The Spaulding High School faculty and staff are thrilled to announce the top 10 graduating seniors of the Class of 2022.
Rankings are based on the cumulative grade point average throughout high school. 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 10th, 2022.
Meryam Belhassad, daughter of Said Belhassad and Rosa Torres of Rochester, is the recipient of the Trustees Scholarship from the University of New Hampshire, where she will go on to study nursing within the UNH Honors Program. Meryam was also accepted at Saint Anselm College, the University of New England, Simmons University, Fairfield University, Salve Regina University, Colby Sawyer College, and Franklin Pierce University. After earning her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, Meryam hopes to work as a labor and delivery nurse. Upon gaining the necessary experience, she then plans to apply to an accredited nurse-midwifery program in hopes of becoming a nurse-midwife in an acute care setting.
Meryam is the recipient of the 2021-2022 Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen recipient for Strafford county and has received high honors during every year of her high school career. Meryam serves as both Secretary and Treasurer of the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and is the Vice President of the Spanish Honor Society. She is also a member of the Environmental Club, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Educational Talent Search.
Throughout her time spent at Spaulding, Meryam has given back to her community in numerous ways. She has assisted with Gather, a mobile market that provides free food services to members of the community. She has also volunteered in the CCU/PCU unit, surgical services, ER, and radiology departments at Frisbie Memorial Hospital. Additionally, Meryam works 20 hours a week as a shopper and trainer at Hannaford, where she will soon be receiving a promotion.
Meryam recalls, “The most meaningful experience during my high school experience would probably be my clinical experience from my health science technology class. In order to obtain a LNA license, I would need at least 60 hours of clinical experience to which we would attend our local long-term care facility, the Rochester Manor. The experience and relationships I would make here would make my time worthwhile and further instill my desire to pursue a career in nursing. The rewardful feeling gained by helping others is something that I crave in a career and nursing provides me with just that. I am forever grateful for both the memories and acquaintances I would make along the way!”
Meryam added, “I want to thank my family and friends for their support and encouragement throughout the past years. Specifically, I want to thank two incredible teachers. Thank you Lisa Kumph for all that you have done for me for the past two years that I’ve had you as a teacher. You have been there for me not only for academic assistance but also for personal support. You have constantly encouraged me to do the best and persevere. You are an amazing teacher and I cannot thank you enough! Lastly, I want to thank my amazing math teacher, Lynda Baita. Thank Mrs. Baita for all that you have helped me with over the years. You are an amazing teacher and someone who I look up to. I can talk to you about anything and you allow me to express myself! Thank you so much for the countless hours of Calculus work you helped me with. I will always cherish our time together! I will always remember what you taught me and your constant encouragement! Thank you ladies for everything! I will stay in touch!”
Emma Boudreau, daughter of Krista and Gary Boudreau of Rochester, will be attending the Honors Program at Adelphi University next year, where she plans to major in exercise science with a minor in dance. She was also accepted to seven additional colleges, including Syracuse University and the University of Oregon. Emma strives to ultimately work with professional dancers in injury prevention and rehabilitation, either through her work as a future athletic trainer or physical therapist. Above all, Emma plans to continue dancing well after her college years and far into her future career.
Emma is a member of three honor societies: the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. She was the recipient of RIT’s Innovation and Creativity Book Award during her junior year, and has also been on the honor and high honors roll all throughout her high school career. A natural leader, Emma has worked as an assistant dance teacher at Studio 109 for the past 8 years, where she has led groups of students ages 18 months to 8 years old. An experienced performer, Emma has participated in various community performances including the Zombie Walk, Rochester Christmas Parade, Rochester Tree Lighting, Lions Club Holiday Party, Manchester Monarchs Games, Recycled Percussion shows, Relay for Life, and more. She has also competed on the Studio 109 Performance Troupe for the past twelve years.
Over the years, Emma has also managed to balance her academic excellence and commitment to dance with employment, including her previous jobs working at Dunkin Donuts and the Rochester Rec Center, as well as her upcoming job in the food service department at Wentworth Douglass Hospital.
