WRENTHAM — Superintendent Rich Drolet and King Philip Regional High School Principal Nicole Bottomley are pleased to announce that several students have graduated with distinction as members of the Class of 2024. To be awarded this distinction, each recipient proposed, researched and developed a project by identifying a topic based upon a community need and then shared their final project with the community. Each recipient wrote a final process paper and presented their project to a faculty panel.
“Each year, we have a number of students who take it upon themselves to better their community through extensive research and work on a certain topic,” Superintendent Drolet said. “Whether their topic falls under the category of liberal arts or STEM, the student’s hard work and dedication to their topic is commendable, as it shows their commitment to using education to make a difference where they live. I ask that you all join me in congratulating these students on their projects and I would also like to thank Ms. Emma Staples, Ms. Elizabeth Hocking, and Ms. Heather Osborne for assisting our students with these worthwhile projects.”
Added King Philip Regional High School Principal Bottomley, “I was so impressed by the presentations and the thought put into the impact these projects would have. It is wonderful knowing that our students have an immediate, positive impact on the community.”
Students who graduated with distinction include the following:
- Isabelle Crowley: Distinction in Liberal Arts – The Benefits of Inclusion in Creative Movement
Crowley researched the benefits of teaching dance to students with special needs and how this education can be shared effectively. She used her research to craft three detailed lesson plans for different types of dance that support students with special needs. The lessons, as well as interviews with dance studios, were shared through a website that can be accessed by teachers and students at a local studio so that community members could learn from Isabelle’s work. - Abigail Hoyt: Distinction in Liberal Arts – Women as the Muse: How The Male and Female Gaze Influence Our Perception of Art
Hoyt explored the need for more diverse perspectives in art by researching male and female artists and the way subjects are portrayed in paintings. She used this research to recreate famous paintings in photograph form using KP students as the subjects, and she displayed these photographs as well as their explanations in the KPHS lobby to educate the school community. - Ashleigh Rose Guenette: Distinction in STEM – The Importance of First Responder Preparedness Within Local Communities
Guenette created a first responder guide and marked potential hazards and sites of interest to EMS for the Wrentham State Forest and specific paths surrounding Elysium Street in Wrentham. - Trinjan Kaur: Distinction in STEM – Microplastics Education
Kaur partnered with Fiske Library in Wrentham to educate the public on the best practices for people to prevent microfiber production that they can implement in their everyday lives. - Selowa Lotfi: Distinction in STEM – Raising Eco-Awareness: Promoting Sustainable Living in High Schools
Lotfi researched what it means to be “green” and learned about sustainability practices for her project. She then created a campaign at KPRHS to raise awareness about eco-friendly living practices. The campaign included an interactive bulletin board, sharing of tips and facts on morning announcements a newsletter and school Instagram posts. - Stephen Quartarone: Distinction in STEM – The Benefits of Utilizing the Powers of Artificial Intelligence
Quartarone worked with the MetroWest Humane Society in Ashland, by using artificial intelligence to complete daily tasks, and supported its employees and volunteers in doing so. Stephen researched the benefits of AI for companies and nonprofits, and he taught animal shelter employees how to write animal biographies, adoption notices and more with the help of an AI platform. - Anna-Li Quinn: Distinction in STEM – An Initiative to Reduce Food Waste in Schools
Quinn researched food waste and reduction methods, as well as website design for her project. She sought input from local farms, feed stores and schools to understand their needs regarding food waste as well as how food scraps can be used to feed animals or provide nutrients for crops. Quinn’s project culminated in a website she designed that allowed local entities to connect with one another to donate or receive food waste.
- Ryan Taylor: Distinction in STEM – Radon Testing and Education in the Community
Taylor tested several houses in Norfolk for their radon levels and subsequently produced an infographic and fact sheet that were posted on the Norfolk Board of Health website to educate the public.
Each of these students’ diplomas indicated their graduation with distinction status, and they were recognized during the senior awards ceremony and graduation.
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