IMAGE GALLERY: Awards Ceremony Recognizes Talented Teens at WHS

Anticipation filled the air as hundreds gathered in the auditorium Wednesday night for the 2011 Academic Awards Ceremony. Honored students in all four grades and their families applauded as nearly 200 individual awards were given out.

Principal John Smith, assistant principals Brian Callaghan and Carol Cavanaugh, and Westborough High School department chairs individually recognized students who had demonstrated outstanding performance in academics, the arts, and athletics at Westborough High School.

Each academic department award presentation culminated in the prestigious Book Award, given to a senior for his/her academic excellence in the department.

The academic awards were followed by special recognition awards for the senior class. The Principal's Award went to two seniors, Katherine Packer and Diana Zeng, recognized for their "exemplary leadership and a courage of high convictions."

The ceremony culminated with the announcement of the Class of 2011 Salutatorian, Ron Farizon, and Valedictorian, Bianca Homberg. The two seniors made their way to the front to receive their medals to thunderous applause and standing ovations.

Ron Farizon will be attending Northeastern University in the fall. Bianca Homberg will be attending MIT.

“I’m so excited next year for MIT, for all the different science, engineering and math classes. It’s going to be so much fun, I’m so excited,” she said after the ceremony was over.

For seniors, the Academic Awards Ceremony kicks off a series of significant events, including Senior Breakfast on Friday, Senior Banquet and Baccalaureate performance Friday night, and the Graduation Ceremony on Saturday evening.

Smith concluded the evening with a word to the graduating seniors. “To the class of 2011, I look forward to spending the next few days with you, sharing a lot of laughs, a lot of good memories. I’m very very proud of you. Keep up the good work, you’ve made us all very very proud,” he said.

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