Emma reflects, “My most meaningful activity I participated in was dance. Dance has been a part of my life since I was a toddler. There isn’t anything I do that can’t be brought back to dancing and what I do as a member of my studio. Growing up dancing has taught me valuable life lessons in discipline, teamwork, work ethic, and much more. Each of these are so important in becoming a well-respected adult in the world. I have an emotional attachment to dance. When I dance, I feel as if I’m pouring my heart and soul onto the stage and I feel seen. It’s been such a huge outlet for me in terms of creativity and emotions. I’m so grateful for each and every opportunity dance has provided for me, and I’m very glad to continue my dance journey in my life. “
Emma would like to thank her parents and sister for always being there for her throughout her life. She would also like to thank her friends from school and dance for supporting her no matter what.
Hannah Cormier, daughter of Jeri-Anne Crowder and Paul Cormier of Rochester, is the recipient of the Presidential Academic Scholarship and the University & Alumni Award at George Washington University, where she will go on to study within the Honors Program in the fall. Hannah plans to major in Political Science with a potential minor in dance, and she strives to ultimately become a lawyer. Hannah was also accepted to Plymouth State University, Keene State College, Suffolk University, Salve Regina University, University of South Florida, Florida State University, Drexel University, New England College, and the University of New Hampshire.
Hannah was the recipient of the Harvard Book Award during her junior year. She serves as President of the French Honor Society, Co-President of Mu Alpha Theta, and Co-Captain of the Spaulding High School Dance Team. Hannah is also a member of the National Honor Society, the National Technical Honor Society, Student Leadership, and Class Council. In 2019, she was awarded a full-year scholarship to the Studio 109 Performance Troupe due to her commitment to dance both within her studio as well as in the community. She also participates in Safe Haven Ballet, a nonprofit ballet company that raises money for victims of sexual violence.
Throughout the course of her high school career, Hannah has given back to her community in numerous ways. She has enjoyed assisting and student teaching both younger kids and those with learning disabilities with dance, and has volunteered in a variety of performances including the Christmas Parade, Zombie Walk, Relay for Life, and various additional performances for local retirement homes. She has also participated in caroling trips to Frisbee Hospital, the police station, and local elementary schools to help spread cheer during the holiday seasons. Recently, Hannah also took charge of the Kindness Initiative, where she led others in helping to spread kindness and positivity throughout the local Rochester elementary schools.
Notably, Hannah manages to juggle all of her academic, extracurricular, and voluntary involvements with her job, as she works as a server at Little Miss Sophie’s restaurant.
In considering her high school career, Hannah reflected, “There are a variety of meaningful activities I have participated in high school, however, the most meaningful was being able to give back my dance education to others. For roughly the last 5 years I have been a teacher assistant in our adaptive dance program. This program consists of students with different learning/physical/behavioral disabilities. Throughout my time it has been extremely rewarding to see the major strides these kids make each and every year. It’s also amazing to see them grow out of their shell. Seeing them surpass these milestones every year has been incredible and being able to both learn and share my knowledge has been amazing. They have become the sunshine within my life and they have taught me so much, as well. In addition to our adaptive program, working with the younger generations has also been beyond rewarding. Dancing has been my passion since I was two years old and being able to give back with that passion has been astonishing. Every day when I walk into class whether it be to teach the younger kids or the adaptive students they always put a smile on my face. They have given me a reason to better myself as well as become that role model for the next generation. I would’ve never imagined how meaningful these experiences were until now and how impactful they were on my years within high school.”
Hannah added, “Thank you to my mom, dad, and the rest of my family for loving me unconditionally and being my biggest cheerleaders. Thank you to all my friends for creating the best memories and being a shoulder to lean on. Thank you to both my academic and dance teachers for believing in me and pushing me far beyond what I was capable of. Thank you for allowing me to see my true potential.”
Owen Daigle, son of Chris and Nicole Daigle of Rochester, will be attending the University of New Hampshire in the fall, where he will go on to study Exercise Science. Although his ultimate career goal is yet to be determined, Owen strives to establish a career in the field of exercise science. Owen was also accepted to the University of Connecticut as well as the University of New England.
