Cheverus High School held its graduation ceremony on Monday, June 2, at 6 p.m. at Merrill Auditorium in Portland.. Father William R. Campbell, S.J., President; Mr. John H. R. Mullen, Principal; The Most Reverend Robert P. Deeley, J.C.D., Bishop of Portland; and Mr. Richard W. Peterson, Board of Trustees Chairma, presented diplomas to 122 graduates.
Class President Gillian Coates served as Mistress of Ceremonies and addressed the class, along with Valedictorian Libby DesRuisseaux, and Outstanding Senior and All-Around Student Peter Dutton. The special guest speaker was Mr. Joseph F. Boulos, member of the Cheverus High School class of 1964.
Graduation Awards:
Valedictorian: Libby A. DesRuisseax of Buxton
Salutatorian: Léon C. Taquet of Windham
Outstanding Senior and All-Around Student: Peter B. Dutton of Portland
Loyalty and School Spirit: Kodiak Simpson of Casco
Leadership: Gillian Coates of South Portland
Activities and Achievements: Elyse Caiazzo of Scarborough
St. Ignatius Award: Meredith Willard of South Portland
The Rev. Pedro Aruppe, S. J. Award/ J.S.E.A. Award: Yue (Sophia) Dai of Shanghai, China and Gregory Grinnell, Jr. of Bridgton
The following students received ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS in:
Art: Sarah Nappo of Portland
Computer Science: Emma Ryan of Portland
English: Gregory Strong, Jr. of Yarmouth
French: Emily Manter of Scarborough
Latin: Alexandra Logan of Brunswick
Math: Yue (Sophia) Dai of Shanghai, China
Music: Grace Shapiro of North Waterboro
Science: Laura Bither of Freeport
Social Studies: Peter Dutton of Portland
Spanish: Alfred Baldenweck of Portland
Theology: Sarah MacLeod of Gorham
Baccalaureate Awards and Scholarships
Cheverus High School’s Baccalaureate Sunday was June 1, 2014. A Baccalaureate Liturgy for the Class of 2014 was celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Portland, followed by an awards luncheon at the Italian Heritage Center. Meredith Willard addressed her classmates. The following awards and scholarships were presented:
Abraham S. and Fannie B. Levey Award: Katherine Randall of South Portland
Adam Worth Sherlock Memorial Award: Isaac Yeboah of Portland
Amable A. Caron and Vivian Caron Scholarship: Stephanie McKew of Portland
Amable A. Caron and Vivian Caron Scholarship: Christian Cilley of Portland/Freeport
Baccalaureate Speaker: Meredith Willard of South Portland
Carrol M. Rines Sportsperson of the Year Award: Katherine Randall of South Portland
Carrol M. Rines Sportsperson of the Year Award: Elijah Yeboah of Portland
Carrol M. Rines Sportsperson of the Year Award: Isaac Yeboah of Portland
Cheverus Athletic Achievement Award: Rylie Archer of Gray
Cheverus Athletic Achievement Award: Patrick Ball of Portland
Cheverus Athletic Achievement Award: Jason Blier of Brunswick
Cheverus Athletic Achievement Award: Elizabeth Ford of Wells
Cheverus Athletic Achievement Award: Georgia Ford of Scarborough
Cheverus Athletic Achievement Award: Catharine Galligan of Kennebunk
Cheverus Athletic Achievement Award: Alexander Grant-Roy of Biddeford
Cheverus Athletic Achievement Award: Timothy Jerome of Falmouth
Cheverus Athletic Achievement Award: Ethan Jordan of South Portland
Cheverus Athletic Achievement Award: Charles Mull of Portland
Cheverus Athletic Achievement Award: Kiera Murray of Falmouth
Cheverus Athletic Achievement Award: Mitchell Powers of South Portland
Cheverus Athletic Achievement Award: MaryKathryn Slattery of Old Orchard Beach
Cheverus Athletic Achievement Award: Noah Stebbins of Biddeford
Cheverus Athletic Achievement Award: Christopher Tinsman of Cape Elizabeth
Cheverus High School Female Athlete of the Year Award: Meredith Willard of South Portland
Cheverus High School Male Athlete of the Year Award: Cody O’Brien of Moody Beach
Courtney DeWitt Memorial Scholarship: Cody O’Brien of Moody Beach
Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Police Athletic League Scholarship: Samuel Cross of South Portland
Fr. Joseph Devlin, S.J. Award: Christian Cilley of Portland/Freeport
