Good evening everyone. Welcome to the National Honors Society Awards. We are sponsoring this event as the Edward J. Kaylor chapter of the National Honor Society. My name is Erica Pereira and I'm one of the assistant principles and the adviser for the National Honor Society. If everyone could please stand
for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all.
Thank you. And welcome again to everyone here this evening, our National Honor Society members, our award recipients, our scholarship recipients. I would like to thank two very important people this evening that without them we would not be able to do this event and that is
Miss Ronda Okonnell and Miss Sarra God that work in our main office and our guidance office because they're the ones that put all of the paperwork together and all of this calling everyone making sure that we have everyone um comfortable this evening. So if we could
give them a nice ROUND I would also like to thank Miss Tara Pek who is here this evening and Miss Jenny Young for helping with the sound, our filming and everything will be available on Blue Raider Studios after tonight. and of course our custodial staff for
getting this beautiful space prepared for the evening and having everything that we need um as well. So, thank you to THE and of course I'd like to thank my administration Dr. Rford and Miss Kintudo for helping me throughout this year. It's not easy to do both
positions, but they are always super patient with me and um help me with our induction as well as tonight's event. So, we're going to get started right away and I would like to call to the podium our superintendent for his
address, Dr. SCO. Good evening, families, faculty, Dr. Melford, Mrs. Per, NHS members of the class of 2026, and all the students receiving awards and scholarships tonight. Tonight we gather to recognize and
celebrate an exceptional group of Somerset Berkeley Regional High School students. Each of you has distinguished yourselves not only through academic achievement, but through leadership, integrity, and a commitment to serving others. You have balanced demanding
coursework, extracurricular activities, jobs, and community service, all while contributing to the greater school community. What you have accomplished reflects the very qualities at the heart of our vision for every Berkeley graduate.
Resilience in the face of challenge, academic success, the independence and digital citizenship that will carry you into an increasingly complex world, and empathy and respect toward those around you. You have set an example for underassmen
and demonstrated that excellence comes not just from what you know, but from how you lead and treat others. As you receive these honors this evening, I hope you understand they are more than acknowledgments of your past success. They are expressions of belief in your
future. These awards and scholarships represent the confidence others have in your potential to make meaningful contributions in college careers and the communities ahead. So congratulations on all you have achieved. We are so proud
of you, inspired by you, and excited to watch the impact you will make in the years to come. So enjoy this moment. You have earned it and look forward to seeing you on Friday evening. Thank you. And next for the principal's address, Dr. SUSAN.
Good evening, class of 2026, students, families, teachers, friends, and community members. On behalf of our entire school community, it is my honor to welcome you to one of my favorite events of the year because we gather here tonight to celebrate something that sits at the cornerstone of the high
school experience, academic success. This evening is about more than grades, transcripts, or accolades, though. It's about habits. It's about the choices and the character that have led to your achievements. It's about the long nights up studying, the moments of frustration,
and the determination to push forward. The students we celebrate here tonight did not all take the same path to get here. Their journeys are as unique as they are. Some found their stride early, while others had to overcome obstacles,
setbacks, or self-doubt along the way. But what unites every student in this room is resilience, the decision to keep going when things got difficult, and a deep commitment to both their education and their overall high school experience. They've challenged
themselves in the classroom, contributed to our school and local community and embraced opportunities to grow as learners and as individuals. And that's why we're here tonight to celebrate them. To the students seated in front of me, tonight is a recognition of what
you've already accomplished, but it's also a reminder about what you are capable of achieving in your futures. The same perseverance and commitment that brought you here tonight will carry you forward in whatever comes your way next. Your guidance, your encouragement,
and your belie uh parents, thank you for your guidance, your encouragement, and your belief in your students because that has played a vital role in their success. So, congratulations families. Congratulations students. We are so proud of you. We celebrate you tonight and for the rest of the week and we're
so excited to see where your journey leads next. Thank you and enjoy this special evening. Next, I'd like to call up our president of the National Honor Society, Lauren Canoose. Hi everyone, my name is Lauren Canoose and I'm the president of the National
Honor Society. Um, before I get started, I just wanted to give a special thanks to Mrs. Pereira and everybody who made this night possible. Your dedication to students is inspiring and it doesn't go unnoticed. So, if we could all just do a round of applause. So, sorry.
