An academically talented student, editor-in-chief and student representative to the school board. A football captain, JROTC scholarship winner who will serve in the U.S. Air Force. A hockey player and Special Olympics volunteer whose "kindness is unfailing and contagious." An award-winning student chef who is already working in a James Beard nominated restaurant. A top student who plays the saxophone and varsity baseball and excels at both.
Seacoast Students of the Week are nominated by local principals, teachers and guidance counselors and, as you'll see below, they reflect a broad range of achievements. While their accomplishments are diverse, a common thread among all the nominees is their kindness, and the work they do helping others, serving as role models for other students in their schools. It is our pleasure to introduce you to these outstanding students and we look forward to sharing stories of so many more of our wonderful students in the weeks ahead.
This week's students represent Exeter, Spaulding, Dover, Oyster River and Newmarket high schools. All Seacoast-area public high schools have been invited to submit nominees.
Here are the Seacoast Students of the Week for April 22, as described by the school leaders who nominated them:
Abigail Owens, senior, Oyster River High School
Abigail Owens is an absolute pleasure to have in any class. She enters the room every day with a smile and her positive attitude is infectious. When other students are struggling, or having a tough day, Abby always offers an ear or a confidence boost. Academically, Abby challenges herself to take advanced courses like AP classes or the UNH Cats program. She conquers the increased workload and difficulty with ease. Abby’s interest and commitment to journalism has been amazing. She is the Editor-in-Chief of Mouth of the River and has worked tirelessly both in school and externally to quench her thirst for knowledge. She is an award-winning journalist who loves learning. She is an avid reader outside of school and takes advantage of every opportunity to learn. She has shadowed Evan Allen, a (now former) Boston Globe reporter. She impressed the staff at the Globe who feel she will make a great journalist in the future. Abby was also flown out to Maui this summer to cover the wildfires. You can see her works with Maui Now: https://mauinow.com/search/?q=abby+owens.
Abby has also been a wonderful addition to the Barrington School Board Meetings as the Oyster River High School Representative. She goes to each meeting with a thoroughly written and clear report of all of the significant happenings around Oyster River High School. She is a well-spoken young lady who is immersed in the school and larger community. Abby is able to articulately share her thoughts and respond to School Board members on the spot in a confident manner. She also has a wonderful sense of humor and is able to allow her personality and humor to shine through. Abby is a solid young lady who is absolutely deserving of recognition and praise. She has done and will continue to do great things in spite of how embarrassed she may feel about the praise she will earn!
Jackson Rup, senior, Spaulding High School
Jackson Rup is a senior at Spaulding High School who leads by positive example with many accomplishments, yet is very mature and modest. Jackson is in the Spaulding High School Air Force Junior ROTC program and was recently awarded the J-100 ROTC Scholarship valued at over $200,000. He served in the program in the top position of Group Commander his junior year and leads 100 cadets this year as the Adjutant General. He was a Captain on the Varsity Football Team for the second year in a row and his head coach remarked that Jackson's leadership on the team led to the success of a winning season and directly contributed to making the playoffs. Jackson will attend Plymouth State University, and upon graduation, commission in the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant.
Sophie Young, junior, Exeter High School
Sophie Young is one of Exeter's most sincere, caring and respected students within the school community. Throughout her three years at EHS, Sophie has forever been the student all teachers are thrilled to have in class. Determined, relentless, optimistic and hardworking, Sophie is willing to advocate for her learning in a positive and fulfilling manner. Her kindness is unfailing and contagious, as her commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of her life, from the classroom to the community. Sophie's genuine kindness and empathy make her a role model for her peers, and her willingness to lend a helping hand is truly admirable. Sophie is a junior at EHS, plays varsity hockey and volunteers with the Special Olympics program. Her passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others as well as her compassionate spirit shines through in her volunteer work. Fueled with grace and poise, Sophie enjoys wake surfing, paddle boarding, spending time with her family and friends and is a model student in our building.
Orion Raczek, senior, Newmarket Jr./Sr. High School
Orion Raczek has been perfecting his love of cooking since he was a child. He is currently enrolled in SST's Culinary Program and recently won the SkillsUSA culinary arts state competition and will be going to nationals in Atlanta in June. When he is not in the classroom, Raczek is working at Vino e Vivo in Exeter. Raczek started doing prep work and within a year he was working in the salad and dessert station.
Colby Russell, senior, Dover High School
Colby Russell, an incredible saxophonist, has been a crucial component of the Green Wave Music Program during his four years at Dover High School. As a senior, he was the drum major for the marching band and the president of the Band Music Council. Outside of the marching and concert bands, he has also been a part of the Jazz Band and the Jazz Combination. Colby has supported Drama Department musicals by being a member of the Pit Band. He has accompanied the Sound Waves choral group by providing solos. This year he "picked up" winter percussion as he added that to his musical resume. This spring he has provided further leadership for the music and drama programs by helping with the construction of the set and running the lights for the Dover Middle School musical. As a final gift to the program, he will help orchestrate the student run Variety Show this spring. Colby also brings his passion for music to the classroom, having enrolled in three Music Department electives this school year.
Outside of his musical endeavors, Colby is currently a member of the varsity baseball team and has been a four year member of the program. An excellent student, Colby is in the top 15% of his graduating class.
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