mlt grad 2025

MONADNOCK LEDGER-TRANSCRIPT

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2025

- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

GRADUATION 2025

CONANT MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL

Grads encouraged to ‘pop the bubble’ Class of 2025 members also advised to live in the now

By ASHLEY SAARI

Monadnock Ledger-Transcript

Standing at the podium on the Conant Middle High School stage, valedictorian Denton Montgomery shared some nuggets of wisdom from a trusted source – fortune cookies.

He cracked open three, and read out the fortunes: “The roots of our education may be bitter, but the fruits are sweet,” followed by, “When one door closes, another opens” and lastly, “If you can’t be kind, at least be vague.”

It was the capstone to Montgomery’s speech to the class of 80 graduates during the Conant Middle High School commencement, held STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI in the Franklin Pierce University Class co-adviser and guest speaker Jenny Meskauskas gives a farewell to the Class of 2025, the first class she taught SEE CONANT PAGE 4

through their entire middle and high school careers.

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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Conant 2025 Graduates!

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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI—

The Conant Middle High Class of 2025 lines up on the graduation stage.

CONANT FROM PAGE 2

COVID-19, and being the first class to brave a senior capstone project.

“And of course, we’ve made friendships that hopefully persist long after our time at Conant.

Now we look to the future. As we prepare to receive our diplomas and go our separate ways, let’s take a moment to appreciate everything and everyone that led us here,” Montgomery said.

“Eighteen years, give or take, have just gone by, and for many of us, this will be the biggest changes of our lives. Is that scary? Absolutely.

The status quo is about to change forever. But it’s also a new opportunity to explore and grow.”

The class co-adviser, Jenny Meskauskas, was selected as the guest speaker and said the Class of 2025 was special to her, as it was the first group of students she had taught all the way through middle and high school.

“From the very first day I met you all as small, timid sixth graders, right up until now as confident, passionate, wildly creative seniors, many of whom now tower over me, I’ve gotten to watch you grow into the incredible people you have become day by day, year by year,” Meskauskas said.

“And saying goodbye is going to be one of the SEE CONANT PAGE 5

We are so proud of you,

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Class of 2025!

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Congrats to the class of 2025!

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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

gymnasium on June 13. The ceremony included senior Jaedin Bryan, who has performed the national anthem for most important school events, giving one last performance.

Senior class President Lucy Dupuis, Vice President Taylor Shea, Secretary Izabelle Rollins and Treasurer Quinn Kelly presented the class gifts – moneyboxes engraved with the class year – for each of the middle and high school classes and National Honor Society.

Montgomery looked back on his class adapting to their eighth grade year, interrupted by

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CONANT FROM PAGE 4

STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI

Class President Lucy Dupuis gives her farewell speech to her class.

“One night, I asked the client something on the lines of what he was planning on doing the following day. The client looked at me and said, ‘Lucy, worry about today, and worry about yourself.’ He was right.

Even though it was my job to worry about him, I was worried about tomorrow,” Dupuis said. “Too easily, we shift the focus from the present to the next week or the next year.

We hyperfixate on the weekend or summer vacation, instead of enjoying the bleak days of winter, but

ment in her speech as class salutatorian.

“While we all are about to go our separate ways, we are all among each other for possibly the last time.

Our moments together are fleeting.

Many say that time is a thief, but we should look at it as a gift. We are lucky to be in this life, so my greatest advice to you is to live it,” Rollins said.

Rollins encouraged her classmates to, rather than play it safe, fully experience life and seek out their dreams, even when it is hard.

STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI “Create your own purpose. Some Valedictorian Denton Montgomery opens fortune cookies on the may be fearful that their greatest graduation stage to mine for nuggets dreams in life will fail them, but let of wisdom. me assure you that you will never lose in life – you will win, or you will learn. Everyone will always be in doing that, we rob ourselves of more comfortable in the place they today.” know, in their own world, surDupuis said now, poised at the rounded by their own bubble. And I next step in their lives, her fellow say pop the bubble,” Rollins said. classmates should keep that in Whether popping that bubble mind. meant traveling the world, bungee “As we start to enter the real world, with so many scary things, I jumping or skydiving, Rollins said that it should also meant they were hope this brings you comfort. I know there are more gray skies and “living and not just simply existing.” clouds ahead, but focus on today.

And part of that, she said, was surThat is what is going to get you rounding yourself with people who through,” she said.

SEE CONANT PAGE 6 Rollins agreed with that senti-

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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

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hardest things I’ve had to do, because you have been more to me than just students. You are the reason I teach and why I love what I do. You all will forever hold a special place in my heart. You’ve made my classroom a place of laughter and learning, and you certainly made sure there was never a dull moment in our room.”

Meskauskas gave the class their annual motto, a quote from author C.S. Lewis: “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”

“And I believe that for you, with all my heart. This chapter, the one we’ve written together, it’s just the beginning,” Meskauskas said.

Dupuis, the senior class president, who gave the class farewell speech, said that while the class is looking to the future, it’s also important to appreciate the now.

Dupuis told of a lesson that she has learned in her job at a group home for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. One client, she said, would get “so caught up in what’s happening tomorrow or next week, it will ruin their day.”

The advice she often gave him was to focus on the now, Dupuis said.

Conant Middle High School Class of 2025 Conant Middle High School congratulates its graduating seniors. Special recognition this year is given to valedictorian Denton Montgomery and salutatorian Izabelle Rollins. Conant recognizes the following graduates of the Class of 2025: Dylan Michael Adams Rhianna Lexi Aho Zander Joseph Asch Ashlyn Alana Askey Jenna Ann Bailey Devon Riley Barker Levi Evan Barker Jersey Marian Bartley Jeffersen Edward Bashaw-Meattey Emily Catherine Battisti Gage Michael Blanchette Gretchen Eva-Margaret Bleau Michael Jay Britton Cooper Robert Brown

Jaedin Leigh Bryan Kayla Jade Bujnowski Corey James Collins Endreya Louise Cooke Connor Thomas Courtemarche Elizabeth Makay Crespo Alexis Catherine Cunningham Dylan Matthew Daniels Rachel Rodrigues DeWees Felicity Annmarie Demanche Izaiah Curtis Diaz Stephani Danyell Doucet Hailey Marie Dow Jared Steven Dugan Lucy Anna Dupuis Nissi Crystal Ebe Lucas Mason Fuller Amber Marie Gnoza Keira Margaret Golisano Calvin Maximus Gregory Robert Lewis Gregory Abigail Grace Harlow

CONANT FROM PAGE 5

matter to you.

“What I’ve found throughout my 18 years of life is that it is much better to experience it with those that you love. My time in high school has taught me that while not everyone stays, you

have those who join you for the journey,” Rollins said. “Relationships with those who matter are going to be the most significant part of your life.

Those people will be the people who you laugh with, cry with, sing in the car with and live a good life with.”

