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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Portsmouth High School class of 2025 Top 10 students
The following students were honored as the top 10 students in the Portsmouth High School class of 2025. (Note: Students are listed in alphabetical order.) An outstanding scholar, leader, and role model, Marc Alcolea Vila will attend Rice University in the fall to study engineering. A semi-finalist in the U.S. Presidential Scholar Program, AP Scholar with Distinction, and recipient of the NESDEC Award, Marc has consistently demonstrated academic excellence and a deep passion for learning. He was also awarded First Place in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Essay Contest and recognized nationally with the College Board's National Hispanic Recognition Award. Originally from Spain, Marc moved to the United States at the age of ten. In a short time, he has achieved extraordinary success, demonstrating remarkable resilience, intelligence, and dedication. His ability to overcome the challenges of adapting to a new country, while excelling in all areas of his life is truly inspiring. Marc graduates with a flawless academic record, having completed eleven honors and nine Advanced Placement courses. He also successfully completed Portsmouth High School's rigorous Career and Technical Education Engineering Design program and earned the Rhode Island Department of Education's Silver Seal of Biliteracy in English and French, an impressive accomplishment that highlights his linguistic abilities. Beyond his impressive academics, Marc is a highly respected leader and an active member of his school community. He serves as President of the Language Honor Society and is a valued member of the National Honor Society, Mathematics Team, and Engineering Club. As a three-year captain of the Varsity Swim Team, Marc has consistently exemplified leadership, commitment, and integrity. With his outstanding achievements, character, and drive, Marc Alcolea Vila is poised to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the field of engineering and far beyond. A natural problem solver, who thrives on self-expression and creativity, Tara Finnegan is a bright, self-motivated and intellectually curious young woman. Tara has excelled academically throughout high school, successfully completing ten honors and six Advanced Placement courses. Tara earned the Rhode Island Department of Education's Silver Seal of Biliteracy Award, the second-highest level of competency certified by the program, in both English and Spanish, a testament to her exceptional linguistic ability and academic leadership and commitment to her school community are equally noteworthy. She currently serves as President of the Portsmouth High School Band and holds Vice President positions in the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, and Language Honor Society. A dedicated member of the Community Service Club, Tara also volunteers at the local senior center, giving back with compassion and determination and drive push her to grow beyond her comfort zone. She is hardworking, reflective, and consistently seeks opportunities to challenge herself. A well-rounded and purpose-driven leader, Tara is ready to make meaningful contributions in science and beyond. Her deep passion for scientific research, the outdoors, plants, and the Earth has inspired her to pursue a degree in Environmental Science A natural problem solver, who thrives on self-expression and creativity, Tara Finnegan is a bright, self-motivated and intellectually curious young woman. Tara has excelled academically throughout high school, successfully completing ten honors and six Advanced Placement courses. Tara earned the Rhode Island Department of Education's Silver Seal of Biliteracy Award, the second-highest level of competency certified by the program, in both English and Spanish, a testament to her exceptional linguistic ability and academic dedication. Tara's leadership and commitment to her school community are equally noteworthy. She currently serves as President of the Portsmouth High School Band and holds Vice President positions in the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, and Language Honor Society. A dedicated member of the Community Service Club, Tara also volunteers at the local senior center, giving back with compassion and humility. Tara's determination and drive push her to grow beyond her comfort zone. She is hardworking, reflective, and consistently seeks opportunities to challenge herself. A well-rounded and purpose-driven leader, Tara is ready to make meaningful contributions in science and beyond. Her deep passion for scientific research, the outdoors, plants, and the Earth has inspired her to pursue a degree in Environmental Science at Northeastern University this fall. Dylan Hong is an exceptional student whose intellectual curiosity, work ethic, and determination to excel scholastically are evident in her impressive academic record. She is kind, humble, thoughtful and recognized for her integrity and strength of character. She sincerely desires to learn