Westport High School recently announced the Top 10 students graduating in the 2021-22 class:

Laura Martel

The Valedictorian of the Class of 2022 for Westport Middle High School is Laura Martel. Laura is the daughter of Mary Ann and Steve Martel. Laura will be continuing her education at Husson University where she will major in Occupational Therapy and be a member of their soccer team.
Laura has played varsity soccer for Westport High School for six years and this year was a First Team All Star for the Herald News and in Grade 10 was the Eastern Mass Second All Star. Along with her athletic prowess, Laura is an academic. She was named the Female Scholar Athlete this year and earned the Presidential Gold Award for Academic Excellence, the Superintendent’s Award, Science Department Award and the AP Calculus Award. She was also the recipient of several local scholarships including The Westport Lion’s Club, Saint Anne’s Credit Union and Hawthorn Medical to name a few. Laura has helped raise $4,700 over four years for the Homes for our Troops Fundraiser. She is a volunteer at Samaritan’s Purse and My Brother’s Keeper. She is a member of Student Council, the Medical Club and National Honor Society. In her junior year, Laura was the recipient of the Harvard Book Award and the Future Women in STEM Award at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Laura has been an intern for our Occupational Therapist this school year. Laura’s strength is her humility. She is kind, considerate and honorable. William Menninger said, “Six essential qualities that are the key to success: sincerity, personal integrity, humility, courtesy, wisdom, charity.” Laura Martel embodies all and Westport High School is proud to have has as an alumnus.

Christopher Wilson

Christopher Wilson is the Salutatorian for the Class of 2022 at Westport Middle High School. Christopher is the son of Michelle Garant-Wilson and Daniel Wilson. Christopher will be continuing his education at Western New England University majoring in Computer Engineering. Christopher was the recipient of the John T. Hickey Scholar Athlete Award along with the Chris Cariglia and Joanne Charest Memorial Sportsmanship Award at our annual Award and Scholarship Night. Along with those prestigious honors, he received the Citizenship Award, Presidential Gold Award for Academic Excellent, Physics and Calculus Awards, as well as the Computer Science Essentials Awards. During his junior year, Christopher was the recipient of the Renssalaer Award for excellence in math and science. Christopher has played baseball for the high school all four years, has been a member of Student Council and the National Honor Society. Christopher has also worked at the Newport Naval Base as an intern in their computer engineering and robotics program. This young man always has a smile on his face and says hello. His respectful and kind personality is welcomed each and every day. “A mistake that makes you humble is better than achievement that leaves you arrogant.” (author unknown) Christopher’s future is bright and his passion for learning will continue to lead him to the path of success.

Gwenyth Pichette

Ranked third in the Class of 2022 for Westport Middle High School is Gwenyth Pichette. Gwenyth is the daughter of Amy and Stephen Pichette. Gwenyth will be entering the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth in the fall to study English-Journalism. This young woman challenged herself with AP and Honor’s courses throughout her high school career. Gwenyth was described as a role model within all of her academic classes. Gwenyth has been a member of our SADD Club (Student’s Against Destructive Decisions), the Newspaper Club and the National Honor Society. Gwenyth has been a volunteer for many of our school events and community organizations. Gwenyth has been a dancer for over twelve years. Dance has been a form of escape and expression for Gwenyth throughout her life. Gwenyth was the recipient of the Presidential Gold Award for Academic Excellence and several local scholarships like the Betty F. Slade, Westport Historical Society Scholarship. Her essay was extremely well written was stated by the Historical Society’s Director. “I think the best role models for women are people who are fruitfully and confidently themselves who bring light into the world.” (Meryl Streep) Gwenyth Pichette is a young woman who is an example of hard work, dedication and determination. She will certainly continue to be a role model and we are certain that her light will shine bright in the future.

Jessica George

The fourth ranked student of the Class of 2022 at Westport Middle High School is Jessica George. Jessica is the daughter of Jillian and John George. Jessica will be continuing her education at Wheaton College majoring in writing-specifically journalism. Jessica has been the intern for our Media Specialist assisting in Literary Support. She has taken courses such as Creative Writing and Film as Literature to continue to hone her writing skills. Jessica’s passion and dedication to her education is exemplary. During our Award and Scholarship Night, Jessica received the Presidential Gold Award for Academic Excellence as well as the Clube Madeirense, the new Bradford R. Bibeau Memorial Scholarship and Westport Music Boosters Scholarships. Jessica has been involved in our school’s Drama Club since the 10th grade and has been a member of the Student Council for as long. She is a volunteer for several town events and is involved with her church. Young woman like Jessica George are essential in the world today. Kindness, empathy and virtue are words that come to mind to describe Jessica George. As stated by Judith Orloff, “Empathy is the medicine the world needs” are words that ring loudly today and Jessica George is ready for the challenge.

Benjamin Almeida

Benjamin Almeida the son of Lisa and David Almeida is the fifth ranked student of the Class of 2022 from Westport Middle High School. Benjamin will be entering the University of Massachusetts- Dartmouth majoring in Nursing. Benjamin has been a high academic student throughout his high school career. Benjamin is a member of the National Honor Society and has been a participant in our co-op football program, as well as our Drama and Makerspace Clubs. This hardworking young man works part-time at a local retail store while maintaining his 4.0 plus GPA. Benjamin has been committed to his education while working hard, being focused and taking a lead in his classrooms. Benjamin received the Presidential Gold Award for Academic Excellence. Benjamin takes pride in his ability to maintain lifelong friendships. His loyalty, kindness and sense of humor serve him well in all that he does. As a nurse Benjamin’s ability to advocate for others, patience and compassion will continue to resonate in all of his relationships with his patients. Harold S. Kushner said, “Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return but because of who you are.” There aren’t better words to depict this fine young man, Benjamin Almeida.