Good evening, esteemed faculty, students, and guests. To my fellow students, congratulations. Take a moment to reflect on the late nights, hard work, and dedication it took to get here. You are all remarkable in your own way. And your accomplishments, both
those celebrated tonight and in life, are tangible reflections of the four qualities National Honor Society recognizes and embraces. character, scholarship, leadership, and service. These four pillars are something that everyone here seeks to embody in their
everyday lives. And as we move through our future, we will take these pillars with us and apply them to what it means to be a person that is growing, learning, and becoming. As I look back at my time as a student at EserHS, one particular moment sticks out to me in my
sophomore year AP United States history class. Now, although I cannot quite recall all of the presidents or the exact year in which the industrial revolution started, sorry, Mr. Dion, I do have a distinct memory of one conversation that has stayed with me
ever since. My teacher posed a simple question. What is your biggest fear? I can't remember exactly what I said, but it was probably something silly like spiders or the dark. Probably in an unsuccessful attempt to try to get someone to laugh. What I do remember is
this. As we went around the room sharing our answers, at least 11 of my classmates said that their greatest fear was failure. Now, like most of you before me, I stand at a point in my life where, relatively speaking, I pretty much know nothing. I still have to hold
up two L's in my hands to figure out my lefts and my rights. And I still have to ask my mom to help me find something I lost, even though it's probably right where she told me it was three times already. Thanks, Mom. I love you. I have no idea what I'm going to do next
week, let alone the rest of my life. So, that being said, I quite honestly don't know much. But I do know this. If you look around the room, we all have one thing in common. Throughout our lives, we have failed. We've accidentally missed deadlines, slept through alarms,
said the wrong thing, or took a wrong turn. And we all for the rest of our lives will continue to fail over and over and over again. Not because we were incapable, but because we were human. Now, to those 11 students that said they were scared of failing in my sophomore
year history class, to be quite honest, me, too. However, it's okay to be scared because failing is scary. Nobody wants to lose a game. Nobody wants to do poorly on a test. But more than this, nobody wants to look back on the life they have lived and feel regret. The
fear of failing is not a hindrance. It is human. The problem arises when we let the fear limit us, stop us from taking chances, from dreaming or believing in ourselves. The people in this room and this world who are the most successful are not successful because they
magically avoided failure. It is because they accepted it, learned from it, and used it to become better. The achievements represented tonight and most achievements in life are built on the constant cycle of try, fail, learn, rinse, repeat. Two and a half years ago
when I sat in that class, I believed that failing was getting the wrong answer on a test or serving the ball out of bounds in volleyball. But now I realize that true failure is not even trying at all. It is not raising your hand because you don't want to be wrong or not trying out for that sport because
you are scared of getting cut. It is choosing not to show up because you are too afraid to not succeed. So as we leave this ceremony, I hope all of you can stop viewing failure as something that is scary or bad, but as something that is proof that we are trying,
growing, learning, and becoming. At the beginning of this speech, I mentioned that I can't name all 47 presidents. Well, don't worry, Mr. Dion, I didn't forget everything in a push, too. One particular president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, has a very infamous quote that I'm sure you've all heard that for
the longest time I could never really grasp. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. But now I think I finally get it. Fear is a part of life. It's instinct. It's inevitable. So yes, failure is scary. But not fulfilling your potential because you were too
afraid to fail is a lot scarier. Congratulations to the award recipients tonight. You are all here because at some point you were brave enough to try. Never stop being brave enough to try. Thank you. Thank you very much, Lauren. Can we have
another round of applause? The evening is broken up into two portions. We have our book awards and teacher awards recognitions and then we go into our scholarships. I would just like to remind everyone that some of the awards tonight are very emotional. We have many memorial scholarships
and it's very difficult at times for people to be able to present and speak about their loved ones who have passed on. So I do um ask obviously that we have uh some compassion and we're respectful when people are here at the podium as well as when students are
coming up we are inviting everyone parents everyone that's here to support them this evening guardians grandma grandpa vuva whoever is here to please come down and take photos they will be coming up from that side and walking all the way across so you have plenty of
time to take a photo and then they will be headed over to the SB regional backdrop. Mr. Austin will be there taking uh photos as well. So you'll know exactly where they're going to be going because the students don't know what they're receiving. So it's a surprise. So just um give us a little bit of time.
They'll be coming up again as I said from that side walking all the way across. We will be doing some awards that we will ask them to stay on stage and um pose for a photo and we will again just explain all that as we go through the evening.
So as for the presentation of the book awards, I would like to call back to the podium Dr. Susan Grer. Our first award of the evening is the Brown University Book Award. Brown University Book Award is presented to a junior who exhibits excellent verbal and
written communication skills. This year's award is presented to Grace Tweety. Harvard Prize Awards. is an awarded to an outstanding high school student in their junior year who demonstrates academic excellence and outstanding character combined with
achievement in extracurricular activities. This award this year is presented to Isaac LAURO is unable to join us tonight. We will get the award to him tomorrow. The St. Michael's College Book Award is for academic achievement and social
conscience and it recognizes outstanding students who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism and leadership in their communities. And tonight we have two awards. Uh these awards are presented to Jacob Wilson and Vanessa Tavar. The Suffach University Book Award is
given to a student who exemplifies a commitment to their education and their school community. This year's award is presented to Marley Burge. Next award is the Somerset Through Time Book Award. These two book awards are
donated by author Phyllis Dupair in memory of her parents, both 1942 graduate graduates of Somerset High School and the entire class of 1942. Her mom was vice president of the class. Her interest led to her business school led
her to business school becoming an executive secretary and business owner along with organizing all their high school reunions. Her dad was interested in woodworking and all things mechanical. After high school, he enlisted repairing all sorts of military
machinery. His career as a foundry man allowed him to use all these skills. It's with the author's best wishes that these book awards be given to graduates interested in those fields. Congratulations, Somerset Berkeley Regional High School class of 2026.
These awards are presented this year to Megan Costa and Caleb Source. Avoid the Simmons University Book Award is presented to a junior who demonstrates exceptional leadership, a strong commitment to social justice in our
climate action, a dedication to community service, and a consistent record of kindness to others. This year's award is presented to Leila Herrera. I'd now like to call Miss Danielle Tenum, our science and technology
content coordinator, to the stage. Uh, the Renolier Polytech Institute, one of the world's finest technological universities, is proud to recognize the achievements of an outstanding science and math student in the junior your class. A minimum $100,000 scholarship is awarded to the student should they
pursue study at Renolier and qualify for the scholarship. This award is presented to Mari Burge. Uh we have a lot so we're going to keep going if that's okay. The Bow Shalom Honorary Science Award is presented to a junior in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and superior
intellectual promise in the field of science. The University of Rochester and Bowin offer the recipient a scholarship of $30,000 over four years if they attend the university and qualify for the scholarship. This award is presented to Marley Burge.