and consistently strives to outperform her potential. Dylan is naturally inquisitive and an innate problem-solver who immerses herself in her school work. She seeks to be challenged and embraces thought-provoking curricula that allows her critical thinking skills to shine, and her love of learning is contagious and inspiring. Although Dylan has excelled in all of her coursework, her favorite subjects have been in the areas of math and engineering, where she has flourished and made outstanding contributions, especially in the Project Lead The Way program. Notably, Dylan has been an asset and standout contributor to the Math Team and a competitive and outstanding member of the Mock Trial and Model UN clubs. She also believes in giving back to the community and values the merits of service. She is looking forward to developing innovative ideas and producing products that will improve peoples' lives, and she will be pursuing an Engineering degree at the University of Rhode Island. Hailey Labonte is a hard working, dedicated, and driven student who has consistently held herself to the highest standards while taking the most rigorous AP and Honors courses offered throughout her high school career. She is intuitive and a thinker who often views problems as opportunities and seeks to find creative ways to overcome challenges or develop solutions. Hailey remains driven and focused and goes after her every endeavor with determination and a quiet confidence. She is genuinely humble and recognized for her kindness, helpfulness and thoughtfulness. She is a leader who is reflective and sincerely thinks about how her actions or decisions will impact others. Further, Hailey is well-known for her athletic prowess and contributions to the PHS Girls Volleyball team, and she has been a dedicated member and leader of the Green Club, as well as other clubs and honor societies. She is a truly accomplished and remarkable young woman who looks forward to pursuing a career that will make a significant difference in other people's lives. Hailey will undoubtedly meet her goals as she has decided to pursue a Biomedical Engineering degree from Marymount University in Virginia. Without question, Ashley Murphy has excelled academically across the disciplines, and her innate abilities coupled with her tireless work ethic have placed her in the top of her class. Ashley is highly motivated, conscientious, and an avid learner who strives to exceed the standards. She sincerely invests in the learning process and continually evolves academically. Ashley is a deep thinker, who is articulate, quick-witted, and a natural leader who is well-respected by her classmates and teachers. She exudes confidence and poise, and can think quickly on the spot. She pays meticulous attention to details and does an excellent job of leading and delegating responsibilities, but also knows when to let someone else take the helm and be a team dynamic, open-minded and warm personality positively impacts anyone who meets her. Further, Ashley has been an active and invested member of a variety of clubs and honor societies, and she has won numerous awards recognizing her accomplishments. She is a force to be reckoned with on the Model UN team and has successfully dominated as a competitor, winning some of the toughest, upper level rooms and earning Best Delegate awards. Not surprisingly, she was selected as one of the RI Delegates of the US Youth Senate Program by the Commissioner of Education. Ashley has found her purpose in the political and international relations fields, and she is excited about majoring in Public Policy at the University of Michigan this fall. A strong, independent young woman, Kelsea Smith is also a self-motivated learner whose consistent efforts lead to her success. She always puts her responsibilities and commitments first and, without fail, sees them through to fruition. As a logical and fair thinker, she takes a critical approach to her love of reading. Her passion for reading is leading her to pursue a career in editing and/or publishing with further pursuit of a postgraduate degree in law and/or business. A well-read, self-assured, and creative individual, Kelsea has a strong sense of self, believing in her abilities to be successful in anything in which she partakes. Having strong intrinsic motivation, Kelsea takes it upon herself to exceed expectations in academics, sports, hobbies, and employment. She is observant and remembers small details with ease. A National Merit Semi-Finalist and member of the National Honor Society, previously serving as secretary and currently serving as president, Kelsea has challenged herself throughout her entire high school career, enrolling in many Advanced Placement and Honors courses where she has found great success. Her leadership skills have blossomed while serving her peers through this organization. Through her study of Spanish, in which she is a member of the National Language Honor Society, Kelsea has developed the skills necessary to earn the Seal of Biliteracy. Kelsea plans on attending the College of William and Mary where she will pursue a degree in English