Oyster River Cooperative School District Recognizes Top 10 Students in the Class of 2025

DURHAM — The Oyster River Cooperative School District wishes to recognize and congratulate the top 10 students in the Class of 2025.

Graduation is scheduled for Friday, June 6, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Oyster River High School on 55 Coe Drive. The rain date for the event is Saturday, June 7, at 6 p.m. at the same location.

Maggie Zhang is the daughter of Yanhong Dai and Sam Zhang of Durham. She is a dynamic and accomplished student who has been recognized as the Class of 2025’s valedictorian. She serves as treasurer for both the National Honor Society and the Computer Science Honor Society, and has been recognized as a NH Scholar with a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) emphasis. Her academic excellence has been recognized with the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Book Award and highest honors from the Society of Women Engineers. A National Merit Commended Scholar and AP Scholar, she also shines creatively, earning a Scholastic Writing Silver Key as a freshman and junior, and an Honorable Mention as a sophomore.

Her dedication extends beyond the classroom — she has served as a student senator all four years, and is an active member of the math team, Science Olympiad, FIRST Robotics, and the field hockey team. For the past two summers, she’s contributed as a research assistant at the University of New Hampshire, demonstrating her passion for discovery and innovation. A talented pianist with 11 years of experience, she also enjoys expressing herself through painting whenever she finds a quiet moment.

Having been accepted to Cornell University, the University of Michigan, Georgia Tech, Northeastern University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and the University of New Hampshire, Maggie will be attending Columbia University, where she will be studying to become a Biomedical Engineer.

Erin Anderson of Madbury is the daughter of Mike and Sara Anderson. Erin is a dedicated and exceptional high school student who has been recognized as the Class of 2025’s Salutatorian. She is a member of the National Chinese Honor Society and has earned our Highest Honors each semester in her high school career. Erin has been recognized as a NH Scholar with an emphasis in STEAM.

Erin is a dedicated creative writer. She shares her writing and visual art with her online community, with which she is an active member, and provides feedback to her peers to help enhance their writing. In addition to her academic achievements, she is a dedicated member of the ORHS strings orchestra, demonstrating her artistic versatility and discipline. Furthermore, she has been studying Jiu-Jitsu since the sixth grade and has reached the rank of blue belt in the adult division, a testament to her strength and perseverance. She also maintains regular yoga practice, further emphasizing her commitment to personal growth.

Erin intends to pursue a major in English, with a focus on Creative and Professional Writing, drawing inspiration from both her academic experiences and her personal projects. Her goal is to become an author and editor.

Erin was accepted to Rutgers, Roger Williams University and UMass Lowell, but will be attending Colby Sawyer College in the fall.

Isabelle Alix of Barrington is the daughter of Anne and Christopher Alix. Isabelle is a dedicated high school student who has been recognized as a NH Scholar with an emphasis in Art. She was the recipient of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Art and Design Award as a junior, was inducted into the Spanish Honor Society and received the Silver Key in the 2025 Scholastic Art and Writing competition.  

When not working at her part-time job, Isabelle has a passion for art through digital paintings and drawings, making wire sculptures and now learning how to model 3D.  She has a love of reading, writing fiction, playing video games and collecting rocks. 

Isabelle has applied to and been accepted to the University of New Hampshire, where she will attend. Isabelle will pursue a major in physics with dreams of becoming an astrophysicist, ideally working with NASA. She will seek a minor in either astronomy or graphic arts. In addition, Isabelle hopes to run a small business where she will sell her art, including her wire structures, to fulfill her creative outlet.

Mackenzie Cook of Madbury is the daughter of Summer and Jeffery Cook.  Mackenzie is a very successful student and has been recognized as a NH Scholar with an emphasis in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). As a junior, Mackenzie was the recipient of the Suffolk Book Award, which is given to a student who exemplifies commitment to their education and school community. Mackenzie is a NH Scholar Athlete and an active member of the ORHS Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT). 

Athletically, Mackenzie is a standout leader and competitor. As a two-year captain of the Varsity Cross Country team, she led the team to state championships. She has earned multiple All-State and All-New England honors for her achievements in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track. She has been a member of six state championship teams in track, holds multiple school records and is a multi-time national qualifier. Her numerous individual titles, including state championships and team records, reflect her dedication and exceptional talent. 

Mackenzie will be attending Syracuse University in the fall, where she will study exercise science and will be a member of both the cross country and track teams.  Her future career goal is to become a sports medicine physician. 

Avery Martinson resides in Lee and is the daughter of Michelle and Ryan Martinson. At ORHS, Avery has been actively involved in a wide range of academic and extracurricular pursuits. She is a dedicated member of the Girl Scouts, the Junior Socratic Society, and the school’s theater program. Her academic commitment and creative talents are underscored by her membership in the Spanish Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

In recognition of her outstanding leadership and academic excellence, Avery received the Clarkson University Leadership Award. She is also honored as a NH Scholar with a distinction in STEAM, reflecting her rigorous coursework, academic achievement, and musical prowess.

Avery was accepted to several competitive universities, including the University of New Hampshire, the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, Quinnipiac University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). She will be attending WPI in the fall, where she plans to major in biomedical engineering and continue for a fifth year to complete a master’s degree in fire protection engineering.

