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Presenting Spaulding High's Top Ten of 2019

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The Spaulding High School faculty and staff are thrilled to announce the top 10 graduating seniors of the Class of 2019.

Rankings are based on the cumulative grade point average through the third quarter of this year. The honored graduates are listed in alphabetical order, as the determination of valedictorian and salutatorian, based on grades for the entire four years of high school, will be calculated and announced at graduation on June 14th, 2019.

Sophie Adams, daughter of Denise and Bill Adams of Rochester, is the recipient of the Presidential Scholarship at Plymouth State University. Sophie will go on to study nursing at Plymouth State, and plans to obtain a Master's degree to work as a general nurse practitioner. Sophie was also accepted to the University of New Hampshire and Colby-Sawyer College.

Dedicated to helping others, Sophie volunteers at the Holy Rosary Church, where she helps to prepare free breakfast for over 100 guests. She has been a member of the National Honor Society since her junior year, and is an avid participant in Spaulding's Spanish Honor Society. Music - and band in particular - have been a large part of her high school experience. Sophie has been a Drum Major in marching band since her junior year, and she has sung in chorus for all four years as well.

A dedicated student, Sophie graduated a semester early from high school in order to work and earn money. She enjoys her job, and especially her coworkers at Hannaford, where she works 35 hours per week. Sophie was promoted to Shift Supervisor last December, and managed to balance a 20-hour work week with a full time schedule at Spaulding.

Sophie was selected to receive an award for outstanding musicianship at Spaulding for three consecutive years. She was the only freshman to be accepted at Spaulding for Voice, was selected to attend All State Band with her French horn, and was chosen to audition at the NH All State Music Festival. She reflects, "When I got to the high school, I found an immediate home in the music department. It was my goal to become a drum major, and at the end of my freshman year I was thrilled to be elected as Drum Major in Training. Throughout playing in the band and conducting band shows, I have grown very close to my peers. The memories I have made pouring my heart into countless hours of performances and rehearsals will always be a part of me."

Sophie recalls her experience at Yale's National Student Leadership Conference last summer as incredibly educational and inspiring. This solidified her choice to pursue a career in nursing.

We are thrilled to know Sophie will continue to apply her many talents to helping others in the future.

MacKenzie Brady, daughter of Karrie and Philip Brady of Rochester, is the recipient of the Presidential and STEM scholarships at Plymouth State University. MacKenzie will be attending the Honors College at Plymouth State, where she will also swim on the D3 Varsity Swim team. MacKenzie plans to pursue a degree in Mathematics with a concentration in High School Math Education, and ultimately aspires to become a High School Math teacher. MacKenzie was also accepted into the Honors programs at Hartwick College and the University of Maine Orono.

Balancing an array of commitments, MacKenzie is an active member of Class Council, Student Senate, Spanish Honors Society, National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Project SEARCH, and she serves as Editor-in-Chief on the school yearbook. A strong athlete, MacKenzie runs track, is captain of the varsity swim team, and has dedicated over 16 hours to the Seacoast Swimming Association. Additionally, she consistently gives back to the community by participating in Rochester Clean-Up Days and volunteering as a math tutor for her peers.

MacKenzie is on Spaulding High School's Honor Roll and has received High Honors consistently throughout high school. She manages to balance her exceptional academic success with a 16 hour work week at Dunkin Donuts, exemplifying her strong work ethic and commitment to success.

MacKenzie reflects that visiting the elementary schools in Rochester and spending time with the kids has been one of the most valuable experiences of her high school career. She has also enjoyed "being a part of the yearbook staff and making something meaningful for the senior class", both experiences that will undoubtedly shape her into the outstanding teacher we know she will become.

We are so excited and proud to hear of all that MacKenzie accomplishes as she continues on her pathway to college and on her journey towards educating others.

Caroline Dillon, daughter of Karla and Scott Dillon of Rochester, is the recipient of the Melissa Sengbusch Inspirational Scholarship at the University of Pennsylvania. Caroline will attend UPENN in the fall, where she will be pursuing a degree in nursing. Caroline was also accepted to the University of Vermont, the University of New Hampshire, and Colby-Sawyer College.

A valued leader at Spaulding, Caroline is the President of French Honor Society, Secretary of National Honor Society, Drum Major, and Oboe Section Leader in band. A future certified Nurse-Midwife and Women's Health Nurse-Practitioner, Caroline is currently working with NH Senator Hennessey to pass SB-142, which would allow students across the state access to feminine hygiene products - a need that has not been secured for many. Caroline is an avid participant in chorus and Project SEARCH, as well as a dedicated volunteer with Project Linus.