Literature. Enrolled in an array of Advanced Placement and Honors courses, Sonia Staroscik is an exceptional student and outstanding human being. She has many academic interests but her main focus is engineering. As a member of our school's Academy for Engineering Design, Sonia has taken several courses in this area to prepare for the continuation of her pursuit of a career in mechanical engineering. Sonia's logical thinking combines with her flair for art and design to extend her engineering skills creating projects that are not only solid but also showcase Sonia's unique inventiveness using her talents in the areas of whittling, 3-D printing, and laser cutting. She has an extremely strong work ethic and is a self-reliant, ambitious learner, earning her a Book Award from our Parents Helping Students Organization for her work ethic, academic achievement, and integrity. As her academic accolades are many, they also include: Second Grant in the State Science Fair for Material Science, The Rhode Island High School Coaches' Association All-Academic Award, The Rensselaer Medal, and the Silver Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. She is also a strong, yet humble, figurehead on the athletic teams and clubs in which she participates and is a team player who generously gives of her time to assist others in need of support; academically, athletically, and emotionally. As biology is also a strong interest of Sonia's, she engaged in SEA Expedition, a two week sailing and oceanography course which took place at sea. She is passionate about learning new things and enjoying new experiences. Sonia will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where she will major in Mechanical Engineering. A National Merit Semi-Finalist, member of the National Honor Society, National Language Honor Society, and National Art Honor Society, Elena Sun is a well-rounded student who is humble to the core. As evident through her most demanding course load, which includes many Advanced Placement and Honors courses, Elena has an unparalleled passion for knowledge and immerses herself not only in the content being taught but she thrives on furthering her learning by engaging in self-directed in-depth research to reach a higher level of mastery. Biology was a class which piqued her interest especially, as it has a tangible impact on lives. Expanding her cultural knowledge and global communication skills, as well as growing her connection to her own culture, she also has enjoyed advancing her Spanish competence. Elena's inquisitive nature pushes her to apply her knowledge in order to directly and positively impact the world around her as being part of a whole is important to her. She earned the prestigious Governor's Award for her project submission which was judged to have the most potential benefit to the State of Rhode Island. In addition, she researched specific effects of fertilizers on Narragansett Bay and aimed her project toward helping the community understand what specifically needs to be done to prevent algae blooms and dead zones that would be harmful to everyone. She generally cares about our global society. The combination of Elena's intellect and compassion will serve her well in her future career in medicine. Elena will attend Brown University where she will study Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Truly someone who delights in life, Sophia Turner is a young woman of character and integrity. Sophia not only self-manages her academic life but also does so in her personal life. She enjoys events and activities familiar to her, such as spending time soaking in history, traveling, art, museums, aquariums, puzzles, music, true crime, and baking, decorating, and designing cakes but also loves engaging in new experiences. A member of the National Honor Society and the National Language Honor Society, Sophia is a stellar student who is enrolled in many Advanced Placement and Honors courses. Her favorite subjects are those under the history umbrella and she plans to pursue a career in international law as it is her desire to help build a universal standard of living all over the world. Her curiosity pushes her to learn more and do more as she takes enjoyment in learning new subject areas and trying new activities. Ambitious, she sets goals for herself and persists on until she has succeeded. Sophia identifies problems quickly and can also rectify them in the same timely manner. Sophia is a valued and respected participant in many clubs and organizations such as; the Social Justice Club, Math Team, Community Service Club, and Green Club. Her leadership skills have blossomed throughout high school as she served as President of the Mock Trial Team, Secretary of the Future Business Leaders of America, and Assistant Captain of Model UN where she earned Outstanding Delegate at LynxMUN in 2024 and Honorable Delegate at EagleMUNC in 2024. Sophia will be furthering her education at Georgetown University where she will pursue a degree in International Politics. A dedicated student and stellar human being, Heather Williams is a young woman who has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. In each class she enters, many of which are Advanced Placement or Honors courses, she yearns to soak in as much information as she can in order to reach her goal of pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering with a further pursuit of employment in the automotive industry. She is a self-motivated, self-directed learner whose determination, organizational skills, and analytical mind combine to assist in securing her academic success. Heather is a creative problem solver whose pursuit and attainment of solutions is commonplace for her. Enrolled in our school's Academy of Engineering Design, Heather's favorite subject is math, as numbers are like a work of art to her. Her willful yet calm demeanor enables her to stick with difficult tasks and see them through to successful completion. A member of the National Honor Society, the National Language Honor Society, and the Community Service Club, being part of a group larger than oneself is important to Heather. Heather's leadership qualities have flourished as an upperclassman. As President of the Green Team she spearheaded Earthfest, the annual Tree-Plenish Initiative that distributed over fifty tree saplings to our community. She has also taken on the leadership role of Grant Writer for this club. One of her grants secured five thousand dollars for the restoration of our, now thriving, school pond. Her most current grant, a six-page document, requests $85,000 to be used to build a school greenhouse. Her involvement has earned her the well-deserved Environmental Champion Award. Her stewardship has also been noted as a member of Model UN where she has been named Captain, Best Delegate, Best Speaker, and also received a verbal commendation. Pursuing a major in Automotive/Mechanical Engineering, Heather will further her education at Clemson University. This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Portsmouth High School class of 2025 Top 10 students
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Portsmouth track coach charged with attempting to pay for sex with minor
An assistant track coach at Portsmouth High School is facing charges he attempted to pay cash for sex with a 14-year-old female who was an undercover federal agent last month at a Maine hotel. Joseph Auger, 27, of Portsmouth, was charged April 25 with one count of attempted sex trafficking of a minor, alleging he 'knowingly' attempted to 'entice, obtain, patronize and solicit by any means a 14-year-old girl ... to engage in a commercial sex act.' According to court documents, Auger allegedly gave $150 in cash to federal agents at a Best Western hotel in South Portland, Maine, according to a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Maine by HSI Special Agent Abby Mathieu. No minors were involved in the sting operation, the affidavit states. Portsmouth schools Superintendent Zach McLaughlin notified the high school community that Auger had been fired from coaching job on April 30, the same day a federal agent notified school officials of their investigation. Auger is a former athlete at Portsmouth High School, where he ran track. 'Effective immediately, Joseph Auger, an assistant coach from our track team, has been removed from his position due to a legal matter that has come to our attention,' McLaughlin's message said. 'While we understand that news like this can be concerning, I want to assure you that the current legal investigation is not directly connected to the coach's work with our students or athletic program. We are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students.' According to the affidavit, on or around April 24, law enforcement agents posted an advertisement on a website commonly used to advertise commercial sex acts, containing images of what appeared to be two young females who were 'Ready 2 have some fun,' among other sexually-charged phrases. The ad contained a contact phone number monitored by law enforcement agents, and an undercover agent 'used it to communicate with potential sex buyers, including Joseph Auger,' the affidavit says. Agents monitoring the line pretended to be the sister of a 14-year-old girl available to perform sex acts for money. The affidavit alleges Auger texted the number from one phone saying it would be 'messed up' to have sexual relations with a 14-year-old, but then allegedly texted the number from a different phone and arranged to meet the girl. The affidavit claims Auger went to the Best Western Hotel in South Portland after he was given the address by agents pretending to be the sister of the 14-year-old. 'The defendant arrived at the hotel in a Toyota Tundra, NH registration MONKEE,' the affidavit says. 'The defendant parked his vehicle at the front of the hotel, walked around the backside of the hotel and approached (an undercover agent) who was standing in front of the hotel room. The defendant confirmed he was there for the minor female. He said he had the money and pulled money from his front pocket and gave it to (the undercover agent).' The affidavit says Auger was given a hotel key to the hotel room. Law enforcement then arrested him and took him into custody, later locating his phone in the vehicle. Auger was escorted to a conference room in the hotel, where he was read his Miranda Rights and signed a form agreeing to waive his rights and speak with law enforcement, the affidavit says. He allegedly told investigators he communicated with advertisements on the website prior to that day. 