Sanford High School held its annual Senior Awards Night on Monday evening in the Performing Arts Center, honoring the Class of 2026 for academic achievement, athletic excellence, and community involvement.
Principal Tracy Gibson opened the evening with a welcome and introduction. "I want to take a moment to recognize everyone in this room and beyond who has helped bring this class to where they are tonight," Gibson said. "To the families and friends here this evening, your love, your sacrifice, and your support have made all the difference."
Gibson also extended that gratitude to staff throughout the entire district. "Not only is it the staff that are here tonight, or the staff at the high school, but at every building, at every level," she said. "From the teachers and support staff who worked with these students in the earliest years to everyone who has had a hand in getting them to this moment. Your investment in these young people is reflected in everything we are celebrating tonight."
The scholastic awards portion of the evening followed, with department teachers stepping forward to honor standout students across a wide range of subjects, from science and mathematics to world languages, English, chorus, performing arts, and physical education.
Academic honors were also a highlight of the night. Isabella McCall was named Valedictorian, and Annalise Stimmel was recognized as Salutatorian. Both students, along with Evelyn Cole and Leah Soucy, were celebrated as candidates for the AP Capstone Diploma, the highest recognition offered through that program. Several students were honored with the Presidential Educational Excellence Award for maintaining grade point averages between 90 and 100, and Matthew Hebert received the Maine Principal's Award, a statewide distinction recognizing character, integrity, and community well-being.
On the athletic side, Gabby Favolise was presented with the Silver Spartan Award for her four years of dedication to volleyball and unified basketball, with her coach describing her as "the epitome of resilience." Ava Hudson and Carter Giroux were honored with the SMAA Citizenship Award, recognizing their contributions both on and off the field.
The evening also featured yearbook dedication. For the 92nd edition of the Sanford High School yearbook, the Class of 2026 chose to dedicate the book to their class advisor, Erin Murphy Putnam, who also is serving as this year's Charge to the Graduate’s speaker and homecoming grand marshal. Students praised her classroom as a place where they felt safe and comfortable, and more than a few credited her with bringing both humor and heart to their high school experience.
The night concluded with an extensive scholarship awards presentation recognizing dozens of seniors for their hard work and the bright futures ahead of them. These awards represent the generosity of families, local organizations, and businesses who continue to invest in Sanford's students. A full list of scholarship recipients can be found here.
If you missed the Senior Awards night, you can watch it on WSSRTV’s Youtube page here.