Next up, we have the George Eastman Young Leaders Award, which is presented to a junior in recognition of strong leadership experience at school and in the community, high grades, challenging courses, and extensive involvement in extracurricular activities. The University of Rochester and the Kodak
company offers the recipient a scholarship over four years if they attend the university and qualify. This award is presented to Cecilia Costa. The Xerox Award. The Xerox Award for Innovation and
Information Technology is presented to a junior in recognition of the strong interest in innovation technology and a high level of achievement in this area. exposure to new technologies outside of school, such as pursuing serious work, opportunities in local laboratories or
industry, and leading other students in new approaches to bold problems and best uses of communication tools. The University of Rochester and the Xerox Corporation offer the recipient a scholarship over four years if they attend the university and qualify for
the scholarship. This award is presented to Savannah Battel. The Air Force Math and Science Award is given to a top senior student in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and superior intellectual promise in the fields of science and mathematics. This award is presented to
Patrick O'Donnell. >> The Joanne Sylvia Distinguished Scholar Award for AP Biology is presented in recognition of outstanding achievement and superior effort in AP Biology. This award is named in honor of Joanne Sylvia who was a longtime science educator at Somerset High School in Somerset
Berkeley. This award is presented TO PATRICK O'DONNELL. THE DIANE Pascowski Distinguished Scholar Award for AP Chemistry is presented in recognition of outstanding achievement and superior effort in AP Chemistry. This award is named in honor
of Diane Pascowski, who was a longtime chemistry teacher at Somerset High School and Somerset Berkeley. This award is presented to BRADEN SILVA. THE DEBORAH Lin Mashado Distinguished Scholar Award for AP Environmental Science is presented in recognition of
outstanding achievement and superior effort in AP environmental science. This award is named in honor of Deb Mashado who is a longtime science teacher at Derby High School, Somerset High School, and Somerset Berkeley. This award is presented to Patrick O'Donovan.
The Joe Ramos Heart of an Engineer Award is presented in recognition of outstanding achievement and superior effort in engineering design. This award is named in honor of Joe Ramos, the engineering design teacher at Somerset
Berkeley and Somerset High School for 22 years, who asked his students, "Are you finding the engineer inside of you?" This award recognizes students who took the W by challenging themselves to answer that question. This award is
presented to Ethan St. PIERRE. into SK Stevens. The biomedical science innovation white coat and pathway honor achievement award with honor boards are presented in recognition of students having completed the biomedical science innovation pathway. These students have shown
leadership and achievement in the areas of biotechnology, health sciences and bioengineering. White coats mars are presented to Sophia Greenwood. Kaylee dos Santos. Angelina Pena,
Audrey McN. ALLEY, >> Matthew Barbosa. Bryson Kane, >> David Perry, Scarlet. FERNANDES MAYA. GOOD. Adeline Finlaw Abigail Sheret, >> Gabriella Ferris,
Agatha Almito, Lauren Canoose Lorian Boro, SAVANNAH DEAS Elizabeth Pay, MALINE WILLIS Ryan Roing. Harrison Santos, >> Grace, KAYATA,
Audrey Himalo, Cameron Lobo. Mr. Austin, you want some in the front? Maybe Heat Distinguished Scholar Awards are presented in recognition of outstanding achievement in superior effort in a course.
All right. So, the distinguished scholar award for anatomy and physiology is presented to both Matthew BARBOSA and Matthew. The distinguished scholar award environmental science is presented to Kayarendes.
The distinguished scholar award for PLTW computer science goes to Hagen Maderas, Braden Silva, Abigail Prince, Aiden Cohen, Soua, Aiden Heepa, Bianca Sakov,
Eric Wlette, and Kais. We should The Distinguished Scholar Award for Robotic Engineering is presented to Eric Blet >> and Aiden Hea. Connect. The distinguished scholar award for
graphic design is presented to Natalia Chanet and Josephina. The distinguished participant award for cyber club is presented to SK. Award for Environ is presented to Patrick O'Donnell.
The distinguished competitor award for HOSA future health professionals is presented to Grace Tweed. The Distinguished Competitor Award for Science Olympiad is presented to Patrick O'Donovan,
Tammy Ben, and Damon Lou. Heat. Heat. Next to present, we have Mr. Chris Silva and Miss Christina Bergmire. I'm tall. Okay. Good evening. Every year as AP literature teachers, we
have the honor of working with so many talented students that it makes this next decision really, really difficult. Much shorter. However, the following two students have impressed us with their exceptional
reading, writing, and thinking skills. You're not going to touch it. Okay. The first recipient of this year's William Shakespeare Award for Excellence in AP Literature is Aubrey Guo. And the final award winner is Payton
Allard. And Mr. Chase couldn't be here tonight, but in his place, I'd like to present this year's awards for excellence in AP language and composition. The winners this year are Nicholas FRIGO and Emory answers.