Congratulations - GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

to Lucy Dupuis and Conant High School

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Lola Violet Hayes Tristin Michael Herr Carter Zenas Hillock Logan John Hocter Alec Robert Houston Charlotte MacKenzie Hutchinson Jacob Philip Johnson Mason Stanley Karpinski Quinn Marie Kelly Francesca Monique Ketola Maggie Lynn Lennon Kaylin Alicia Malloy Hannah Grace Manley Cayley Ann Marry Jasmine Elizabeth Mertzic Denton Milo Montgomery Dustin Purino Mulcahy Josiah Ralph Niemela Apryl Marie Norton Keegan Tyler O'Donal-Bourke Rylee Mae O'Neill Kylie Jeanne Olson

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Jenna Gabrielle Paquin Lola Mae Patterson Eden Grace Pressman Audra Kimberly Robie Izabelle Grace Rollins Amaya Lei Sanders Kiandra Melinda Sauvola Benjamin Kern Sawyer Hannah Mae Sharos Taylor Elizabeth Shea Brandon Richard Tarrats Nicholas Robert Turilli Alora May Vergato Emryn Rose Vitello Emersyn Leigh Wermers James Tyler White Madison Marie White Jason Hammond Wilbur Jonathan Samuel Wilson Kendra May Wooster Kayden Thomas Wozniak Jessica Angey Yap

As a final goodbye, Rollins addedL “The beauty of life is that you get to choose how you live it, so make it count.”

Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172, Ext. 244, or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on X @AshleySaariMLT.

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The Rindge Chamber of Commerce awarded $3,000 in scholarships to three seniors from Conant Middle High School at Senior Awards Night.

The scholarships, each $1,000, were awarded to three students planning to attend four-year colleges or universities. The recipients demonstrated exceptional community involvement and academic excellence, as well as a dedication to their future careers with an intention to better the community in the future. The scholarships were awarded by Lynda Hunt and Lilly Rennie, (Conant Class of 2023), a former recipient of the chamber’s scholarship. Rennie described how the money she received helped her afford a laptop

for college.

The recipients were Brandon Tarrats, who is planning to attend Southern New Hampshire University, majoring in business; Tristin Herr, who is attending Wentworth Intitute of Technology, majoring in mechanical engineering; and Audra Robie, who is attending Nashua Community College and majoring in psychology.

“The Rindge Chamber of Commerce is honored to support these remarkable students,” stated Hunt, president of the Rindge Chamber of Commerce. “Congratulations to the students who won. We hope to be back here again next year with the opportunity to help even more students achieve their academic and career goals.”

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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

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Audra Robie accepts her scholarship award from Conant alum and former scholarship recipient Lilly Rennie.

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MASCENIC

Gratitude and good humor Fifty-four members of Class of 2025 graduate at ceremony

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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

nerves,” she said. “Over the past eight years, it has been a joy to see the burden shift and to see your backpacks fill with confidence, knowledge and skills. You have navigated your journey filled with challenges and triumphs. The middle and high school years are not easy ones.”

Pogorzelski praised the class’ deBy JESSECA TIMMONS termination against challenges.

Monadnock Ledger Transcript “I specifically urge you to carry The Mascenic Class of 2025 will be forward those lessons that are not remembered for its sense of humor, learned in a textbook: perseverance, grit, confidence, kindness and emresiliency and close-knit friendSTAFF PHOTO BY JESSECA TIMMONS ships. pathy, among others. Embrace your The Mascenic High School Class of 2025.

Fifty-four graduates received their future with an open mind and a diplomas at the June 13 commencecourageous heart. As you step into ment ceremony. The theme of the the world beyond Mascenic, know thanked the Mascenic faculty for this week.” ceremony was gratitude, with many their patience with the high-spirited that you carry the support and pride Superintendent Elizabeth graduates thanking all who helped class.

Pogorzelski recalled the class as chil- of everybody here today,” she said. them along the way.

“We owe a huge thank you to all of dren.

In her address to the class, “First, we want to give a big thank our teachers. We appreciate each and “I remember the first time you D’Agostino recalled entering Mayou to everyone who helped us get scenic as a new student in March of every one of them for their constant walked down the hall at Boynton here today. You all truly have an im- efforts to push us forwards to sucher freshman year.

Middle School, all the way to your mense impact on your child’s educa- cess, and we know we didn’t always “To say I was horrified by the classrooms, and I’m sure that walk make it easy for them,” D’Agostino tion,” said Class of 2025 Vice Presifelt very long. Your backpacks were thought of going to a new school said. “And we’re sorry, Ms. Webber, as big as you were, and they were full would be an understatement,” dent Molly Honeywell.

Class President Bailey D’Agostino about the chickens in your classroom of dreams, curiosity and a lot of SEE CEREMONY PAGE 9

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

STAFF PHOTO BY JESSECA TIMMONS

D’Agostino said. “It was March, and everyone’s friendships were already established. But before I even walked in the building, everyone already knew who I was, where I came from and what my name was. I was shocked, to say the least. From the moment I moved to this town, I was accepted into a close-knit community, one that has connections and bonds that are not found very often these days. I was accepted by my peers as one of them, with no questions asked.”

D’Agostino praised her classmates’ resiliency.

“Our class has had to face a lot of tough challenges over the years, some which we faced privately, and some we faced as a community. But we always came through the other side. I am so proud every single one of you for being up here today,”

she said.

Assistant Principal Jeremy Taylor said this year’s class was “one of the funniest classes I have ever worked with.”

“You were always a joy,” he said.

Taylor also praised the group’s bravery.

“Some of you have faced incredibly difficult moments in your journeys. I wish I could tell you the road ahead has been graded for you and that it will be smooth sailing from here, but unfortunately, that is not the case. There is good news, however; every single one of you has faced down your challenges successfully,” he said.

The class officers – D’Agostino, Vice President Molly Seelley, Treasurer Phoebe Honeywell and Secretary Kailee Duthie – announced the Class of 2025 gift: a stand for the school Viking mascot cos-

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“Our class always tried to make things more fun,” Honeywell said.

The class also gave a donation to Disabled Veterans of America and will donate to an additional charitable organization that has not yet been determined.

Emily Weber, who along with Mariah Maki was one of the Class of 2025’s advisers, recounted some of the good-natured pranks carried out by the Class of 2025, including the recent incident with chickens.

“One time, a group of my ‘Weber’s Walkers’ disappeared, only to come tumbling out of a portapotty. There must have eight or 10 of them in there. I have no idea how they did it,” she said.

“You always made me smile.”

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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

CEREMONY FROM PAGE 8

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Graduates file through the Mascenic gym toward the stage.

Mascenic Class of 2025 Mascenic celebrates its graduating seniors this year, with special recognition for valedictorian Bailey D’Agostino and salutatorian Valerie Stenersen.

The following is the list of graduates for the Class of 2025: Elijah Barthelmess Breeana Bishop Iasbelle Brown Dylan Buttrick Aiden Carignan Griffin Cote Devin Cunningham Bailey D’Agostino Miranda Damery Alexander Decoteau Maxwell Dering The Mascenic graduating class of 2025.

