NORTH SMITHFIELD – The first male athlete in North Smithfield High School history to earn an individual state title was recognized this week with citations from the North Smithfield Town Council, and his achievements will be recognized in perpetuity with a new banner to be hung in the gymnasium of the school.
Aiden Beauchemin received the acknowledgement on Monday, March 15, amid praise for his accomplishments, which also include All-State honors in soccer.
“We have challenges that have been facing us and you have risen to face them head on,” said Athletic Director Matthew Tek this week. “I couldn’t be more proud of what you’ve accomplished in becoming the first male to ever win a state individual championship.”
Beauchemin, a senior at the school, took first place at the Rhode Island Interscholastic League Championships on Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Providence Career & Technical Academy field house in 55 meter hurdles, coming in at 7.96 seconds.
The top seed going into the event, Beauchemin earned the recognition with the school’s five-year-old the track and field program. He is only the third athlete in the school’s history to secure a state title, and is the first male student to win the honor. NSHS swimmer Sara Gendron captured a title in the 100-yard butterfly in 2018 and Donna Ferra won three straight all-around championships from 1981-1983, according to a recent story on Beauchemin’s win.
Beauchemin has also been selected for a spot on the Rhode Island First All-State soccer team, as well as Rhode Island All State First Team Division II All Academic soccer team.
The Town Council presented two official citations recognizing the athletic achievements.
“You also set the new school record,” said Tek, noting a banner citing Beauchemin’s achievement is currently in production. “That will hang forever as you become part of the history and lore of North Smithfield High School.”
“On behalf of all of us in the school district and the for town of North Smithfield – super proud of your accomplishments and this historic moment,” Tek said.
