Mid-Coast School Notebook: Mt. Ararat High's top 10 graduates

TOPSHAM — At Mt. Ararat High School, the following students graduated as the 10 members of the Class of 2015 with the highest academic achievement, according to the school.

Sam Allen, son of Tom Allen and Susan Carlson, was a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Competition and received a Phi Beta Kappa Certificate of Recognition. He performed as part of the Stage Company and the Chamber Singers. Allen plans to study musical theater at the University of Southern Maine.

Eliza Hodge, daughter of John and Theresa Hodge, received the St. Michael’s Book Award, was named an AP Scholar, and participated in the National Honor Society. She also was a member of the Interact Club, the Student Leadership Advocacy Committee and the Outing Club. Hodge played soccer and basketball, and was named to the KVAC All-Academic teams in those sports. In addition, she was named a KVAC Scholar. She also played tennis. She plans to study English and business at Bryant University.

Andrew McCracken, son of Julia and Bruce McCracken, was a member of the National Honor Society and served on the Student Leadership Advocacy Committee. He also was active in Big Brothers Big Sisters, and played trumpet in the band. McCracken was a three-season athlete, playing varsity soccer and competing in both indoor and outdoor track. He was named to the KVAC All-Academic teams for soccer and indoor track, and was recognized as a KVAC Top Scholar. He plans to attend Wesleyan University, where he intends to study either biology or environmental engineering.

Allison Melcher, daughter of Samuel and Lisa Melcher, received the Mount Holyoke Book Award and the Pejepscot Historical Society Book Award. She was a member of the National Honor Society, and also participated in the Interact Club. Outside of class, she played basketball and tennis. Melcher plans to attend Clemson University, majoring in wildlife and fisheries biology.

Tyler O’Connor, son of Tim and Robin O’Connor, received the St. Michael’s Book Award and was a member of the National Honor Society. He played varsity golf as well as ice hockey for four years, captaining both teams during his junior and senior years. He plans to attend Methodist University, studying professional golf management.

Kara O’Neal, daughter of Brenda O’Neal and Michael O’Neal, received the Smith College Book Award and was a member of the National Honor Society. She served as a class officer, was president of the Student Senate, and participated in the Interact Club. O’Neal plans to study engineering at Northeastern University.

Jonathan Roux, son of Michael Roux and Lisa Roux, was the recipient of the Dartmouth Book Award and a member of the National Honor Society. Through the science club, he participated for two years in the SeaPerch Robotics Competition, and also participated in the Science Olympiad. He played soccer for four years, and also was a member of the baseball and tennis teams. Roux plans to study engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Rebecca Schuman, daughter of Kristine Schuman, was an AP Scholar, served as president of the National Honor Society, and received the Wellesley Book Award, the Maine Principals Association Award and the Secretary of State Award. She also served as a class officer and a member of the Student Senate, participated in the Interact Club, and acted as a mentor in the Freshmen Academy. Schuman played in the jazz band, the District III band and the wind ensemble, and sang as a member of the Concert Choir and the Chamber Singers. She also played varsity soccer, as well as ice hockey, lacrosse and basketball. She plans to attend the University of Maine, studying business management.

Kaitlin Volk, daughter of Lisa Volk and Ron Volk, received the Wesleyan Book Award, was an AP Scholar, and participated in the National Honor Society. She also was a member of the Student Senate and the Outing Club. She played varsity lacrosse, varsity soccer, and competed on both the indoor and outdoor track and field teams. She was named to the KVAC All-Academic teams for soccer and for indoor track and field, and was also a KVAC Scholar. Volk also was a member of the swim and Nordic skiing teams. She plans to attend Colby College, pursuing a double major in biology and environmental studies.

Benjamin York, son of Beth and Robert York, was an AP Scholar with Honors and a member of the National Honor Society. He participated in the science club for four years and the math team for three years, and twice was named a recipient of the Pi Cone Math League Coaches Award. In addition, York completed a science internship through the Maine Space Grant Consortium. He served on the staff of Aquila magazine, and attended the New England Young Writers Conference. He also was a representative to Dirigo Boys State. He plans to study mathematics at Bowdoin College.

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