Kailee Duthie Gianna Ferullo Megan Kane Caeden Gerow Ella Keating Addison Gregg Donovan Krook Marcus Gustafson Quinn Krook, Aaro Leroux Ezra Haavisto Lucas Leroux Gabriel Hileman Locan Lucas Gabriel Hinkel Emma MacInnis Andrew Hirtle Lucius Matos Phoebe Honeywell Laila Maxwell Kirvan Hughes Kianah McGovern Lindsey Jamer

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Levi Saykaly Alayna Scott Molly Seelley Lorelai Shippee Charlotte St. Amand Valerie Stenersen Hunter Thompson Chirine Touzghar Mackenzie Vaillancourt Kelson Whitehouse

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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025 10

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Mascenic seniors receive accolades On Thursday, June 12, the Mascenic Regional School District celebrated its seniors’ accomplishments with an awards night, where class leaders, National Honor Society members and future military members received their sashes to wear at graduation, and various

scholarships ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars were handed out.

The night was part of several senior events leading up to the class’ graduation, including a baccalaureate ceremony at the Cathedral of the Pines and a senior breakfast.

COURTESY PHOTO

Scholarship winners line up with their awards during Senior Award Night at COURTESY PHOTO Mascenic. From left are Greenville/Temple Lions Club Scholarship recipients Scholarship winners line up with their awards during Senior Award Night at Elijah Barthelmess, Spencer Orosz and Valerie Stenersen.

Mascenic.

Congratulations graduates!

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Congrats again and best of luck!

- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Congratulations on your graduation! The Monadnock Leger-Transcript wants to support you in your next chapter with FREE digital access to local news. Whether you’ll continue your education, begin your career or take time for yourself, we want you to know what’s happening in the Monadnock region.

CONVAL

Graduates take the next step Ceremony includes tribute to fallen classmates, faculty member

By DAVID ALLEN

Monadnock Ledger-Transcript

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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

The threat of rain pushed ConVal’s graduation into the school gym on June 14, but emotions in the packed space were far from dampened.

Along with the 153 seniors who received diplomas, two classmates who died during the school year received honorary diplomas in a ceremony that offered the graduates encouragement and recalled for them that tears had been shed for joy and sorrow during their years at the school.

Lukas Baker’s rendition of the national anthem was followed by Darlene Raymond’s leading of those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.

In her remarks, Principal Heather McKillop reminded the Class of 2025 that “not every achievement is loud” and that when new challenges present themselves, they should tell themselves that “I am ready for this because I’ve learned how to keep going.” She added that “you belong wherever you go.”

McKillop called for a moment of silence in remembrance of three individuals who were lost this year.

Damian Cronan and Timothy Donaruma died in car crashes in the fall, and faculty member Michael Serard also died. An empty chair on the dais symbolized the losses.

Valedictorian Isabelle Jobin spoke to the losses felt this year.

“There is joy, and there is pain felt, for Damian and Tim who should be here,” she said.

Jobin later called attention to the challenges schools are facing in fulfilling their mission amidst financial

The Class of 2025 moves their tassels to symbolize their status as graduates.

constraints.

“Let’s think about what schools need to survive,” she said.

Abigail Rodenhiser reminded everyone of a reality of their time at ConVal in her salutatorian address.

“If someone asks to borrow your Chromebook charger, you’re probably never getting it back,” she said.

Class Speaker Grace O’Brien noted how she was known for her handwritten notes to others at school and told her classmates that

“your presence in this world is like a handwritten note to it.”

Departing faculty member Sherry Nixon told graduates that “if you’re ever in Kentucky, look me up.”

The Faculty Award was presented to Kendrick Robert Edwards, a senior who Alexis Harris noted “was late for every class because he was holding the doors for others, and some of his senior work was late this year because he gave his time to helping others complete their pro-

jects.” She added that “in spite of his laurels in track and field, he never boasted. It is hard to imagine this young man ever having a bad day.”

Caroline Glidea was smiling at the consistency of things on Saturday morning.

She graduated in the same gymnasium years earlier and was watching her third child, Natalia Istvan, walk across the same stage that a sibling and she had.

“It’s exciting,” said Gildea.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

Congratulations Hannah!

Wishing you a bright and successful future!

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ConVal salutatorian Abigail Rodenhiser, left, and valedictorian Isabelle Jobin, right.

Scholarships honor students and memories

ConVal grads received a total of $175,000

annual Scholarship Night on Wednesday, June 11.

The legacies and memories of many local residents, including several ConVal graduates, were recalled during the presentations of scholarships given in their honor.

Many presenters commented that

By JESSECA TIMMONS Monadnock Ledger Transcript 2025 was an especially challenging Dozens of local foundations, busi- year to choose scholarship winners, nesses and nonprofits awarded a as there were so many qualified total of $175,000 in scholarship candidates.

SEE SCHOLARSHIPS PAGE 14 money to ConVal graduates at the

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Also, Lily Mafera, Nickolas Manley, Evan Martus, Hayden McAtee, Charles McGarvey, Luci McLay, Isabella Messa, Bailey Middleton, Willow Middleton, Avery Moore, Samuel Moritz, Danica Murdough, Charlotte Murphy, Brianna Myers, Libby Nadeau, Logan Nadeau, Aubrey Niemela, Mackenzie Noke, Grace Ann O’Brien, Grace Marilyn O’Brien, Juliana O’Mahony, Aramis Olivo, Mia Osgood, Taylor Ouellette, Matthew Palmer, Georgia Park, Abigail Peters, Ollie Phinney, Autumn Pierson, Tucker Pierson, Matthew Pimental, Riley Pitchard, Gabriel Porter, Kristen Powell and Alden Powers.

Also, Darlene Raymond, Emma Reed, Kai Reitnauer, Kettu Reynolds, Liam Richardson, Olivia Riley, Abigail Rodenhiser, Kalyn Ross, Garret Rousseau, Isabelle Schmidt, Ryan Seaver, William Simard, Brian Smith, Madison Smith, Nadia Solod, Sean Solovei, Pietro Souza, Emily Steinberg, Anneliese Strong, Ella Stultz, William Suchocki-Sulborski, Maxx Telofski, Luis Torres, Xen Valencia, Ceirra Valley, Carter Vilamarim-Alejandro, Chloe Ward, Brooke Whitcomb, Ryan Whitney, Ryan Wilson, Sean Witt and Suki Zhang.

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The following students graduated from ConVal High School in the Class of 2025: Jeremy Adams, Kyle Austin, Lukas Baker, James Barto, Iley Battaglia, Owen Beaulieu, Maya Bennett, Amanda Bergeron, Eric Bergeron, Ashley Biathrow, Mitchell Boisvert, Aliston Bolton, Kayla Bond, Sawyer Bouchard, Jason Bouyounes, Ava Brening, Bradley Brunelle, Cadence Buckingham, Eliza Bull, Keith Bush, Roman Cadwallader, Liam Campbell, Jacob Carter, Eben Charlonne, Kast Chek, Clara Christensen, Ryan Close, Charlie Colburn III, Zachary Collins, Travis Comeau, Mackenzie Cook, Wrayana Covey, Ashley Cronin and Emma Cronin.

