Central Aroostook High School, Mars Hill

MARS HILL – Graduation exercises will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, June 8, at the Central Aroostook High School gymnasium.

Valedictorian is Heather Johnston, daughter of Dale and Judith Johnston of Mars Hill. She is president and past secretary of the National Honor Society and is vice president and past president of the French club. She is a member of the TRUST team, drama club, math team, County Quiz Bowl team and chorus. She also is co-editor of the yearbook and a member of the Model State Legislature.

She has volunteered at the Special Olympics, American Red Cross blood drive, Christmas Gift Drive, Community Halloween Party, Penny Carnival, Chemical-Free New Year’s Eve Party, Red Ribbon Campaign and at a nursing home. She also is a peer tutor, library aide and Fort Street School aide. She received the MPA Principal’s Award, Maine State Scholar Award, Who’s Who Among American High School Students recognition and many other awards, including the National Merit Commended Scholar. She will attend Bowdoin College to study English and French.

Salutatorian is Gaye Pierce, daughter of Peter and Rattiya Pierce of Mars Hill. She is active in the math team, drama club, County Quiz Bowl, Model State Government, French club and chorus.

She is French club treasurer. She also is a member of the National Honor Society and co-editor of the yearbook. She has volunteered at Special Olympics, American Red Cross blood drive, Christmas Gift Drive, Community Halloween Party, Penny Carnival and other community events. She is a peer tutor and library aide and received the Maine State Scholar Award and Who’s Who recognition.

She will attend the University of New England.

First honor essayist is Jennifer Grant, daughter of Carl and Nancy Grant of Bridgewater. She is secretary of the National Honor Society, executive committee member of the French club, a member of the TRUST team and of chorus. She was active in Penny Carnival, Special Olympics, assisted the TRUST Team New Year’s Eve Party, helped in blood drives and other activities.

She was part of the All-Aroostook Music Festival four years and won the National Choral Award. She is Student of the Month and is recognized in Who’s Who. She will attend the University of Southern Maine to study therapeutic recreation.

Tied for second honor essayist is Elizabeth Tweedie, daughter of Michael and Susan Tweedie of Mars Hill.

She is a member of the Varsity Club, National Honor Society, TRUST team, D.A.R.E., FFA, yearbook staff, and is recognized by Who’s Who. She was active in varsity soccer, varsity softball and was student council president.

She has volunteered for Special Olympics, American Red Cross blood drive, Penny Carnival and Chemical-Free New Year’s Eve Party. She will attend the University of Maine at Presque Isle to study elementary education and chemistry.

Second honor essayist also is Joseph Sargent, son of Alan and Janet Sargent of Bridgewater. He is recognized in Who’s Who, was Student of the Year for 2000, and won the Maine Scholars Achievement Award. He is a member of the executive committee in the French club and is on the yearbook staff.

He is helping plan graduation with a senior slide show. He will attend the University of Maine, Orono, to study veterinary medicine.