Owen was the recipient of the Russell Sage Book Award, was honored as the 2018 JV Boys Soccer MVP, and has been recognized as a Scholar-Athlete. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and he holds the position of Treasurer of the Spanish Honor Society. He was also chosen for the honor of attending the American Legion New Hampshire’s Boys State program.
Owen has given back to the community in numerous ways throughout his high school career, including moving donated furniture, donating food and clothes, volunteering at an aftercare, and cleaning up trash around town.
Additionally, Owen has been actively involved in sports throughout his high school career. A multi-season athlete, Owen has been a member of the Spaulding High School Soccer, Swim, and Track and Field teams. In his free time, Owen enjoys skiing in the winter and swimming in the summer. He also manages to balance all of his commitments with his job at Demoulas, where he has been working since 2018.
Owen described his time spent at American Legion New Hampshire’s Boys State as the most meaningful experience of his high school career, recalling, “I went into it not knowing what it was at all, other than it looking good on a resume. I met with other guys from across the state for five days on the Saint Anslem’s campus. Usually, I am a social guy but it was a lot about putting yourself out there. The counselors told us we got out of it what we put in so I was forcing myself out of my comfort zone. I told myself I had nothing to lose because I didn’t know these kids at all. At the start of the week I met a bunch of random kids, but after a week of spending sixteen working hours each day creating our own mock municipality, learning about New Hampshire as a political body, and overall bonding with these random kids, I had felt like I knew them my whole life. I could have gone into this and talked to no one and been bored out of my mind, but instead, I talked to that one kid, stood up, and made that speech, and it made the week all the more memorable. I guess most of it was meeting some amazing kids my age, but some of it too was learning from current U.S Senators that represent New Hampshire, judges, Executive council members, and even Governor Sununu how amazing of a state New Hampshire is.”
Owen also wished to thank numerous people for their support in helping him succeed, “To start I want to say thank you to all my teachers all throughout my education, I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. Also, I have all my coaches, teammates, and friends to thank as well, they are the ones that taught me how to work together and as a cohesive group. Finally, I want to thank my parents for taking care of me even before I was born. They gave me a life to live and a world to explore and supported me every step of the way.”
Samuel Farrington, son of Tim Farrington and Therese Gilbert of Rochester, has been accepted to the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire, where he will go on to study in the Honors program next year. Samuel plans to major in Finance, and he strives to work toward the accomplishment of becoming a lawyer someday.
Samuel serves as Co-President for Mu Alpha Theta (the Spaulding High School Honors Math Club), and he is also a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, and the National Technical Honor Society. Samuel received All-State Honors for baseball during his senior year, and he received first place in the Future Business Leaders of America competition as well. Additionally, Samuel has played on both the Varsity Baseball and the Varsity Golf teams throughout his high school career.
Samuel has enjoyed volunteering as a buddy at Buddy Ball in Roger Allen. In his free time, he enjoys woodworking, and is also passionate about agriculture, as he raises pigs, cares for chickens, and makes hay. Samuel also manages to balance his scholastic, athletic, and extracurricular achievements with his commitment to work. He works at Fowler’s Farm where he bales and stacks hay during the summer months.
When asked to describe the most meaningful experience of his high school career, Samuel said, “Definitely baseball. We had an awesome group of kids our senior year. My favorite memory was beating Concord on Senior Night in 10 innings. Student sections were also fun throughout high school.”
Samuel added that he would also like to thank his “family, friends, teachers, and coaches. Especially Mr. Carr, Coach Gagnon, and Coach Wallfield” for helping him achieve all of his successes. He will never forget the relationships that were built during high school.
Cora Godbout, daughter of Stephen and Brandy Godbout of Rochester, is the recipient of the Castleton Achievement Scholarship as well as the Castleton Grant. She will be attending Castleton University in the fall, where she plans to study archeology. Cora strives to ultimately earn her Doctorate degree in archaeology and has ambitions of completing her fieldwork in Egypt.
Cora was the recipient of the Junior Book Award from Saint Michael’s College. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and has been listed on the Honor and High Honor Rolls throughout her high school career. Cora has been a four-year participant in the Spaulding High School Chorus and has also participated in Tech Crew. A compassionate leader, Cora also rose into the role of Stage Manager during her senior year for the production of Descendants the Musical.