Sarah Carney

The sixth ranked student for the Class of 2022 of Westport Middle High School is Sarah Carney. Sarah is the daughter of Marybeth and Mark Carney. Sarah will have a dual major of History and Education at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in the fall. This young woman has been a vital part of our school community. She has played three varsity sports: co-op track, field hockey and basketball. She was the captain of the field hockey team this year and became a mentor for the younger players. Sarah has been a member of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), and the National Honor Society. She has participated in many school events as a volunteer and has been a STEM Camp Counselor for the elementary aged students. This year, Sarah participated in the HSSIEP Project which is the High School Senior Internship Education Project. Sarah worked with a middle school history teacher as her intern. She also interned for a high school history teacher. Sarah was the recipient of the Presidential Gold Award for Academic Excellence and the AP English Award. This young woman’s ability to help others, be understanding of their differences and most of all kind is heartwarming. “Great leadership usually starts with a willing heart, a positive attitude, and a desire to make a difference.” (Mac Anderson) Education needs Sarah Carney and we await her arrival.

Sydney Arsenault

The seventh ranked student for the Class of 2022 of Westport Middle High School is Sydney Arsenault. Sydney is the daughter of Sandra and Patrick Arsenault. Sydney will be continuing her education at the University of New Haven majoring in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Investigative Services. Sydney has worked extremely hard throughout high school to attain her goals. Her determination, strong will and independent nature will serve her well in her future endeavors.
Sydney played soccer, was a part of the Drama Club and extremely involved in her Church. Sydney’s resolve is evident as she has maintained her 4.0 GPA, while working part-time and involving herself in community activities. Sydney is the recipient of the Presidential Gold Award for Academic Excellence as well as the AP Statistics Award. During her junior year, Sydney received the Suffolk University Book Award. She was also the recipient of the Sgt. Sullivan Memorial Scholarship and the Grimshaw- Gudewitz Charitable Award. “Life is difficult for any of us. But what of that? We must have the determination, and above all self-confidence in ourselves. We must think we are gifted for something which this thing must be achieved.” (unknown author) Sydney has the stamina, will power and inner strength to achieve every goal she has set. Her future is bright.

Nathaniel Gifford

Nathaniel Gifford is the eighth ranked student for the Class of 2022 of Westport Middle High School. Nathaniel is the son of Sarah and Bruce Gifford. Nathaniel will be attending Massachusetts Maritime Academy majoring in Marine Transportation. Nathaniel’s resume is filled with jobs that he has done or is currently doing that involve the marine industry. He is also a volunteer and notably an Eagle Scout. Upon meeting Nathaniel, one realizes quickly his passion for the ocean and his maturity about life and responsibility. Nathaniel was recognized with the Presidential Gold Award for Academic Excellence as well as a Citizenship Award. He also received several scholarships; Ladies’ Branch of the New Bedford Port Society, Luther B. Bowman, Westport Lion’s Club, Westport Agricultural Fair to name a few. “Leadership is an action, not a position” (Donald McGannon). Nathaniel is a born leader and will continue his passion for the sea on the next phase of his life. Nathaniel is more than prepared for his future and Westport Middle High School was a better place with him in it.

Lily Pichette

The ninth ranked student of Westport Middle High’s Class of 2022 is Lily Pichette. Lily is the daughter of Amy and Stephen Pichette. Lily will be attending the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth in the fall to major in Psychology. Lily is one of the most well-rounded students in her class. She is an academic and an athlete. She was a member of the basketball and soccer teams. And, this year was the captain for the basketball team. She has received numerous accolades for her athletic skill and most recently was named the female Athlete of the Year during our Award and Scholarship Night and received a Math and English Department Award along with scholarships. This young lady is one of the hardest working students who will never shy away from a challenge. Her work ethic is unparalleled which was verified by the words of her English teacher on Awards Night. Lily has been an exemplary student, athlete and leader. Lou Holtz stated, “Winners embrace hard work. They love the discipline of it, the trade-off they are making to win. Losers on the other hand, see it as punishment. And that’s the difference.” This personifies Lily Pichette.

Kyra Ferreira

The tenth ranked student in the Class of 2022 at Westport Middle High School is Kyra Ferreira. Kyra is the daughter of Kristi and Alfred Scott Ferreira. Kyra will be attending the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth in the fall majoring in writing. Kyra is the Class of 2022’s President and was elected to be the voice of her peers each year of high school. This is a testament to Kyra’s loyalty, sincerity and willingness to advocate. Kyra has been a member of STEEL (Students That Exemplify Extraordinary Leadership), Yearbook, Medical Club, and the National Honor Society. Kyra has played field hockey all four years, tennis as well as cheering. Kyra has also volunteered for several school and community events. This young lady maintains a 4.0 GPA while being so involved and working part- time. Kyra was recognized for her academic ability by receiving the Presidential Gold Award for Academic Excellence. Kyra’s influence will continue in college as she will begin to write and to allow others to share in her thoughts and ideas. Maya Angelou said, “I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me.” This expresses the person Kyra Ferreira has become in her journey and will continue to be that advocate in the future.