Diplomas given to 210 students in Tiger Gym

Biddeford High School presented diplomas to 210 members of the Class of 2006 during commencement exercises at 1 p.m. June 11 in Tiger Gymnasium.

Class president Karissa Staples sang the national anthem to begin the ceremony. She also addressed her peers and closed the ceremony with special music later in the program.

Class salutatorian James Kircher gave welcoming remarks, followed by the class message, given by valedictorian Parimala Samuel.

Principal Bernard Binette recognized honor students, and Vice Principal Beth Schultz presented awards and scholarships to graduates.

Superintendent Sarah-Jane Poli, Bennett, Schultz, athletic director and assistant principal Don Wilson, and class advisers Dawn Pendergrass and Denise Ryan presented diplomas.

Student Council president Eric Collins gave closing remarks.

TOP OF THE CLASS

Parimala S. Samuel, Valedictorian, Summa Cum Laude, is the daughter of Dhanam and Gilbert Samuel of Biddeford. Parimala's involvements during her four years at BHS include the JV Girls Soccer team, Drama Club, Interact Club, National Honor Society, Dance Club, and the Regional Fine Arts Dance Program. She is a winner of the Discover Card Tribute Award Scholarship for the state of Maine and has received the Phi Beta Kappa Award, the Smith Book Award, and numerous other honors in recognition of her academic achievements. Parimala has also been a regional and national clogger for ten years, earning the title of Clogging Champion of America. In the fall, Parimala will be attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and plans to pursue studies in biomedical engineering.

James A. Kircher, Salutatorian, Magna Cum Laude, is the son of Thomas and Jane Kircher of Biddeford. Throughout his four years of high school, Jimmy has been involved in marching, jazz, and concert band. He was accepted into the All-State Concert Band his first three years, and was principal euphonium his junior year. Jimmy was accepted into the All-State Jazz Band this year as lead trombone in the top jazz band. In the summer after junior year, Jimmy attended the John Philip Sousa National Honors Band in New Orleans. Jimmy participated on the National Oceanic Science Bowl team, serving as captain of the A team his last two years. Senior year Jimmy was elected to the student council as one of six delegates from his class. Academic awards have included the English Department Award and the Williams College Book Award. Jimmy also attended a state luncheon for achieving one of the top 50 MEA test scores in the state. In the fall, he will be attending Dartmouth College.

Nathan E. Caron, Magna Cum Laude, is the son of Bernard Caron and Eleanor Rolnick of Biddeford. During his four years at BHS, Nate has been involved in numerous activities, organizations, and academic teams. Since his freshman year, he has been involved in marching band, concert band, jazz ensemble, and brass quintet, his senior year becoming principle trumpet in each. Other musical endeavors include the Portland Youth Wind Ensemble his junior and senior year, as well as All State Concert Band acceptance the same two years, All State Jazz and the Lead position in the District Jazz Band in his senior year. In addition, he was one of four students from Maine to represent the state as part of the John Phillip Sousa National Honors Band. Academic teams included the National Oceanic Science Bowl, competing his last three years, and the Maine State Economics Bowl where the Biddeford team won and advanced to the regional competition for the first time ever his senior year. An interest in student government sparked Nate to run for the Student School Board Representative position at the end of his sophomore year, a seat that he held for two years. During that summer, he was a delegate at Dirigo Boy's State. Academic commendations include the Colby College Book Award, the Social Science Department Award, induction into the National Honor Society, and entrance to the state level of the Chemistry Olympiad Competition. He was also a commended student for the National Merit Scholarship. Recently, Nate has shadowed Mark Lawrence as a District Attorney for a day. Nate will be attending Dartmouth College to study political science.

Samantha A. Danis, Magna Cum Laude, is the daughter of Thomas and Barbara Danis of Biddeford. During her four years at BHS Samantha has participated in Student Council, National Honor Society, cheerleading, Interact, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the school newspaper. She has served as the captain of the varsity cheerleading team from 2004-2006, was elected Vice President of her class both junior and senior year, and co-editor of the school newspaper receiving four awards from Boston University and three from the University of Maine at Orono (UMO). In the fall, Samantha will be attending UMO to study journalism as part of the class of 2010.