All right. also short. Next, I would like to call to the podium Miss Alice Ferris. Good evening. Um it is my pleasure tonight to hand out the social studies uh awards for the evening. Uh first award is the Frederick
Douglas and Susan B. Anthony award which is presented to a student who has demonstrated leadership, shown a commitment and understanding of social issues and achieved academic excellence in history and social sciences. If attending University of Rochester, there is a 4-year scholarship attached to this
award. On behalf of the social studies department, I am honored to present the Frederick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony award to Grace Street. Excellence at AP Psychology Award is presented to a student who has demonstrated outstanding college level achievement through their
performance and participation in AP psychology. On behalf of Mr. Rain McDonald and myself. I am honored to present the excellence in AP psychology award to Marley Bird. AP US history award is presented to uh this year will be two students who have
demonstrated outstanding college level achievement through their performance and participation in AP US history. This year we have two recipients which I just said thank you on behalf of Miss Emily Gabrell, Mr. Matthew Dion and myself. I am honored to present the excellence
named the US History Award to Isabelle Vincent and Bella H. The Excellence in AP World History Award is presented to a student who has demonstrated outstanding college level achievement through their performance and participation in AP Modern World
History. On behalf of Mr. Jack Carrera and myself. I am honored to present the Excellence in 18 modern world history award to Addison. The excellence in AP US government politics and uh award is presented to a student who has demonstrated outstanding
college level achievement through their performance and participation in AP US Gov and politics. We have two recipients tonight. I am honored to present the excellence in AP US government politics award to Lily miss and Rachel Petty.
HEAT. HEAT. OUR next award is the excellence in AP history award. It is presented to a student who has enrolled in all four years uh and completed this individual AP US history, AP modern world history,
AP psych and AP US government. Um this individual has achieved academic excellence, is a highly motivated student who has shown dedication, excellent work ethic, and has demonstrated outstanding college level achievement. On behalf of all the AP history teachers and myself, I am
honored to present the Excellence in AP History Award to Hope Ben. Excellence in history and social science award is presented to a student who has enrolled in and completed four years of history and social science coursework and achieved academic excellence. This
highly motivated student has an excellent work ethic, has shown a passion for history and social science, and has demonstrated outstanding college level achievement through their performance and participation in the AP history program and in social science electives. On behalf of the social
studies department, I am honored to present the excellence in history and social science award to Jazelle Pimement. HEAT. HEAT. The Maline Albright Diplomacy Award is presented to a student who exemplifies
the qualities of diplomacy, critical thinking, and global awareness. This year's recipient has demonstrated outstanding leadership in model UN and debate, showing a strong command of international issues, persuasive communication, and respectful collaboration. We are proud to present
the Maline Albbright Diplomacy Award to PATRICK The Civic Leadership Award recognizes individuals who embody the belief that real change begins at the local level. In a world that often waits for someone else to act, civil leaders step forward. They remind us that leadership isn't
defined by a title, but by the courage to care and the willingness to act. Tonight we are recognizing a student that has taken action to make a difference through their civics projects. Taking action within one's community is one of the most powerful forms of leadership. It is rooted in the
desire to make a difference not for recognition but because it's the right thing to do. I am pleased to present the civic leadership award to Harley B. And next to the podium, Mr. David Gleason. >> Good evening.
Those who know me know I like to make an entrance. premier tonight. Congratulations to the class of 2026 and to your families. I've had the honor of working with so many members of the class of 2026 and it
really is a great honor. This evening I have the honor of presenting two awards and in our department we really could give so many more but we're just limited to two tonight. So the first award is for the outstanding achievement of world
languages in Portuguese and that goes to Nicholas Rio. Sometimes our Spanish and first sports sound like that too. Our second award is the outstanding achievement of world languages in
Spanish. That goes to Cole. Our next set of awards are presented by Miss Virginia Troutman. Hello there. Um, I'm Janine Tropman and thank you so much for giving me this time to honor some of our art and photography students. The first awards
that I will present are given by the Boston Globe. These two student photographers were each recognized in the best of Boston Globe High School Photography Sports Gallery. Congratulations to Bryson Kane,
MORASCO. The next set of awards are given by the New England Scholastic Press Association for excellence in journalism and photography for high school newspapers and yearbooks. These awards are
presented to Bryson KA in the category of sports action photography. also to Abigail RENISH reaction photography. And in the category of performance photography,
CHLOE PARATT Our next achievements are given by the Griffin Museum of Photography. These awards for excellence in photography were presented to Chloe FERRARI also received this award but was unable
to be here tonight. Abby and Chloe each also were recognized by the US Dartmouth College of Visual and Performing Arts for their works in drawing and painting. Also named an emerging young artist is
for photography is Evan Isidorio. Also recognized again by UMass Dartmouth as an emerging young artist in metal arts is Kaylee Amirati. And finally, our last awards are from the Association of Texas Photography
Instructors who host national and international photo competitions. These two awards both go to Abigail Glouster. HEAT. HEAT. Next to present the President's Academic Fitness Awards, I'd like to call to the
podium Dr. Susan Bellsburg and Mrs. Kim Dudo. Our first set of awards will be the silver awards. On behalf of the president of the United States, I'd like to share their letter from the White House. The first lady and I extend our heartfelt
congratulations on receiving the 2026 Presidential Education Award. For more than 40 years, this prestigious program has honored exceptional students across America. students just like you who bring unmatched dedication, innovation, and leadership to the classroom every
day. Your academic accomplishments this year reflect a remarkable remarkable commitment to learning service in advancing the well-being of your community. Through your perseverance and vision, you already have made a positive impact on our country, setting a
powerful example for others, and inspiring those around you to reach their fullest potential. Always remember that success of the nation relies on your leadership, commitment, and character. Never forget to put in the work. Hard work always
wins. And look for the ways to challenge yourself and help others in your school and community. Please know that as the president, I will never stop fighting to ensure that students like you continue to have every opportunity to achieve their dreams and continue to the story
of our great nation. Congratulations on this tremendous accomplishment. Keep studying hard and keep up the great work. Donald J. TRUMP >> the silver awards and this is in alphabetical order. Payton Allard,
Ryan Brown, Braden Ferrero, Brooke Fisher, ABIGAIL GLASTER Keegan Madias, Elizabeth Pay. Nicholas Rigo, Samantha Soua, and Connor Westerland.
