Meet St. Thomas Aquinas High School's top 10 students in Class of 2023

DOVER — St. Thomas Aquinas High School announced its top 10 students for the Class of 2023 as follows with information provided by the school:

Ally Latsilnik - valedictorian

Alyona (Ally) Latsilnik is the daughter of Yana Melnikova and Alexey Latsilnik from Greenland, NewHampshire. She is also the older sister of Peter (STA Class of 2026). Ally attended middle school atGreenland Central School. Ally is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.While at St. Thomas Aquinas, she has received the Harvard Book Award, the AP Scholar Award, the JackLeary Award and Department Awards in the following academic subjects: Math, Biology, Spanish,Physics, and English. She earned the Gold Medal on the National Spanish Exam (level 3) and the SilverMedal on the National Spanish Exam (level 4). Ally was also a Top 10 Junior Speech Finalist, a NationalMerit Finalist, and a Presidential Scholarship candidate.

An active athlete, Ally was a varsity member of both the STA cross-country team (freshman, sophomore,and junior years) and track team (all four years) and earned Most Improved Player for track during herjunior year. She is also an avid alpine skier and was a member of the STA Ski team all four years, earningMost Valuable Player her junior year.

She has been a role model and leader in her community, serving on the Student Advisory Board all fouryears. Her commitment to making the world a better place has been evident in her dedication tocommunity service and her active involvement in student-driven efforts to raise awareness of importantissues and preserve the dignity of all human beings, particularly those who may be more vulnerable.Outside of STA, Ally has been a member of Gunstock’s Ski Racing Club and has been involved inTaekwondo, both for 11 years.

She is a volunteer with Medicine of New Hampshire and volunteered at the Wentworth Douglass HospitalEmergency Room during the summer of 2022. Currently, Ally works in Clinical Support at WentworthDouglass Hospital.

Ally was accepted to Georgetown University, Northeastern University (Honors College), and theUniversity of New Hampshire (Honors College and Hamel Scholar).

Ally will be attending Georgetown University in the fall. She intends to major in biological physics onthe pre-med track. She hopes to one day become a physician.

More: St. Thomas Aquinas High School celebrates Class of 2023 graduates

Ryan Stailey, salutatorian

Ryan Stailey is the son of Mark and Sally Stailey of Rochester, New Hampshire. He is the brother ofMadeline (STA Class of 2021) and Annalise (STA Class of 2025). The Stailey Family are parishioners ofParish of the Assumption in Dover and Ryan attended middle school at St. Mary Academy.

He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.

Ryan is the recipient of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Book Award, the Social Studies DepartmentAward, the Spanish Department Award, the Jack Leary Award, and the Jazz Band Department Award.

He is an avid alpine skier and was a varsity member of the STA Ski Team all four years, qualifying for theNew Hampshire Meet of Champions each year. Ryan earned the MVP Award his sophomore and junioryears, was varsity captain his senior year, and earned the prestigious Dave Goodwin Impact Award hissenior year for making a significant impact in the sport of skiing, both in athletic and leadership skill. Inaddition to skiing, Ryan also played lacrosse his sophomore and junior years.

Extracurricular activities and service are important to Ryan, and he served as president of the STASpanish Club (senior year). He also participated in the school’s Greenhouse Club and was a Gunstock SkiClub member.

Ryan is an Eagle Scout, achieving the highest rank attainable in Scouts BSA of the Boy Scouts ofAmerica. He works at Philbrick's Ski, Board, and Bike shop in Dover and has a summer job supporting aleadership development program at the University of New Hampshire.

He is a board member of Unlimited Possibilities (UP), a grassroots organization that provides support todifferent groups of people worldwide. He also co-founded a subgroup of UP called UPlifters, aservice-oriented group of teenagers dedicated to serving communities and building interest among youthto become involved in service.

Ryan was accepted to the United States Naval Academy, University of New Hampshire, University ofVermont, University of Utah, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University of Iowa, and the University ofLoyola- Chicago.

He has chosen to attend the University of Vermont where he intends to major in Biomedical Engineeringand minor in biochemistry.

After college, Ryan hopes to “continue on to medical school and eventually practice emergencymedicine.”

Alex Godbout

Alex Godbout is the son of Brian and Shawna Godbout of Madbury, New Hampshire. He is the youngerbrother of Emmie. Alex was homeschooled prior to attending St. Thomas Aquinas High School.Alex is a member of the National Honor Society and the French Honor Society.He is a recipient of the Yale Book Award, the Biology Department Award, and the French DepartmentAward.

While at STA, Alex was an active athlete. He was a varsity member of the cross-country team for threeyears and was captain his senior year. He also earned the team’s Character Award his senior year. Alexalso ran varsity spring track (three years) and winter track (two years). He was a member of theSTA ski and soccer teams.