Avery’s dedication, leadership, and pursuit of academic excellence make her a standout member of the Class of 2025.

Luna Merry of Lee is celebrated for her outstanding academic record, creative talents, and leadership within Career Technical Education. Luna is a shining example of student excellence and ambition.

Daughter of Michelle and Geoff Merry, Luna graduates as a New Hampshire Career Scholar with a STEAM emphasis. She has maintained a stellar academic record and has been inducted into both the Spanish Honor Society and the Career Technical Education Honor Society.

A standout in her Animation and Web Design Career Technical Education program, Luna’s passion for visual storytelling has not only defined her high school experience but also shaped her aspirations for the future. Her goal is to one day work in an animation studio, turning creative vision into career reality.

Luna’s dedication to her craft is matched by her academic distinction. She received the Endicott College Junior Book Award, which recognizes a student for academic achievement and meaningful contributions to school and community. Her coursework has spanned everything from AP Statistics and Fiction Writing to Digital Media and Physics, consistently earning top marks.

As she prepares to take the next steps after graduation, Luna amasses a record of academic excellence and creativity. Her work ethic, talent, and commitment to learning have set a high bar at Oyster River High School.

Stella Pillet-Shore is a resident of Durham and the daughter of Professor Danielle Pillet-Shore and Jeff Pillet-Shore. Her achievements span across academic honors, extracurricular involvement, and community service. She is a National Honor Society member, a NH Scholar with distinction in STEAM, and has been honored with numerous accolades, including the Yale University Book Award, the Art Department Award, and designation as an AP Scholar. Notably, she was recognized 12 times by the prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, receiving three Gold Keys and an American Voices nomination.

Stella has demonstrated exceptional leadership and civic engagement, serving as the School Board Student Representative for the 2024-2025 academic year. She participated in the Debate Team, competing in elite national tournaments like the Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament, and was invited to the Coolidge Cup National Debate Tournament after her first year.

Her dedication to mental health advocacy and healthcare is equally inspiring. She worked as a peer counselor for the NAMI Youth Connect Mental Health Team and was selected for a summer internship at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, where she also helped organize a regional Healthcare Career Fair attended by over 200 students. 

Athletically, Stella was a four-year basketball player at ORHS, competing on the varsity and unified basketball teams. She also made her mark as the only girl competing in her age group for local NFL Flag Football in Dover.

Stella will continue her journey at the University of California, Irvine, where she plans to study Psychological Science and pursue her dream of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon.

Amelia Rury is the daughter of Tamara Scapicchio and Michael Rury of Madbury. She is a proud member of both the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society and is recognized as a NH Scholar with a STEM emphasis. A high-achieving scholar, she earned National Merit Recognition and was named an AP Scholar. Her leadership and character were further recognized when she was selected by the faculty to receive the prestigious Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Award.

Amelia serves as the Co-Editor-in-Chief of Mouth of the River, the school’s publication, where she leads with creativity and a strong editorial vision. Throughout her first three years of high school, she was an active and dedicated student senator, and her peers recognized her leadership by electing her as Senior Class President.

Beyond school, Amelia extends her passion for advocacy and environmental stewardship as a committed member of Seacoast Students 4 Sustainability, a nonprofit organization working to promote lasting change in the community.

Amelia will major in Mathematical Economics at Bucknell University, having been accepted Early Decision.

Paige Stehle is the daughter of Susan and Jason Stehle of Durham. She is a dedicated scholar and leader, serving as president of the National Honor Society, treasurer of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, a member of the French Honor Society and is recognized as a NH Scholar with a STEAM emphasis. A National Merit Commended Scholar, she was also recognized with the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Humanities and Social Sciences Award. Her writing talents earned national recognition as a finalist in the New York Times editorial contest.

A passionate contributor to the school community, she is the News Editor for Mouth of the River, the school’s publication. Musically gifted, she performs with both the ORHS Chamber Orchestra and the UNH Youth Symphony Orchestra. She also plays a vital role as a leader on the student mental health team, helping to foster a culture of support and well-being.

Having been accepted to Bryn Mawr College, New York University, University of Connecticut, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Hofstra’s Rabinowitz Honors College, Paige will be attending the University of Vermont’s Liberal Arts Scholars program where she will double major in Linguistics and Communication Sciences and Disorders and intends to become a Speech Pathologist.

Luke Sullivan is the son of Karen Gervasio and Bill Sullivan of Madbury. He is a dedicated and high-achieving student who has been inducted into both the Spanish Honor Society and the National Honor Society and is recognized as a NH Scholar with a STEM emphasis. His academic accomplishments have earned him the Sage College Book Award, and he has been recognized as an AP Scholar with Honors.

Outside the classroom, he brings the same drive and leadership to all he does. As captain of the alpine ski team, he leads with confidence and determination. A committed member of the Red Cross Club throughout high school, he stepped up as treasurer last year and now serves as president, guiding the club with purpose. He represented his class as Vice President for three years and continues to serve his school community through the student senate. For the past three years, he has also shown compassion and responsibility while working in the memory care unit at Riverwoods, making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Having been accepted to Fordham University, North Carolina State University, University of Vermont, University of Connecticut, University of North Carolina, and Georgetown University, Luke will be attending Lehigh University, where he plans on studying Engineering Physics.