A select group of central Maine high school graduating seniors can proudly call themselves something none of their classmates can — valedictorian.

This academically motivated group has accomplished achievements that include going on mission trips, raising money for a food pantry, building a chariot, traveling to Japan, Costa Rica, Germany and Czech Republic and earning All-America status.

These college-bound young men and women appreciate the opportunities they’ve been given and they aspire to do more.

Whether it’s tissue regeneration research, competing at the 2016 Summer Olympics, managing a band or returning to teach in their communities, they have plans.

Marissa BovieErskine Academy

Last year, Bovie, 18, traveled to Costa Rica and built a home with Erskine’s American Field Service group, a nonprofit organization that seeks to promote peace through cultural exchange experiences.

She said she’d like to continue traveling the world.

“I’d really like to study abroad, and there are a whole lot of countries I’d like to visit,” Bovie said. “I have a list on a Post-It on my mirror.”

Next year, she’ll study geology and anthropology at the University of Maine.

At Erskine in South China, Bovie has run cross country and dabbled in drama. She also has taken voice lessons and enjoys reading.

“My mother always told me to do what I want and that it’s better that I go in and poke around a little bit and discover what I really love and to pursue that,” she said.

Driven and motivated are how Bovie said others might describe her.

“I hope they think I’m a good person as well,” said Bovie, who lives in Vassalboro with her parents Christopher and Susan Bovie.

Brynn CardozoNokomis Regional High School

Cardozo, 18, proves that a small town girl with a Maine work ethic can go a long way.

This fall, the Palmyra resident will major in biomedical engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Mass.

Following that, Cardozo said she’ll go to medical school, then conduct research, perhaps involving prosthetics or tissue regeneration.

For her senior project, she built a chariot for the Newport school’s Latin Club.

Cardozo said she liked learning about ancient Roman Empire culture and taking part in the club’s spirit competitions.

The daughter of Hal Cardozo and Lisa Sawyer played soccer and ran track for the Warriors and took gymnastics lessons.

Cardozo said she’s tried to “dream big and work hard.”

Emily CarrierRangeley Lakes Regional School

When Carrier goes to Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I., to study civil or mechanical engineering, it will be the first time she’ll be separated from her fraternal twin, Chantal, who’s headed to the University of Southern Maine to study marketing.

The daughters of Patricia Baker of Oquossoc and Larry Carrier of Wilton live in Oquossoc — population 200.

“I like knowing everybody,” said Emily, 18.

The standout soccer, basketball and softball player has also participated in various community service projects, including raising money for Parkinson’s disease research.

Carrier said she had an incredible experience at a Maine Youth Leadership seminar in 2010.

“I learned that I was capable of being on my own in a totally new environment, and that leadership can go come in a lot of forms,” she said.

Hannah ChavisLawrence High School

Chavis has wanted to be a nurse since she volunteered at a local hospital when she was in junior high.

“I changed bed sheets and brought them water and snacks and talked with them,” Chavis said. “The nurses explained things to me and I bonded with the patients.”

This fall, the 18-year-old will begin studying for a nursing degree at the University of Maine.

The daughter of Sarah and Jeffrey Chavis of Fairfield has experience tending to others; she’s volunteered at soup kitchens and in elementary classrooms.

The National Honor Society member ran cross country and track, swam, was class secretary and has been an active Civil Rights team and Gay-Straight Alliance member.

“My mom is very supportive of everything I do and pushes me to achieve my potential,” Chavis said.

Her parents must love one of her hobbies. “I love cleaning and love to do the dishes,” she said with a laugh.

Graham ClarkWinslow High School

Clark, 18, will attend Bowdoin College.

While Winslow High School does not name a valedictorian, Clark is the school’s 2012 Principal’s Award winner.

The award, sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association, is presented annually in recognition of a senior’s academic achievement and citizenship.

The Vassalboro resident, who recently took a calculus course at Colby College, said he wanted to attend a small liberal arts school and chose Bowdoin because it’s one of the best.

Clark may focus on biology and chemistry, two of his favorite subjects.

A career in medicine is a possibility, said Clark, the son of Ann Rhinehardt-Clark and Michael Clark.

The Black Raiders soccer and tennis teams member also volunteers at the Vassalboro Public Library and enjoys reading and downhill skiing.

Jennifer HoveyUpper Kennebec ValleyMemorial High School

Hovey plans to parlay her love of sports and exercise into a career.

The 18-year-old multi-sport athlete is going to the University of Maine to study kinesiology en route to becoming a physical therapist.

This spring, Hovey’s been running at 5:30 a.m., attending classes, then practicing softball.

“I think my teachers would say I’m very tenacious and persistent and motivated in what I do,” she said. “I never give up.”

The daughter of Timothy and Susan Hovey of Bingham plays soccer and basketball for the Cavaliers, is president of the National Honor Society and has volunteered at a nursing home, homeless shelter and soup kitchen.

“You see different people in varying circumstances and it makes you appreciate how good you do have it,” she said.

Rochelle JalbertForest Hills Consolidated School

Jalbert, 17, of Jackman, has big plans.