Also, Aries Danforth, Hannah Daniels, Joshua Decker, Griffin DeLisle, Mason Derosier, Madelyn Desrosiers, Violette Dube, Oliver Dumas, Gabriel Dupuy, Riley Durgin, Kendrick Edwards, Aric Evans, Logan Evans, Dylan Farrell, Elliot Featherstone, Maeve Finn, Ronia Foecking, Kathryn Folz, Benjamin Fraley, Brynn Frosch and Lily Gagnon.

Also, Oren Gallagher, Koltin Gernat-Hemenway, Stephen Gnibus, James Gow, Raiden Gray, Honor Hagelberg, Chrystina Hall, Connor Haney, Noah Hardwick, Evalyn Harriott, James Healey, Jonathan Henley, Ethan Holdredge, Elliana Howard, Elsa Hubbard-Lemay, Alexander Humphrey, Natalya Istvan, Destiney Jimenez, Isabelle Jobin,

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ConVal Principal Heather McKillop presented the first Timothy Donaruma Memorial Scholarship in honor of Donaruma, a Dublin resident and rising ConVal senior who died in the summer of 2024. Donaruma’s family looked on as McKillop recalled Timothy Donaruma’s memory.

“Tim actively and enthusiastically participated in band, the music program, robotics and graphic design.

He dreamed of pursuing a career of game design in college. Tim’s warmth, humor and creativity left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him,” McKillop said.

“Whether it was his smile, a creation made from cardboard and tape or his willingness to express his love openly, or to make others feel valued and seen, the Timothy J. Donaruma Scholarship seeks to support students who embody his creativity, his kindness and his passion for technology and the arts.”

The $2,500 scholarship was presented to Clara Christensen.

The family of Amy Zaluki Stone, a lifelong nurse and Antrim resident, presented the Stone Family Scholarship, which is given annually to a ConVal graduate planning to enter

The 2025 scholarships were awarded to Maya Bennet and Owen Beaulieu.

Members of the Voorhees family spoke about the memory of David Day, a member of the ConVal Class of 1987, who died in 2019.

“David was always passionate about science and math, and we honor students with that passion,” Sharon Voorhees said.

Scholarships of $1,000 apiece were given to Anneliese Strong and Brynn Frosch.

Carl Betz, president of the Morgan Betz Memorial Scholarship Fund, recalled the memory of his daughter, Morgan, who died from cancer at the age of 8. The Morgan STAFF PHOTO BY JESSECA TIMMONS Betz Memorial Scholarship Fund From left, ConVal Principal Heather McKillop, Brynn Frosch, Sharon Voorhees, Mark Voorhees and Anneliese Strong. Frosch and Strong were both awarded has awarded $17,000 in scholarship funds since 2007. the David Day Memorial Scholarship.

“Morgan exemplified courage, passion, selflessness. She always nursing. helped others first,” Betz said.

Pimental awarded the Daniel “Our mom recognized the emoScholarships of $1,500 apiece Blanchette Memorial Award to two tional toll nursing can take on members of the ConVal tennis team were awarded to Elliana Howard people,” said Stone’s daughter, Eliz- who exhibited leadership and acaand Brynn Frosch. abeth Griswold. “We want to honor demic achievement. Blanchette, a Amanda Haley presented the a student choosing to enter the field member of the ConVal Class of Peter Michael Abbott Scholarship to of nursing.”

1980, died in a car accident on Oct. Anneliese Strong and Owen Beaulieu. The Silent Servant award The scholarship was awarded to 6, 1979, along with his classmates, was given to Grace O’Brien. Abbott, Brynn Frosch.

John Nichols and Lucy Hurlin. All SEE SCHOLARSHIPS PAGE 15 ConVal Athletic Director Larry were Antrim residents.

Congratulations ConVal

14

- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Class of 2025!

From the ConVal Class of 1975, celebrating our 50th reunion, we send our best wishes to all the graduates.

May your journey ahead be as rewarding and memorable as ours has been.

Good luck

Class of 2025!

SCHOLARSHIPS FROM PAGE 14

a Navy veteran, nurse and athlete who graduated from ConVal in 1979, died in 2009.

Owen Houghton presented a scholarship in honor of Dr. Herbert Flewellyn, a local physician who died in 1954, to Honor Hagelberg, who plans to study occupational medicine at UNH. Houghton also presented the Norma Houghton Scholarship in honor of his wife, Norma Houghton, to Avery Moore.

ConVal graduate Cara Nichols recalled the memory of Derek Witherell, who was just 17 when he died in 2004. Nichols asked the audience to raise their hands “if you have ever had to walk into a classroom where you absolutely didn’t know anyone in the class.”

“That was me, junior year, in oceanography class. I walked into a room at ConVal, and Derek was the person who smiled at me,” Nichols said. “I was really grateful to have him as a friend. This award exists because there were so many people Derek showed kindness to, and so many people who remember him.”

The Witherell Scholarship was awarded to Kendrick Edwards.

“This scholarship is given to a student who changes their community

Sullivan, an avid outdoorsman and athlete who died in 2001, presented the annual KMS Foundation Scholarship to Elliana Howard.

The Todd Burgess Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Todd Burgess, a member of ConVal Class of 1984, who was remembered by friends and family as a “gentle giant.” Burgess died in 2017 at age 51. The $4,000 scholarship, presented over four years, was awarded to Ronia Foecking, who will attend St. Michael’s College and plans to play field hockey.

Dollars for Scholars presented the two P.J. O’Rourke Memorial Scholarships of $10,000 each to Chloe Ward, who is headed to the Savannah College of Art and Design, and Kalyn Ross, who will attend SNHU. O’Rourke, a world-renowned author and journalist who died in 2021, was a ConVal dad and deeply STAFF PHOTO BY JESSECA TIMMONS loved the Monadnock region.

Grace O’Brien, center, receives the Peterborough Lions Club Scholarship from “P.J.’s family knew he was always Richard Simoneau as ConVal Principal Heather McKillop applauds. grateful for the scholarships he received that enabled him to attend for the better and who embodies integrity an intention, and wherever college,” said Amy Rushford of Dolthe very heart of ConVal High they go, they leave that space better lars for Scholars. “The O’Rourke family could think of no better way School. They are steadfast, humble than where they found it,” Nichols to honor him than to create a scholsaid. and deeply committed to those arship in his name.”

C.J. Sullivan, the cousin of Keith around him. Each day begins with

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S to the Class of

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15

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

From Graduation to Great Things.

WILTON-LYNDEBOROUGH

Graduates cross the finish line Forty students receive diplomas

By DAVID ALLEN

16

- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Monadnock Ledger-Transcript

Wilton-Lyndeborough salutatorian Jaryd Clark directed praise to the valedictorian of his senior class during his remarks at the May 30 graduation ceremony.