Jen Dutremble, Magna Cum Laude, is the daughter of Alan and Nancy Dutremble. During her four years at BHS Jen was involved in various organizations and activities, including Student Council, Interact, National Honor Society, Field Hockey, Basketball, and Softball. She was chosen captain of the field hockey and softball team her junior and senior years. Jen made All-State for field hockey her junior and senior year, and made All-State for softball her sophomore and junior year. During her junior year, she was selected to attend Dirigo Girls State. Also as a junior, she received the Holy Cross Book Award and the Foreign Language Award. Jen was a nominee for the Princeton Book Award and the Maine Sports Hall of Fame. As a senior, she was awarded the Unsung Hero award of her class. Jen will be attending Hofstra University on a full scholarship for softball where she will be studying medical science.

Michelle Ann Gagnon, Magna Cum Laude, is the daughter of Jeanne and Donald Gagnon of Biddeford. During her four years at BHS, Michelle participated in softball, basketball, volleyball, Interact, and Natural Helpers. As a senior, she served as captain of the varsity softball team and the varsity basketball team. She was inducted into the National Honor Society and as a junior was delegate of Dirigo Girls' State. In the fall, Michelle will be attending Bryant University in Rhode Island to study psychology.

Ashley R. Gartland, Magna Cum Laude, is the daughter of Robert and Joanne Gartland. During her four years at BHS, Ashley has participated in National Honors Society, Student Council, and Interact. During her junior year, she received the BHS Math Department Award. As a recipient of the Dean's Scholarship, she will be attending Northeastern University in the fall to study Mathematics.

Erin N. Hussey, Magna Cum Laude, is the daughter of Linda and Phil Hussey of Biddeford. During her four years at Biddeford she has run cross country, track, played basketball, and softball. She was All-Academic for cross country and basketball her senior year and played in the Senior All-Academic All-Star basketball game. She has coached intramural basketball for St. James during the off-season. She has served on the student council and been a member of Interact and National Honor Society. She participated in such projects as In-A-Pinch and Habitat for Humanity. She served as a State Representative during her stay at Dirigo Girls' State 2005. In the fall, Erin plans on attending St. Lawrence University, Canton, New York to study psychology and criminology.

Timothy R. Loranger, Magna Cum Laude, is the son of Ray and Kim Loranger. During his four years at BHS, Tim was elected three times as the Treasurer of the Class of 2006. He was inducted into the National Honors Society his junior year and helped with community service projects in the school's Interact Club. He has also served as captain of the varsity golf, indoor track, and outdoor track teams. In the fall, Tim will be attending Northeastern University in Boston to study architecture.

Andrew W. Martin, Magna Cum Laude, is the son of Sue and Paul Martin. During his four years of BHS Andrew participated in Baseball, Interact Club and was inducted into the National Honor Society. His senior year Andrew served as President of National Honor Society. In the fall, Andrew will be entering the six year Pharmacy program at Northeastern University in Boston.

Jacob K. Peck, Magna Cum Laude, in the son of Dana and Mary Anne Peck. Over his high school career, he has participated in basketball, which includes the school team and an AAU team, and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Most of his extra time was spent working on his hobbies which include rebuilding antiques autos, remodeling rooms within the house, and custom building furniture. Because of his hobbies, Jake will be attending Drexel University in the fall and will be majoring in engineering.

Karissa Staples, Magna Cum Laude, is the daughter of Wayne and Diane Staples. During her years at BHS, she has served as a student council representative and participated in Interact, Chamber Choir, Varsity Volleyball, Journalism and the Regional Fine Arts program for acting. This year she has had the honor of serving as Senior Class President. Outside of school, Karissa serves as president of the board for the youth empowerment organization, Project AWARE. A passionate performer, Karissa has acted in several shows for Crossroads Youth Center, Biddeford City Theater and the Arundel Barn Playhouse. In the fall, Karissa will be attending Wagner College in New York City to pursue a BA in musical theatre.

Chantel Eve Tourigny, Magna Cum Laude, is the daughter of Sharon and Jeff Tourigny. During her four years at BHS Chantel participated in volleyball (captain her senior year), softball, basketball, field hockey, Interact, and was inducted into the National Honor Society (elected vice president her senior year). In the fall, Chantel will be attending Northeastern University and is planning on acquiring a Master's Degree in Architecture.