Maine Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Female Scholar/Athlete: Julia Lambert of Cumberland Foreside
Maine Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Male Scholar/Athlete: Jonathan Ruterbories of Falmouth
Maine Principals' Association Award: Peter Dutton of Portland
Maine Sports Hall of Fame: Alexandra Logan of Brunswick
MELMAC Education Foundation Maine Principal's Scholarship: Gregory Grinnell, Jr. of Bridgton
National Awards for Excellence in Music/Armstrong Jazz Award: Benjamin Lamontagne (deceased) of Long Island
National Awards for Excellence in Music/Choral Award: Christian Cilley of Portland/Freeport
National Awards for Excellence in Music/Sousa Band Award: Grace Shapiro of North Waterboro
Perfect Attendance Award: Samuel Cross of South Portland
Philanthropic Educational Organization Sisterhood STAR Scholarship: Alexandra Logan of Brunswick
Pierre A. Harnois Outstanding Athlete: Elyse Caiazzo of Scarborough
Pierre A. Harnois Outstanding Athlete: Cavan Dudley of Portland
Pierre A. Harnois Outstanding Athlete: Jonathan Ruterbories of Falmouth
Portland Youth Football Scholarship: Patrick Ball of Portland
President's Award: Emily Manter of Scarborough
Principal's Award: Christopher Tinsman of Cape Elizabeth
Rev. C. Martin O'Toole Scholarship: Laura Bither of Freeport
Rev. Philip C. Welch, S.J. Award: Brittany Bell of Lewiston
Rev. Philip C. Welch, S.J. Award: Bradford Carney of Portland
Robert S. and Elizabeth E. Nanovic Scholarship: Alexander Barris of Gorham
Robert S. and Elizabeth E. Nanovic Scholarship: Samuel Cross of South Portland
Rotary Club of Portland Youth Service Award: Jenna Roberge of Portland
Salutatorian: Léon Taquet of Windham
Senior Class President: Gillian Coates of South Portland
Southern Maine Swim Officials Association Scholarship: John Devine of Cumberland Foreside
Southern Maine Swim Officials Association Scholarship: Sarah Nappo of Portland
Southern Maine Swim Officials Association Scholarship: Jessica Soucy of Lewiston
Southwestern Maine Activities Association Award: Meredith Willard of South Portland
Southwestern Maine Activities Association Award: Michael Sinclair of South Portland
Spanish Honor Society: Brittany Bell of Lewiston
Spanish Honor Society: John Devine of Cumberland Foreside
Spanish Honor Society: Timothy Jerome of Falmouth
Spanish Honor Society: Stephanie McKew of Portland
St. Francis Xavier, S.J. Campus Ministry Award: Hannah Johnston of South Portland
St. Francis Xavier, S.J. Campus Ministry Award: Abigail Maker of Naples
St. Francis Xavier, S.J. Campus Ministry Award: Nicolas Russo of Falmouth
St. Francis Xavier, S.J. Campus Ministry Award: Michael Sinclair of South Portland
United States Army Reserve National Female Scholar/Athlete: Libby DesRuisseaux of Buxton
United States Army Reserve National Male Scholar/Athlete: Peter Dutton of Portland
United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award: Laura Bither of Freeport
United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award: Felix del Vecchio of South Portland
United States Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award: Kathryn Smith of Windham
United States Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award: Joseph Smith of Gorham
United States Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Award for Music Excellence: Grace Shapiro of North Waterboro
Unity Lodge # 3: Sarah MacLeod of Gorham
Valedictorian: Libby DesRuisseaux of Buxton
CHEVERUS HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2014 TOP TEN PERCENT:
Valedictorian: Libby DesRuisseaux is the daughter of David and Angela DesRuisseaux of Buxton. She graduated Summa cum Laude and is a member of the National Honor Society, the Key Club, the Math Team, the Debate Team, the Home Team, and is on the Field Hockey Team. Libby is the recipient of the Williams College Book Award and the United States Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete Award. She will attend Tufts University in the fall.
