8:40 a.m.
Friday, June 9, 2017 8:40 am

ROCHESTER - Superintendent Michael Hopkins and Principal Justin Roy are pleased to announce the top 10 graduates of the Spaulding High School (SHS) Class of 2017.

The ranking is based on the soon-to-be graduates' cumulative GPAs for their entire high school careers through third quarter of this year,which is indicative of their collective commitment to sustained academic excellence.

"These students have demonstrated a constant desire to succeed in the classroom while remaining active and engaged members of the SHS community," Principal Roy said. "I am proud of them all, and have no doubts that their commitment and perseverance will serve them well in the future."

The honorees, in alphabetical order, are:

Rachel Bamford

Bamford received the Smith College Book Award, served as a math tutor through her role with Mu Alpha Theta (math honor society) and is involved in community service through the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.

Emily Benson

Benson spent all four years of her SHS career participating in the Class Council, serving as secretary, vice president and now co-president of the Student Senate. She has also spent time as a student mentor, where she was one of only a few students who took the initiative to provide fellow students with experiences that promote tolerance and acceptance. In addition, Benson was a four-year member of the varsity ski team, a three-year member of the junior varsity volleyball team and a four-year contributor to the Masque and Dagger Drama Club and also participated in the National Honor Society.

Jordan Gosselin

During his four years at SHS, Gosselin served as a math tutor as a member of Mu Alpha Theta (math honor society) and also belonged to the Spanish Honor Society. He was a four-sport athlete who considers his contributions to the unified basketball team to be a deeply memorable and meaningful experience.

Rebecca Knight

Knight, who received the St. Anselm College Book Award, distinguished herself at SHS by participating in the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. She also tutored fellow students in math, volunteered her time at the New Beginnings Thrift Boutique and remained committed to attending an early-morning seminary class at her church prior to school every day.

Elise Nelson

The recipient of the Holy Cross Book Award, Nelson spent her time at SHS committed to scholarship and service. She was involved with Project SEARCH, the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. She also spent countless hours volunteering for organizations like Gerry's Food Pantry and events like Rochester Clean-up Day and Octoberfest.

Madison Provencher

Provencher has donated a significant amount of her time at SHS to helping others. She has volunteered at the St. Charles Children's Home, the Gafney Home -- where she helped host an Olympic Games Day for seniors -- and the Chamberlain Street School Aftercare Program. She also assisted in soup kitchens, tutored fellow students, and helped at middle school volleyball clinics and at an annual fundraiser for metastatic breast cancer.

Emily Smiley

As someone who likes to be defined by her passion for helping those who have no voice, Smiley has set her sights on one day becoming a civil rights attorney. During her time at Spaulding, Smiley participated in the Interact Club, the Human Rights Club and the Spanish Honor Society. She also served on the Teen Advisory Board for the Rochester Public Library and was awarded the Colby-Sawyer Book Award.

Spencer Wiles

The lasting impression Wiles has made at SHS is due in large part to his passion for music. He spent his senior year as percussion captain and co-president of chorus, and during his four years at SHS was an active member of the drama program. Beyond the stage, Wiles has been a member of the Granite State Challenge Team, the National Honor Society and the French Honor Society. He has also dedicated time to volunteering at several fellowship kitchens.

Ashley Wilkins

A girl scout since first grade, Wilkins earned the prestigious Gold Award as a senior for her work coordinating events at the Rockingham County Nursing Home that helped to bridge the gap between teens and the elderly. She began developing her leadership skills as a sophomore and became a facilitator for the Rotary Youth Leadership Award program as a junior. In addition, she's been an active member with the National Honor Society, Latin Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Project SEARCH and Class Council.

Kerry Winfrey

During his time at SHS, Winfrey has been actively involved in a variety of sports and activities. He was a two-year captain of the varsity hockey team and made valuable contributions to the football, track and baseball teams. Off the playing field, he set high expectations for himself academically. He attended the St. Paul's Advanced Studies Program and focused on artificial intelligence, which he put into action participating in the "GoBabyGo!" program, developing electric toy cars into mobility devices for kids with disabilities. In addition, he dedicated his time as a math tutor with Mu Alpha Theta and participated in both Project SEARCH and the Principal's Student Leadership Team.

The students' final rankings, including the valedictorian and salutatorian designations, will be calculated and announced ahead of graduation on June 16.