Next we have the Presidential Education Award. The gold awards again um I'm sharing them in alphabetical order. Matthew Barbosa, Hope Benor, TAMMY CHEN
Evan Isidorio, Rita Camill, Julia Morera, RACHEL PENNY, Patrick O'Donovan, Braden Silva, Cole Thurber. Next to present the DECA business award,
Mr. Steven Melo. Heat. Heat. Just want to congratulate the next recipient on the decad award that is a business program that we offer here at the school. this individual was passionate contributed all four years and also was the
president this year. It's my pleasure to award this year's recipient Aisha Imrod. I'd like to call to the podium Miss Lindsay Littlefield for another presentation of our workplace. Sadly, I actually just saw this student
leave, but I would like to give her a round of applause because we learned earlier from Lauren that mistakes happen and failures happen. So, I'm taking a page from her book today. And please give a round of applause to Ava Fitzgerald. Next to present the Somerset Teachers Association Presidential Scholarship
Award, Miss Andre. Hello everybody. Um I will be presenting three scholarships on behalf of the Somerset Teachers Association. Um these scholarships are available to senior students of any active member regardless of the district that they go to school
in. Um but this year all three of our recipients are from here at Somerset Berkeley Regional High School. The first one is our Somerset Teachers Association scholarship and this year it's awarded to Harrison Santos. Our second award is our president's
award and that is awarded to Maline Bole. And third scholarship is presented to Andrew Dion and that is our executive board. Each of these students was asked to write about an educator who has inspired
them. None of them wrote about me. Um, but I'm still getting Andrew Jack's books. Next to present the South Elementary School Cricut Scholarship, Principal Matthew K. Talbot. Hope this person is here tonight. Uh on
behalf of the uh Somerset South School PTO, I'm proud to uh present Jacob M. Kilo with the South School PTO scholarship. >> Don't forget to all our crickets out there, once a cricket, always a cricket. Next to present the Somerset Middle
School PTO scholarship, Miss Connie Widita. This award goes to a student who attended Somerset Middle School. This is presented to Elise Hunt. Next to present the Somerset Berkeley Regional High School PTO Scholarship,
Jan B and Jamie Rosenis. Just want to start off by saying congratulations to everybody. This is really exciting opportunity to be here. Our first time being part of this. Um we had uh quite a few recipients um of the community involvement scholarship. So
we're we ended up having five winners. Um I'll name all the names and then come up. Um so Abigail Glouster, Isabella Gomes, Cameron McKenna, Lillian Peters. Good.
I need Dr. Rose will now be presenting the Irene Horn for scholarships. This scholarship is presented to a senior who has attended North Elementary for at least four years, participated in community service, and ranks in the top 49% of the graduating class. This year
we have two recipients. Our first recipient is Maya. OUR second recipient is Julia Costa. Next to present the MA Marilyn Soua Memorial Scholarships, Mr. Jameson Souza.
Good evening everybody and congratulations to all of you. An amazing night here. Um my mother would be extremely proud. Uh Marilyn Souza. Who is Marilyn Soua? Well, she was my mom. Um but also she was a graduate of
1968 here in Somerset and she was a dedicated person giving back to the town. She was a social worker. She was part of the PTO and uh she was also on the school committee and um she
was always proud of the education here in this community uh just like our entire family and all of you. It's an amazing achievement that you will be having in just two more days when you walk across that stage. Um, I'm a class
of 1995. I was the president of the class and I'll just tell this quick little story. My mother, as I was writing the speech and I practiced the speech with her and uh, she gave me advice all the time. One was always call
your mother every single day. So, but that wasn't the that wasn't it that day. It was She said, "Look, I've been telling you and your friends that you and your friends are going to be the
leaders of tomorrow." Well, when you walk across that stage, it's no longer tomorrow. It is today. You are our leaders of today. and I am very proud to be part of what
what you've achieved. It's amazing um just hearing everything. So we have two recipients of the Marilyn Soua scholarship. The first one is Grace Cay KAYA and the second one IS GAVIN ROGERS.
I DON'T CARE. On behalf of the Ulletario family, I will be presenting the next memorial scholarships. Dolorino Ulitio was a resident of Somerset for over 50 years. When he was not spending time with his family, he could easily be found at a nearby
sporting event, usually on the soccer field, as a referee. His love for youth sports was undeniable, which is why we've created this scholarship on behalf on his behalf to help two athletes from Somerset Berkeley's 2026 graduating class with their future academic
endeavors. Thank you to all the seniors who submitted an application. It was not an easy pick by any means. Congratulations to our two recipients this year. The recipients are Cameron McKenna and Kyle Hamlet.
