ORANGE — The Ralph C. Mahar Regional School commencement exercises on Friday offered a joyous and triumphant occasion for the 87 graduates, who carried with them the solemn understanding that it should have been 88.
Victoria Rose Gaignard perished in a house fire, which also claimed the life of her friend, 10 years ago in March. Principal Scott Hemlin began the ceremony in the Kermit W. Cook Auditorium by acknowledging her empty chair on the stage and then leading a moment of silence in her memory.
Elizabeth Zielinski, superintendent of the Ralph C. Mahar Regional and Union 73 school districts, told the graduates that life is rarely a straight line and that they should not be afraid to change their paths and their minds.
“That’s called growth,” she said.
Zielinski candidly told the graduates that no one — not even their guardians and teachers — can tell them what the world will look like in 20 years.
“And that’s OK,” she said, “because the most important thing you learned in school was never really a particular formula, historical date, scientific principle … or literary work. Those things matter, but they are not the most valuable lesson. The most valuable lesson is how to learn.”
Zielinski also told them that a high school diploma is not a finish line, but rather a launching point.
This sentiment was echoed by Class Vice President Ella Manson.
“This is not an ending. This is a beginning,” she said. “Congratulations, everyone. We’ve earned it.”
A message on a mortarboard as students enter the auditorium for graduation at Ralph C. Mahar Regional School on Friday evening. 
Salutatorian Hayden Comeau and Valedictorian Dante Dowler with Principal Scott Hemlin at Ralph C. Mahar Regional School’s graduation on Friday evening. 
Class Vice President Ella Manson welcomes those in attendance at Ralph C. Mahar Regional School’s graduation on Friday evening. 
Keynote speaker Caitlyn Squires-Lacoste addresses graduates at Ralph C. Mahar Regional School on Friday evening. 
Seniors at Ralph C. Mahar Regional School pose for a photo before commencement ceremonies on Friday evening. 
Seniors at Ralph C. Mahar Regional School pose for a photo before commencement ceremonies on Friday evening. 
Members of the American Sign Language Club sign “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the start of graduation at Ralph C. Mahar Regional School on Friday evening. 
Students are awarded their diplomas at Ralph C. Mahar Regional School’s graduation on Friday evening.
The ceremony’s keynote speaker was middle school English teacher Caitlyn Squires-Lacoste, who used humor and sincerity to try to inspire the students she met during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She elicited laughter by quoting Mr. Feeny from the graduation episode of the sitcom “Boy Meets World.”
“Believe in yourselves. Dream. Try. Do good,” she quoted, before adding her own elaboration. “Success is not always the goal, but rather altruism.”
Graduates
Cheyanne Marie Adams, Kayla Spring Agnelli, Angelina Pearl Alonso, Charlotte May Lynn Ames, Aydin Joseph Balg, Mia Theresa Bell, Camdyn Jude Belliveau, Day Bedway, Natalie Marie Bezio, Marina Naomi-Clear Water Bodon, Autumn Marie Cleveland, Hayden Leanne Comeau, Samantha Rose Costello, Wesley Jacob Cyganiewicz, Maziah Donovan Dandy, Aydon Jordan Davis, Joaquim Jack Davis, Joviano Mikal Davis, Dante Charles Dowler, Miesha Elizabeth Drowne, Jaye Marie Dulaney, Kaci Eliel Echevarria, Ayden Joshua Ekmalian, Heinin Oshea Escobar, Lilith Dior Esteves, Lillian Rose Fahey, Xavier Michael Flagg, Jacob Gagnon, Brayden Preston Gates, Isaiah Matthew Gifford, James Robert Addison Gillespie, Shelbee Lynn Goguen, Layla Marie Guilmette, William Stephen Hammond, Julia Jamie Hatch, Kaylin Jay Hebert, Pacey Richard Jensen, Lilly Ann Jillson, Beryl Joseph, Gideon Joseph, Namra Kamran, Autumn Olivia Knechtel, Antonio Lamendola, Jonathan Michael Maillet, Jayden James Malcolm, Ella Anne Manson, Elysabeth Jane Marsh, Destiny Rose Matthews, Nevaeh Ann Matthews, Cora Margaret Mehr, Rolland Carolyn Minty, Evan Matthew Nason, Blake Oliver Normandin, Yolianaliz Orengo, Olivia Geri Page, Haylee Nicole Paluk, Maximus Gunnar Parsons, Jacob Andrew Pelletier, Zaccai Caleb Perry, Harol Ponce David, Danny John Quigley, Kris Elijah Rau, Hayley Ann Raskevitz, Annastasia Josephine Redner, Caissie Doyle Richard, Elias Raeed Roberts, Logan Thomas Salls, Mia Raquel Santana, Nayliz Irisari Santiago, Katherine Ruth Simpson, Eujeyn Albert Smith, Hunter William Stevens, Ronnie James Stone, Zariah Ann Stone-Bedford, Lana Joyce Sullivan, Kaelynne Nycole-Marie Therrien, Joseph John Valvo, John Paul Vallejos, Jayce Michael Veneziano, Jacob Ryan Vieu, Matthew Anthony Vitello, Joseph Earl Walker, Orion Edward Whitehouse, Robert Anthony Whitehouse, Jayden Tyler Whitney, Chris Willard, Eliana Sue Willard and Zachary Robert Winship.
Awards and scholarships
Cheyanne Adams: Art – Achievement in Studio Art Excellence in Coop.
Kayla Agnelli: Social Studies- Excellent Co-op, Art – Achievement in 3D Art, Portrait of a Graduate – Independence.
Angelina Alonso: Social Studies- Excellence in Social Studies, Excellence in Health, Art – Achievement in all Art Disciplines, Kyle G. Flood Scholarship.
Charlotte Ames: Social Studies- Excellence in Considering the World, Art – Bob Ross Art Citizenship Award.
Aydin Balg: Inquiry & Curiosity Perseverance in Learning Award, Chorus.
Mia Bel: Art- Achievement in Studio Art.
Camdyn Belliveau: Consistent Effort Award Reading, Never Gave Up Award.
Natalie Bezio: Acellus Outstanding Work Ethic Award.
Marina Bodon: Creative Spirit Award, Chorus.
Autumn Cleveland: Portrait of a Graduate – Resilience.
Hayden Comeau: Excellence in Health, Art – Achievement in All Art Disciplines, Science Department – Excellence in Chemistry, Excellence in Sign Language, Science – Excellence in AP Biology, English – English Achievement Award, Excellence in Physical Education, Parents for Mahar Students Group Inc. Scholarship, Pioneer Junior Women’s Club Scholarship, Tully CC Club Scholarship, Wheelerville Community Club Scholarship.
Samantha Costello: Art Department – Excellence in AP Art, Excellence in Studio Art.
Wesley Cyganiewicz: Portrait of a Graduate – Resourceful, Tech Department-Shop Maintenance.
Aydon Davis: Portrait of a Graduate – Collaborative.
Joaquim Davis: Perseverance and Effort Award, Portrait of a Graduate – Independence.
Joviano Davis: Study Skills Growth Award, Portrait of a Graduate – Independence
Dante Dowler: Social Studies- Excellence in Social Studies, Excellence in Health Science, Excellence in AP Biology, Art – Achievement in 3D Art, English, Excellence in Physical Education, Orange Elementary School Para Educator Award, Kyle G. Flood Scholarship, Warwick Community Scholarship.
Miesha Drowne: Art – Excellence in All Art Disciplines, Portrait of a Graduate – Respectful.
Jaye Dulaney: Art – Achievement in Digital Photography, Responsibility & Accountability Award, Portrait of a Graduate Resourceful, New Salem Scholarship Fund
Kaci Echevarria: Social Studies – Excellence in US History and the World, Art – Achievement in All Art Disciplines, Portrait of a Graduate – Resourceful.
Heinin Escobar: Excellence in Health, Art – Achievement in 2D art.
Lilith Esteves: Art – Excellence in Personal Expression.
Lillian Fahey: Art – Achievement in Digital Photography, Orange Elementary School Para Educator Award.
Xavier Flagg: Perseverance in Learning Award, Band Portrait of a Graduate – Resilience.
Jacob Gagnon: Art – Achievement in 2D Art, Portrait of a Graduate – Respectful.
Brayden Gates: Portrait of a Graduate – Collaborative.
Isaiah Gifford: Grit & Determination Award.
James Gillespie: Portrait of a Graduate – Resilience.
Shelbee Goguen: Portrait of a Graduate – Collaborative.
Layla Guilmette: Excellence in Health, Tech Department – Golden Hammer Award, Wheelerville Community Club Scholarship.
William Hammond: Art – Achievement in Digital Photography.
Julia Hatch: Art – Achievement in 2D Art, Portrait of a Graduate – Independence.
Kaylin Hebert: Excellence in Health, Athol-Orange Eagles 4545 Scholarship, Orange Elementary Teachers Scholarship, Pioneer Junior Women’s Club Scholarship, Tully CC Club Scholarship.
Lily May Howes: Perseverance Award.
Pacey Jensen: Excellence in Social Studies, Excellence in Journalism, Chorus, Art – Bob Ross Art Citizenship Award, Portrait of a Graduate – Respectful, Golden Maker Award.
Lilly Jillson: Excellence in Health, Art – Achievement in All Art Disciplines, Excellence in Academics Award, Portrait of a Graduate – Collaborative, Excellence in Physical Education.
Beryl Joseph: Portrait of a Graduate – Perseverance.
Namra Kamran: Art – Achievement in 2D Art, Excellence in Honors Anatomy and Physiology Portrait of a Graduate – Collaborative.
Autumn Knechtel: Full-time Dual Enrollment Award.
Jonathan Maillet: Art – Bob Ross Art Citizenship Award, Golden Hammer Award.
Jayden Malcolm: Perseverance Award.
Ella Manson: Student Council – Excellence in Leadership, Art – Excellence in 2D Art, English Achievement Award.