Cora has also been committed to volunteerism at the Hilltop Equestrian Center, where she dedicates her time to judging shows and assisting younger riders. She is also employed at Hilltop Equestrian Center, where she has worked since the age of fourteen.
When asked about her most meaningful experience in high school, Cora replied, “Tech crew. It was something I truly enjoyed and was willing to take the time for. I love theater, just not being on stage. I loved being part of the team that made the productions happen, and then later being one of the leaders of that team.”
Cora would like to thank her parents, her teachers, and her guidance counselors, who have all helped her along the way on her journey to success.
Isaac Lapointe, son of Marc and Cathleen Lapointe of Rochester, is a recipient of the Trustee Scholarship at the University of New Hampshire, where he will go on to study within the University Honors Program next fall. Isaac plans to major in Civil Engineering, with a career goal of being “successful enough to have no worries and go fishing whenever I want to.” Isaac was also accepted at Keene State College, Plymouth State University, and the New Hampshire Technical Institute.
Isaac was the recipient of the Lasell Book Award, the Football all State Award, and he was also recognized as the Joe Yukica Scholar-Athlete. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Latin Honor Society, and the National Technical Honor Society. Isaac serves as captain of the Spaulding High School Football Team and has been a member of the Spaulding Track and Baseball teams as well.
Throughout his involvement in numerous clubs, Isaac has volunteered his time completing various community service projects over the course of his high school career. Isaac has volunteered at soup kitchens, worked in youth sports, written cards for the troops during the holidays, and helped with making blankets for people in Ukraine, among other things.
Isaac also managed to balance both his scholastic and extracurricular achievements with his commitment to employment. During the summer months, Isaac works on Fowler’s farm, where he hauls and stacks hay.
When asked to reflect on the previous four years spent at Spaulding, Isaac recalled, “The most meaningful activity I participated in during high school would be all four years of football. I think this because, during these four years, I have learned more than just football. Thanks to my great teammates and coaches I have learned life lessons and created friendships that I will always remember.”
Isaac added, “I’d like to thank my family, especially my parents, all of my coaches, especially Coach Hebert and Dunn, all of my teachers, and all of my friends. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Camden McLain, son of Josh and Jen McLain of Rochester, will be attending the New Hampshire Technical Institute in the fall to pursue a degree in Liberal Arts degree. Although his specific major is yet to be determined, Camden is keeping his career options open: He maintains a keen interest in both music and audio technology.
Camden was the recipient of the St. Anselm Junior Book Award. He is also a member of the National Honor Society as well as the Latin Honor Society. Having spent many years involved in Boy Scouts, Camden has also been awarded the honor of Eagle Scout.
Camden has been an active member of the Spaulding High School Music Department and Drama Club for all four years of his high school career. Additionally, he serves as captain of the Spaulding High School swim team as well as Co-Editor in Chief of the Spaulding High School yearbook.
In addition to all of his extracurricular involvements, Camden balances his academic achievements with his employment at Granite Steak and Grill, where he works about 10 hours per week during the school year.
When asked about his time spent at Spaulding, Camden reflected, “I think the most meaningful activity I have participated in during high school has been the music department. Though it wasn’t always perfect, and it may have been a stressor at times, the people I have met and become close with as a result have been some of the closest friends I’ve ever had.”
Camden would like to thank his friends and family for their endless support, as well as the teachers he’s had that have helped him to reach success.
Shawn Aaron Lopera Norton, son of Conception and Wayne Norton, is the recipient of the Trustee’s Scholarship at the University of New Hampshire, where he plans to earn his undergraduate degree. Shawn will be studying mechanical engineering, one of his greatest passions, and hopes to attend MIT in the future for his master’s degree. Maintaining a firm belief in the importance of serving his community, Shawn will also be joining the Army Reserves during the first six years after his high school career.