During her junior year, Caroline was selected as the St. Michael's Book Award recipient, and honored as the Granite Girl's State Delegate. In addition to her many activities and involvements, Caroline also works at Hannaford supermarket year-round.

Caroline describes her work with Senator Hennessey as the most meaningful activity she's participated in during high school because she learned a lot about the NH legislature, gained valuable public speaking experience, and met many influential people along the way. She explains, "Our goal of making menstrual hygiene products freely available to students is almost a reality, and I'm so excited to help improves the lives of girls across the state."

We are so proud of Caroline's hard work and know this is just the beginning of a lifetime of achievement in helping others.

Paislee Garland, daughter of Shereen and Jeffrey Garland of Rochester, is the recipient of the Presidential Scholarship and is an Honors program inductee at Hofstra University. Paislee plans to study Mathematics with a concentration in Actuarial Science within Hofstra's Honors program. Following this, she looks forward to pursuing a career as a licensed actuary. Paislee was also accepted to the University of New Hampshire, University of Maine, University of Vermont, UMASS Lowell, and Stetson University.

A lifelong dancer, Paislee volunteers as an assistant dance teacher, and has devoted her time to dancing for residents at local nursing homes. She also volunteers in Rochester's Tree Lighting Performances, in addition to other community shows. Paislee is passionate about giving back to the community: She has also participated in Rochester Clean Up Day, Relay for Life, and has volunteered to her time to helping local citizens register to vote. Excelling in roles of leadership, Paislee is the Co-President of Mu Alpha Theta, and serves as the Secretary for Spanish Honor Society. She is a dedicated member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Interact Club, and pursues her passion for dance at Studio 109 in Rochester.

During her junior year, Paislee was honored as the recipient of the Harvard Book Award. She has also been recognized for her academic excellence and dedication, earning the Statistics and Global Studies awards at Spaulding High School.

When asked to recall her most valuable memory from year four years at Spaulding, Paislee reflects, "The most personally meaningful activity I participated in during high school was raising money for dancers from Nicaragua with the Spanish Honor Society. It was so meaningful because I have been a dancer all of my life, and I loved being able to help another group of dancers pursue their passion and love for dance."

Spaulding has been lucky to have Paislee's leadership and compassion over the past four years, and we know she will move forward with great dedication in all she accomplishes.

Natalie Gauthier, daughter of Lisa and Jason Gauthier of Rochester, is the recipient of the Presidential Scholarship at the University of Tampa, where she will be studying Marine Science on the Pre-Veterinary track, with a career goal of becoming an Aquatic Veterinarian. Natalie has also been accepted at San Diego State University, University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of Florida, Coastal Carolina University, University of New Hampshire, and University of Maine.

Passionate about bettering the environment, Natalie volunteers her time participating in local beach cleanups. Dedicated to bettering the lives of others, Natalie volunteers at local community homes, serves food at nearby soup kitchens, and helps out in Rochester's food pantries. She is an enthusiastic participant in Friends Forever International, the International Buddy Program, Leadership Group, and Project SEARCH.

An admired leader at Spaulding, Natalie is seated as Vice President of the class of 2019. She is also an avid member of the National Honor Society, French Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and takes leadership in shaping school policy and events within Principal's Council. Natalie was honored as the recipient of the Smith College Book Award and the Eileen D. Foley Fellowship Award.

Beyond school and volunteerism, Natalie has many passions and hobbies. She enjoys going to the beach, gardening, puzzles, painting, knitting, and golfing. On top of all her commitments, she also balances a demanding work schedule, working 20-30 hours per week at The Links at Outlook.

Natalie regards her participation in Friends Forever International as her most meaningful high school experience because of "what the organization taught me, the experiences it gave me, and the opportunities I continues to receive. Friends Forever reinforced my acceptance and enhanced my understanding of others. It made me realize that everyone has their own story even if I do not know it yet. Friends Forever has taken me across the world and introduced me to remarkable people and lifelong friends. I am a confident public speaker and strong leader. Friends Forever has given me the opportunity to be part of the change for a better world."

We so proud of Natalie's achievements and can't wait to hear about all she accomplishes on her journey toward bettering the world for all.

Anthony LaBruto, son of Giselle and Tom Pomeroy of Wakefield, and Michael LaBruto of Pembroke Pines, Florida, has been awarded the University of New Hampshire's Governor's Scholarship, and Quinnipiac University's Presidential Scholarship. He has also been accepted to Temple University and Emerson College. Anthony will be attending Emerson College in the fall in order to study journalism and broadcast engineering on his pathway to becoming television news correspondent.

