The Sanford Elks Lodge hosted its annual Youth Banquet on Thursday, May 8, honoring Sanford High School's top 50 academically ranked students. The evening celebrated scholastic achievement with special recognition for the top 10 graduates and additional student awards.
The highlight of the event was the announcement of the Class of 2025's top 10 students, led by valedictorian Rishi Patel and salutatorian Samone Gallagher.
Rishi Patel, described by teachers as motivated and intellectually curious, has received multiple academic awards and will attend Boston College this fall. Samone Gallagher, also named SHS Student of the Year, combines academic excellence with athletic leadership as captain of both volleyball and track teams, and will study environmental engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Rowan Winchell, recognized for his exceptional drive and environmental passions, will join Gallagher at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Elsie Gendron brings creativity and authenticity to her accomplishments as an award-winning artist and student leader, heading to Savannah College of Art and Design.
Hannah Morgan's creativity has earned her numerous accolades across subjects, particularly in art; she will study media at the University of Southern Maine. Corinna Vitale has focused her high school career on helping others and will pursue social work at Meredith College in North Carolina.
Tala Soule, also named SHS Female Teen of the Year, balances academics with athletics, community service, and daily volunteer work in a second-grade classroom. Soule will attend University of Maine at Farmington. Jennifer Danis exemplifies time management while excelling in mathematics and will attend the University of Maine at Orono.
Daviney Sar has demonstrated resilience, balancing academics with work responsibilities while pursuing her passion for political science. Sar will attend York County Community College. Ariana Spiller rounded out the top 10 as a creative, well-rounded student who has earned multiple academic excellence awards and will attend the University of New England.
The banquet also celebrated other outstanding seniors, including Connor Rice, who received dual honors as SHS Male Teen of the Year and Sanford Regional Technical Center Male of the Year for his achievements in the Academy of Business. Natalie Green was recognized as SRTC Female of the Year for her accomplishments in Emergency Medical Services & Firefighting.
As these accomplished students prepare for their collegiate journeys, they carry with them the support and pride of their families, educators, and the entire Sanford community.
Parents and community members in attendance expressed admiration for these young scholars whose dedication and hard work will undoubtedly lead to continued success in their future endeavors.