Please don't. Next, I'd like to call to the podium Mr. Richard Bernardo, who will be presenting the Somerset High School class 1960 scholarship. Come to class of 2026. Congratulations. I hope you enjoy your life as most of my
classmates have also. And not to be outdone by Mrs. Souza, I'm also class president. This time it was the class of 1960. It's my pleasure to give the class of
1960 scholarship to Julia Pulcowski. >> Would you help us? Next we have the Somerset High School class of 1961 scholarship. Each year, this scholarship is given to a graduating student of the high school who will be continuing their education.
Preference will be given to a relative of a member of the class of 1961. This year, we are fortunate to award three scholarships. The first recipient is Ashlin Duran. The second recipient is Ella Souza.
The third recipient is Juliet Pulcowski. the Somerset Berkeley Regional High school class of 2020 scholarship. This award is presented to a senior who will be continuing their education at an institution of higher learning and has been involved in many extracurricular activities or community service. The
award is presented to Isabelle Gomes. The Bley Regional High School class of 2021 scholarship is also presented to a senior who will be continuing their education at an institute of higher learning and has been involved in extracurricular activities and community
service. Hope Ben the Joseph Fiveres Jr. Insurance Agency Scholarships. This scholarship is presented to a senior who intends to pursue a two or four-year degree in the field of marketing, finance, or business management. This year, we have two
recipients, Louise Casto and Ashlin Duran. Next we have the Charles Mendy's Jr. Scholarship. Charles Mendy's with the father of five, a long a lifelong educator and a former
chairman of the Somerset School Committee. He loved our mom and he loved this town and he loved fishing. Our mom would say not necessarily in that order. If he were here today, he would say that if there were one thing that enabled him to enjoy all of those things, it was his
career as a teacher. He often said, "You judge a community most importantly by its school system. And boy was he proud of this school system. He taught us that one of the most important and noble pursuits was to be a teacher. For that reason, after he passed away, we
established the Charles Mendy's Jr. Scholarship to both inspire and honor a future teacher. We want to congratulate this year's recipient, Lillian Peters. Next, I would like to call Molly Nu to present the William L. White III
Excellence in Education Scholarship. The friends of Budg. Hello. Can you hear me? All right. Okay. My name is Molly Nato and I'm representing the friends and family of Buddy White aka Mr. William L.
White III. This award honors the memory of our dearest friend who taught in the Somerset school department for over 35 years. Known to his friends and family as Buddy, he often claimed to have the greatest job in the world teaching
physical education in Somerset. However, Buddy did more than teach a game. He taught sportsmanship, etiquette, grace, spirited fun, and a language of
the month was sprinkled into his lesson plan. He was also a beloved colleague. To quote his fellow teacher and officemate, Mr. Robert Brochu, but he was simply a great guy,
a kind and considerate person every day. And so as time goes on, we his friends and family know that the audience of students, it'll be fewer and fewer students who actually will remember
Buddy, Mr. White. But in this class, there were two essays for the scholarship. You did have such sweet memories of Buddy. So I'd like to share some excerpts from those essays if it's okay. The first essay
again e just excerpts. Mr. White was always Mr. White always came up with unique games that I had never heard of before. But he was able to have that spark that made everyone in the class want to join in. And I always had so much fun playing
new games with my classmates. When I had an injury outside of school and it made me have to sit out of gym class, Mr. White did his best to make sure I wasn't left out even though I couldn't physically participate by helping keep score of certain games
or even being his assistant in class from time to time. Mr. White had a love for his job that couldn't be matched by anyone I have met this th this far in my life. Very sweet.
and another essay. In applying to this scholarship in memory of my former physical education teacher, Mr. White, his impact on my childhood continues to shape who I am today.
Some of my most meaningful elementary school memories came from his classes where games like Pac-Man, Hey Mr. box and Nanda's car lot turned into moments of joy and excitement. I always remember
feeling especially happy when I found out he would be substituting for gym class that day because I knew it would be a day with encouragement and laughter. What made him stand out was not just the games we played, but the way he made
every student feel included. He created an environment where everyone felt comfortable participating regardless of their abilities. He was teaching us more than just physical activity. He showed us how to
support one another, build each other's confidence, and how to enjoy being part of the community. Thank you for those essays. They mean a lot to his family and friends.
So to the entire graduating class, as we present this award, we hope for you these three things. That you believe you have the greatest job in the world, that you always go the extra mile,
that your colleagues consider it an honor and privilege to work side by side with you. And so it is with deep sense of respect and pride that the friends of Buddy White announced this year's recipient of the William L. White III Excellence in
Education Scholarship. Congratulations Samantha Souza. Next, we have the Raposa Education Trust. The Raposa Education Trust Scholarship was originally established by Anthony Raposa to help finance his
nieces and nephews educational expenses and has now been made available to seven school districts. The recipient of this scholarship must show promise of being able to benefit from a college or technical institutional
sorry a college or technical institute. This award is presented to Rita Camel. All the as we um continue the program, I would like to say because I made mistakes up here, if you make a mistake and you Pause long enough. Miss Pekco can edit
it right out. Just repeat it again. Next, we have Somerset Democratic Town Committee Scholarships. If I could call Mr. Jameson Soua to THE SO, the Somerset Town Democratic Committee presented a question. Well,
first it was a quote. Our identity as a nation, unlike many other nations, is determined by the geography or the ethnicity, by soil or blood. Being an American involves the embrace of high ideals and civic
responsibility by President George W. Bush. Considering President Bush's statement above, why is an informed citizen an important part of democratic society? How are you an informed
citizen? And what plans do you have to be an informed citizen in the future? So there were a lot of essays that the committee went through and we have four winners from that.