“I’ll always be thankful to Harry (Krug) for being a great academic rival, and an even better friend,” said Clark.

Clark also assured their teachers that their impact on them has not ended.

“The lessons you taught us will go beyond the classroom,” he said.

WLC handed diplomas to 40 graduates in the David K. Finch Gymnasium, where family and friends also heard from a former Florence Rideout Elementary School principal and said thank you to a retiring ELA teacher.

WLC Principal Tom Ronning opened the evening with remarks in which he encouraged the graduates to “create the future you want to live in.” Class Secretary Kelsey Crouse reflected on the interactions of everyone over the years at Florence Rideout Elementary School, Lyndeborough Central School and finally at WLC. “Not all of us are close, but we’ve all impacted each other, even if only a little in some cases,” Crouse said.

Seniors Madison Clough, Calvin Indeglia, Zachary Levesque and Jonathon Crotty presented class gifts to school custodian Ann Bird, retiring ELA teacher Laura Bujak, Assistant Principal Katie Gosselin and Ronning, after which Krug spoke about the work ethic that helped drive him to this academic laurel.

“My dad taught me to always do my best, even if it was pushing carts at Market Basket when I was 14,” said Krug, adding a salute to coach Dan Nelson, “who taught me to love soccer, and a lot more.” He also said that there was something special in where they were all from.

“The beauty of our small towns is that everyone is connected,” Krug

Graduates flip their tassels after receiving their diplomas.

said, concluding his remarks by urging his classmates be true to themselves via a quote from Steve Jobs. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”

Seniors conducted the rose ceremony, which had each graduate find a person in the audience to whom they gave a rose and a hug. This was followed by remarks from Timothy O’Connell, former principal of Florence Rideout. O’Connell recalled how the first day of first grade for the graduating seniors was also his first day as principal.

“You all sat criss-cross applesauce on the floor, and one of you was very upset that the banana in your lunch was touching the sandwich,” said O’Connell. “You didn’t know what you were doing, and honestly, at moment, neither did I.” O’Connell also recalled how as part of a challenge to them to cumulatively read 1,000 books during the school year, the students were allowed to duct tape him to a wall in the school.

“One of you asked, ‘Can we leave him there overnight?’ ” he said.

SEE FINISH LINE PAGE 17

STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID ALLEN

STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID ALLEN

”I’m finally free,” was Abram Peters’ comment upon graduating Friday evening.

WLC honors students

WiltonLyndeborough Class of 2025

He also noted how back then, they were wearing Ninja Turtle backpacks and now, seated nearby, someone was wearing some very strong aftershave.

O’Connell encouraged the graduates to not shy away from change.

“Change is hard, but every time you’ve done it, you’ve become who you are,” he said.

He also noted that events will not stick to the script in life, so they should not expect them to, and that this will also make them more interesting people.

Krug is valedictorian and Clark is salutatorian

By DAVID ALLEN

Krug as valedictorian and Jaryd Clark as salutatorian.

Krug’s efforts at WLC Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative Middle High School earned him other laurels, inrecognized this year’s seniors, cluding scholarships from who have distinguished them- American Legion Bent-Burke Post No. 10, the Wilton-Lynselves with honors during a deborough Women’s Club and ceremony that culminated with sashes and medals being the Milford Rotary. Lillian awarded to the Class of 2025’s Gibson also garnered awards from the Milford Rotary as two top scholars— Harrison Monadnock Ledger-Transcript

“The stories where everything goes exactly as planned are not the ones that people want to hear at dinner parties,” said O’Connell.

Following his remarks, graduates received their diplomas and moved their tassels from the right side of their mortarboards to the left before several were tossed into the air.

Asked how it felt to have graduated, Abram Peters had three words.

“I’m finally free,” he said.

Abrams will be working during a gap year.

well as the Wilton Winter Wanderers Snowmobling Club and the Southern New Hampshire Society of Women Engineers.

Madison Clough was honored by the American Legion, the Wilton Lions Club and with a Wilton Hope of Pizza Slice of Life Scholarship.

SEE WLC PAGE 18

STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID ALLEN

Savannah Lindgren receives her diploma from Principal Tom Ronning.

- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

FINISH LINE FROM PAGE 16

STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID ALLEN

WLC Principal Tom Ronning presents sashes and medals to class Valedictorian Harrison Krug, left, and Salutatorian Jaryd Clark.

17

The following students graduated from WiltonLyndeborough Cooperative Middle High School: Christian Balusek Cori Benoit Eric Byrne Jaryd Clark Madison Clough Colby Collins Jayden Corron Jonathan Crotty Kelsey Crouse Damian Demanche Ebben Drew-Mochrie Eli Fish Caleb Gauthier Lillian Gibson Mia Gorman Horatio Green Nicholas Grueter Annabel Hazen Trinity Hilton Calvin Indeglia Benjamin Jacob Noah Jaffe Grayson Kendall Harrison Krug Kevin Lachance Cole Lavallee Zacharie Levesque Savannah Lindgren Brianna Linehan Trevor LoVerme Marcas Mannarino Michael Marcinuk Wilian O’Toole Maddy Parker Abram Peters Jaden Ray Isaac Ray Devin Sylvester Cameron Wheeler Ella Wibben

STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID ALLEN

WLC summa cum laude members of the Class of 2025: From left, Harrison Krug, Noah Jaffe, Benjamin Jacob, Lillian Gibson, Kelsey Crouse, Jaryd Clark, Christian Balusek and Jay Burn.

WLC FROM PAGE 17

18

- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Jonathan Crotty received a WHOP Scholarship in addition to the Harry Dailey Memorial Scholarship.

Jenni Murray presented the Daniel Murray Scholarship in memory of her late husband to Benjamin Jacob and Kelsey Crouse, both of whom were among those awarded George Gardner and Fanny Whiting Blanchard Scholarships,

which was another one of Lillian Gibson’s awards of the evening The Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative Teachers Association presented a scholarship to Madison Clough, who also received an award from the Wilton-Lyndeborough Women’s Club.

WLC Principal Tom Ronning concluded the evening by saying that, in total, over $125,000 in

Our caps are off to the teachers!

For all your hard work throughout the years to ensure a successful graduation for so many students.

Thank you from the

scholarships were awarded to these students.

WLC Awards and Scholarships Sons of the American Legion Bent-Burke Post No. 10 Scholarship – Harrison Krug, Benjamin Jacob, Kelsey Crouse, Madison Clough, Grayson Kendall.

American Legion Auxiliary Bent Burke Unit No. 10 Scholarship – Madison Clough Kelsey Crouse.

American Legion Bent-Burke Post No. 10 Scholarship – Benjamin Jacob Harrison Krug.

Wilton House of Pizza Slice of Life Scholarship – Madison Clough, Jonathan Crotty.