In addition to athletics, Alex was a member of the STA Robotics team, the RoboSaints.

Alex applies his many talents in varied ways. As a freshman student, Alex built the infrastructure of hisfamily farm’s expansion project which allowed for the raising of poultry. In subsequent years, he managedthe daily care of all the animals, and assisted with budgeting, and marketing.

Service is important to Alex. During the pandemic, he sewed face masks for distribution. . He alsosupported DAR by volunteering at yard sale fundraisers and helping with budget preparation. Heparticipated in STA’s Cardboard City event annually.

Last summer, Alex worked as a machine operator for Solid Machine, a CNC machine shop in Rochester.

Alex was accepted to Northeastern University, University of Colorado Boulder, Worcester PolytechnicInstitute (Presidential Scholarship), Rochester Institute of Technology (Presidential Scholarship),University of New Hampshire (Trustee Scholarship, Honors Program).

He will attend University of Colorado Boulder in the fall and intends to major in Aerospace Engineering.

“Throughout college, I hope to pursue co-ops with companies in the Boulder area building connectionsthat will allow me to develop a career furthering our future through space exploration technology.”

Charlie Grenon

Charlie Irausquin Grenon is the son of Kim and Anthony Grenon of Kingston, New Hampshire. He is theyounger brother of Kacie. Charlie attended middle school at Saint Mary Academy in Dover, NH.He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.

Charlie is the recipient of the Environmental Science Department Award, the Chemistry DepartmentAward, and the Algebra II Department Award. He also earned the Rochester Institute of TechnologyComputing Medal and was a National Merit Finalist.

He was a member of the STA cross-country team and winter track team for all four years, earning hisvarsity letter junior and senior year. He also played lacrosse during his freshman, sophomore, and junioryears and ran spring track his senior year.

Outside of school, Charlie has many interests, one of which includes cryptocurrency mining. Service andvolunteerism are important to him, and he served as an independent academic tutor during the 2022-23school year. He also participated in the STA Leadership and Service program, REACH, in 2019 andparticipated in STA’s international service trip to Peru in 2023 where he served at an orphanage.

Since 2021, Charlie has worked year-round at Front Row Pizzeria in Exeter.

Charlie was accepted to the University of New Hampshire (Trustee Scholar), University of NewHampshire at Manchester (Millyard Scholar), University of Oregon (UO Excellence Scholarship), HofstraUniversity (Presidential Scholarship), University of Texas at Dallas (National Merit Scholar).

After deferring and taking a gap year to travel the United States, Charlie will attend the University ofTexas at Dallas where he has received a full tuition scholarship. He intends to major in biochemistry.“I want to use computers to process and model biological systems to better understand genetics andprotein folding.”

Liam Lena

Liam Lena is the son of Rita and Timothy Lena of Kittery, Maine. He is the younger brother of Jordan andAidan. The Lena Family are parishioners of Corpus Christi Parish (Immaculate Conception Church) inPortsmouth, New Hampshire and Liam attended middle school at Saint Patrick Academy in Portsmouth.Liam is a member of the National Honor Society and the French Honor Society.

He is the recipient of the Assumption Book Award, the Department Award for Technology, and also theDepartment Award for the Student Advisory Board. He also was recognized as “Student of the Month”.

Liam exhibited great school spirit throughout his time at St. Thomas Aquinas and this was acknowledgedin his earning of the SAINTS Award from the basketball team and the Heart and Soul Award from thesoccer team. Liam played varsity for both teams and was also named senior captain of the soccer team.

In addition to athletics, Liam was a leader on the Student Advisory Board, Campus Ministry, Fellowshipof Christian Athletes (Club Moderator), and ran the school’s sound board for activities, productions, andevents.

Liam is an Eagle Scout, achieving the highest rank attainable in Scouts BSA of the Boy Scouts ofAmerica. For his Eagle Scout project, he raised $3500 and then designed and constructed produce displayshelving units for Footprints Food Pantry in Kittery, Maine.

Community service is very important to Liam and throughout his high school years, he volunteered over700 hours of service through Boy Scouts, altar serving, and various other service opportunities. One ofthose opportunities included serving at an orphanage in Peru during STA’s international mission trip thespring of his senior year.

He has worked at both Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier and Aroma Joe’s Coffee, both in Kittery.

Liam was accepted at Boston College, Villanova University, American University, Fordham University,Loyola University-Chicago, Assumption University, Catholic University, University of Maine, andStonehill College.

He has chosen to attend Boston College in the fall because “a Jesuit education focuses on ‘curapersonalis’ or care for the whole person. He intends to major in Economics and double minor inPhilosophy, and Management for Social Impact and the Common Good.