The first one is Payton Alo. The second one is Isabelle Gones. Here is Mayelison. And the last is Aubrey Sherlock. Next, I would like to call to the podium Amber Nicole's dad, who will be presenting the Amber Nicole calling
memorial scholarship. >> Good evening. June 27th, 2020, changed our lives forever. And Nicole Cow, only 30 years of age, was taken from us by the cow who vowed to love and protect her, her husband. Emma was a daughter,
granddaughter, niece, cousin, and a friend to so many. Aside from from residing in Somerset, Amber had numerous other ties to Somerset. Amber grew up in Somerset, graduated from Somerset Berkeley High School in 2007, and prior to working for the Department of Correction, she worked
as a waitress at a gor restaurant as well as the Somerset Grill. She had the magnetic smile and genuine love for others. She always tried to see the good in people, even those incarcerated. Yes, even those incarcerated.
By showing respect and dignity to those who may have made mistakes, she earned a respect over time from those same individuals. As a result of the way Amber lived her life, just two days after passing, even both even before the funeral services, a
meeting was held at Poundville Correctional Center to discuss creating a memorial in Amy's memory. As meetings were held and logistics were discussed, it became clear to the committee that Amber would not want a memorial just for herself, but would
want a memorial for all those employed by the Department of Correction. As a result, the Massachusetts Department of Correction always remember memorial was created in Amy's memory. As a family, we did not want to stop there. It became our mission to keep
Amy's memory alive and not allow her death to be in vain. Thus, the Emma Co Memorial Foundation was created. Over the past years, thanks to the support from so many, we've been able to raise over $130,000
for domestic violence. With donations to the website, along with generous sponsors, annual motorcycle run, golf tournament, as well as a car show, we've been blessed to not only award the M. Nicole Collins scholarship. Over the past three years, we've been able to make donations to
survivors of domestic violence along with cooperating with New Hope, which is a nonprofit organization out of Attboro who provide training and services to those affected by domestic violence. Before I announce that she is award recipient,
let me say this about domestic violence. Domestic violence is not just physical. It can be emotional as well as mental. If you're in a relationship that is that is not respectful and even toxic, leave. Leave right away because it will not get
any better. Speak to someone you trust right away and seek the help of the local police department if need be. There are resources out there that can help you before it is too late. If Amber's story saves even one life for as
long as I tell it, we've done our job. With that said, this year's recipient of the Nicole Memorial Foundation scholarship is perfect name, Hope Ben. Next, I would like to call to the podium
the Higginson family to present the Higginson family scholarship. Before I start, uh, Richard Bernardo was president of his class of 60. I think it was Mr. Souza was president of his class and I was treasurer of my freshman
class. GOOD EVENING, FACULTY, PARENTS, and most importantly, the students. My name is Ted Higginson. On behalf of the Higginson family, my sisters and I are deeply honored to present a $5,000
scholarship tonight. Our family has a long history with Somerset Berkeley Regional High School. My sisters Sharon, Nancy, and Pam graduated in 1970, 1972,
1975, and myself in 1977. We are all we all proudly participated in the school's sports programs. The scholarship requires the recipient to be both a student athlete and a
future science major. We chose to support the sciences because of my own life journey. I have lived with HIV since uh the 1980s. To be here today as a long-term survivor
is a true anomaly, one that was only made possible by Martin Science. It is our privilege to invest in the next generation of science scientific leaders. Tonight,
the Higginson family is proud to award this scholarship to a fellow runner, Matthew Bosa, I will be presenting the Isaiah Lel plant scholarships this evening on behalf of Isaiah's family. Isaiah Llant was a lifelong resident of
Somerset who began his academic career at North Elementary School and graduated from Somerset Berkeley Regional High School, class of 2021. Isaiah was the class president. He was charismatic and loved by so many. Isaiah's smile and presence filled the
room. Isaiah was a foster child and adopted by his loving parents who have created this scholarship in his memory. On behalf of their family, it is our honor to present the Isaiah Lelant Memorial Scholarships to Emily Almeida
and Jaden Maderas. Next to present and the Sergeant Brian Cordderero Memorial Scholarship. Do we have the Vascatellis family? Good evening. My name is Gary Vasconelis and I'm the vice president of the Sergeant Bryant
Hero Memorial Fund. We created this fund to honor the extraordinary life of our prayer department. A life that was cut short after a tragic accident in September of 2022. Brian was a Somerset High School
graduate, a dedicated Army veteran, police officer, and a true guardian of his community. He lived a life of unwavering service, always putting others before himself. His passion for supporting fellow veterans, first responders, and children in need was
evident in everything he did. With this fund, we continue we continue his mission by providing essential resources, mentorship, and assistance to those he cared for most. Brian's legacy is one of selflessness, courage, and
boundless generosity. values that will live on through the lives that we uplift in his name. I would now like to introduce Dr. Jessica Wilding Kazer. I've been practicing.
She's Somerset alumni and a committee member to present the scholarship to the 2026 recipient. The committee has chosen this individual due to their dedication to and interest in public service. This individual has spent a number of hours serving the
public through volunteering and intends to focus their future studies in the criminal justice field. So this year's recipient for the Sergeant Bryant Gear Memorial Scholarship is Emma Gonalo. HEAT. HEAT.
