EASTON — Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School in Easton selects graduating seniors from each of the nine towns the school serves to honor with "senior spotlights."
Honorees are chosen based on their high academic and vocational achievement. Their biographies — submitted by Southeastern — include their interests, what inspires them, memorable moments, what's next for them and their best advice to new students of Southeastern.
Southeastern selects one students from each of the nine communities it serves — Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Foxboro, Mansfield, Norton, Sharon, Stoughton and West Bridgewater — with the exception of Brockton, which has two honorees because city residents make up such a large share of the student body.
The following student biographies were submitted by Southeastern. Meet the 10 students selected for the senior spotlight.
Chris-Ander Paraison, Brockton
Chris-Ander Paraison, of Brockton, is a senior in the nurse assisting vocational program. He chose to follow nurse assisting because he enjoyed his early experiences with seniors during his sophomore year clinicals. He said you can learn so much from older residents, and throughout his clinical experience, he has had many opportunities to share laughs, wisdom and lessons with those he has interacted with.
His favorite experience from his vocational work was assisting a resident at the Heights Crossing Assisted Living Facility in the Memory Care Unit.
He remembers this resident having a difficult day, and his coworkers having trouble putting her to bed. He slowly helped calm her down and assisted her into bed and was about to walk away before she called him back over. She kissed him on the forehead with tears in her eyes. This moment was so impactful that Paraison based his college application essay on it.
He plans to attend Harvard College and pursue chemical and physical biology.
While at Southeastern, Paraison was involved in the Student Council as a media coordinator, the National Honor Society, Dual Enrollment, a co-op at Doolittle Home, research as an intern at Massasoit Community College, the Cooking Club, Newspaper Club, Dietary Aide at West Acres, and the Southeastern Math Team.
His advice to freshmen is: “Explore everything that seems even slightly interesting to you. Try new extracurriculars, take challenging courses, and meet new people. Also, try your best. Don’t compare yourself to other students and just focus on doing your best."
What $675K buys in BrocktonBrockton home on Byron Avenue sells for $675K; West Bridgewater home sells for $899K
Isaac Pena, Brockton
Isaac Pena, of Brockton, is a senior in Southeastern's Engineering Technology program.
Pena shares that he has a passion for innovation and enjoyed learning a range of skills while he explored different applications of engineering at Southeastern.
His favorite experience at Southeastern was when he presented an e-bike that he designed in a group at the MassDOT Innovation Conference.
He will be attending Northeastern University to pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science.
During his time as a student at Southeastern, Pena was an intern as an IT support specialist for Brockton Public Schools, a peer tutor and a member of the Valorant Esports team.
His advice for new students is, "Take as many opportunities as you can, they will only benefit you in the future."
What makes it specialFried chicken restaurant sensation picks Brockton for new location.
Matthew Milne, East Bridgewater
Matthew Milne, of East Bridgewater, is a senior in Southeastern's Engineering Technology vocational program. Milne joined the Engineering Technology program because he was interested in robots and electronics in his engineering technology classes. What he liked most about his classes was learning about things he has an interest in and the flexibility of making a variety of projects. A fun fact that he likes to share is that he was born in Ibague, Columbia.
His favorite experience from his vocational work was going to the MassDOT Innovation Conference to show off an e-bike that he and some friends designed as part of a competition.
He plans to attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute to study either mechanical or aerospace engineering.
Throughout his time at Southeastern, he was involved in many groups and school clubs, including Valorant Esports, the Coding Club and being a student representative on theEngineering Program Advisory Board.
His advice to new students is to "Try to have fun and make friends. They make going through high school a lot easier."
Sophia Charlesworth, Foxboro
Sophia Charlesworth, of Foxboro, is a senior in the Dental Assisting vocational program and chose to follow dental assisting because she wanted to become a dental hygienist. By starting with dental assisting, she said, "I'd be setting myself up to reach my future goals."
While she does not have one particular favorite experience from her vocational work, she says that every operation that makes someone feel just a tiny bit better gives her joy and has a special place in her heart. She loves connecting with patients and making them feel like they’re safe and heard.
She will continue working full-time as a dental assistant in the summer and attend the Community College of Rhode Island in the fall where she will pursue prerequisites for nursing and sonography with hopes to apply to both programs in 2025.
During her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, especially her sisters, her mother and her grandparents. She loves to walk and hike when the weather permits, but when it’s cloudy she likes to stay in bed with her cat.
Her advice to new students is "to not let this school intimidate you. We have lots of resources and you will, with time, find the places where you fit best. It is okay if you need to ask for help, there are plenty of students and staff here who are willing to give advice and an extra hand when needed."