Tes’ Eternal Sunshine Scholarship – Harrison Krug.

Harry Dailey Memorial Scholarship – Jonathan Crotty.

Contoocook Valley Board of Realtors Scholarship – Harrison Krug.

Daniel Murray Scholarship – Kelsey Crouse, Benjamin Jacob.

Wilton-Lyndeborough Women’s

Club – Harrison Krug, Kelsey Crouse, Lillian Gibson, Madison Clough, Grayson Kendall.

Wilton Lions Club Scholarship – Lillian Gibson, Madison Clough, Noah Jaffe.

Wilton Men’s League Scholarship in Memory of Mike Testa – Benjamin Jacob.

George Gardner and Fanny Whiting Blanchard Scholarship – Benjamin Jacob, Madison Clough, Noah Jaffe, Grayson Kendall, Lillian Gibson, Kelsey Crouse, Harrison Krug.

Wilton Winter Wanderers Snowmobiling Club – Lillian Gibson.

Milford Rotary – Noah Jaffe, Lillian Gibson, Harrison Krug.

Grace & Leroy Tuttle Scholarship – Jaryd Clark.

Capt. Josiah Crosby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award Scholarship Contest Winner – Kelsey Crouse.

Apply NH – Colby Collins.

SEE WLC PAGE 19

WLC FROM PAGE 18

JAFFREY, NH 603.532.7716

WINCHENDON, MA 978.297.1162

ASHLAND, NH 603.968.7626

ANDOVER, NH 603.735.5544 MOULTONBOROUGH, NH 603.253.4404

PETERBOROUGH, NH 603.924.9436

NASHUA, NH 603.880.7778

SUNAPEE, NH 603.763.9070

PEMBROKE, NH 603.224.7483

BROOKLINE, NH 603.673.4549

- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

www.belletetes.com

STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID ALLEN

Madison Clough walked the stage several times to receive awards at WLC’s awards ceremony.

19

Winthrop & Bernice Perry Scholarship – Lillian Gibson, Noah Jaffe, Mia Gorman, Jaryd Clark, Christian Balusek.

Southern New Hampshire Society of Women Engineers – Lillian Gibson, Mia Gorman, Madison Clough,Kelsey Crouse.

National Honor Society – Lillian Gibson, Kelsey Crouse, Benjamin Jacob, Harrison Krug.

Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative Teachers Association – Madison Clough.

Senior Project Award Winners – Harrison Krug, Jonathan Crotty, Lillian Gibson, Noah Jaffe, Christian Balusek, Mike Marcinuk, Ella Wibben.

Summa Cum Laude Seniors – Harrison Krug, Lillian Gibson, Noah Jaffe, Christian Balusek, Jay Burn, Jaryd Clark, Benjamin Jacob, Kelsey Crouse.

Licensed Nursing Assistant Certification – Ella Wibben, Cori Benoit.

Fire Fighter Explorer – Devin Sylvester.

Milford ATC Completion – Ebben DrewMochrie.

Class Officers – President Harrison Krug, Vice President Jaryd Clark, Secretary Kelsey Crouse, Treasurer Calvin Indeglia, Historian Madison Clough.

WLC Educator Scholarship – Madison Clough, William O’Toole.

WLC New Hampshire Scholars – Harrison Krug, Lillian Gibson, Noah Jaffe, Christian Balusek, Benjamin Jacob, Zachary Levesque, Madison Clough, Mia Gorman, Kelsey Crouse.

Salutatorian – Jaryd Clark.

Valedictorian – Harrison Krug.

PASSING OF THE BATON With Earl Russell’s retirement, Patrick Cogan taking over industrial arts program

By JESSECA TIMMONS

Monadnock Ledger Transcript

Great Brook School in Antrim will see a transition next fall, when industrial arts and technology teacher Earl Russell retires from teaching and longtime music director Patrick Cogan steps in to fill his shoes.

Both educators say the upcoming change “hasn’t hit them yet.” Russell has taught at GBS for 14 years and Cogan for 24 years.

“It’s a lot to think about. Everything I have done here, everything I have built up and tried to do for the kids,” Russell said. “I will for sure miss them; I’ll be a little sad.”

Cogan, who was preparing for another end-of-year performance, said he hasn’t had time to think about the coming change.

“I haven’t really had a minute to think about the fact that I’m leaving the music program after 24 years,” he said. “I’m just focused on getting through the end of the year, but I’m super excited to go into the industrial arts room.”

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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

A long career in industry Russell, who grew up in Merrimack, worked for many years in the printing industry before transitioning to teaching in 1991.

“Printing used to be one of New Hampshire’s biggest industry, along with paper, but that’s all gone,” he said.

Over the past 14 years, Russell has developed his curriculum around problem-solving and developing real-world skills in his middle school students.

“I’m big on, first of all, can you listen? Can you follow instructions?

Can you help out? Can you sweep the floor?” Russell said. “Can the kids learn situational awareness?

Can they learn to be aware of where their hands are when they start to use tools? If you can listen and follow instructions, you can be employable.”

Russell says that, unfortunately, many schools are phasing out industrial arts and technology.

“The ConVal administration is so, so supportive of our program. We start the kids learning basic skills

STAFF PHOTO BY JESSECA TIMMONS

Great Brook School teachers Patrick Cogan, left, and Earl Russell.

here, and then they can go on to the CTE in high school. I’ve been very grateful that ConVal is so supportive of this program, where kids can learn to use power tools on a safe environment. That’s a life skill,” Russell said.

Russell’s students receive safety training on every piece of equipment. He monitors students oneon-one when they use equipment such as the band saw.

“We’ve gotten away from training for the trades, which is a shame,” he said. “The college track is not for everybody.”

In the four-year curriculum at GBS, students progress from making tic-tac-toe boards and puzzles in fourth grade to designing a bridge in eighth grade.

“In some classes, they’ve actually designed their bridges so well that they actually go beyond the testing: They have gone beyond what previous classes have done. They are always amazed by that, that can surpass what previous students did,” he said. “Everything goes back to problem-solving.”

Russell said he has seen a change over the years, with fewer students being familiar with basic household tools.

“We encourage the students who are really into it, who like using the power tools and maybe have some experience. What’s happening now in our society is that we have so many people who don’t know how to use any power tools. They don’t they know how to fix simple things at home,” he said.

Russell is looking forward to spending more time with his children and grandchildren in his retirement.

“I’ve really enjoyed this. Learning about middle school kids was wonderful; they are different,” he said.

“It’s fun, as a teacher, to bring the kids to their comfort zone and then get them to go a little bit past their comfort zone. Getting them to take small steps now will help them tackle bigger challenges in the future.”

Russell’s upcoming retirement is bittersweet.

“The last few days – the last few

weeks – have been a little odd. I have mixed emotions. It’s fun to be thinking about moving on, but after putting all your time and effort into building this up, helping the kids get to that next level, whatever that next level may be, it’s also a little sad to leave it behind,” he said.

