Dover High School names top 10 students in Class of 2024

DOVER — Dover High School has announced its top 10 students in the Class of 2024.

Madeline Bachrach, valedictorian

Madeline Bachrach, daughter of David and Elyse Bachrach and sister of Rachel and Henry Bachrach, is graduating as the valedictorian of the class of 2024 at Dover High School. During her time at DHS, she was a member of the varsity track and cross country teams, Red Cross Club, Latin Club, Granite State Challenge team, the National Honor Society, and the World Language Honor Society.

Maddie received several honors over her four years in high school, including gold and silver medals on the National Latin exam and National Latin Vocabulary exam, the Endicott book award, and the AP Scholar with Distinction award. She additionally received academic achievement awards in AP Calculus BC, AP Latin, Honors Latin IV, Honors Algebra II, Intro to Archaeology, and World Religions.

During her sophomore year, Maddie had the opportunity to live in Münster, Germany, with her family for three months, where she attended a local high school and strengthened her knowledge of the German language. This experience opened her eyes to the world outside the United States, not just through language, but through cultural and social connections she will take with her for the rest of her life.

Maddie is extremely grateful to everyone who has been a part of her life during her time in high school, especially her teachers. She would first like to thank Magistra Connelly for introducing her to the beautiful world of Latin and for always being so enthusiastic about everything she teaches. Maddie would next like to thank Mrs. Hall, for kicking her butt for two years, but for allowing her love of math to grow and flourish at the same time, and Mr. A., for always keeping her on her toes. She would like to thank Mrs. McStew for letting her experiment with all sorts of (possibly hazardous?) materials and for letting her and Casey hide from study halls in her room long after the end of AP Chem. Maddie would lastly like to thank Mrs. Poirier for everything and beyond. AP Bio was probably the best thing to have happened to her during her high school career and she is forever grateful.

Maddie would not have accomplished any of the things that she has without the love and support of her family and friends. She would like to thank her mom and dad for being there for her at every twist and turn and bump in the road and Henry for always making life more interesting.

Maddie would finally like to thank Rachel for being the best little sister a girl could ask for.

This fall, Maddie will be attending Princeton University and is planning to study something in the sciences and math, in hopes of one day entering the research field.

Casey Brunson

Casey Brunson, daughter of Dana Brunson and sister of Hallie Brunson, is graduating as eighth in the Class of 2024 at Dover High School. During her time at the high school, she was an Ambassador for the Biomedical Science Program, a member of the Red Cross Club (Secretary), National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, and Student Mental Health Initiative. She was additionally a recipient of awards in Health, Biomedical Science, Dean’s Awards in her sophomore and junior years, a CTE Ambassador Award, and a merit award from The Society of Women Engineers. She also competed in Poetry Out Loud in her sophomore year and senior years, and made it to the top ten in the New Hampshire state competition out of over 3,000 students in the state.

In her freetime, Casey partook in community theater at Garrison Players in Rollinsford, and both took and taught aerial silks classes. At varying points throughout the years, she acted as an assistant musical theater teacher and counselor in training for different organizations. In addition, in the summer before her junior year, Casey participated in the rising junior trial program at St. Paul’s Advanced Studies Program while studying Biomedical Ethics for five and a half weeks. The people she has met through these programs have made a permanent impact on her, and she is forever grateful for what she has learned from peers both young and old.

Casey is beyond grateful for all of her teachers, friends, family, and mentors she has had and wouldn’t be here without them. She would like to especially thank Mrs. McStew for letting her and Maddie spend mornings in her room (even after they finished AP Chem), and Mrs. Poirier for dealing with her sense of humor and always sitting down to make sure she truly understood concepts. She would also like to thank Mr. Grande and Mr. O’ Mahoney for helping cultivate her love for language by never failing to make Spanish classes some of the most entertaining in her four years at the high school. She would like to give the biggest thanks to Mr. Fazekas for teaching her that science is so much more than books and notes. He truly reshaped her perspective of the field of science, and made the lab an incredible environment to be in for two years. She would also like to thank her father and sister for being there for her without fail over the last four years. Their support has meant nothing short of the world, and this accomplishment is just as much theirs as it is hers. Finally, she would like to thank her friends Kiley, Sarah, and Ali for always reminding her that there is so much more to life than school. They provided the constant reassurance she didn’t know she needed, and she truly could not ask for a more supportive group of friends.

