OAKLAND — Messalonskee High School recently announced its top 10 students for the class of 2017. Graduation was held June 8.

Fern Calkins, daughter of Chuck and Stephanie Calkins, of Oakland, is ranked first in the class. She is a distinguished scholar, member of the National Honor Society, and yearly performer at Ripple Dipple. She devotes much of her time volunteering for the Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Maine as a “big,” and also assists with various events for the ShineOnCass Foundation. In 2016 she competed as a level 8 championship gymnast. She also is a track athlete and soccer captain. She enjoys spending her free time coaching gymnastics, and recently founded a summer soccer league for young girls.

Calkins plans to attend the University of Maine at Farmington in the fall, to study pre-med.

Francesco “Vann” Guarnieri, son of Susan Holmes, of Belgrade, and Frank Guarnieri, of Waterville, is ranked second. He has been a fixture of many organizations at Messalonskee. He has been a four-year member of the robotics and math teams and has helped lead them both to great success. He also is an avid musician and has been extremely involved in the instrumental band program as well as the jazz band. He has been chosen to participate in numerous select and all state performances. Guarnieri has served as mentor to the youth robotics and band programs. He is an AP Scholar with Distinction and successfully completed six Advanced Placement courses, along with courses at Colby College. He was selected to both the National Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Guarnieri plans to attend Dartmouth College in the fall to study mechanical engineering.

Ethan Pullen, son of and Tammy and Charles Pullen, of Oakland, is ranked third. He has been a dedicated member of the math and robotics team and has received numerous accolades through these organizations. Pullen also has been involved with the school’s jazz band. He is an avid poultry exhibitor and has volunteered at various summer fairs and camps. He was named was named as an AP Scholar and completed five Advanced Placement courses, along with courses at Colby College.

Pullen plans to attend Colby College in the fall to study computer science.

Nathan Violette, son of Brent and Theresa Violette, of Oakland, is ranked fourth. He is the captain of his soccer and basketball teams. He has participated in soccer, baseball, basketball and track. He has participated in band for four years and is a Tri-M member. Violette is a member of the National Honor Society, attended Boys State, and is a member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as a student council member.

Violette plans to attend University of Maine at Farmington in the fall to study pre-med biology.

Daniel Turner, son of Jack and Kathleen Turner, of Sidney, is ranked fifth. He has participated in soccer, indoor and outdoor track, unified basketball, student council and Key Club. He is a member of the National Honor Society.

Turner plans to attend Husson University to study physical therapy.

Dylan Labun, son of Kelly Labun, of Waterville, and Tobie Labun, of Belgrade, is ranked sixth. He has been a dedicated member of the soccer and track programs and was named as captain in track for two years and soccer for his senior year. He has been a volunteer coach for youth runners as well, through the Waterville Summer Track program. He also has been employed while maintaining his grades and athletic commitments.

Labun plans to attend Maine Maritime Academy in the fall to study marine engineering.

Alyssa Michaud, daughter of Katrina and Adam Michaud, of Oakland, is ranked seventh. She has been a dedicated competitor in Messalonskee High School’s cross country and track programs. She has been a committed member of the school’s choral course. She is a member of the National Honor Society and is involved in numerous outdoor activities, including a junior rifle club and working at a summer camp. She also helped serve as a mentor and tutor to struggling peers.

Michaud plans to attend Simmons College in the fall to study physical therapy

Amy LaVerdiere, daughter of Shari and Bruce LaVerdiere, of Oakland, is ranked eighth. She has been a strong student since arriving at Messalonskee High School from Temple Academy, where she was equally successful. She has maintained high grades while participating in athletics and maintaining employment. She was selected to the National Honor Society and has served as a peer tutor, and she has also volunteered through various church activities.

LaVerdiere plans to attend Thomas College in the fall to study secondary education mathematics.

Megan Charrier, daughter of Chris Charrier and Sherry Van Joolen, of Oakland, is ranked ninth. She has participated in soccer and Key Club. She is a member of the National Honors Society and has danced at the Young American Dance Center for all four years of high school.

Charrier plans to attend the University of Maine to study pre-med.

Sarah Van Der Karr, daughter of John Van Der Karr, of Belgrade, is ranked 10th. She has participated in soccer, indoor and outdoor track, basketball, band and key club. She is a Tri-M member, class treasurer, band treasurer and volunteers her time at MMS Band Camp.

Van Der Karr plans to attend St. John Fisher College to major in accounting.