Elysabeth Marsh: Art – Excellence in Craftsmanship, Portrait of a Graduate – Independence, Golden Hammer Award.
Destiny Matthews: Excellence in Academics Award, Art – Achievement in 2D Art, Portrait of a Graduate – Collaborative.
Nevaeh Matthews: Excellence in Academics Award, Art – Achievement in 2D Art, Portrait of a Graduate – Collaborative.
Cora Mehr: Social Studies- Excellence in Youth and Law, Art – Excellence in All Art Disciplines, Portrait of a Graduate – Independence.
Rolland Minty: Art – Excellence in Personal Expression.
Evan Nason: Portrait of a Graduate – Resourceful.
Blake Normandin: Portrait of a Graduate – Resourceful.
Yolianaliz Orengo: Consistent Effort Award in Reading, Academic Perseverance Award, Portrait of a Graduate – Collaborative.
Olivia Page: Social Studies – Excellence in Youth and Law.
Haylee Paluk: Art – Achievement in Digital Photography, Portrait of a Graduate – Independence.
Maximus Parsons: Art – Bob Ross Art Citizenship Award, Portrait of a Graduate – Independence, Golden Maker Award.
Jacob Pelletier: Acellus Perseverance in Learning Award, Portrait of a Graduate – Resilient.
Zaccai Perry: Portrait of a Graduate – Respectful.
Harol Ponce David: OSHA Certification, Portrait of a Graduate – Independent, The Language & Literacy Award for Excellence in Reading and Writing in Spanish.
Danny Quigley: Art – Achievement in 2D Art, Excellence in Academics Award, Portrait of a Graduate – Independent.
Kris Rau: Portrait of a Graduate – Independent.
Hayley Raskevitz: Art – Achievement in 3D Art, Portrait of a Graduate – Collaborative, International Travel Club Award.
Annastasia Redner: Art – Achievement in 2D Art, Portrait of a Graduate – Independent.
Caissie Richard: Portrait of a Graduate – Resilient.
Elias Roberts: Portrait of a Graduate – Resilient, Golden Maker Award, Versatile Language Learner Award (for the study of French & American Sign Language), Portrait of a Graduate – Respectful.
Logan Salls: Perseverance Award, Excellence in Academics Award, Chorus, Portrait of a Graduate – Respectful.
Mia Santana: Excellence in Health, Art – Achievement in Digital Photography, Achievement in Sign Language, Portrait of a Graduate – Respectful, English Achievement Award, Virginia Wolf Award for Excellence in Academic and Creative Writing, Dean’s Beans Scholarship, Kyle G. Flood Scholarship, Parents for Mahar Students Group Inc. Scholarship.
Nayliz Santiago: Art – Achievement in 2D, Portrait of a Graduate – Collaborative.
Katherine Simpson: Art – Excellence in Artistic Enthusiasm, Excellence in Participation.
Eujeyn Smith: Art – Achievement in 2D, Portrait of a Graduate – Independent.
Hunter Stevens: Band, Portrait of a Graduate – Independent, Math Excellence in Business, Maker Mindset Award.
Ronnie Stone: Portrait of a Graduate – Resilient, Kyle G. Flood Scholarship, Parents for Mahar Students Group Inc. Scholarship.
Zariah Stone-Bedford: Excellence in Journalism, Excellence in Anatomy and Physiology, Portrait of a Graduate – Resilient.
Lana Sullivan: Orange Elementary School Para Educator Award.
Kaelynne Therrien: Study Skills Growth Award.
John Vallejos: Student Council – Excellence in Regional Student Advisory Council, Excellence in Health, Art – Achievement in Digital Photography, Portrait of a Graduate – Resilient.
Jayce Veneziano: Academic Initiative Award, Portrait of a Graduate – Independent.
Jacob Vieu: Excellence in Cooking, Maker Mindset Award.
Matthew Vitello: Student Council – Presidential leadership award, Excellence in Regional Student Advisory Council, Student Government Day Leadership Award, Excellence in Health, Excellence in Honors Physics, Portrait of a Graduate – Respectful, French Language Ambassador Achievement Award, DAV Chapter 46 Scholarship, Kyle G. Flood Scholarship, Parents for Mahar Students Group Inc. Scholarship.
Orion Whitehouse: Portrait of a Graduate – Independent.
Robert Whitehouse: Never Gave Up Award, OSHA Certification, Portrait of a Graduate – Independent.
Jayden Whitney: Perseverance Award.
Chris Willard: Commitment to Esports (6 Seasons), Academic Growth Award.
Eliana Willard: Acellus Perseverance in Learning Award, Orange Elementary School Para Educator Award.
Zachary Winship: Excellence in Health, Excellence in AP Environmental, Portrait of a Graduate – Independent, DAV Chapter 46 Scholarship, In Memory of Paula Joly Scholarship, Parents for Mahar Students Group Inc. Scholarship, Petersham Ethan Clark Memorial Scholarship, The Helen and Remo Cellana Charitable Scholarship.