This fall, Casey will be attending Florida Southern College as a full-ride Hollingsworth Scholar. She will enter with a major in Biomedical Laboratory Science in the honors program while also on a pre-med track, in hopes of one day entering the medical field.

Kaylee Corman

Kaylee Corman, daughter of Lisa Corman and Joshua Corman, is graduating sixth in the Class of 2024 at Dover High School. During these four years she was Vice President of her class, a member of National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society, a Career Technical Education Ambassador, and played girls soccer. She received awards from the Society of Women Engineers, a Career Technical Education Award for Excellence as a CTE Ambassador, Honors Biomedical Science Award her sophomore and junior years, a Coach’s Award, and Scholar Athlete Award all four years.

Outside of school, Kaylee has worked for the past three years as a hostess at Oriental Delight in Dover. During her summers, she coached at an annual youth soccer camp. Additionally, she spent her time facilitating ways to raise money for her grade, including Parents’ Night Out, bake sales, and other fundraisers.

Kaylee wants to thank all of her teachers throughout the years, as each of them have helped in their own way. She wants to especially thank Mr. Grande, as he was someone who she could always talk to about anything, during the three years she spent in his classroom. Mr. Grande’s humor and stories never failed to make her day. She is also grateful for Mrs. Poirer, who has well prepared her for entering the field of science in college. She has made Kaylee and other students engaged in a complicated class, all while prioritizing the mental health of her students. Lastly, Kaylee wants to say thank you to Mr. Fazekas, for the two years he taught her in the Biomedical Science course. Before his class, Kaylee had no idea what she wanted to study, but as she was exposed to many different career possibilities, she was able to narrow her focus. He not only gave her such a good understanding of virology, toxicology, biotechnology and public health, but he gave her the skills to advocate for herself, problem solve, collaborate, and be confident. He grew her passion to help others through her love of science. Kaylee is so grateful as she would not be the same person she is today if she had not taken this course with such an amazing teacher.

Lastly, Kaylee wants to acknowledge the support of her friends and family. She would like to recognize her mom, who has been with her through everything and has shown her how to be a hardworking person. She is grateful she was there for every small achievement, and for giving her the space to take responsibility for her own learning. She also wants to thank her friends for reminding her to enjoy her time in high school, and that one bad grade on a test is not the end of the world. “It makes such a difference,” said Pooh, “to have someone who believes in you”.

In the fall, Kaylee will be attending Northeastern University at their London campus, and will spend the remainder of her years at the Boston location. She will major in Pharmaceutical Sciences, with the intention of performing lab research, in hopes to find cures and causes of diseases.

Angalina Cox

Angalina Cox, daughter of Kim and Tonny Nugroho, is graduating fourth in the Dover High School Class of 2024. She has spent her time at Dover High School as the President of the Interact Club, where she found her passion for community service, and was also the Secretary of the National Honor Society. She was a member of the Red Cross Club, and Spanish Honor Society as well. Angalina won the Jae S. Lim Science Award for excellence in Science her junior year. Over the course of the last four years, she participated and was captain of the Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field teams.

Angalina has worked for the Portsmouth Regional Hospital as a Unit Secretary on the Progressive Care Neuro Trauma floor for almost two years, and would like to credit the opportunity with her immense interest in the field of medicine, and patient care experiences.

Angalina is incredibly grateful for the experiences and mentors she has encountered at Dover High School which have allowed her to explore her interests expansively. She would like to give a special thanks to Mr. Fennessy, for guiding her and teaching her the art of wit; Mrs. Hall, for being the most effective yet entertaining math teacher she has ever had; Ms. York, for listening to ridiculous stories during Honors Anatomy and Physiology and for being the most supportive Interact Advisor; and to Mrs. Poirier, for truly impacting Angalina so much so, that she will hold onto her memories long after high school.