Salutatorian: Léon Taquet is the son of Eric and LuBett Taquet of Windham. Léon received the Yale University Book Award in the fall. He is a member of the National Honor Society and graduated Summa cum Laude. He is a member of the French Club, the Model UN Club, and the Do Something Club. He has also been a member of the Cross Country and Track Teams, the Tennis Team, the Swim Team, and has volunteered as a youth basketball coach. Léon will be attending Tufts University in the fall.
Brittany Bell: Brittany is the daughter of Shawn and Lisa Bell of Lewiston. She is a member of the National Honor Society and graduated Summa cum Laude. Brittany received the Regis College Book Award in the fall. She is a member of the Spanish Club, the Blue Ribbon Club, the Model UN, and is on the softball team. She actively volunteers for the Dempsey Challenge. Brittany will attend Boston University in the fall.
Laura Bither: Laura is the daughter of Dr. Michael and Louise-Chasse Bither of Freeport. She is a member of the National Honor Society and graduated Summa cum Laude. She has been a member of the Haiti Solidarity Club, the Homefront Club, and the Key Club, serving the last two years as treasurer and vice president. She has been an active member of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, and since freshman year has volunteered regularly at a local nursing home. At graduation she was presented with the United States Marine Corps Athletic Excellence Award and the Academic Excellence Award in Science. Laura is a member of the Math Team, the Wescustago Youth Chorale, the Field Hockey Team, and the recipient of the Holy Cross Book Prize. She will attend Wesleyan University in the fall.
Kun Cao: Kun is the daughter of Mr. DingGi Cao and Ms. Zhoa Zhang of Zhengzhou, China. Kun is a member of the International Club, the Math Team, the Key Club, and the Indoor Track Team. She has also been actively involved in the Big Brothers / Big Sisters program. Kun graduated Summa cum Laude and will be attending Boston University in the fall.
Yue (Sophia) Dai: Yue is the daughter of Mr. Kangping Dai and Mrs. Hua Bai of Shanghai, China. She is a member of the National Honor Society and graduated Summa cum Laude. Yue is also a member of the International Club, the Math Team, the Model UN Club, the Key Club, and the Literature Writing Club. Yue volunteers as a teacher of Chinese language and dancing for teenagers through the Chinese and American Friendship Association of Maine. She is a recipient of the Lemoyne College Book Award , the Rev. Pedro Aruppe, S.J., “Service to Others” Award, and has been recognized for her superior performance in national math examinations. Yue will attend the University of Michigan in the fall.
Peter Dutton: Peter is the son of Scott Dutton and Melissa Maher of Portland. He was selected as the Outstanding Senior and All-Around Student of his senior class. He is a member of the National Honor Society and graduated Summa cum Laude. Peter is a member of the Jazz Choir, the Math Team, the Model UN, the Drama Society, Junior Achievement, and has participated in the Seeds of Peace International Camp. He is also a member of the football and baseball teams. Peter is a recipient of the Springfield College Book Award and the MPA Principal’s Award. He plans to attend Brown University in the fall.
Timothy Jerome: Timothy is the son of Christopher and Barbara Jerome of Falmouth. He is a member of the National Honor Society and graduated Summa cum Laude. He is a member of the Spanish Club, the Key Club, the Math Team, the Swim Team, and the Outdoor Track Team. He is an active participant in his parish and is the recipient of the Boston College Book Award. He will attend The College of the Holy Cross in the fall.