Shawn is a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and the Kitty Hawk Air Society. He is a recipient of the ROTC Achievement Ribbon, the ROTC award for Academic Excellence, the American Legion Scholastic Award from ROTC, and he was nominated for Congress of Future Medical Leaders, receiving their Award of Excellence. Shawn was also the recipient of the Colby-Sawyer College Junior Book Award and was recognized by the National Honor Society for his outstanding achievements in both Physical Science and Algebra.
Exemplifying his commitment to giving back, Shawn has completed extensive amounts of both roadside and riverside cleanups throughout Rochester. He has volunteered at Goodwill and the Salvation Army, and, through his involvement in ROTC, has helped to assemble thanksgiving baskets and assisted with local blood drives. In his free time, Shawn enjoys blacksmithing, woodworking, guitar, cooking, video games, exploring the evolution of technology, science experiments, video editing, and designing things.
In thinking back on his time in high school, Shawn reflects, “ROTC was one of the most meaningful groups I have been a part of during high school. I believe what made it so meaningful to me was the fellowship between other cadets and how easy the structure made it to make friends with other individuals. It is also one of the only classes that allows you to do things outside of school with peers. And along with all that, it also taught me fundamental skills that will help me in the future such as communication, discipline, and teamwork. Being able to be a part of ROTC from the very beginning of high school allowed me to grow a stronger connection with my friends and learn the overall importance of what ROTC could provide. As someone who plans on going into the military, the ROTC program was invaluable to me as a start to my future. Even beyond the military.”
Shawn adds, “I would like to thank my parents for always supporting me regardless of what direction I wanted to take my life and for giving me guidance throughout my whole life.
I would like to thank my best friends Jason Stanley and Trever Kunze for always encouraging me to improve upon myself and inspiring me to make the most out of my future. I hope to repay the priceless support they unconditionally offered. I would also like to thank my Engineering Teacher Jason Eberl for putting the future of his students before anything else within his teaching.”
Lucia Wondal, daughter of Sarah and Joseph White of Rochester, is the recipient of the Trustee’s Scholarship at the University of New Hampshire, where she will go on to study within the Honors program in the fall. Lucia plans to major in environmental engineering, and is potentially interested in studying environmental law as well. Lucia was also accepted at Drexel University, Suffolk University, Temple University, and Wheaton College.
Lucia is the winner of a grant from the Marjot Foundation to pursue a chloride study on the Willow Brook in Rochester. She was granted $5,000 for this project and has currently been conducting research to present to the Rochester Conservation Commission. Lucia was also the recipient of the Society of Women’s Engineering Book Award. She serves as Co-President of the Environmental Club, Community Service Officer of the National Honor Society, Vice President of the French Honor Society, and serves as an ambassador for the CTE Ambassadors Program. Additionally, Lucia has been involved in Class Council, is a member of the National Youth Sustainability Council, and is a varsity athlete on the Spaulding High School Track and Field team. In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding, gardening, concerts, and spending time with her family and friends.
Lucia has additionally devoted her time to giving back to her community. She has volunteered at various local soup kitchens, participated in city-wide cleanups, served as a throwing mentor for the middle school track team, and volunteered at Gather Food Pantry, as well as with other projects within the school and local community.
Lucia recalls, “The most personally meaningful activity I have participated in during high school was the track and field team. This was a meaningful experience for me because I was able to meet so many people and make such memorable memories. This activity will leave a long-lasting impact on me because I was able to challenge myself aside from my academics. I was able to see the improvement along the way from the hard work that I put in, which has helped me qualify for elite meets and even the state track meet. While on the track team, I was able to grow outside of my comfort zone and come out of my shell from the shy person I was in my freshman year. I have been able to work collaboratively with others and have been a leader on the team. While on the track team, it was such a great memory to hear my teammate always wishing the best for me as well as being able to cheer them on as well. This was a very meaningful experience for me because of the immense support from my coaches and other athletes, but especially from the upperclassmen. I am extremely grateful to be an athlete on a team that has done so much for me. They all contributed to making this a positive and memorable experience for me.”
She also added, “There is a long list of people who I would like to thank for my journey to success, but I would like to thank all of my teachers, school faculty and staff, friends, family, anyone who has helped me along the way, but most especially my sister, Marcella.”