Angalina would also like to recognize her friends and family for supporting her, and reminding her to enjoy the little things in life. She gives her thanks to the track team, for creating endless memories, and for being the origin of countless friendships. She especially would like to thank Isabella, Margaret, and Anna for never failing to make her smile, and will miss the after practice ice-cream trips. She extends a special thanks to Margaret, for being her personal chauffeur her junior and senior year. Lastly, she would like to thank her mother Kim, for being the most persistent and strong woman she knows, and her father Tonny, for showing her the importance of not taking things too seriously. All of her hard work is due to the bravery and resilience of her parents, and she credits all of her successes to them.

This fall, Angalina will be attending Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts where she will be studying Cell and Molecular Biology on a pre-med track in hopes of putting patient care and experiences first.

Payton Denning

Payton Denning, daughter of Tom Denning and Kristi Van Uden, is graduating 10th in the class of 2024 at Dover High School. At one point during her last 4 years, she was a Varsity Girls Soccer captain, a Varsity Girls Basketball captain, a Varsity Girls Lacrosse captain, and a member of the National Honors Society, World Language Honors Society, Athletic Leadership Council, and Interact.

This fall, Payton will be attending the University of New Hampshire, with a major in Business Administration and is also a part of the Honors Program.

Payton is appreciative to all who have helped her thus far in high school. This includes a thank you to Mr. Churchill for helping with absolutely anything since freshman year; Mrs. Hall for helping her grow her math abilities more than she ever expected; Mrs. Repucci for teaching her how to be a better overall writer and being someone always there even after her class was over; Mr. Russo for being a teacher who puts his students first and is always there for his students; Mr. O’Mahony for being a fun and helpful advisor all 4 years of high school; Coach Flynn and Coach Dana for making her high school sports experience a great one and for supporting her year round in all of her endeavors.

Payton would also like to give a big thank you to her family. Her mom, dad, Stephanie, Taryn, Josh, Zac, Erin, and Natalie have been her biggest supporters in life thus far. A special shout out to her Papa for being at every game he could go to and keeping newspaper cut outs after every special mention. Another thank you to her Grammy for cheering me on no matter how far she is. Her Bumpa and other Grammy are unfortunately not with us anymore, but she appreciates how encouraging and proud they always were. She wants to recognize all of her friends and teammates who have never left her side. A big thank you to Megan for being her closest friend and teaching her so much since middle school.

Lastly, Payton wants to congratulate all of her peers in this graduating class for all of their accomplishments. She wishes them all the best in their next years of college and/or whatever path they choose.

Hannah Fitzgerald

Hannah Fitzgerald, daughter of Debbie and Sean Fitzgerald, and sister of Meghan (20), and Declan (15), is graduating third in the class of 2024 at Dover High School. During her time at DHS, Hannah took part in the Field Hockey and Track & Field teams, and was a member of the National Honor Society, the World Language Honor Society, and the Red Cross Club.

A significant aspect of her life has been her involvement with the Dover Middle School Drama Club, where she has been a volunteer choreographer and instructor throughout high school. She has truly enjoyed her time with the program and is thankful to have had the opportunity to give back to her community. She wants to give a huge thanks to both Mr. Leaf and Mrs.

Peterson for their friendship over the years, and for being incredible role models who inspire her with their kindness.

Hannah has received awards during her past four years in recognition of her academic commitment, which include the St. Michael’s College Book Award (for academic success and exemplary community service), Outstanding Achievement in Honors Latin IV, and Outstanding Achievement in Honors Global Studies.

She appreciates everyone who has been a part of her life in high school, but wants to thank a few who have made a particular impact. First, to a few incredible teachers: Mrs. Hall for her exceptional teaching, Magistra Connelly for her enthusiasm, and Mr. Elliot for his genuine kindness and his clear love for teaching. Hannah next wants to thank her best friends for their support, for making her laugh, and for all of the memories they have made together. She also wants to thank her Grampy (Anthony DeMinico) for frequently reminding her how proud he is of her. Finally, she wants to thank her parents for their constant love and encouragement. They are her biggest supporters, and she couldn’t be more grateful for them and all that they have done for her.