Luke Monteiro

Luke Monteiro is the son of Theresa and Joseph Monteiro of Dover, New Hampshire. He is the eldestbrother of Charles (STA Class of 2025), Amelia (STA Class of 2026), Raphaela, Maria, and George. TheMonteiro Family are parishioners of the Parish of the Assumption in Dover. Luke attended Saint MaryAcademy for middle school.

Luke is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.

He is a recipient of the Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology (University of RochesterBook Award), the English Department Award (freshman year), the Physics Department Award(sophomore year), the History Department Award (junior year), and earned Gold Medal recognition onthe National Spanish Exam.

While at St. Thomas Aquinas, Luke was a varsity athlete on the cross-country team (all four years),indoor track (junior and senior years), and outdoor track team (sophomore, junior, and senior years).Luke made history at STA by being the founder and producer of the school’s first-ever podcast, “Sound inSilence” which he managed for three years. He also served as the captain of the competitive STA QuizBowl Team (senior year). In addition to these achievements, Luke is an accomplished piano player havingstudied under the locally renowned David Wold Piano Studio for over ten years.

Community service is important to Luke. As a freshman, he regularly visited residents at St. Ann’sNursing and Rehabilitation Center. As a junior and senior student, he helped teach at Saint MaryAcademy, was a counselor at Sebago Leadership Camp, and served as a group leader for the “Run forGod” program.

Luke was accepted at the University of New Hampshire (Trustees Scholarship - Honors Program),Catholic University of America (University Honors Scholarship - Honors Program), WorcesterPolytechnic Institute (Presidential Scholarship), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Rensselaer LeadershipAward), and University of Rochester (Xerox Scholarship).

In the fall, Luke will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and intends to major in bothphysics andmathematics.

“Someday, I would love to attend graduate school and later teach and research physics at the universitylevel.”

Siddhi Poraiyan

Siddhi Poraiyan is the daughter of Rajesh Poraiyan and Vanitha Palanichamy of Lee, New Hampshire.She is the older sister of Adhithi Poraiyan and attended middle school at Heronfield Academy.Siddhi is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.

She is the recipient of the Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award and Scholarship from the Universityof Rochester. She was also a Top 10 Junior Speech Finalist, an AP Scholar, and participated in the MaineAll-State Music Festival in 2020 and 2021.

Outside of school, Siddhi has been very focused on extracurricular activities, exploring her personalinterests in global health, scientific/medical research, music, and diversity. She participated in PortsmouthRegional Hospital’s Healthcare Exploration Program where she originated research on improving bedsidereporting compliance. She also worked as a cancer researcher under the mentorship of Dr. Busola Alabi(Ph.D., Stanford) and drafted a scientific review paper on conditions (environmental, genetic markers)that cause increased fibroid prevalence among women of African descent. In the summer of 2021, sheworked as a research scholar at the Boz Institute at the University of California – San Diego where sheresearched and drafted a paper on GenX toxicant effect on Male/Female Drosophila Gene Expression:RNA purification, PCR amplification, and Bioinformatics. In the winter of 2022, Siddhi volunteered atPortsmouth Regional Hospital as a Unit Coordinator where she designed and led marketing materials forthe “No One Dies Alone” program to combat patient isolation. Later that winter, she also interned at YorkHospital where she shadowed physicians in the emergency room, medical/surgical units, and intensivecare unit. Siddhi also works as a tutor for the Agoura Math Circle where she founded a chapter onstandardized test preparation, tutored children, and designed an interactive online curriculum onprecalculus, geometry, data analysis, and reading strategies.

Siddhi is an accomplished violinist and was a member of the University of New Hampshire’s YouthSymphony where she had the leadership role of First Chair (Concertmaster) Violinist.

At St. Thomas Aquinas and her previous school of Berwick Academy, Siddhi demonstrated acommitment to making the world a better place through her active involvement in student-driven effortsto raise awareness of important issues and preserve the dignity of all human beings, particularly thosewho may be more vulnerable. She also works part-time at Popovers café and bakery.

Siddhi was accepted to the University of New Hampshire (Honors College with Trustee Scholarship,Hamel Scholarship), University of Vermont (Honors College with Presidential Scholarship), RhodesCollege (Cambridge Scholarship), Wesleyan University, University of Rochester (Bausch & LombScholarship), University of Richmond, Emory University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

She will be attending University of North Carolina Chapel Hill where she intends to major inneuroscience along with a minor in health and society.

One day, Siddhi hopes to “own my own clinic as a reconstructive plastic surgeon, aiding individuals whostruggle with congenital deformities and damage from tumor removals such as cancer, trauma, or otherreasons.”

