Lei Huang, Andrew Huot, Edwin Inness, Mitchell Jacques, Jacob Jalbert, Lexy Jenks, Wensen Jin, Zhuhui Jin, Olzhas Karazhigitov, Kelsey Kehoe, Youngshin Kim, Shayna Kimball, Jared King, Glorianna Kittredge, Vanessa Knox, Taylor Kocyba, Christopher Kowash, Danica Labonte, Rebecca LaChance, Kaylee Lafortune, Cory Lamontagne, Taylar Lamontagne, Joy Landolfi, Hanna Langley, Abigail Lapierre, Keegan Lapointe, Tyler LaPointe, Chloe Lavigne, Madison Lawlor, Tyler Lebel, Carli Legere, John Lemoine, George Lett, Catherine Levecque, Chen Li, Yangbo Li, Yuanliang Li, Devin Littlefield, Jiahao Liu, Brooke LoBue, Ashton Lord, Ran Luo, Victoria Lux, Hannah Maddix, Casey Maguire, John Maguire, Nicole Mailloux, Isaiah Makonnen, Mikayla Maksut, Tiana Mariner, Ian Marshall, Brian Martin, Mary Martin, Zachary McCarthy, Kaitlyn McCrum, Matthew McDonald, Haleigh McKechnie, Victor Menezes, Thomas Messier, Kyle Metcalf, Christian Michaud, Brittney Mondor, Cameron Mondor, Kyle Monroe, Logan Mooers, D’Andre Morgan, Gavin Morin, Jason Morrill, Jessica Morrissette, Alexandra Morse, Tourner Moseley, Jacob Moulton, Joshua Moulton, Skye Murray, Andrew Nadeau, Devin Nason, Lea Nason, Dieudonne Nizeyimana, Olazabal Aguilar, Ryan Oliveira, Amanda Packard, Jacob Paquette, Christopher Parenteau, Pasquin Canas, Ben Patterson, Jenna Paul, Taylor Pedra, Taylor Pelletier, Joshua Penaflorida, Elizabeth Perry, Francesca Petrucci, Alexandra  Pettaway, Cody Picard, Daniel Picard, Sydnie Picard, Maggie Piecuch, Brittany Pinet, Jacqueline Pinkham, Seth Pollock, McKalie Pouliot, Madelyn Preston, Colby Priest, Sarah Proctor, Eric Profenno, Gregory Prokey, Elizabeth Provencher, Conor Purvis, Valerie Rancourt, James Remmes, Alexander Reppond, Emily Ribaudo, Brianna Roberge, Nicholas Roberts, Camrin Robichaud, Abigail Robinson, Zachary Robinson, Tyler Rogers, Nicholas Rombalski, Alicyn Romprey, Jake Ronnow, Abigail Root, Julia Rowlett, Michaela Royea, Demel Ruff, Zari Ruley, Julia Russell, Kaitlyn Salcedo, Nathan Scammon, Christina Scenna, David Scenna, Jenna Scott, Jaymie Seneca, Katherine Senechal, Keke Shao, Mackenzie Sheehan, Lyndy Sherer, Kailin Shi, Curtis Simoneau, Isaac Sinclair, Dorina Sirois, Andrew Smith, Devyn Smith, Dylan Smith, Hannah Smith, Katelyn Smith, Nathaniel Smith, Noah Smith, Taylor Smith, Megan Sommer, Samantha Sousa, Alexandria Spinney, Kathryn St. Amand, Joseph St. Hilaire, Mia Stalnik, Christopher Steward, Emma Stewart, Abigail Strickland, Heather Strout, Erin Tangney, Centong Tao, Zoe Tarr, Brandie Taylor, Kelsey Thatcher, Rucen Tian, Tuan Tkhen To, Samuel Tobin, Tian Tong, Bailey Tremblay, Bryanna Trott, Emily Turner, Nathan Vachon, Nicole Vadnais, Emily Vallee, Zachary Vandermeer, Elisabeth Vaughan, Alyssa Voccia, O’Malley Walsh, Xiaoran Wang, Xuezhou Wang, Porter Washington, Zachary Weber, Gabrielle Weigand, Alexis Wells, Lauren Wells, Noah Whalen, Chloe White, Courtney Wiemert, Hayley Wilde, Kyle Williams, James Woodburn, Cody Woodward, Jessie Woodward, Kearsten Wyman, Chang Man Xu, Hanfu Xu, Shaoxiang Yang, Ciwan Yilmaz, Alyssa Zamjohn, Ruitong Zeng, Huiran Zhang, Jiaming Zhang, Xinyi Zhang, Wenhui Zhao, Tianyu Zhou, XingPei Zhuang, Benjamin Zuke and Joseph Zuke.