“Even people from small little towns can dream as big as anyone else,” she said.

Jalbert will pursue a music industry degree at the University of New Haven in West Haven, Conn., with hopes to later manage a band and live in New York or California.

“Music is my favorite and I have a pretty good head for business,” she said.

At age 16, in order to help make her dreams come true, she learned to play piano and guitar.

Jalbert plays softball for the Tigers and is a member of the student council and National Honor Society.

She said she has learned to not overextend herself, but to focus on a few things and do them well.

She is the daughter of Brenda and Dana Anderson of Jackman and Nate Jalbert and Jordon Merchant of Auburn.

Jazmin KnappMt. Abram High School

Knapp, 18, was struck by the welcoming atmosphere when she visited the University of Southern Maine in Portland and Gorham, which she plans to attend this fall.

The Freeman Township resident said she’s undecided about a major, but has an interest in visual arts.

“I’ve had so many opportunities provided to me,” said the daughter of Dan and Beverly Knapp, including a Spanish class trip to Costa Rica.

Knapp has paid it forward. She started Hats & Hoots Etc. and raised more than $1,000 for an area food pantry by selling her crafts.

The president of the Girls’ Book Club, member of the National Honor Society and secretary of her class described herself as hardworking.

“But I’m a little bit quirky too,” she said. “Levity is a good thing to have.”

Matthew McClintockMadison AreaMemorial High School

Classes, running and eating take up most of 18-year-old’s time.

His schedule will likely remain much the same when he attends Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.

The high school All-America and multi-time state champion runner will join the Boilermakers’ cross-country and track teams.

The son of Mike and Lisa McClintock of Athens has aspirations to compete at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

“I set my goals really high and alter them as the season goes,” he said.

This summer, the member of the National Honor Society will train, work at a local store and play guitar in his free time.

Sudie MyersCarrabec High School

Myers, 17, is going to the University of Maine at Farmington with plans to major in psychology.

The daughter of Suzanne Scott of North New Portland said she intends to eventually earn a doctorate in the field.

Myers said she wants to possibly live in Colorado because of the beauty and climate. “I like to ski and I like to pretty much do anything outdoors,” she said.

She said others view her as smiling, ambitious and bubbly.

The National Honor Society president said one of the group’s projects was volunteering at Special Olympics events.

“That was a highlight,” she said.

Anna PiottiMount View High School

When Piotti, 17, graduates from Bowdoin College, she wants to live and work in Maine.

“I love the community here in Waldo County and the people, and I want to help make a positive difference here,” the Unity resident said.

Teaching in elementary school may be how she does it; Piotti will study education at Bowdoin.

The member of the Mount View Chamber Singers, as well as the drama club and math team, said German has been a favorite course.

Last year, she took part in an exchange program and lived in Germany for about a month.

Piotti has competed in basketball, field hockey and track for the Mustangs and said she’s interested in joining the sailing and crew teams at Bowdoin.

The daughter of John and Susan Piotti described herself as happy, creative and motivated.

William QualeySkowhegan Area High School

The 18-year-old with plans to earn a global studies degree at Colby College already has some experience abroad.

Qualey took part in a six-week exchange programto the Czech Republic.

“It’s true you learn who you really are,” he said.

“It confirmed that I could live abroad and could handle it and enjoy it.”

Qualey, of Norridgewock, said he may teach a foreign language or social studies, or work for the government as a diplomat or translator.

Qualey, who can speak German and Spanish as well as a bit of Czech, has a passion for music.

The son of Chuck and Patti Qualey played trumpet in school bands, as well as with Mid Maine Youth Orchestra and KV Honors Band.

Joelle RossignolTemple Academy

Rossignol, 18, likes to talk, sing, play instruments and dance.

The self-described outgoing, independent teen intends to major in communications at Houghton College in Houghton, N.Y.

“I can be quiet and studious, but I also love being loud,” said the daughter of Vince and Karen Rossignol.

“I dance in public without any shame. I really try to do the best that I can and as much as I can. I don’t want to lose out on any experience.”

Toward that end, at Temple Academy the Clinton resident played soccer and basketball and helped edit the yearbook.

In addition to her after-school job, Rossignol said she likes to read classic literature, sing and play piano and her maroon ukulele.

Andrew SchanckMaine Central Institute

Schanck, 18, of Pittsfield, finds it intriguing to build objects by combining creativity and science.

The son of Lance and Mary Beth Schanck will pursue an engineering degree at the University of Maine.

He described a trip that he and fellow students took to MCI’s sister school, Aomori South High School in Japan, as life-changing.

Being immersed in another culture impressed upon him that “we’re all different and we’re all the same in terms of feelings and emotions.”

The trumpet, bass guitar and piano player said during his free time he is a model train enthusiast.

Good advice he strives to follow: “Work hard but don’t be afraid to not work and take a break and enjoy life.”

Waterville Senior High School and the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences in Fairfield did not select a valedictorian. Mt. Blue High School in Farmington and Messalonskee High School in Oakland announce their top students just before their graduations.

Beth Staples — 861-9252

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