She adds, "If you feel overwhelmed, that’s normal, this is a large school and you’re not going to know everybody and everywhere. You are not the only one who doesn’t know where they’re going yet."
Christopher Lennon, Mansfield
Christopher Lennon, of Mansfield, is a senior in the engineering vocational program and chose to follow digital electronics in his sophomore and junior years after working on computers and learning about software programs. He also liked the teachers in this field who inspired him and found it fascinating to watch other students and particiate in soldering circuit boards.
Lennon's favorite experience was after he saw a project he worked on in the classroom have an impact on the outside world. The project consisted of turning a bike into an e-bike powered by drill batteries, which was presented at the UMass Transportation Center.
He plans on going to college for computer engineering. He is still deciding between Umass-Amherst Commonwealth Honors College and Virginia Tech, which he says are both great schools for computer engineering.
Lennon participated in the Ski Club for three years, was a member of the National Honor Society for two years, volunteered at the Mansfield Food Pantry and babysat for the foster children in his house. He participated in a co-op during his senior year at Double E Company in West Bridgewater. Lennon is proud to share that the company was impressed with his skills and offered him a summer job which he has accepted.
His advice for new students at Southeastern is to "be yourself and always challenge yourself."
Shaylyn Harrington, North Easton
Shaylyn Harrington, of North Easton, is a senior in Southeastern's Carpentry and Cabinetmaking program.
Harrington chose the Carpentry and Cabinetmaking program after being exposed to the vocation during the eighth-grade open house hosted by Southeastern. She learned that she loved working with her hands and exploring her capabilities. The thing she loves most about her program is exploring the industry and the reflecting on the growth she's experienced during her time at Southeastern.
Her favorite experience at Southeastern was working on off-campus projects that benefitted the community, such as renovaitng decks and stairs at the Norton Housing Authority. She was also able to attend the groundbreaking event for a Habitat for Humanity home in Easton.
She says, "It has been a great opportunity for me to be a part of my community and meet influential people. I love the opportunities that I have been presented with and all of the people I have met."
After graduation, she plans to continue her education at the Southeastern Technical Institute. She is taking electrical classes to work towards her journeyman's license, and aims to be a journeyman in clean energy technology to help make clean energy more accessible. She was dually enrolled in this program during her time as a Southeastern high school student, taking classes at night after the school day.
She was involved in the early college program with Massasoit Community Colllege during all four years of high school, was a member of the National Honor Society, was a member of the Newspaper Club and was the captain of the Math Team during her junior and senior year.
Her advice to new students is, "Challenge yourself and be kind to everyone. You can accomplish anything, you just need to prove it to yourself. Some people will help you and some will discourage you, and it's good to meet both kinds of people," she said. "You should be kind to everyone because at the end of the day all that matters is your happiness. Protect your peace by spreading kindness and loving yourself."
Tess Combis, Norton
Tess Combis, of Norton, is a senior in the Early Education and Care vocational program. She chose this program because she has always possessed a love for learning and teaching. Realizing she wanted to educate young minds, she knew that Southeastern’s Early Learning Center would be the best place for her to prepare for a flourishing career in the teaching field. What she loves most about her vocational program is how extensively hands-on Southeastern's curriculum is. From her freshman to senior year, she has been immersed in the classroom, interacting with students, and applying her lesson plans and activities daily.
She says, "It was truly amazing to see my own growth reflected in the children and in the classroom."
Her favorite experience from her vocational work was participating in cooperative education. She is currently employed at a childcare center in Foxboro where she works with children ages three months to five years old. She creates and applies curricula, plans developmentally appropriate activities and leads and assists in the classroom. Co-op has made a significant impact on her life, from encouraging her to step out of her comfort zone to teaching her how to be a creative role model. Through her co-op, she has gained immense insight into real-world childcare and what it truly means to be an educator.
After graduation, she plans to attend a four-year college and earn a master’s degree in early education to teach kindergarten through grade 2 in Massachusetts public schools.
For new students attending Southeastern, Combis says, "Balance is key. Taking both academic and vocational courses at the same time can be difficult, however, with stability comes success. For me, taking advanced classes and simultaneously being out on co-op can bring challenges. However, I overcome these obstacles through proficiency, time management, and goal setting. Believe in yourself and your abilities!"
Cameron Raymond, Sharon
Cameron Raymond, of Sharon, is a senior in Southeastern's Networking and Cybersecurity program.
Raymond has always loved computers, and working on computer hardware in the future is his dream job. He joined Southeastern during the same year that the Networking program was introduced, and it was the perfect chance to get his formal education in computing.