Russell said he is grateful that Cogan will be stepping into his shoes.

“It’s a chance for someone younger to come in with new ideas, to get re-energized. It’s great that he is willing to get retrained, kind of like what I did way back, moving from the printing industry into the wood shop,” Russell said. “It’s a great segue for Patrick to come in here and carry the torch with these kids.”

Cogan said that in his time at Great Brook School, he has organized 71 school performances and at least another 30 for the public and the town of Antrim.

“I will definitely miss this,” Cogan said, looking over the a rack of choir robes – which he had personally washed, ironed and mended – hanging in his classroom.

“When it’s time for the Christmas tree-lighting next year, will I be sad? Yes,” he said. “It’s been a lot of really wonderful times with the music department, but it’s time.”

Cogan, who first picked up and instrument at age 7, considers himself an artist first and foremost.

“My passion is for the arts in general, which includes music, art, creating, critical thinking and using fine motor skills. While teaching IAT, I’ll still have the opportunities to watch my students learn, grow and create, and of course I’ll get to see all the same students,” he said.

“I keep telling my colleagues what’s really driving me is I’m so excited about the new opportunities in the industrial technology program, so this, leaving music, has not hit me yet.”

Cogan said he is excited to put his creative skills to use in new ways.

“I’ve always worked with my hands. I have my business, Illuminations, creating lighting, and I’ve also started building furniture. I’m excited to start inspiring students SEE RETIREMENT PAGE 21

An institution retires Bujak’s service included more than 20 years teaching sixth and eighth graders

By JACOB PHILLIPS For the Ledger-Transcript

and her whole family has been involved with the district. Her children attended the schools, and her husband served on many different committees, including the School Board.

“I have to thank my family and my husband for the support they gave me, and I couldn’t have done it without them. My family was my rock for 28 years,” she said.

Bujak taught through many significant periods, including through

RETIREMENT FROM PAGE 20

in that way, to think and problem-solve together and work with their hands. If something doesn’t work, you say, ‘Why? Let’s figure it out,’ ” he said.

Cogan says he had been thinking about trying something new for a few years, but he wasn’t sure exactly what direction he wanted to go in.

Along with serving as the GBS music director, he also volunteers with his therapy dog Rosie at Concord Hospital and at local nursing homes, and he volunteers at the Avenue A Teen Center.

COVID, when everyone was forced to stay home and school was taught online. She said her introduction to Google Classroom and online teaching, then coming back and having to teach with masks and COVID restrictions, was “the biggest change in teaching.”

Technology also progressed during her teaching career, and she adapted to the norms of computers in class.

“We didn’t have any smartboards

“When the IAT position opened, I said, ‘Huh, maybe the stars are aligning. Maybe this is an opportunity to try something else,’ ” he said. “I knew I wanted to do something else at some point. I have my administration certification, and I do a lot with legislation at the state level and on the national level, but I just wasn’t sure what. But this feels right, and I’m very excited.”

Cogan said the only thing he won’t miss about being the music director is “moving the choir risers” and joked that he may just bring his piano down to the industrial arts and technology

COURTEST PHOTO

or laptops when I started teaching,” she said.

Every year, Bujak handed out the Tes’ Eternal Sunshine Scholarship to a senior who exemplifies empathy. It was created to honor one of her former students who took her life, and she gave it out as a representative of the family of the former student.

“The parents at WLC are the best, and the students are why we continue to do this,” Bujak said.

classroom.

“I have told the kids I’ll be the ‘singing shop teacher,’ ” he said. “Why not?”

Cogan and Russell have talked a little bit about the transition already.

“Mr. Russell told me that the kids always make an Eiffel Tower, and I said, ‘Maybe the Eiffel Towers could be lit up in different colors!’ And Mr. Russell said, ‘That’s a great idea!” Cogan said.

“I’m so excited to build on what Mr. Russell created; it’s just all about the kids.”

- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Laura Bujak in her 1997 sixth grade class. Bujak is in the back row, second from the right.

21

Laura Bujak has been serving the Wilton-Lyndeborough school district for 27 years.

She saw six different superintendents and five different principals between two schools. She started at Lyndeborough Central School back in September 1997, where she taught sixth graders, until 2012 when the Wilton and Lyndeborough district merged elementary schools.

Bujak would begin teaching sixth and eighth graders at WLC, an experience that she loved.

She started a longstanding tradition in WLC, as for the last 24 years sixth graders go to environmental camp for a week.

Bujak Bujak has decided to retire to make more time for her family and travel the world.

“I think of how many lives I’ve touched,” she said.

Tim Gill, a Wilton community member and former student of Bujaks, said: “She was the best teacher, so polite, and she was always so happy.”

Gill was in Bujak’s first class in the district at Lyndeborough Central School. She went on to teach both of his sons, a testament to her longevity in the school district.

“Wilton is tight-knit, like family; I like teaching my neighbors and friends, watching them grow up,” Bujak said.

Bujak is a Lyndeborough resident,

Dublin School graduates 44 students Dublin School awarded diplomas to 44 graduating seniors this year as well as prizes to some standouts.

Joshua Lang was recognized as summa cum laude. The Paul W. Lehmann Award went to Quinn Hutchings.

Brody Edmunds earned the Edward Whtiney Distinguished Student Award. The Female Athlete of the Year was Holland Calcutt, and Will Putnam was

VICTORY HIGH

SCHOOL GRADUATES

named Male Athlete of the Year.

Mission Awards went to ninth grader Ace Agnes, 10th grader Drew DiCicco, 11th grader Alaria Clauss and 12th grader Nicholas Brasse.

The Carol Heath International Award went to Freddie Cao. Stella Hoffman earned the Dean of Students Award, and the Scott C. O’Neil Award went to Ben Melo.

COURTESY PHOTO

Victory High School graduates, from left, (front) Isabelle Bangs, Sadie Gibson (salutatorian), Molly Richards, Shayla Seppala, Hayden Aucoin (valedictorian), Sofia Anderson, Isaiah Rousseau, Anden Ketola, Nathan Alajajian, Vincent Hagman, Andrew Glavey, Sethe Talbot, (back) Bella Nero, Sophia Furlong. Kylee Daniels, Caydence Alder and Sydney Geddes.

