Skowhegan Area High senior earns Principal’s Award

John “Jack” Donoghue of Skowhegan, a senior at Skowhegan Area High School, has been selected to receive the 2023 Principal’s Award.

The award, sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association, is given in recognition of a high school senior who displays academic excellence, outstanding school citizenship, and leadership.

John “Jack” Donoghue Submitted photo

Donoghue has been involved in basketball all four years, has distinguished himself in the classroom and has challenged himself academically, taking 10 honors-level classes, according to a news release from Principal Bruce Mochamer.

In addition, he has taken seven Advanced Placement courses while maintaining a high GPA, placing him at the top of his class. He has been the recipient of several department and academic awards throughout his four years.

He is involved in school organizations and activities, serving as Student Council vice-president and the president of his class. Last year he was a member of the Prom Committee and supported the class of 2022 during its graduation activities. He was also instrumental in starting a Chess Club at the high school.

Donoghue intends to pursue a degree in government and legal studies. He plans to attend Bowdon College in the fall.

“He is a quiet leader in our school and community,” Mochamer said in a statement regarding the award. “Jack very much deserves this recognition.”

This year’s awards ceremony is scheduled to be back to an in-person luncheon on Saturday, April 1.

The Principal’s Award is presented in more than 100 Maine public and private high schools by member principals of the MPA, the professional association which represents Maine’s school administrators. The MPA will award 10 $1,000 scholarships at the end of honors luncheon.