This fall, Hannah will attend the University of New Hampshire as a part of the Hamel Honors and Scholars College. She is majoring in business administration at the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, and she is excited to have been selected to be both a Hamel Scholar and a Paul Scholar at UNH.

Erik Larson, Salutatorian

Erik Larson, son of Jennifer and Claude Fried and Ronald Larson, is salutatorian of the Dover High School Class of 2024. During his time at DHS, Erik has been a member of National Honor Society for two years, serving as its President for one. Along with his brothers, he restarted the DHS Chess Club and enjoys the Ping Pong Club. He is co-founder and Editor of Dover’s Podcasting Club, The DHS Current. Erik is also a member of the World Language Honor Society, receiving a medal for his excellence on the 2024 National Latin Exam.

Outside of his time at Dover High School, Erik has greatly enjoyed being a member of the Great Bay Rowing high school competitive team. Highlights of his regatta years have included rowing twice at the Head of the Charles and Royal Canadian Henley regattas as well as representing GBR at the US Rowing Youth National Championship Regatta in Sarasota, Florida. Erik has served as Team Captain, and been recognized by both coaches and teammates for his dedication and leadership on and off the water. He thanks his rowing coaches, teammates, and friends for creating an outstanding community of athletes that he could be an integral part of.

This fall, Erik will be attending the University of Wisconsin - Madison where he plans to study Computer Science with a focus on Game Design.

Erik is thankful for Mrs. Hall, who helped him thoroughly enjoy mathematics and math challenges; Mr Salmonsen, who introduced him to podcasting; Mrs. Connelly, who sparked his love for Latin and the classics, Mr. Schlapak, for his infectious positivity and wit; Mr. Russo, for his preaching of both work and play, Mr. Mann and Mrs. McManus, for their thoughtful discussions of both poetry and prose; and Mrs. Bonello, for connecting him with the Dover Children’s Home where he has really enjoyed volunteering. He also is thankful for his family and friends, who have been incredibly supportive of his academic and life journey, and his grandparents Tom and Martha for their never ending love, welcoming arms, and outstanding humor.

Erik is incredibly excited for his future endeavors, and he especially appreciates his brothers Ben and Josh for always being there for him.

Joshua Larson

Joshua Larson, son of Jennifer and Claude Fried and Ronald Larson, is graduating fifth in the Dover High School Class of 2024. This fall, Joshua will be attending Northeastern University as part of the John Martinson Honors Program, with a major in Biochemistry. He is excited to participate in Biomedical research with future plans to become a physician.

During Joshua’s time at Dover High School, he and his triplet brothers restarted the Chess Club. He also enjoyed participating as a Biomedical Science Ambassador, as a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society, and as a member of the Ping Pong Club. One of the biggest highlights of Joshua’s high school career has been his time as a member of the Great Bay Rowing high school competitive team. As a team member he was recognized for his dedication and service to GBR, and was presented with the Dave Shay Boathouse Award. While rowing, he has participated in many regional regattas as well as representing the club at the Head of the Charles and the Royal Canadian Henley. In addition to other volunteering activities, Joshua also enjoys his work at Patty B’s, playing guitar and spending time outdoors.

Joshua is immensely grateful to his family and friends for all their support and love. He would like to thank Mrs. Hall for providing a space to make mistakes, ask questions, and strive to do better; Mrs. Poirier, Mrs. McCarron-Stewart and Ms. Veit for reinforcing his love of Biology and Chemistry, while emphasizing the balance of school and life; Mrs. Little for sparking an appreciation for English and its connections to the world around him; and to Mr. Schlapak for morning greetings, chess talks, smiles and undeniable positivity. In addition, Josh is grateful for his head rowing Coach Hallie, supportive coaches and teammates who pushed him physically, mentally, and with whom he made lifelong memories. Josh is also grateful for his place in the Patty B’s family, where he enjoys working with and learning from everyone there.

