Great Bay Charter School Graduates 23 Students

EXETER__Two years ago, Luc Boutin was the kid in the corner of the classroom, hood up, eyes down, silent, and uninterested in school.

“More than once I checked on his breathing to make sure he was still with us. Now we can’t get him to be quiet, who knew he had so much to say,” teacher Jay Reiter said as he introduced Luc as a student speaker at his graduation from Great Bay Charter School.

For Luc, high school was a long and challenging four-year journey during which he struggled emotionally and academically, before finding his way. “This school provided me with a different kind of support that I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else, and I am extremely grateful for that support,” Luc said. “This school taught me that bonds between people can hold people together, there are people who care about you, and you should cherish the people who are trying to help you along your journey.”

Luc, a Hampton resident, was one of 23 students who graduated from Great Bay Charter School in Exeter on June 8.

Peter Stackhouse, the school’s executive director, told students not to dwell on the past few years of finding high school during the pandemic, but instead to embrace the opportunities before them. He urged them to remember the non-negotiables of being a student at the school—practice respectful behavior, be a productive member of the team, and meet your professional obligations on time.

“During my 34 years in education, a piece of the simplest and most meaningful advice I can share is to be a nice person, one who is helpful, thoughtful, and humble,” Stackhouse said. “Be a giver who never takes from those around you. Strive to be a person respected for your outstanding work ethic, honestly and contribution to the team.”

Mia Crawford, of Exeter, began attending GBCS in eight grade and said she is so grateful to have spent her high school years within the supportive environment.

“I’ve been able to grow more than I imagined and despite many obstacles during my high school career I am here graduating,” she said. “I would like to thank Ms. Lawrance for seeing something in me I couldn’t always see in myself and helping me achieve my goals that I thought were unachievable. Ms. Clark, most importantly for just being here for me. I don’t believe many high school seniors can really say they truly like all their teachers, but I think most GBCS students can and that says a lot.”

Senior Bryce Gregory, of Fremont, recalled how quiet he was when he first began attending GBCS. So much so that when he gave a presentation in class, some of his classmates remarked it was the most they’d ever heard him speak. “Now fast forward four years and I’m surrounded by friends and speaking at graduation,” Bryce said. “The transformation I’ve experience from caring and compassionate hands of this school I absolutely incredible.”

He thanked Mr. Reiter for pushing him to try new things and move out of his comfort zone. “I can say with 100 percent certainty that I’d still be the same shy person I was in middle school if I never met MR. Reiter.”

Stacey Clark, the senior class advisor and assistant director, quoted AA Milne as she addressed the graduates. “Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think,” she said.

She urged the students not to lose sight of the courage to be themselves and to stand up for what is right. “You will follow different paths, you will experience different adventures, you will all find success in different ways and different times, but you will all find your way because you are smarter than you think,” she said.

Clark ended with another quote from AA Milne, via his beloved character, Winnie the Pooh “How luck am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

Emily Lyman, the final student speaker, referenced lessons she’s learned from all her teachers from the dangers of perfectionist to how to be a role model for other students. She credited the school’s unique approach with the success she and her fellow graduates achieved during their high school years.

“What makes Great Bay Charter School such a special place is that students here are given a voice and have the opportunity to bring their ideas to life,” she said. She pointed to her senior capstone project, adding a music and guitar program to the school, as one example. “GBCS shows kindness and acceptance for each individual for who they are and where they come from. In my 12 years of education, I would have never thought I would be standing here tonight beside so many bright and kindhearted individuals.”

This year’s awards and scholarships were as follows:

The Executive Director’s Scholarship was presented to Emily Lyman. The Board of Trustees scholarship to Evan Kennedy. The Ron Morrisette Memorial Scholarship was presented to Piper Goddard. The Faculty Community Service Award was presented to Bryce Gregory. The Jasmine Rose Marsden Scholarship was presented to Mia Crawford. The Jerome D. Doyle Memorial Scholarship was presented to Madelyn Williams. The 2022 parent award was presented to Meredith Pool and Lara Bricker.

This year’s graduates include:

Madelyn Williams, of Brentwood; Aron Ferron, of Candia; Vienna Walton, of Derry; Carter Harding-Rogers, of Dover; Meghan Grimes, of Epping; Mia Crawford, of Exeter; Piper Goddard, of Exeter; Arissa Kelley, of Exeter; Evan Kennedy of Exeter; Emily Lyman of Exeter; Kaya Thomas, of Exeter; Summer Knight, of Exeter; Bryce Gregory, of Fremont; Hollie Eldridge, of Fremont; Lucien Boutin, of Hampton; Kaitlyn Fralish, of Newmarket; Dylan Henderson, of Newmarket; Brayden Murphy, of Newmarket; Isaiah Villa, of Newmarket; Oliver Williams, of Newmarket; Alexzander Fisher, of Raymond; Sean Hunt Fischer, of Rochester and Ryla Fedas, of Sandown.

Great Bay Charter School is a project-based school in Exeter that serves students in grades 6-12. As a public charter school, GBCS is a tuition-free alternative to larger, traditional public schools, and is open to students from throughout New Hampshire. For more information, visit www.gbecs.org