AWARDS

Aguiar Family Memorial: Haley Belanger

Al Brunelle: Timothy Loranger, Devin Belanger

Angela Pelletier Memorial: Michelle Gagnon

BHS Alumni Fund: James Kircher, Parimala Samuel

Bidd. Administrators' Association: Nathan Caron, Parimala Samuel

Biddeford Athletic Association: Brian Archambault, Emily Regis

Biddeford City Theatre: Karissa Staples, Haley Belanger

Biddeford Music Boosters: James Kircher

Biddeford Police Association: Kara Fox

Biddeford Saco Rotary: Brian Archambault

Biddeford Saco Elks: Nathan Caron

Biddeford Savings Bank: Andrea Lapointe, Nicholas Precourt

Biddeford Teachers Association: Robert Gardella

Brother Richard Hebert Memorial: Haley Belanger, Joshua Morin, Tim Loranger

Burnham-Brooks-Crowley Trust: Debbie Gagnon

The Business of Tomorrow Scholarship: Aaron Vigneault

Charles Belisle Scholarship: Andrew Martin

Center of Technology Scholarship: Samedy Oun, Tim Loranger, Jonna Pothier, Michelle Cyr, Cassandra Peltzman, Roseann Shaw, Kara Fox, Stephanie Clapp

Conrad "Babe" Grondin Scholarship: Emily Dube

Deering Lumber: David Dearborn

Don Collard Scholarship: Mohammed Ahadi, Erin Cotton

Dr. Raymond Kenneally Scholarship: Kasie Metayer

Ellen Authier Scholarship: Kara Given

Eugene P. Amnotte: Chantel Tourigny

Francis T. Spencer Memorial: Jacob Peck

George Greenwood Memorial: Nathan Caron

Grand Masonic Lodge of Me: John Mercier

Guy Boucher'89 Memorial: Ryan Rudman

Harold Pinansky Memorial: Erin Nadeau

Hayes Family Scholarship: Thomas Tardif

Helene Rizas Memorial: Joshua Precourt

J. Richard Martin/Bidd Ice Arena: Jason Guay

Jack Minuitti Memorial: Ernie Dore, Michelle Gagnon

Jeffrey Colasanti '89 Memorial: Bennie Jones

Joan Beaudry Scholarship given by Bidd Pool Community Club: Stephanie Clapp, Ashley Rochefort, Danielle Perro, Hannah DeLong, Karissa Staples

John Cosgrove '75 Memorial: Christopher Labbe

John O'Leary Memorial: Dana Elie

Jolly John Auto City: Jayson Neault

Joseph Meehan Memorial: Melissa Gouin

Kerry Anton Memorial: Brian Archambault

Kostag Tito Scholarship: Wesley Bisson

LaKermesse Scholarship: Chantel Tourigny, Kaitlynn Garon

Maine Principals' Association: Eric Collins

Marcel Faucher Memorial: Brian Archambault

Maude Trott Trust: Michelle Cyr

Micheal Lauzon Memorial: Parimala Samuel

Micheal Lemieux '77 Memorial: Bennie Jones

Paul Bellevance Scholarship: Adam McKellar

Paul Stebbins Memorial: Emily Regis

Peter Underwood Memorial: Erin Hussey

Ralph Courtois Memorial: Roseann Shaw

Ralph Perreault Trust: Samantha Danis

Rene Goupil Memorial: Adam Leclerc, Sara Hebert

R.H. Reny Foundation: Chris Bergeron, Jonna Pothier, Aaron Vigneault

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship: James Kircher

Rochambeau Club: Michael Martel

Rochelle V. Gagnon: Lea Tranchemontagne

Saco Bay Rotary: Keith Bougie

Saco Bay Rotary/Tri City Golf: Timothy Loranger

Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution: Allison Alaimo

Saco Lodge #2 100F: Joshua Precourt, Ashley Shevenell

Sid Villandry Football Scholarship: Aaron Vigneault

Southern Maine Coastal Cruisers: Mohammed Ahadi

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Memorial: Allison Alaimo

Stu Eager Memorial: Laura Labbe

Senator George Mitchell Scholarship: Ashley Rochefort

Thursday Club: Andrew Martin, Jennifer Dutremble, Danielle Perkins, Callie Locke

Tiger Pride TJ's Pizza Scholarship: Ashley Gartland

Valedictorian Award: Parimala Samuel

Yeaton Trust: Brittany Brown

GRADUATES