Julia Lambert: Julia is the daughter of John Lambert and Kim Caldwell of Cumberland Foreside. She is a member of the National Honor Society and graduated Summa cum Laude. She has been a member of the Ice Hockey Team, the Key Club (serving as its president), and has been captain of her Sailing and Math Teams. Julia received the Harvard Book Award in the fall and the Maine Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Scholar Athlete Award at graduation. She has also served as a Pink Concussions intern, developing guidelines for concussion management. Julia will be attending Stanford University in the fall.
Alexandra Logan: Alexandra is the daughter of James and Faith Logan of Brunswick. She is a member of the National Honor Society and graduated Summa cum Laude. Alex is the recipient of the John J. Flaherty Prize in Classics, the Phi Beta Kappa Association of Maine Academic Achievement Award, the Dartmouth College Book Award, the Academic Excellence Award for Latin, and the Maine Sports Hall of Fame. Alex will attend Bowdoin College in the fall.
Emily Manter: Emily is the daughter of Brad Manter and Rebecca Darling of Scarborough. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the Key Club, the Do Something Club, and the Jazz Chorus. Emily graduated Summa cum Laude, participated in a mission trip to Guatemala last June, and was awarded the Fairfield University Book Award and the Rensselaer Medal this past fall. She received the Academic Excellence Award for French at graduation. Emily will attend Bates College in the fall.
Hannah Ray: Hannah is the daughter of Kenneth and Allyson Ray of Cumberland Foreside. She actively serves both her school and her community. Hannah has performed in ice skating shows and has been a guest speaker and presenter at multiple conferences in Maine and Massachusetts. She is interested in music, having produced a CD in 2013. Hannah has completed a novel and is in the process of writing a second one. She graduated Summa cum Laude and will attend Skidmore College in the fall.
Kathryn Smith: Kathryn is the daughter of Michael Smith of Portland and Kimberly Smith of Windham. She is a member of the National Honor Society and graduated Summa cum Laude. Kathryn is also a member of the Spanish Club, French Club, Pink Ribbon Club, Do Something Club, and the Model United Nations Club. An accomplished piano player, she learned how to play the flute as a member of the school band, and she has been a valuable member of the volleyball and tennis teams. She has been an acolyte at her church since freshman year and has also served as a youth ministry group leader. She will attend Northeastern University in the fall.
WINNERS OF THE PRESIDENT’S EDUCATIONAL AWARD:
The following students maintained an impressive standard of excellence by graduating with a GPA of 3.75 or higher. In a letter from the President of the United States, President Obama writes: “I am delighted to join your family, friends and community in congratulating you. By earning this honor, you have shown a deep personal commitment to educational excellence and I commend you for your hard work.”
Alfred Baldeweck of Portland
Brittany Bell of Lewiston
Laura Bither of Freeport
Elyse Caiazzo of Scarborough
Kun Cao of Zhengzhou, China
Samuel Cross of South Portland
Sophia Dai of Shanghai, China
Libby DesRuisseaux of Buxton
John Devine of Cumberland Foreside
Rebekah DuDevoir of Biddeford
Peter Dutton of Portland
Emma Engelman of Scarborough
Alexia Fornaro of Portland
Sydney Hallowell of Cape Elizabeth
Sara Hoffman of Raymond
Timothy Jerome of Falmouth
Lisette Labbé of Limerick
Margaret Kathryn LaFountain of Biddeford
Julia Lambert of Cumberland Foreside
Alexandra Logan of Brunswick
Sarah MacLeod of Gorham
Emily Manter of Scarborough
Sarah Nappo of Portland
Katherine Randall of South Portland
Hannah Ray of Cumberland Foreside
Kathryn Smith of Windham
Léon Taquet of Windham
BRONZE, SILVER, AND GOLD PRIZE FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE:
A BRONZE PRIZE CERTIFICATE IS AWARDED TO THOSE STUDENTS WHO ARE THE TOP STUDENT IN ONE SUBJECT.
