OAKLAND — Messalonskee High School has announced its top 10 seniors for the class of 2023. The students are listed by academic standing.

Joanna Zhang, the daughter of James and Judy Zhang of Belgrade, has earned high honors with distinction throughout her high school career, is a member of National Honor Society, and is recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction.

Some of her other accolades include a Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Math Award, Messalonskee Student of the Month Award, and a gold medal at the Regional Math Team competition.

Zhang was named captain of the Messalonskee girls’ tennis team and was presented with a coach’s award for her commitment to that team.

She holds many student positions in various clubs, including class secretary and executive president of Student Council, assistant editor, vice president, and president for the Yearbook Club, and lieutenant governor for the Key Club.

She has volunteered at a local hospital and been a peer tutor at Messalonskee High School.

In the fall, Zhang plans to attend Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she will pursue the study of science.

Sophie Mihm, the daughter of Chantal and Charles Mihm of Sidney, has composed and performed numerous musical pieces, and she has performed summer programs at Berklee and the Boston Conservatory. She has been a peer tutor, a member of the creative writing club, and a leader in the Queer Alliance.

Mihm was named to the National Honor Society Eagle Chapter, where she was elected the organization’s President, and she was the recipient of the Clarkson University Leadership Award. She has achieved the rank of high honors with distinction and was named as an AP Scholar with Honors.

She has presented at an Inclusivity Educational seminar, and is an advocate and leader for those in the LGBTQ+ community.

By the time she graduates, she will have successfully completed numerous Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, and college courses.

In the fall, Mihm plans to attend Vanderbilt University, studying music composition while participating in the Vanderbilt Piano Society and various LGBTQ+/Feminist Activism organizations.

Jonathan Eccher-Mullally, the son of Daniel Eccher and Brigid Mullally of Oakland, is an academic scholar who has earned high honors with distinction throughout high school career. He has participated in Key Club, National Honor Society and was the treasurer for the society this past year.

Eccher-Mullally has received the Elmira College Key Award. He participated in the Messalonskee High School Players by being a crew member, student technical director, and an actor. He earned the Best in Black Award for being an outstanding crew member and has participated in every play performed at Messalonskee High School since his freshman year.

Eccher-Mullally plans to attend Vassar College in New York this fall.

Paige Lenfestey, the daughter of Tonia and Ralph Lenfestey of Oakland, has been a fixture of the MHS Players Association, and she has participated in every production since she entered Messalonskee.

Lenfestey has served on the school’s Student Council, first as a class treasurer, and more recently as the executive vice president. She is an active member of the Queer Alliance and has served as the organization’s secretary and treasurer.

She participated in the book and yearbook clubs and has been a doubles player on the school’s tennis team. She was selected to be a member of the National Honor Society and has achieved the rank of High Honors with Distinction. She was also selected to be the recipient of the Saint Michael’s book award.

In the fall, Lenfestey plans to attend Smith College where she will study English literature and language while participating in theater and club tennis.

Ethan Glueck, the son of Valerie LaPointe of Waterville and Craig Glueck of Waterville, has been named to the school’s honor roll during every marking period, achieving the rank of High Honors with Distinction.

He has been a fixture of the MHS Instrumental Band and has also participated in clubs such as Drama, Chess and Book clubs. He was selected to participate in the Kennebec Valley select Band and was named to both the Tri-M Music and National Honor Societies. He has also been named as an AP Scholar by the College Board.

In the fall, Glueck will participate in the NSLI-Y Mandarin Academic Year program as a gap year, with plans to attend the University of Maine the following year to study international affairs.

Emma Rhoda, the daughter of Christopher and Andrea Rhoda of Belgrade, has earned several awards and accolades, including a Student of the Month Award, and English, social studies, math, photography, and health awards. Rhoda has continuously earned High Honors with Distinction and was the Williams College Book Award recipient her junior year.

Rhoda has been a peer tutor, volunteered for the MHS Empty Bowls project, and is a member of the Key Club, French Club, and Book Club.

She has held several community positions, such as ski instructor, waitress, and church volunteer. She has a passion for travel, and her future plans involve a career in international affairs.

In the fall, Rhoda plans to attend The American University of Paris in France.

Elizabeth Hardy is the daughter of Angela and Joshua Hardy of China. After spending her first two years of high school at Erskine Academy, she seamlessly transitioned to Messalonskee.

She was selected as the recipient of the Clarkson Book Award and has achieved the rank of High Honors with Distinction during every marking period.

Hardy has participated in lacrosse and field hockey and was a member of the Girl’s Up club and the Future Business Leaders of America. She has served as a camp counselor for entire summers, made bowls for the MHS Empty Bowl project, and volunteered at local charitable organizations.

In the fall, Hardy plans to attend the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, majoring in biology (pre-health) and minoring in public health.

Madisyn Stewart, the daughter of Mark and Nichole Stewart of Oakland, and has earned High Honors with Distinction throughout her entire time at MHS. She was also awarded the Smith College Book Award during her junior year.

Stewart has earned several awards for her commitment to horseback riding, some of which include fourth place at her region qualifier, high point main rider, and high point Hunter Derby winner. Her leadership qualities earned her the role of captain of her horseback riding team.

She has volunteered as a senior mentor and a sports camp instructor, and has helped out at the elementary school in the district.

In the fall, Stewart plans to attend Franklin Pierce University, working to attain her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Madelynn Wohlford, the daughter of Rodney and Leslie Wohlford of Sidney, has a passion for music and has earned several awards and recognitions for her participation in choral organizations.

Wohlford has been a member of MHS Chorus during her entire high school career. She has been named to Tri-M music honor society, and has earned All-State status for chorus and jazz, and All-National recognition by the American Choral Directors Association. She was selected to be a member of the National Honor Society and has consistently achieved the rank of High Honors with Distinction.

Her class awards for academic commitment include ASL, biology, math, and chorus. She was also selected to receive the RIT Award for Technology and Creativity her junior year. She has been a member of the MHS Girls’ Basketball Team and the Yearbook Club.

In the fall, Wohlford plans to attend the University of Southern Maine to study music and mass media communications.

Ruby Marden, the daughter of Christine and Robert Marden of Sidney, has participated in numerous programs and clubs ranging from athletics such as soccer and tennis, to theater and including various leadership positions.

She has participated in every production at Messalonskee High, while also being active in other area theatrical productions. She has been a member of chorus during that same time frame. She was selected to both the Mastersingers and Lirima & Amabella.

Marden, a member of both the National and Tri-M Honor societies, has been both the vice president and president of the Student Council, and she has served on the Chorus Council.

She is involved in organizations such as the Girl Scouts of America, Hardy Girls, Healthy Women, and the Feminist Action Board. She was named as the Brandeis Book Award recipient during her junior year, and she has regularly achieved the rank of high honors with distinction.

In the fall, Marden plans to attend Bates College to study theater.

 

 

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