Josh is excited to embark on a new adventure in college and beyond, and especially appreciates his brothers, Erik and Ben for being by his side in all things.

Shawn Lasut

Shawn Lasut, son of Niksen Lasut and Maureen Mirah, is graduating seventh in the class of 2024 at Dover High School.

Throughout his time at DHS, Shawn has been involved in various extracurricular activities, serving as the Founder of Calligraphy Club in his junior year, Co-President of Latin Club, Vice President of Red Cross Club, Captain of the Boys’ Varsity Volleyball Team, Volunteer at the Dover Emergency Room, and participating as a member of Project DREAM and Interact Club at one point or another during the last four years.

Attributing much of his success from mentorship, Shawn has seeked for opportunities to mentor others, including “mini-Latin Club” after school meetings geared towards teaching middle school students interested in Latin and mentoring an energetic and quite lively third-grader from FGH Elementary at Horne Street (best of luck on your journey in school, you got this Kenny!)

Shawn would like to express gratitude to those who were integral for who he is today, such as Magistra Connelly, who allowed him to express his creativity on many occasions, especially with calligraphying her Centum Board (which he will miss), and achieve numerous Latin awards such as Summa Cum Laude scores on the National Latin Exams and participation in the World Language Honors Society; Mrs. Hall, for living life the way she does; Mrs. McManus, for unlocking his inner Emerson to transcend the difficulties of high school; Ms. Poirier, for somehow making gene expression and regulation his favorite part of biology; Mrs. O’Rourke, for her infectious caffeinated energy; and Coach Lynch for her time and effort in bettering his passionate volleyball team.

Most importantly, Shawn would like to thank his grandparents, parents, and sister for being the utmost supporters and source of inspiration for him to keep going. He would like to wish his sister much luck in high school.

This fall, Shawn will be attending Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine planning to major in neuroscience on the pre-med track, aspiring to become a physician who makes advancements in the revolutionary field of medicine while bringing smiles to his future patients’ faces in light of their difficult journeys as well.

Caroline Schultz

Caroline Schultz, daughter of Katherine and William Schultz, as well as sister to Olivia (11), is graduating ninth in the Dover High School class of 2024. The extracurriculars she has enjoyed the most while at DHS have been Art Club, Varsity Swim Team, Track and Field, Latin Club, Certamen Team, Red Cross Club, and NHS (babysitting days!). Outside of school, Caroline has loved being an aerial dancer at Sole City dance studio.

Being a military child, Caroline has had to move around a lot. She was born in California, and then moved to Connecticut, Florida, and finally New Hampshire. Although tough for her, she had a solid support system throughout the moves. She would like to thank her mom, dad, and Olivia for always being there for her and helping her throughout the hard times. In addition, she thanks anyone who has supported her in any of these places, even though they may not be in contact still, she still remembers them all and they hold a special place in her heart.

Caroline gives a special thanks to everyone who has helped her through her high school journey. She wishes to thank the friends she has made at Great Bay Community College during her Calculus of Several Variables and Differential Equations classes, and for being such a welcoming community. Caroline would like to thank Mrs. Connelly (Magistra), for always being there, even after she finished her high school Latin career after taking AP Latin sophomore year. She thanks Mrs. Kontos for supporting her and crumbling Bigfoot (now he is intact!) throughout AP Art, even though both of them gave her plenty of heart attacks. She would like to thank Mrs. Freear for igniting her spark with jewelry making and playing with fire (torch safety first!). When the stone broke on her double ring setting, we think Freear was more upset than Caroline. Finally, she thanks Mrs. Hall who has dealt with her absurdity far too much every day for the past 3 years and for aiding her throughout her math journey.

In the fall, Caroline will be returning to her birth state to attend the University of California, San Diego with intent on majoring in applied mathematics with an art minor. But, we will have to wait and see where her path takes her!

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Dover High School names top 10 students in Class of 2024