NORTH SMITHFIELD – During North Smithfield High School’s first virtually-held senior awards ceremony, testimony and accolades about the students were presented by a group that has come to know and respect the graduates over the past four years: their teachers and administrators.
The awards were announced via a video released Wednesday, June 3 with the names withheld until posting to serve as a surprise for student recipients.
“I would like to thank our seniors for their patience, and for letting us honor them in the best way we can at this time,” said Director of Guidance Counseling William Pepin, who served as moderator of the presentation.
Filmed at various locations throughout town, from the school itself to scenic outdoor sites and the homes of presenters, the video also served as an opportunity to offer kind words to students whose senior year was cut short by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Teacher Lauren Nelson presented testimony from her fellow teachers, including Tracey Bailey-Gates, regarding Science Department Award winner Alexandra Boutelle.
“After getting to know her in honors biotechnology, honors anatomy and physiology and medical terminology, I am totally convinced that she will someday be treating one of us at Rhode Island Hospital,” read Nelson. “Our lives may be in her hands one day. Allie is a science powerhouse.”
The Matthew James Milner Memorial Scholarship, an award presented in the memory of a 2003 Smithfield High School Graduate, was announced by NSHS teacher Linda Milner.
“Choosing the North Smithfield High School recipient is always difficult for me,” said Milner. “One of my joys as a teacher at North Smithfield High School is getting to know and work with so many wonderful students in so many different capacities.”
“The Class of 2020 is an incredibly special class, and you should all feel proud of your many accomplishments as you go forward to fulfilling your goals for yourselves,” said Milner, announcing senior Lindsay Dumont as this year’s recipient. “She was a quiet heroine, with a quiet, introspective approach, and is always kind and helpful to others.”
Athletic Director Matthew Tek presented the athletics honors, noting that The Varsity Club Award is given to students who reach varsity-level standing in multiple sports. This year, the 18 students had to acquire seven varsity levels during their high school sports career to qualify.
“This senior graduating class of 2020 has the most members ever being inducted into the club in the history since we’ve accepted that award,” said Tek.
In presenting the Band Director Awards, Director Kevin Plouffe noted that the Class of 2020’s valedictorian is also one of the school’s top achieving musicians.
“Her achievement on horn is long and commendable,” said Plouffe. “Abby has developed into a true leader.”
Of fellow award recipient Nicole Connell, Plouffe said, “‘Superstar’ is our diamond in the rough. Her band spirit is undeniable and her willingness to improve as a musician and to serve other is one of her best qualities.”
Carol Nasuti presented the George Nasuti “Good Citizen” Scholarship in honor of her late husband, who served in many public roles, including one as athletic director in neighboring Woonsocket High School.
“Just like you, I wish we could be doing this in person,” Nasuti said, noting that she aims to give the scholarship to the student who is the most “Georgiest,” who, in 2020, were Connell and Cole Dubois. “The selection isn’t based on grades or popularity or anything else – just who was most like George in giving back to the community and helping others.”
Teacher Amy Wright presented The Scottie Wright Memorial Scholarship in honor of her late nephew.
“I can honestly say that no other class has made me laugh so much as you have,” Wright said. “There were many times when I tried to be serious only to laugh out loud because your enthusiasm and energy was so contagious. I hope that you always hold on to that joy.”
Of her nephew, Wright added, “He was a little bit like the class of 2020. He was full of energy and life.”
The scholarship was awarded to senior Alexia Brandow.
The Vimeo presentation ended with a seriess of well-wishes for the seniors from other school staff members, their fellow students, friends and members of the community.
“We miss you,” said special education teacher Christine Welch. “We’re sorry your school year ended this way, but you’re going to do great things, and we can’t wait to hear about them.
“Life doesn’t always go as planned however, it’s how you respond,” said the school’s senior project coordinator, Lindsay Aromin. “I hope you are happy, healthy and that you live your life with as much creativity as you have during your four years at North Smithfield High School.”
Below is the complete list of award recipients. The full video, which begins about halfway through the feed, can be found here.
