Friends of Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education,
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We pleased to share this outstanding news that student Ariyana Chrispin Perkins has been selected by Acting Commissioner Russell D. Johnston and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to represent the state as one of the U.S. Presidential Scholar nominees from Massachusetts.
“Ariyana is an exceptional young woman who embodies the spirit of Southeastern Regional,” said Superintendent McClanan. “Her determination and drive serve as an inspiration to her peers, and we have no doubt she will go on to achieve great success.”
“Ariyana’s nomination for the Presidential Scholars Program is a testament to her determination, intellect, hard work, and commitment to excellence,” said Acting Principal Guarini. We are incredibly proud of her.”
MAVA is most proud of Ariyana Chrispin Perkins, and we wish her continued success in the next round of competition. Best wishes!
David
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 Marc Larocque, John Guilfoil Public Relations
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Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School senior Ariyana Chrispin Perkins was recently nominated for the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program in recognition of her outstanding academic achievements, leadership and perseverance.
Superintendent Holly McClanan and Acting Principal Christina Guarini are pleased to announce that Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School senior Ariyana Chrispin Perkins has been nominated for the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
Southeastern School Counselor Melanie Altrich recommended Perkins, 18, a Mansfield resident, for this honor based on her exceptional academic achievements, leadership, and perseverance.
Perkins maintains a 4.59 GPA while taking the most rigorous courses available through Southeastern’s Early College High School program. Every academic course she’s taken during her junior and senior years was college-level, taught by professors at Massasoit Community College. At the same time, she continued to take her vocational courses through Southeastern.
When she graduates in June, Perkins will receive a high school diploma and an associate’s degree from Massasoit Community College. Perkins was accepted into the biochemistry program at UMass Amherst, which she plans to attend in the fall.
Perkins has also embraced leadership roles at Southeastern, serving as a school ambassador for incoming freshmen and participating in several extracurricular activities, including the Newspaper Club, Southeastern Hawks Dinner Club, and the Media Axis Club at Massasoit. She was also selected as Southeastern’s representative for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference, an experience that strengthened her leadership skills and confidence.
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"What truly sets Ariyana apart, however, is her ability to overcome any perceived obstacles while maintaining her unwavering focus on her goals," wrote School Counselor Altrich, in her nomination letter for the Southeastern senior.
Looking to the future, Perkins has a passion for medicine and plans to pursue a career as a pediatrician or pediatric physical therapist. As part of Southeastern’s Early Childhood Education vocational program, she has already gained some hands-on experience in a relevant field during her co-op at Brockton Day Nursery and an "externship" that she completed at the Manthala George Jr. Elementary School in Brockton.
"Ariyana’s desire to become a pediatrician or pediatric physical therapist has deepened through hands-on experience working with children in her vocational program," said School Counselor Altrich. "These experiences not only strengthened her desire to work with children but also allowed her to apply the skills she has developed in her vocational program."
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students, recognizing those who demonstrate outstanding academic success, leadership, and service. The program was established in 1964 by an executive order of President Lyndon B. Johnson, with the goal of recognizing and honoring some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.
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<![endif]>Each year, around 3,000 students nationwide receive nominations, before the list is narrowed down to 650 semifinalists, and up to 161 students are finally named as Presidential Scholars.
The U.S. Department of Education will announce the 2025 finalists in April, following a review by the federal Commission on Presidential Scholars. Honorees will then be invited to an awards ceremony in Washington this June. During the ceremony, U.S. Presidential Scholars will be awarded the U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion.
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira