Students who graduated at top of their high school classes headed to Holy Cross

Stellar accomplishments mark members of the Holy Cross Class of 2011. The following is a sampling of articles published by the hometown newspapers of members of the incoming class.

Bhraana Abraham, of Dorchester, graduated as the valedictorian from Commonwealth Academy of Science and Health. Watch a video clip on the Boston Globe Web site, where Abraham talks about her experience as an immigrant from Haiti who arrived in America speaking no English, and why she plans to become a medical doctor. A photo of Abraham is also on the Globe’s site.

Wan Yi Fang, a Malden High School graduate, is among 1,000 high school seniors selected as Gates Millennium Scholars, the Boston Globe reported. The program for low-income minority students is funded by a $1 billion grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Recipients receive grants toward college expenses all the way through graduate school. WCVB TV Boston’s Web site reported that Fang was one of four outstanding high school students to receive a WCVB A+ scholarship, which are “given to students who have overcome the odds to succeed.”

The Concord (N.H.) Monitor reported that, during her graduation speech, Sovita Hean, valedictorian of the Hillsboro-Deering High School, “offered her very personal story as she addressed the crowd, explaining that four years ago she was a ‘shy, scared girl’ recently arrived from Cambodia with limited skills in English and in being a high school student. In an articulate and sometimes emotional voice, Hean urged her fellow graduates to appreciate what they’ve been given and to look beyond the stereotypes. ‘To whom much is given, much is expected,’ said Hean. ‘We are different in many ways but we all part of humanity. So help each other.’ Hean received a standing ovation.”

Three out of the top 12 students in the Class of 2007 from St. Thomas Aquinas High School will attend Holy Cross, according to the Portsmouth Herald News. Among her many accomplishments, class valedictorian Emily Sheehan, of Newburyport, received departmental awards in Latin and chemistry and awards for her achievements on the basketball and soccer teams.

Jeffrey William Danford, of Rollinsford, graduated seventh in the class. He was a member of the Spanish National Honor Society, received varsity letters in football and baseball, and volunteers at St. Anne’s Nursing Home and at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital.

Colleen Donahue, of Newburyport, graduated eighth in the class. She received departmental awards in English, biology and algebra; was a member of the Spanish National Honor Society, and four-year member of the field hockey and lacrosse teams. “A world-class skater, Colleen has been a member, for the last seven years, of the Colonial Synchronized Skating Team and has won six national medals, an international bronze medal, competed in an international competition in Roven, France, and, together with her team, placed fifth in the world in the 2007 World Championship in Nottingham, England,” the newspaper states.

The Portsmouth (N.H.) Herald News reported that Traip Academy salutatorian Katherine Masury will attend Holy Cross in the fall. Among her many accomplishments, Masury served three years on student council, was secretary her senior year, and played varsity soccer and indoor soccer for four years.

Nicholas P. Johnson graduated as salutatorian from Cathedral High School, according to the Springfield (Mass.) Republican.

The Telegram & Gazette’s annual “2007 Student Achievers” special section, which features all the valedictorians from the area’s high schools, included several who will attend Holy Cross in the fall. The students, along with a few of their achievements and future plans, follow.

Elizabeth M. Burke, of Worcester, graduated from Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School. She was on the high honor roll for four years and played varsity basketball and varsity cross country. She plans on studying English.

Selina E. Carter, of Sutton, graduated from Sutton Memorial High School. She received the distinction of Most Outstanding Student in English for three years and received academic awards in math, history and health. She plans on studying environmental science.

Kristy A. Fisher, of Webster, graduated from Bartlett High School. She earned first place for the Lions Club speech contest, played varsity softball and basketball, and volunteers at Oakwood Nursing Home. She plans on studying English.

Michelle D. Marieni, of Marlboro, graduated from Marlboro High School. She earned faculty awards in math, science, art, and history; played soccer, basketball, and ran outdoor track. She plans on studying biology and premedical.

Lindsey A. Tonge, of Harvard, graduated from the Bromfield School. She received a National Merit Scholarship Letter of Commendation and the Sound Design Award from Massachusetts High School Drama Guild Festival twice, played varsity field hokey, served as an emergency medical technician in Harvard, and coaches children’s field hockey team. She has been accepted into Holy Cross’ premed program.