MASON STUDENTS GRADUATE FROM MILFORD

22

- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

COURTESY

Dublin School graduates Irys Contrearas-Schofield (University of New Hampshire), Will Chow (American Collegiate, DC), Kodai Goodrow (UMass Amherst), Max Woon (University of Wisconsin), Jake Novack (University of Denver), Freddy Cao (Penn State University) , Josh Lang (U of Michigan), Cole Rosica (University of New Hampshire), Rhys Luce (Northeastern University), Will Putnam (University of Colorado Boulder), Brody Edmunds (Manchester Technical College), Tyreis Morris (University of Southern California), Lars Henrickson (Fitchburg State University), Nicholas Brasse (Northeastern University - Honors College), Ezra Von Mertens (Brooklin Boat Yard), Quinn Hutchings (College of the Holy Cross), Owen Lavino (University of Edinburgh), Everett Smith (Pratt Institute of Art), Mary Keller (Mercy University), Aiya Ehrman-Katz (American University), Eden Donovan (Rhode Island School of Design), Stella Hoffman (Brandeis University), Chiara Dumornay (Bentley University), Autumn Moran (Northeastern University), Graeme Watson (Suffolk University), Hunter Maguy (Fitchburg State University), Eden Nelson (Evergreen State College), Christian Clerge (Bryant University), Cole Madigan (New York University), Bailey Brooke Burman (University of Vermont), Shandys Matos (Boston College), Jin Fan (Boston University), Shiri Podhertz (Franklin & Marshall), Holland Calcutt (Bates College), Izzie Jordan (University of New Hampshire), Hilary Andrade (Dickinson College), River Pappas (Simmons College), Adelaide deForest (Indiana University), Locke Robinson (Skidmore College), Aaron Meehan (Pitzer College), Xan White (Haverford College) and J.J. Johnson-Speaks (University of Edinburgh). Not pictured are Darien Espinal (Union College), Ellison Mackay (Mississippi State University), Mason Plotner (University of Vermont), Larry Simpkins (U.S. Air Force)

COURTESY PHOTO

From left, Vincent Arsenov, Joonas Mangum, Katherine Demmons, Abigail Jean Alton, Dietrich Sabotka and Ian Monbleau.

New chapters at High Mowing

By DAVID ALLEN

Monadnock Ledger-Transcript

Thirty-one graduates and a school icon began new chapters from High Mowing School. In addition to seniors receiving diplomas from the Waldorf school in Wilton, Cary Hughes retired after more than four decades at the school.

“Remember this hilltop,” said Head of School Katherine Meyer in her remarks, referring to the class as “a mosaic masterpiece, with each graduate a distinct tile.” She also introduced Hughes, who 35 years earlier handed her a diploma at her own graduation from the school.

Having been a teacher, adviser, dean of students and trustee, Hughes had some parting assignments for the graduates in his remarks.

“Read ‘The Odyssey’ every 10 years. Read ‘Anna Karenina’ at least twice. Read ‘The Grand Inquisitor’ chapter in Dostoyevsky’s ‘The Brothers Karamazov;’ you’ll understand why I’ve given this assign-

to the sky and know that shining next to you is the Class of 2025,” she said History teacher Robert Sims referenced Waldorf education founder Rudolf Steiner in reminding all present of the importance of listening.

“The ability to compromise and listen to each other is crucial,” he said, expressing confidence in how High Mowing students do this.

“You’ll go forth and help heal the rifts in this world,” he added.

The Class of 2025 consists of Vaughn Anderson, Henry Ditlow, Sofie Engstrom, Auggie Gomez, Addie Grissett, Olivia Harrison, Juan Jackson, Jillian Kershaw, Shoshona Kriegsman, Evie Lewis, PHOTO COURTESY TOM KERSHAW Jim Li, Sofia Matias, Brooke McHigh Mowing School’s Class of 2025 tosses their caps after the commencement Niven, Emily Nanton, Moira ceremony ended.

O’Connor, Maddy Paujaud, Lif Petrova, Daniel Poitevin, Francine Rast, Alessandro Sala, Owen Savage, ment once you’ve completed it. haughty or prideful. There are Flora Shangguan, Flavio Soares Serve yourself; don’t let failure stop enough of those people in the Gomes, Bella Stimming, Erika you,” Hughes added. “Each time you world.” make a mistake, you have a chance Senior speaker Jill Kershaw asked Suzuki, De Andre Tisson, Nic Tong, to learn from it. Serve your commu- her classmates: “Did we do enough? Riley Trottier, Wren Van Iderstine Did we live in the movement? Look and Ethan Wang. nity. Do yourself a favor: Don’t be

Wisdom and faith guide Class of 2025 tial interview for admission to DCA, the head of school asked him if he liked snow. Having only seen snow once or twice and having never experienced a snow-related power outage, Lin affirmed in the interview that he did like snow. But the first winter after arriving in Dublin, Lin experienced snow as a hardship when the school and dormitory lost power for several days.

Looking back, Lin said that the harsh reality of snow captured the greatest lesson of his three years as a student at Dublin Christian Academy – that the hardships and unmet expectations people inevitably face in life are circumstances God can use to work a much greater purpose in people’s lives. He would still say that he likes snow today, “not only because it is beautiful, but because I’ve seen how God can use even hard, unexpected things to shape my life.”

Rachel Ryan and Samr Villena Arenas received the academy’s Fine Arts Award for outstanding ability in speech, music or art. Ethan Moody received the Athletics Award for students who have displayed athletic ability, leadership and sportsmanship and have been team players in the DCA athletic program.

Joel Hill received the Christian Service Award

for rendering outstanding service to the school, demonstrating leadership ability and displaying spiritual maturity and willingness to serve both publicly and many times behind the scenes. Ethan Moody and Mason Zhang received the Outstanding Christian Leadership Award for outstanding spiritual leadership and influence within the student body.

Juniors Priscilla Cheng and Joshua Villena received scholarships from the Emily Tuten Fund, awarded each year to two students who demonstrate in their lives the potential to honor the Lord in the example and legacy of Emily Tuten. Emily was killed in an automobile accident shortly after graduating from DCA in 1996. Julia Murray received the Webb-Jenkin Scholarship created in memory of two DCA faculty members who died of cancer while serving – Cliff Jenkin and Cathy Webb.

Graduating in the DCA Class of 2025 were James French of New Ipswich, Joel Hill of Troy, Yajin Li of China, Jiade Evan Lin of China, Joshua Mayhew of Dublin, Ethan Moody of Dublin, Rachel Ryan of Swanzey, Yubo Sun of China, Samir Villena of Peru, Enqi Ethan Wang of China and Huoli Mason Zhang of China.

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“In an age overwhelmed by information yet starving for truth, what the world desperately needs is not simply more intelligence – it is wisdom, not louder noise, but words of clarity rooted in conviction,” Dublin Christian Academy valedictorian Mason Zhang exhorted his class. “As we leave the comfort of high school and step into a culture in flux, I urge us not to leave behind what made our education distinctly Christian.”

Reflecting on his own experiences of religious persecution in his home country, Zhang, who was one of 11 seniors who graduated from DCA on May 31, went on to remind his class their future is being shaped right now by their choices, habits, relationships and the truth they choose to live by, echoing the academy motto: “What we are to be, we are now becoming.”

The themes of wisdom and steadfast faith were woven throughout the academy’s 61st commencement ceremony. Commencement speaker Mark Overstreeet, founder and CEO of SRV Partners, a restructuring and turnaround advisory firm, sought to inspire students to change the world through building relationships and connections rooted in faith.

Saluatorian Evan Lin recounted how in his ini-

- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Eleven students make up the graduating class at Dublin Christian Academy

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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 24, 2025

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