Brittany
Bell
Lewiston
Precalculus
Kun
Cao
Zhengzhou, China
AP Statistics
Bradford
Carney
Portland
Statistics
Christian
Cilley
Portland
American Roots Music
Gillian
Coates
South Portland
Latin IV Honors
Madeleine
Fenderson
Falmouth
French IV Honors
Elizabeth
Ford
Wells
Theology IV
Catharine
Galligan
Kennebunk
Yearbook
Alexander
Grant-Roy
Biddeford
Precalculus Honors
Gregory
Grinnell
Bridgton
Spanish IV Honors
Timothy
Jerome
Falmouth
Chemistry Honors
Hannah
Johnston
South Portland
World War II / the 60’s
Julia
Lambert
Cumberland Foreside
World War II/the 60’s
Abigail
Maker
Naples
Spanish III
Emily
Manter
Scarborough
French V Honors
Kathryn
Michaud
South Portland
Algebra II
Maria
Nappi
Freeport
Theology IV
Patrick
O’Hanlon
Falmouth
English IV Honors
Katherine
Randall
South Portland
Politics & Law
Hannah
Ray
Cumberland Foreside
Stained Glass
Jenna
Roberge
Portland
Conceptual Physics
MaryKathryn
Slattery
Old Orchard Beach
Physics
Jackson
Sutton
Freeport
Piano Lab
Christopher
Tinsman
Cape Elizabeth
Architectural Design
Christine
Walsh
Portland
Art Essentials
Yuanzhen
Xu
Ji’nan, China
AP Calculus BC
A SILVER PRIZE CERTIFICATE IS AWARDED TO THOSE STUDENTS WHO ARE THE TOP STUDENT IN TWO SUBJECTS.
Marko
Benjamin
Westbrook
Digital Design, Piano Lab
Laura
Bither
Freeport
Latin II Honors, Theology IV
Samuel
Cross
South Portland
English V Honors, Piano Lab
Libby
DesRuisseaux
Buxton
AP Calculus AB, Spanish IV Honors
Rachel
Johnsey
Scarborough
Architectural Design, Enviro. Sci.
Brett
Libby
Cumberland Center
Algebra II, Drawing & Painting
Sarah
MacLeod
Gorham
English IV Honors, Theology IV
Sarah
Nappo
Portland
Studio Art, Stained Glass
Emma
Ryan
Portland
Statistics, Studio Art II
Grace
Shapiro
North Waterboro
Jazz Combo, Music Technology & Production
Matthew
Sprague
Kennebunk
Algebra II, Intro to Art
Alisha
Starbird
Scarborough
Journalism, Drawing & Painting
Jiewen
Xiao
Guangzhou, China
AP Calculus AB, Physics
A GOLD PRIZE CERTIFICATE IS AWARDED TO THOSE STUDENTS WHO ARE THE TOP STUDENT IN THREE OR MORE SUBJECTS
Alfred
Baldenweck
Portland
AP English Lit & Comp, Jazz Choir,
AP Spanish
Yue (Sophia)
Dai
Shanghai, China
AP English Lit & Comp, AP Calculus BC
Physics Honors, AP Chemistry
Peter
Dutton
Portland
Digital Design, AP Environmental
AP European History
Nicholas
Jensen
Kennebunk
Algebra II, Spanish III, Chemistry, Piano Lab
Alexandra
Logan
Brunswick
Precalculus, AP Latin, Theology IV
William
McMahon
Naples
English IV, French III Honors, World War II & the 60’s
Joseph
Smith
Gorham
English IV, Algebra II, Spanish IV
Léon
Taquet
Windham
AP Statistics, Physics Honors, Theology IV, AP Bio