OAKLAND — Messalonskee High School recently announced its top seniors in order of class rank, they are:

Gretchen Rice is the daughter of Steven and Nicole Rice, of Oakland. Rice was a recipient of the RIT Computing Medal. She is an AP Scholar, and participated in a NASA Merits Internship through the University of Maine last summer. Rice is involved in the school robotics team as a captain, as well as GSA, Key Club and Drama. She has been a member of the band and chorus, participating in jazz band, Tri-M, Mid-Maine Youth Orchestra, KV Chorus, Lirima and Master Singers over the past four years. Rice serves on the National Honor Society, Student Council as the executive vice president for the senior class, and is also a senior mentor. She plans to attend Franklin Olin College in the fall to major in engineering.

Jessica Hosea

Garrett Main is the son of Kevin and Stefani Main, of Belgrade. Along with being a high academic achieving student, he is class president, participated in cross-country for three years, and basketball for four years. He is a member of Kennebec Valley Honor Choir, ACDA National Honor Choir, Messalonskee Master Singers and Tri-M Music Honor Society. He volunteered at the Bedside Manor Alzheimer’s Unit, Belgrade Library, and has been a boat inspector for two years. He plans to attend the University of Rhode Island in the fall.

Jackson “Jack” Bernatchez is the son of Brian and Amy Bernatchez, of Belgrade. He has been involved in academic, athletic and community service programs over the past four years. Bernatchez was the 2016 recipient of the MPA Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence and Citizenship. Last year, he was recognized as a recipient of the Rensselaer Medal book award for his academic achievement in math and science, and is an AP Scholar. He is a member of the National Honor Society, serves on Student Council, and is a senior mentor. He volunteered at the Bedside Manor Alzheimer’s Unit, Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, and Maine Field Hockey Academy. He has assisted with coaching youth sports. Bernatchez was captain of the football, lacrosse and basketball teams. Among other athletic accomplishments, he received the Edward J. Fabian Scholar Athlete Award. He plans to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall to study mechanical engineering.

Taylor Easler is the daughter of Alan and Tina Easler, of Belgrade. She has been a member of the soccer, basketball and softball programs and will have participated in 10 varsity seasons at the conclusion of her senior year. She was named to the Eagle Chapter of the National Honor Society during her junior year and has received recognition for her academic, community service and athletic contributions. Easler plans to attend the University of Rhode Island to pursue a degree in pharmacy.

Hailey Palleschi is the daughter of Aaron and Keri Palleschi, of Belgrade. She is a class representative on the Student Council. She participated in chorus and drama for all four years. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and Tri-M chorus. She volunteered her time with a youth dance group and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Palleschi plans to attend the University of Rochester in the fall.

Jennifer Hart is the daughter of Phillip Hart and Carol Gauthier, of Oakland. She has been a member of the choral department all four years and has been involved in various clubs and activities. She represented MHS at Dirigo Girls’ State and has volunteered throughout the local and school community. She has worked on the school’s yearbook and was a senior section editor. In the fall, Hart plans to attend the University of Maine at Farmington to study psychology.

Dakota Bragg is daughter to Kathleen Clark, of Oakland and Kris Bragg, of Embden. She is a member of the school and community. She earned high honors with distinction each year of high school, and demonstrated leadership qualities, for which she earned the Clarkson Leadership Award last year. She was also recognized for her service qualities as a member of the National Honor Society. She has been a leader on and off the field as captain of the soccer, softball and basketball teams, and also serves as a senior mentor. In addition to her academic, athletic and service achievements, she has maintained a part-time job over the past three years. Bragg plans to attend Clarkson University to study environmental engineering.

Ann Swenson is the daughter of Carol Swenson, of Oakland. She has held various leadership roles in the school, serving on the school’s leadership team, the Student Council, and is a member of the National Honor Society. She has also been a fixture in the music department and is a member of Tri-M. She has volunteered as a Big Sister, at nursing homes, the homeless shelter, the veteran banquet and participated in a service program in Africa. She received numerous awards, both in and out of the school, and has maintained academic standing throughout her four years at MHS. Swenson plans to attend New York University in the fall to study film and television production.

Sawyer Michaud is the son of Dana and Darci Michaud, of Belgrade. He is a class representative, Key Club member, and has participated in basketball and lacrosse for four years. He is a member of the National Honor Society and received academic awards in both technology and math. He reads with students at the elementary schools, assisted coaching youth lacrosse, and participates as a volunteer at several basketball camps. He donates his time at the Capital Area Alzheimer’s Unit, homeless shelter and Belgrade Lakes Community Center. Michaud plans to attend the University f Maine Orono in the fall to study mechanical engineering.

Jessica Hosea is the daughter of Angela and Jeff Hosea, of Oakland, along with maintaining excellent grades in College Preparatory and Advanced Placement courses She has been an avid dancer. She has given back to the community in various ways including serving as an assistant dance instructor and helped raise funds by organizing a dance against domestic violence. Hosea plans to attend the University of New Hampshire in the fall to study neuroscience.

Lily Webb is the daughter of Timothy and Karen Webb, of Waterville. She has been a member of chorus and drama for four years. She received the Robert Shaw Choral Leadership and Choral Excellence award. She also participates in the Messalonskee vocal a cappella music group, the Messofortes. She volunteers her time at Hardy Girls and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She is a member of Tri-M Music Honor Society and was co-president for one year. She is a member of the National Honor Society. She also participates in GSA, Civil Rights Team, Senior Mentors, Student Council, and is a middle school theater assistant. Webb plans to attend the University of South Alabama.

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