A role model for his peers, Anthony has served as Varsity Captain on the Boys' Cross Country team and was a four-year participant in Boys' Varsity Indoor Track and Boys' Varsity Lacrosse. Anthony is an enthusiastic member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Project SEARCH. On top of his demanding athletic and academic accomplishments, Anthony also volunteers his time at the Rochester Farmers' Market, and within the activities department at the Riverside Rest Home. Anthony has also been working at the Poor People's Pub as a line cook for the past two years.

Recognized for his accomplishments, Anthony was awarded the St. Michael's College Book Award and honored with a certificate of completion from the St. Paul's Advanced Studies Law and Governance Program. Impressively, he is also a recipient of a certificate of completion at the School of the New York Times Summer Academy Economics' Program.

When asked to recall one of the most meaningful activities from high school, Anthony noted it was the time he spent volunteering at the Riverside Rest Home during the holidays. He reflects that, "Being able to make residents feel welcome in their own environment and allow them to share their stories during a potentially difficult time for them is an incredibly rewarding experience."

Anthony would also like to give a particular thanks to his Pepere, Memere, and Uncle Ron for helping him remain successful throughout his high school career. We are so proud of Anthony's drive and compassion for others, and know it will lead him toward more wonderful accomplishments in the future.

Benjamin Mathias, son of Beverly and Paul Mathias of Rochester, is the recipient of the Neubauer Scholarship at Tufts University, where he plans to double major in Quantitative Economics and International Relations. Ben hopes to work in the field of business or law, ultimately aiming to pursue an MBA or JD after his bachelor's degree. (But, as he advises, we should check back in with him in four years to see if that's still the plan!) Ben was accepted to the Honors College as a Hamel Scholar at the University of New Hampshire and to the Honors College at Boston University. He was also accepted at Fordham University, George Washington University, and Pennsylvania State University.

An admired leader at Spaulding, Ben serves as President of FBLA, Co-President of Mu Alpha Theta, Treasurer of Interact, and Treasurer of National Honor Society. He is also an avid member of class council, Project SEARCH, and Spanish Honor Society. Over the past four years at Spaulding, Ben has been involved with volunteerism through the Interact club. In this role, he helps out at local soup kitchens and has volunteered at the Monarch school, where he enjoyed playing games and spending time at school with the students.

With a natural wit and charm, Ben describes, "My favorite hobbies are committing terrible parking jobs, stealing other people's food at lunch or in class, and bargain hunting." When reflecting on sports, he admits, "I've never had an athletic bone in my body, so I managed sports in high school instead." Ben has managed the Boys Basketball team for the past four years, and the Girls' Volleyball team for the past three years. Despite Benjamin's athletic reflection, he also plays tennis, but feels he has some room for improvement.

In addition to his many commitments, Ben held a job at Hannaford for three years, with hours varying based upon his management schedule. Benjamin currently works as a waiter at the 110 Grill in Rochester, but was sure to add, "And if anyone reading this has ever had me as a waiter, I would like to apologize for probably forgetting to bring ketchup with your fries or burgers..."

Benjamin is the recipient of the Saint Anselm Book Award and has earned High Honors all four years of high school. He has also been titled as General Manager of the Spaulding Boys Basketball team.

When asked about his most valued high school experience, Ben recalls, "My most meaningful activity was definitely managing boys basketball. It was the first extracurricular I participated in during high school, and after traumatically being cut from the middle school basketball team in seventh grade, it showed me that I could apply myself in unique ways. Apart from the memories that it gave me, it also opened the door for me to partake in other clubs and activities during high school."

Spaulding will be sure to miss Ben's incredible charisma and humor, but we are thrilled to hear of all he accomplishes in the future.

Madeleine O'Donnell, daughter of Traci and Patrick O'Donnell of Rochester, is a scholarship recipient from Temple University, where she plans to study English, ultimately aspiring to pursue a career in the field of Editing and Publishing. Madeleine has also been accepted to Goucher College, Hofstra University, Emerson College, the University of Maryland, the University of Pittsburgh, Towson University, and the City University of New York.

A fantastic leader at Spaulding, Madeleine serves as Vice President of the Spaulding High School band. She is also an avid participant in Select Chorus, Pit Band, and was selected to perform in the All-State Chamber Festival. A dedicated and accomplished student, Madeleine is also a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Project SEARCH.

Passionate about helping others in need, Madeleine dedicates her time to volunteering with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Relay for Life, and supporting multiple other local organizations. Madeline also volunteers at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre and devotes her time to helping children at the Monarch School of New England, which educates students with significant physical, medical, developmental, or emotional disabilities.