'The defendant initially stated he was going to save the 14-year-old, but later stated that he wanted to have sex with the 14-year-old girl and brought the $150 as payment for a quick visit,' the affidavit says. 'He stated this is the first time he has tried to have sex with a minor female.' An attempt to reach Auger's attorney, William Bly, for comment was unsuccessful. A recent court filing shows federal prosecutors requesting an extension to indict Auger, with responses due by May 22. pfeely@
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Former Portsmouth track coach charged with attempting to pay for sex with minor
A former assistant track coach at Portsmouth High School is facing charges he attempted to pay cash for sex with a 14-year-old female who was an undercover federal agent last month at a Maine hotel. Joseph Auger, 27, of Portsmouth, was charged April 25 with one count of attempted sex trafficking of a minor, alleging he "knowingly" attempted to "entice, obtain, patronize and solicit by any means a 14-year-old girl ... to engage in a commercial sex act." According to court documents, Auger allegedly gave $150 in cash to federal agents at a Best Western hotel in South Portland, Maine, according to a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Maine by HSI Special Agent Abby Mathieu. No minors were involved in the sting operation, the affidavit states. Portsmouth schools Superintendent Zach McLaughlin notified the high school community that Auger had been fired from coaching job on April 30, the same day a federal agent notified school officials of their investigation. Auger is a former athlete at Portsmouth High School, where he ran track. 'Effective immediately, Joseph Auger, an assistant coach from our track team, has been removed from his position due to a legal matter that has come to our attention,' McLaughlin's message said. 'While we understand that news like this can be concerning, I want to assure you that the current legal investigation is not directly connected to the coach's work with our students or athletic program. We are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students.' According to the affidavit, on or around April 24, law enforcement agents posted an advertisement on a website commonly used to advertise commercial sex acts, containing images of what appeared to be two young females who were 'Ready 2 have some fun,' among other sexually-charged phrases. The ad contained a contact phone number monitored by law enforcement agents, and an undercover agent 'used it to communicate with potential sex buyers, including Joseph Auger,' the affidavit says. Agents monitoring the line pretended to be the sister of a 14-year-old girl available to perform sex acts for money. The affidavit alleges Auger texted the number from one phone saying it would be "messed up" to have sexual relations with a 14-year-old, but then allegedly texted the number from a different phone and arranged to meet the girl. The affidavit claims Auger went to the Best Western Hotel in South Portland after he was given the address by agents pretending to be the sister of the 14-year-old. 'The defendant arrived at the hotel in a Toyota Tundra, NH registration MONKEE,' the affidavit says. 'The defendant parked his vehicle at the front of the hotel, walked around the backside of the hotel and approached (an undercover agent) who was standing in front of the hotel room. The defendant confirmed he was there for the minor female. He said he had the money and pulled money from his front pocket and gave it to (the undercover agent).' The affidavit says Auger was given a hotel key to the hotel room. Law enforcement then arrested him and took him into custody, later locating his phone in the vehicle. Auger was escorted to a conference room in the hotel, where he was read his Miranda Rights and signed a form agreeing to waive his rights and speak with law enforcement, the affidavit says. He allegedly told investigators he communicated with advertisements on the website prior to that day. 'The defendant initially stated he was going to save the 14-year-old, but later stated that he wanted to have sex with the 14-year-old girl and brought the $150 as payment for a quick visit,' the affidavit says. 'He stated this is the first time he has tried to have sex with a minor female.' An attempt to reach Auger's attorney, William Bly, for comment was unsuccessful. A recent court filing shows federal prosecutors requesting an extension to indict Auger, with responses due by May 22.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
‘Anything is possible': Portsmouth high schooler qualifies for Boston Marathon
PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WPRI) — Portsmouth High School student Chris Vachon will be among the youngest runners racing in the Boston Marathon next week. The 18-year-old qualified for this year's marathon with a race time of approximately two hours and 50 minutes. 'You only get one first time, so I'm going to really make sure I take it all in and enjoy the experience,' Vachon said. Boston Marathon 2025: What you need to know Vachon said there are only a few dozen 18-year-olds racing on Marathon Monday. 'Being one of the few high schoolers to ever do it — it's going to be surreal,' he said. Vachon told 12 News he first started running his freshman year with the boys' cross-country team. He ran his first 10-mile race as a sophomore, and then his first marathon last August. 'I'm just trying to control the nerves and be ready for race day,' he said. SEE ALSO: Woman with rare genetic disorder qualifies for 3rd Boston Marathon Racing runs in Vachon's family. His father, a former sprinter, said he's proud of and amazed by his son's work ethic. 'I always thought he could do it, but I didn't know he could do it at this age,' Stephen Vachon said. 'I was always like, 'you've got to be realistic, you've got to be prepared to not make it.'' 'But he went out and crushed it and made it his first time,' he continued. 'It's not just all talent with him, he will outwork anyone. If everyone else is doing five miles, he'll do six. If the coach says run for two hours, he'll do two hours and that extra minute.' MORE: RI State Police troopers running Boston Marathon for charity Chris Vachon said his teammates and his coaches aren't the only ones motivating him to keep going. 'I had a lot of people, even some friends, who said it wasn't possible,' he said. 'It's been a really cool experience to be able to push through every day, and prove that I am able to do this. Anything is possible if you really put your mind to it.' Chris Vachon said that, once he's out of high school, he plans on running for the Boston Athletic Association. In a few years, he also hopes to run in the Boston Marathon's Pro Field. NEXT: Cranston native running in his first Boston Marathon Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Portsmouth High School tennis coaches applaud Mayor McEachern for new tennis courts
The Portsmouth High School boys tennis team opened its season on Wednesday, and for the first time in years, the Clippers didn't have to travel across town to South Mill Playground for a home match. Instead, head coach Anthony Sillitta and his team christened the six new courts at the high school. Advertisement 'The courts are fantastic,' Sillitta said. 'First and foremost, we have to thank Mayor Deaglan McEachern. He really stood by and helped us even before he was mayor. We appreciate the work he, others in the school system and the city did. It was fantastic work on all their part.' Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern, second from left, joins Portsmouth High School boys tennis coach Anthony Sillitta, far left, girls coach Wendy Poutre, far right, and other members of both teams celebrate the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the new tennis courts at the high school last Friday. The Clippers, with the previous courts at the high school in disrepair, had been playing their home matches at South Mill Playground for years. However, shortly after the COVID pandemic, two of the six courts were removed due to the installation of pickleball courts. The elimination of two courts meant high school matches, with six singles and three doubles matches, would last about 90 minutes longer to accommodate the wait for courts to open to start doubles matches. Advertisement 'The mayor looked at the high school courts which were in quite disrepair, and helped get the ball rolling to get us new courts,' Portsmouth girls tennis coach Wendy Poutre said. 'We give credit to him, Portsmouth athletic director Tom Kozikowski, and lots of other people in the city who pushed this forward. This was quite the project. It's been about five years in the making, but it's all worth it. We're all very grateful.' McEachern said Portsmouth High School deserved six new courts at the high school, 'Both (Sillitta and Poutre) have built up great programs and I am glad these new tennis courts can match,' McEachern said. "It looks like a great place. I think a lot of kids are going to learn how to play tennis, learn how to be on a team there. I think the kids are going to appreciate we invested in them." The Portsmouth boys opened the season with a 7-2 win over Souhegan. Advertisement 'I feel like our high school facilities are the best in the state,' Sillitta said. 'We're lucky for what we have; a first-class job was done, and the kids are really going to benefit from it.' Poutre and the Portsmouth girls team played its first home match of the season on Thursday, beating Oyster River, 8-1. 'Our new courts are absolutely gorgeous,' Poutre said. 'It's a beautiful layout, they did an excellent job designing it. We now have, probably, the best facility in the state as far as high schools go.' This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Portsmouth High School unveils new tennis courts, coaches grateful