Spencer Lassard

Spencer Dean Lassard is the son of Rich and Marni Lassard of Raymond, New Hampshire. He is thebrother of Hunter (STA Class of 2020) and Dillon (STA Class of 2025). Spencer attended Iber HolmesGove Middle School.

Spencer is a member of both the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.He has been a strong athlete at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, a four-year starter on the football teamand a two-year varsity athlete on the lacrosse team. He led the Saints football team as a senior captain andmade second team All-State (junior year) and firstteam All-State (senior year).

In the spring of his senior year, Spencer traveled to Peru on an international STA mission trip. There, heserved at an orphanage, working on property enhancements, and fostering positive relationships with thePeruvian children.

Spencer was accepted at the University of New Hampshire, Clarkson University, Rochester Institute ofTechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Syracuse University, and the University of Loyola-Chicago.

He will attend Clarkson University in the fall and intends to major in biomolecular sciences, with hisgoal being to one day “perform lab work and cure diseases.”

Trent LaRose

Trent LaRose is the son of Michael and Erin LaRose of East Kingston, New Hampshire. He is also theolder brother of Dominic, Ceara, Gabriella, and Michelle. The LaRose Family are parishioners of St.Theresa Parish in Rye, NH. Trent attended middle school at Sacred Heart School in Hampton.

A member of the National Honor Society, Trent has earned many awards and recognitions for his aptitudeover the years. He was the recipient of the Sister Georganne Pearson Book Award in 2018, the TrinityCollege Book Award, and the Character Award for Track & Field.

An active athlete, Trent was a varsity member of the St. Thomas Aquinas High School football team,indoor track, and track & field (where he served as team captain). In addition to leading on the athletic field, Trent demonstrated his leadership skills on the Student Advisory Board and with the STA Robotics Team, the RoboSaints.

Service is important to Trent. While at St. Thomas Aquinas, he volunteered with Cardboard City and the“Run for God” program. He helped with the annual Knights of Columbus Christmas Tree sales and was afrequent volunteer with the STA theater productions. He also volunteered at Sacred Heart School’ssummer camps.

Trent was accepted at Merrimack College (President’s Scholarship - Honors College), RensselaerPolytechnic Institute (Rensselaer Leadership Award), Stonehill College (Shields Merit Scholarship -Honors College), University of Massachusetts Lowell (New England Regional Scholarship), University ofNew Hampshire (Trustee’s Scholarship - Honors College), University of Rhode Island (PresidentialScholarship), Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VT Scholars Renewable NR), Wentworth Institute ofTechnology (Wentworth President’s Award), and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (PresidentialScholarship).

He will be attending the University of New Hampshire in the fall and intends to major in electricalengineering.

Tyler Hamel

Tyler Hamel is the son of Andrew and Sandy Hamel of Kittery Maine. He is the older brother of Duncan(STA Class of 2025). Tyler attended Shapleigh Middle School in Kittery.

Tyler is a member of both the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.He is the recipient of the Department Awards for Band (freshman and junior years) and Pre-Calculus(junior year), the Student Advisory Board Award (sophomore year), and the University of Rochester’sGeorge Eastman Young Leadership Award (junior year).

Tyler was a varsity member of the STA lacrosse team and played for the Houlagans Lacrosse Club all fouryears.

In addition to athletics, he has been an active contributor to St. Thomas Aquinas through hisextracurricular activities. He served as a member of the Student Advisory Board, Campus Ministry, andthe Fellowship of Christian Athletes (senior year co-moderator). He also played tuba and trombone inboth Band and Jazz Band. He was Band President his senior year. Tyler was also a great asset to theschool’s technology team and helped run tech and sound for school events, theater productions, andactivities.

Community service is important to Tyler. He served as assistant coach for the seventh and eighth grade Kittery Youth Lacrosse team and was a vital help to STA’s annual food-drive by transporting donations toLazarus House in Lawrence, Massachusetts each year.

In addition to his school-related responsibilities and activities, Tyler also works part-time in the summeras a dockhand at York Harbor in Maine.

Tyler was accepted to the University of Connecticut (Huskie Award, NE Tuition Break), University ofRhode Island (Presidential Award and Honors), Penn State University, Catholic University (PresidentialAward and Honors), Wentworth Institute of Technology, Quinnipiac University, (Trustee’s Award andHonors), St. Michael’s College (Presidential Award and Honors), University of Maine (PresidentialAward and Honors), and the University of New Hampshire (Trustee’s Award).

He will be attending the University of New Hampshire and intends to major in biomedical laboratoryscience and minor in business.

After college, Tyler hopes to “work in a hospital lab setting and use that experience to leap into thebusiness world. I want to make a difference in the world through whatever I do.”

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: St. Thomas Aquinas High School names top 10 students in Class of 2023