Picture this: a lineup of extraordinary young people who aren't just shining in their classrooms—they're actively shaping their schools and broader communities for the better. These are the Seacoast Students of the Week for October 13, spotlighting the incredible talents and contributions of high school heroes from across the region. But here's where it gets really inspiring: each one proves that greatness comes in many forms, from academic brilliance to selfless service. And this is the part most people miss—these students aren't just achieving; they're quietly revolutionizing how we think about leadership at a young age. Let's dive into their stories, nominated by dedicated principals, teachers, and guidance counselors from Dover High School, Spaulding High School, York High School, and Oyster River High School.
These standout students exemplify a wide spectrum of successes both within their schools and in the wider community. We're thrilled to introduce you to them, and we're eager to spotlight even more amazing young minds in the upcoming weeks. Every public high school in the Seacoast area has been encouraged to celebrate their students' triumphs on a weekly basis, fostering a culture of recognition and motivation.
Now, meet the Seacoast Students of the Week for October 13, as passionately described by the educators who nominated them:
Starting with Quinn Carberry, a senior at Dover High School. This week, her school honors Quinn for her unwavering dedication and her relentless pursuit of excellence in all endeavors. She tackles a rigorous academic schedule, including demanding honors courses, and consistently ranks in the top 25% of her graduating class. Athletically, Quinn has been a powerhouse on the volleyball court for four straight years, earning the role of captain for two of them, while also competing in club volleyball with Summit Six. She's contributed to the track team too, excelling in shot put and discus throws. Her blend of scholarly and sporting prowess has earned her spots in the Athletic Leadership Council, the National Honor Society, and even the National Art Honor Society. On the service front, she's served as a teacher's aide and helped with freshman orientation programs. All of this, mind you, while juggling a part-time gig at Aroma Joe’s—talk about balancing act!
Next up is Laraine Edwards, a senior at Spaulding High School. Laraine stands out as a top-ten student who embodies true leadership, community-minded service, and an unyielding drive to effect meaningful change. For the past four years, she's poured her energy into numerous school and community projects, including three years on the Class Council (where she now serves as historian) and her role as president of the Environmental Club, where she's spearheaded events like thrift swaps and neighborhood clean-up initiatives to rally her classmates toward a more sustainable future. Her spirit of connection shines through in her involvement with Bridge the Gap, the National Honor Society, the French Honor Society, and as a founding member of RHO-Kappa, the school's innovative History Honor Society—think of it as a club dedicated to exploring and honoring historical narratives to build empathy and understanding.
Beyond her school commitments, Laraine has sought out experiences to expand her worldview and promote global peace. She's taken part in Friends Forever International, an initiative focused on building bridges across cultures for worldwide harmony, and attended the elite St. Paul’s summer program to deepen her academic horizons. Looking ahead to college, she's set her sights on political science, a perfect fit for her passion for driving positive societal shifts. Her holistic commitment to academics, leadership, and service positions her as a beacon of inspiration for the entire school community. But here's where it gets controversial—what if prioritizing global programs and clubs over traditional extracurriculars sparks debate on whether we're equipping students for local realities or preparing them for a borderless world? It's food for thought.
Katelin Bloomer, a junior at York High School, is the school's proud pick for this honor. As a standout AP scholar, Katelin is a cornerstone of both the civil rights team and the Eco Club, where she champions fairness, diversity, and eco-friendly practices not just at school, but in the larger community—imagine organizing school-wide cleanups to tackle litter or campaigns advocating for social justice, all fueled by her enthusiasm. She's also a committed athlete on the cross country and track teams, applying the same grit and focus she brings to her studies. Her AP chemistry and AP environmental science instructor, Sue Graham, praises her as diligent, inquisitive, and compassionate, with rock-solid integrity and a fierce work ethic. Katelin's love for science is steering her academic path at YHS, paving the way for a future career in the field—perhaps envisioning innovations like cleaner energy solutions or groundbreaking research. Hats off to you, Katelin!
Finally, let's celebrate Eva Barth-Malone, a senior at Oyster River High School. Eva is the epitome of kindness, inquisitiveness, and perseverance—she lights up every classroom with her upbeat vibe and serves as a stellar role model for her classmates. Incredibly thoughtful and dependable, Eva is the kind of person who, once she commits to something, follows through without fail. Her creative side loves experimenting in the kitchen, tweaking recipes to create the ideal treat tailored to someone's tastes, like perfecting a cookie based on individual preferences—it's a fun way to blend science and art. Academically, she's no slouch: she's enrolled in a course at the University of New Hampshire alongside challenging classes like AP chemistry, AP statistics, college-level composition, and an advanced seminar. She's also conquered AP precalculus, early college anatomy and physiology, and an advanced French course, where she teamed up with two peers for a contest presenting to a panel of French cultural experts. Their group snagged fourth place in New England and even attended a reception at the French Consulate in Boston—what an honor!
Eva's heart belongs to science, especially forensics—she dreams of becoming a forensic anthropologist, so she's diving into a forensics class this year to master protocols and procedures, building on a summer course she took before junior year that introduced her to the field. For three years, she's been a key leader and founding member of the Student Mental Health Team, participating in the student-led Safe Schools conference to discuss mental health openly with peers from other schools, and even presenting to the school board and faculty about the event and their team. She recruited new members at the club fair, staying devoted to raising mental health awareness. As a reliable, compassionate leader, she was accepted into the Boston Leadership Institute summer program for 2024. On a lighter note, Eva's creative, witty side shines, and she's an avid horseback rider plus a phenomenal field hockey player who captained the JV team last year. She's all about teamwork over individual glory, which highlights her selfless character and strong moral compass—always putting others first and owning her responsibilities. She's part of the National Honor Society and serves as treasurer on its executive board. Eva even holds down a part-time job at a local pizza shop, handling the hectic dinner rush with a constant smile and unflappable calm. Plus, she volunteers at Mary's Dogs in Northwood, giving back in meaningful ways. Our school is richer for Eva's presence, and we're excited to watch her future successes unfold! And this is the part most people miss—these students like Eva show that true leadership often means juggling multiple roles without complaint, but is it fair to expect so much from teens in an already high-pressure world?
What do you think defines a 'star student' in today's society? Is it raw academic achievement, community service, athletic prowess, or something else entirely? Do these young leaders inspire you, or do you wonder if we're overlooking quieter talents? Share your opinions in the comments—let's spark a conversation!