NEXT, we have two new scholarships. These are for the Daniel P. Pavo Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is being sponsored by Emma Carvalo Pavo in memory of her husband Daniel Pbo. Dan
was a proud alumni of SHS. Growing up in Somerset and returning to the town with his family after a distinguished military career, he was a dedicated husband, father, and believed in higher education and helping others. In his later years, he benefited greatly from
the advancements made in medicine and medical research. So, it is with gratitude that we look forward to encouraging and supporting young minds to continue the important work of medical research. Our two recipients are
Cameron Lobo and Maline Oil. No, she's not. Next. We have the South Coast Health Ambassador Health Profession Award. This award is presented to Matthew Barbosa. Next we have the University of Maine
Farmington Award. The University of Maine Farmington proudly recognizes Logan Cabraw for his exceptional academic achievement. Next we have the GFWC Greater Taton Women's Club Scholarship. This year's recipient
is Ava Andre. Next we have the D good citizenship award. This year this award is presented to Patrick O'Donovan. Next we have the club Mader SS Sacramento scholarship.
On behalf of the club that SS Sacramento scholarship, I am pleased to announce that the scholarship has the scholarship committee has selected the following student as their recipient. This student will be a awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
The selection of the recipient is a testament to their academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and community service. We received over 95 applications making the selection process very difficult. Each one of these students demonstrated something
special that caught the attention of the committee. The recipient is Megan Costa. For the next two awards, I will um ask Mr. Steve Melo to please report to the podium again. Thank you. The Ronald Palagio
um academic excellence award in business is presented to a student that's taken three online business classes will be pursuing a career in business and has shown great passion for entrepreneurship. This year's award recipient goes to Kyle Hamilton.
HEAT. HEAT. The Winfred Darius Greater to Earth Spirit Award that's for the school store thank go to an individual that is uh contributing to the school store the past few years has made himself
available and is there whenever we needed them to be. This year's recipient goes to Aisha Emrage. Next, we have the Carl W. McDermott scholarship. This is the 35th presentation of this scholarship that will be offered to a member of the
graduating class who best exemplifies combined academic excellence and the commitment to co-curricular activities throughout his or her secondary years. This year's award recipient is Evan Isidorio. Next, we have the National Honor Society Scholarships. These scholarships are
chosen at random. Literally, everyone has a number and Dr. Bros picked three numbers out of the hat. So, the three recipients this year this year who will be each receiving a $750 scholarship are Abigail Sheret,
Megan Costa, and Adrien Nor. Heat. Heat. Next, we're going to do the presentation of the tassels, cords, and pins for the National Honor Society students. This is the regalia that they will wear at
graduation night. Um, because I'm a mama, I'm going to say this ahead of time. Some of them have a pin that's white, and some has a pin that's blue, but they're exactly the same, so no one's fighting. You will have the cord, the tassel attached, and the pin as Dr.
Bford is modeling so nicely for us. And if there's any issue, please let me know. But they should we should have everything there for you. So, if we would have the first row please stand and make your way over to the side. Mrs. Dudo, if you could come over and help us
as well. Thank you. And then as the second row sees and the first row starts to get halfway, then your row can come up and then we'll continue. Thank you. Okay, here we go. Payton Allard,
Emily Almo, Ava Andred, Emory Andrews, Matthew Barbosa, Ashton, Riley Brown, Logan, Michael, By King,
Louise Castle, Abigail Sheret, Tammy Chen, Julia Costa, Megan Costa, Jasmine Duza, Andrew Dion, Braden Doro, Ashlin Durant,
TROY BARRIER, GABRIELA MARIUS, Emily Fernand, Braden Ferrero, Addie Fin, Brooke Fisher, Abigail Glouster. WOO! Isabelle G,
good Sophia Greenwood. Nathaniel, Aisha, Imran, Evan Isoria, Alexander Javier, Rio Canelo Lauren CAN
Sophia Leo Raven Reese, Kaitlyn McKinnon, Audrey McNarus, Lily S, Julia IA Morero, Amy Morris, Adrien Nor,
Patrick, ELIZABETH, DAVID, Lillian Peters, Rachel Penny Pers, Juliet, Levi, Nicholas Catherine, Bianca,
Braden Silva, Ella Olivia Susan, Sia Swans, Western Scarlet Oh, okay. And my final duty tonight is to announce the top 10 for the class of
2026. When I announce you and say your name, if you could please come up and stand across the stage, uh Mr. Austin will get a lovely picture and then we'll conclude our ceremony. So the class of 2026 top 10 number 10
attending Liberty University, Cole Thurbert. NUMBER NINE, attending Bryant University, Evan Isidoria. >> Number eight, attending Bentington College, RACHEL PENNY. NUMBER SEVEN attending New York
University. TAMMY CHEN number six attending Northeastern University. Ria K. Number five, attending the University of Rhode Island, Matthew Barbasa. Number four, attending the University of
Rhode Island, Julia Bar. Number three, attending the University of Wisconsin, Madison. HOPE THAT number two attending Carnegie Melon University the saludiatoran of the class of 20236. PATRICK
from the valadictorian of the class of 2026 attending the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Braden Silva, Dr. Spoon, school committee members, faculty, staff, parents, friends, and community members. I present to you
proudly the top 10 of the CLASS OF 2021. HEAT. HEAT.