Most Improved in Term 2 Aaron Provencal, Ariella Russell and Tyler Smith
Photo credit: Theresa Hamilton

MILLBURY, Mass. - On Thursday, Feb. 9 the Freshman Academy at Millbury High School held its Term 2 Awards Ceremony for the freshman class of 2015.  Freshman students received Awards for term 1 HONOR ROLL RECOGNITION, EXCELLENT CHARACTER and MOST IMPROVED.  

The ceremony began with opening remarks from Principal Chuck Brown who spoke to the students about always doing their best, choosing to take the most challenging courses they can, and the importance of character. Students were then called up to the podium by Assistant Principal Mandy Vasil and Principal Brown presented them with their Award Certificate to applause from their teachers, parents, and peers. Everyone present was most impressed by the large number of freshman who achieved the HIGHEST HONORS level on the honor roll.

The teachers enjoyed selecting the students for CHARACTER AWARDS for their students who go ‘above and beyond’ in their classes, role modeling excellent behavior every day, and are helpful, polite, mature, respectful and responsible.  Students who received a CHARACTER AWARD this term were: Veronica Plante, Michael Magnant, Jess Sharon, Rachel Riani, Ricardo Then, Renee Francolini, Allie Dyberg, Alex Dedinais, Anthony DeStefano, Ivy Richter, Shannon West, and Jenny Quan.

The Freshman Academy teachers also recognized students who had greatly improved in their academics and motivation from term 1 throughout the second quarter.  Students who received a MOST IMPROVED award for term 2 were: Ariella Russell, Aaron Provencal and Tyler Smith.

Senior, Bryan Dufresne was asked to be the guest speaker for the Awards Program. Dufresne spoke with the students about the importance of character, making good choices, becoming invested in their own education, getting involved in school activities, and time management.

Dufresne was chosen by the Freshman Academy teachers, because he exemplifies and role models the academic and behavioral excellence that they hope for in their students. One of the most meaningful parts of his address was when he spoke of time management.  He talked about the importance of taking time to complete his homework and have dinner with his family every day even with sports and a very active schedule. 

Hopefully Dufresne’s words will inspire the freshman students to set high standards for themselves and strive for excellence in all they do.