ACTIVITY AND ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
All Around Art Excellence Award: Jenna Gaboriault
American Mathematical Society Award: Melody Fontaine
Louis Silano Memorial Award: Bryan Decelles & Alexandra Ledger
Science Department Award: Alexandra Boutelle
National History Day:
*First Place winners in Group Documentary: Kate Lapierre, Krissy Lapierre, and Abby Votta
*Third Place winners in Group Exhibit: Megan Skinner and Ali Boutelle
Sue VanHouwe Hreczuck Memorial English Award: Michael Lavallee
Spanish Achievement Award Premio de excelencia: Megan Skinner
National Honor Society Officers:
Cole Dubois – President
Alexis Brandao – Vice President
Nicole Connell – Corresponding Secretary
Juliana Lanciault – Recording Secretary
Elizabeth Dagesse – Treasurer
National Honor Society New Senior Members-Class of 2020: Matthew Bergeron; Nicholas Gamache; Michael Lavallee; Paige Pessia; Makayla Quezada & Katelyn Williams
Matthew James Milner Memorial Scholarship: Lindsay Dumont
Class of 2020 Officers:
Michael Ethier – President
Alexia Brandao – Recording Secretary
James Hanlon – Vice President
Quinn Parent – Treasurer
Skylar Mette – Corresponding Secretary
ATHLETIC AWARDS
Varsity Club Awards: Kyle Alves; Daniel Beauchemin; Max Bischoff; Andrew Cabral; Joshua Carfuel; Cade Curran; Bryan Decelles; Cole Dubois; Payton Mace; Nathan Masi; Mitchell Prudhomme; Lucas Whitton; Forrest Zuba; Alexia Brandao; Kayla Butler; Gillian Pepin; Madison Reynolds and Hope Trowbridge
Subway Most Valuable Student Athletes: Alexia Brandao & Cole Dubois
Northmen/Lady Northmen Senior Athlete of the Year: Skylar Mette & Aldrec Viera Dones
North Smithfield Alumni Association Sportsmanship Award: Gillian Pepin & Kyle Alves
North Smithfield Athletic Association: Hope Trowbridge
Distinguished Athlete Award: Daniel Beauchemin
NSHS Scholar/Athlete Awards: Madison Reynolds & Andrew Cabral
Unified Team Sports Recognition: Matthew Beausoleil; Kaia Boyes; Michael Glaude; Jordyn Kachanis; Brittany Morris & Marie Torres
MUSIC AWARDS
Band Director Awards: Autumn Casey; Nicole Connell & Abigail Votta
Louis Armstrong Jazz Award: Zachary Malian
Choral Director Awards: Melody Fontaine; Gianna Capracotta & Michael Ethier
National School Choral Award: Madison Wilkes
Outstanding Achievement in dance: Megan Skinner
John Philip Sousa Band Award: Michael Ethier
HONOR AWARDS
Rhode Island College Book Award: Gillian Pepin
Pell Award for U. S. History: Abby Votta
Lt. Governor’s Award: James Hanlon
Congressman Cicilline Award: Megan Skinner
Mary E. McNamara Award: Abigail Angell
Career & Technical Education Honors In Business: James Hanlon; Amber Lavelle; Brandon Schobel & Forrest Zuba
In Music: Michael Ethier; Melody Fontaine; Gianna Capracotta; Liz Dagese; Zach Malian; Autumn Casey & Nicole Connell
In Pre-Engineering: Bryan Decelles; Alex Ledger & Jackson Lynch
Rhode Island Honor Society: Codi Anderson; Ghali Anwar; Matthew Bergeron; Alexandra Boutelle; Alexia Brandao; Andrew Cabral; Autumn Casey; Jennifer Cohen; Nicole Connell; Cade Curran; Elizabeth Dagesse; Bryan Decelles; Lauren Drapeau; Cole Dubois; Lindsay Dumont; Michael Ethier; Melody Fontaine; Nicholas Gamache; James Hanlon; Jordyn Kachanis; Nathan Lamoureux; Juliana Lanciault; Kate Lapierre; Kristianna Lapierre; Michael Lavallee; Peyton Mace; Michele Mariano; Skylar Mette; Quinn Parent; Anthony Parente; Paige Pessia; Emma Phillips; Lilly Powers; Jack Puccetti; Makayla Quezada; Madison Reynolds; Hannah Samek; Megan Skinner; Aldrec Viera Dones; Abigail Votta; Mikayla Whitney; Madison Wilkes & Katelyn Williams
Class of 2020 4.0 Club: Alexandra Boutelle; Nicole Connell; Lindsay Dumont; Melody Fontaine; Nicholas Gamache; Kate Lapierre; Kristiana Lapierre; Michael Lavallee; Michele Mariano; Skylar Mette; Emma Phillips; Megan Skinner & Abigail Votta
Salutatorian Award: Megan Skinner
Valedictorian Award: Abigail Votta
N. S. Youth Soccer Association Scholarships: Andrew Cabral; Bryan Decelles; Madison Reynolds & Liam Zonin
Frehill Council #5702 Scholarship: Nicole Connell
George Nasuti “Good Citizen” Scholarship: Nicole Connell & Cole Dubois
Michele Crepeau Memorial Scholarship: Nicole Connell
Bradley Scholars Award: Michael Ethier; Skylar Mette; Megan Skinner & Michael Ethier
North Smithfield Parent Teacher Organization: Alexandra Boutelle; Cole Dubois & Jack Puccetti
Pumpkinfest: Ethan Garneau & James Hanlon
RIAFCS Scholarship: Amber Lavelle
Carl & Ruby Christiansen Scholarship: Melody Fontaine
Robert F. Fura Memorial Scholarship: Nathan Lamoureux
James Dalti Memorial Scholarship: Jennifer Cohen
Friends of the North Smithfield Scholarship: Jordyn Kachanis & Autumn Casey
N. S. Teachers Association Marion Smith Scholarship: Hope Trowbridge
Kidz Club Scholarship: Katherine Casanova
Monroe/Cahill Memorial Scholarship: Alexandra Boutelle; James Hanlon & Bryan Decelles
The Scottie Wright Memorial Scholarship: A. Brandao
Class of 1971 Memorial Scholarship: Kristianna Lapierre
Pat Dowling Memorial Softball Scholarship: Alexandra Ledger
Cabral/Contildes Family Scholarship: Michele Mariano
Michael F. Lovett Scholarship: Abigail Votta; Jack Puccetti & Aldrec Viera Dones
MEANS Scholarship: Michael Ethier
North Smithfield Ambulance and Rescue Scholarship: Michael Lavallee