His favorite experience from his vocational work was being able to build Southeastern's Esports PCs. He shares that it was a fun project to work on and that he looked forward to learning how to build gaming computers in class.
After graduation, he plans to earn more field certifications, specifically a CompTIA A+ certificate. He also plans to pursue full-time employment in the IT field using the certifications he has earned in school and in addition to those he hopes to earn in the future.
During the summers, Raymond worked as a counselor at a local summer camp to build his leadership skills. He has recently been employed at CVS which he believes is a great opportunity to improve his customer service skills.
His advice for new students is, "Take full advantage of the exploratory phase to find an interest in a field you enjoy. You may find that the thing you came to Southeastern may not be for you, and you might end up enjoying something you never thought you’d like."
Owen Ready, Stoughton
Owen Ready, of Stoughton, a senior in Southeastern's Carpentry and Cabinetmaking program.
Ready chose the Carpentry and Cabinetmaking program because he was drawn to the tools, machinery and past projects displayed at the program. During his sophomore year, he was able to recreate a set of cornhole boards that he had admired during his freshman orientation.
Ready enjoyed his carpentry internship, especially because he was able to learn from skilled tradesmen who are masters of their craft in the high-end carpentry industry. Ready shares that being out in the field of carpentry firsthand has provided him with an opportunity to get a realistic glimpse of what life as a carpenter would entail. His vocational experience has allowed him to become OSHA certified, expand his knowledge and receive invaluable feedback that has helped him develop a strong work ethic and appreciation for the craft.
His favorite experience at Southeastern was working with his fellow classmates for the Norton Housing Project. During this project, he replaced decking for residents, which gave them safer walking areas and upgraded the look of the units.
After graduation, he looks forward to continuing his education at Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Bourne. There, he will work towards a bachelor's degree in Emergency Management, as well as earn his EMT, Paramedic and Fire I and II certifications. After experiencing the A.I.M. cadet program at the US Coast Guard Academy last summer, he is looking forward to attending a regimented school that is known for its hands-on learning approach, and that is designed to challenge and grow its students as future leaders. He is thankful for the carpentry skills that he has gained at Southeastern, and believes that these skills will be highly invaluable when he begins his studies on fire inspections and building regulations.
While at Southeastern, Ready was a member of the Southeastern High School National Honors Society, was on the Southeastern Varsity Lacrosse Team and Winter Lacrosse Team, had a co-op position at an award-winning high-end construction company, S.J. Overstreet Construction Co., during his junior and senior year, volunteered at Stoughton Community Center for the front garden clean-up project and St. Anthony’s Food Pantry in Stoughton, shadowed at the Stoughton Fire Department, while also enjoying snowmobiling, fishing, boating and Airsoft in his free time.
"Through trial and error, both in school and at my co-op job, I have learned that it's important to independently manage my time, be responsible, and respectful, stay organized, follow directions, ask questions, and be open-minded," Ready says.
When asked to provide advice for new students at Southeastern, Ready says, “Trust the learning and growth process, if you work hard it opens the doors to further opportunities.”
Maeve Stipkovich, West Bridgewater
Maeve Stipkovich, of West Bridgewater, is a senior in Southeastern's Legal and Protective Services program. When she first came to Southeastern, she wanted to go into the medical field, but once exploratory came around, she realized medicine wasn't for her. Legal and Protective Services felt like a match for Stipkovich because it provided her with the action and movement in the field that she enjoyed, but also included a good combination of research and a desk job environment.
Her favorite experience at Southeastern has been all of the opportunities for networking and conversations with various experts and professionals in the field. She enjoyed the opportunity to create lasting professional relationships that can serve her well after high school.
She will be attending UMass Lowell and majoring in criminal justice at the Honors College. She would like to go into law enforcement and possibly the US Marshals Service.
Throughout her time at Southeastern, she was involved in the National Honor Society and also helped to establish a chapter of the Kyle Cares Foundation at Southeastern. Kyle Cares is an organization that focuses on destigmatizing mental health in students and teaching students how to offer peer support. She has also participated in varsity cross country, indoor track and spring track. During her senior year, she worked an internship at the Mansfield Police Department, while also holding a part-time job.
Her advice to new students at Southeastern is, "Always keep an open mind. You will be in a totally new environment with a lot of different people and you should always try to take opportunities that come to you."
She adds, "Don't rely on others to help you with everything, and don't let others' opinions influence what you want to do. At the end of the day, it is your life and they can not control that."
Most Popular
Comments / 0