Portland High School Top 10

The following seniors finish the academic year in the top 10 of students in the Class of 2016 at Portland High School.

Chessa Nicole Hoekstra

Chessa Nicole Hoekstra, daughter of John and Suzanne Hoekstra, is the valedictorian of the Class of 2016. While at Portland High School she was a member of the Executive Board, Academic Decathlon, African Schoolhouse Club, Math Team, captain of the soccer team, track team, Ski and Snowboard Club, Anatomy of Leadership, and peer tutoring. Hoekstra’s scholastic achievements include: High honors throughout her high school career, membership in the National Honor Society, the Yale Book Award, distinction as an AP Scholar with Honors, the Medusa Mythology Exam Awards-Corona Olivae and Corona Laurea. Hoekstra plans to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Brad William Ravenelle

Brad William Ravenelle, son of Robert and Elizabeth Ravenelle, is the salutatorian of the Class of 2016. While at Portland High School he was a member of the men’s a cappella group, Ultimate Frisbee Club, junior and senior co-captain of cross-country, captain of Nordic skiing, for which he won the state championship in Class AA freestyle. Ravenelle has volunteered at the local soup kitchen, and participated in a cross-country bicycle tour. His scholastic achievements earned him high honors throughout his high school career, membership in the National Honor Society, the Harvard Book Award, a silver medal in the Medusa Mythology Exam, and magna cum laude on the National Latin Exam. Ravenelle plans to attend Bates College.

Hannah J. Eglinton

Hannah J. Eglinton, daughter of Peter and Stephanie Eglinton, is a member of the Africa Schoolhouse Club, Math Team, Civil Rights Team and Women’s Rights Club. A member of the Portland Youth Dance Company, Eglinton teaches dance classes at the First Parish Youth Group and Learning Works. She also attended a civil rights pilgrimage, traveled to Thailand for the Loop Abroad Plight of the Thai Elephant and attended Smith College Field Studies for Sustainable Futures. Her scholastic achievements earned her honors and high honors throughout her high school career, the Brown University Book Award and distinction as an AP Scholar. Eglinton plans to attend Carleton College.

Merritt Patterson Ryan

Merritt Patterson Ryan, daughter of Thomas Ryan and Bethany Buitenhuys, is a member of the Executive Board, African Schoolhouse Club, captain of the soccer team, captain of the lacrosse team, member of the basketball team, and a peer tutor who volunteered at Lyman Moore Middle School. Ryan’s scholastic achievements earned her honors and high honors throughout her high school career, membership in the National Honor Society, Anatomy of Leadership and the Medusa Mythology Award. Ryan plans to attend the University of Miami.

Bailey Catherine Ruesch

Bailey Catherine Ruesch, daughter of Robert Ruesch and Julia Finn, is a member of the Executive Board, the soccer team, basketball team, Math Team and a peer tutor. Ruesch’s scholastic achievements earned her membership in the National Honor Society, high honors throughout her high school career, selection for Semi High Tech U, the Wellesley College Book Award and distinction as an AP Scholar. Ruesch is a junior volunteer at Maine Medical Center and Learning Works and attended a National Geographic community service expedition to Costa Rica. She plans to attend Tulane University.

Cecelia C. Botting

Cecelia C. Botting, daughter of Ron Botting and Anita Stewart, is a member of the Executive Board, Free Tibet Club, Outdoor Club and founder and president of Women’s Rights Club. Botting is a volunteer at Planned Parenthood and a ballet teacher aide at the YMCA and Theatre Camp aide. Her academic achievements earned her membership in the National Honor Society, honors and high honors throughout her high school career, the St. Michael’s Book Award and distinction as an AP Scholar. Botting plans to attend Barnard College.

Catherine Marcella Brewer

Catherine Marcella Brewer, daughter of Christopher and Deborah Brewer, is vice president of the Executive Board, president of the Key Club, secretary of the Student Council, co-founder and co-president of the Surf Club, a member of the field hockey team, ice hockey team, lacrosse team, Ski and Snowboard Club and Outdoor Club. She is a volunteer with Maine Marathon, Portland Parks and Recreation, a surf instructor at the Aquaholic’s special surfers night, and a triathlete in Tri for a Cure for the Maine Cancer Foundation. Brewer’s academic achievements earned her honors and high honors throughout her high school career, the US Army Student Athlete Award and recognition as a gifted and talented student in the visual arts, and People to People Student Ambassador. Brewer plans to attend Providence College or Boston College.

Jane Lee Ackermann

Jane Lee Ackermann, daughter of Rick Ackermann and Kathryn Buxton, is a member of the Executive Board, Drama Club, Shakespeare Club, Model UN and a peer tutor. Ackermann is a volunteer at the Preble Street Shelter and co-founder of the Young Shakespeare Company. Her academic achievements earned her high honors throughout her high school career, membership in the National Honor Society, English Book Award, Columbia Book Award and distinction as an AP Scholar. Ackermann is very involved in professional film and theater around New England and recently has produced an independent film. She plans to attend Columbia University.

Annika Kelley Chim

Annika Kelley Chim, daughter of Mark and Paula Chim, is a member of Voices for Student Centered Learning, Youth Engagement Partners, Student Pathways coordinator intern, Outdoor Club, lacrosse team, soccer team and attended the Youth Leadership Institute. Chim’s academic achievements earned her membership in the National Honor Society, high honors throughout her high school career, Latin Medusa Awards and the Dartmouth College Book Award. Chim plans to attend Bentley University.

Nicholas J. Stasium

Nicholas J. Stasium, son of Mark and Susan Stasium, is a member of Anatomy of Leadership, baseball team, golf team, cross-country team and a peer tutor. Stasium has volunteered at Camp Sunshine and assisted with Deering Little League’s Challenger Division. His academic achievements earned him membership in the National Honor Society, honors and high honors throughout his high school career and the St. Michael’s College Book Award. Stasium plans to attend Boston College.

StasiumRyanRueschRavenelleChimBrewerBottingAckermannHoekstraEglinton