Madeleine has been recognized for her academic talents throughout high school, and has been honored with an award from the Society of Women Engineers. She also manages to balance her multitude of activities and commitments with her job, working 15 hours per week at JC Penney.

When ask about the most valuable experience in high school, Madeleine recalls, "The Advanced Studies Program at St. Paul's school has been my most personally meaningful activity that I've participated in. I am very grateful for the guidance department presenting me with this opportunity and pushing me toward it. I got to meet students from all over New Hampshire and choose a major to study for six weeks. I made great memories and friends that I will always appreciate!"

An example of compassion for others, we are so proud of Madeline's dedication to bettering the lives of those in need and look forward to hearing about all her future accomplishments.

Nathaniel Trueworthy, son of Brian and Vicki Trueworthy of Rochester, is the recipient of the Presidential Scholarship at the University of New Hampshire, where he will go on to study within the Honors Program. Although currently undecided in his future career choice, Nathaniel plans to study mathematics and science. He looks forwards to focusing in on various facets of these fields as he moves forward to discovering his career aspirations. Nathaniel was also accepted to the University of Maine Orono, and Ithaca College.

An admired leader in the music department, Nathaniel serves as Alto Sax Section Leader in band and Bass Voice Section Leader in chorus. Passionate about drama and the Performing Arts, Nate has led his classmates to success, starring in multiple lead roles at various Spaulding High School drama productions. He is an avid participant and strong leader in both chorus and band, excelling in both courses at the Honors level.

Beyond his success on stage, Nathaniel is also a member of the National Honor Society, the Latin Honor Society, and Chess Club. In addition to his academic and musical achievements, Nathaniel shows himself to be a dedicated employee, working at Hannaford Supermarket and averaging about 17 hours per week.

Consistently giving back to the community, Nathaniel has volunteered his time to support the Relay for Life, and has also participated in various community service projects with the Latin Honor Society and the National Honor Society.

Nathaniel regards his experience in the All-State Music Festival - a competitive convention for top musicians in the state that requires auditions for entry - as one of the most meaningful experiences of his high school career. Nate recalls that, "All-State Music Festival was the greatest achievement I had fulfilled in regards to my passion: the alto sax. I finally was able to be a part of a band that all loved music as much as I do, and it was an unforgettable experience, the best of my high school career."

Whether continuing to excel in math, science, drama, or music, we are thrilled in knowing Nate's talents will continue to shine in all his future accomplishments.

Nicholas "Nick" Ward, son of Dennis and Sarah Ward of Rochester, is the recipient of the Dean's Scholarship at Northeastern University, where he will go on to study cellular and molecular biology. Through his studies, Nicholas ultimately aspires to obtain a career in the medical field. Nicholas has been accepted to the Honors programs at the University of New Hampshire, Stonehill College, and Emmanuel College. Additionally, he has also been accepted to the College of the Holy Cross and Boston University.

A admired leader at Spaulding, Nick serves as the Vice President of the National Honor Society, and the Treasurer of Class Council. He is also an active member of the Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Project SEARCH. Nick prefers to balance his academic excellence with meaningful volunteer experience: Passionate about helping others, Nick enjoys spending time on the Howie's Field of Dreams Buddy Ball League and has also dedicated his time to being a Pease Greeter alongside Mr. Roy, Spaulding's High School principal.

A talented multi-season athlete, Nicholas has played Varsity Tennis for four years, and he ran Varsity Cross Country for three years. Admired by his peers for consistent athletic leadership, Nick has also been captain of the Boys' Tennis Team for the past two years. Beyond his talent in Spaulding High School sports, Nick has also been recognized for his athletic skill and commitment, having received the NHIAA Scholar-Athlete award as well.

Nick supplements his busy schedule with 40 hours work weeks each summer. He works for the City of Rochester, where he has risen from Junior Counselor to Head Counselor in just three years. Additionally, he helps to coach and referee basketball for other students in the community, which aligns with his enthusiasm for athletics along with helping others.

When asked to reflect on his most valuable high school experience, Nick recalls, "The most meaningful activity for me has been Buddy Ball. For me, it's just been so nice to be able to help the disabled kids to play a sport that they would otherwise have been unable to play. It's cool to be able to hear their stories and really have a fun time. It's given me an appreciation of what I've been able to do in my life, and to give them at least one of their own."

We are so proud of Nick's accomplishments, and recognize how lucky Spaulding has been to have had such a stellar leader in academics, athletics, and in bettering the lives of others.

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