LHS Senior Jennifer Markham received the principal's Leadership Recognition award.

Story & photos by Samantha Bridgman

"Good evening and congratulations Class of 2012!”
    Lunenburg High School faculty joined parents, friends and supporters in honoring LHS seniors June 7 at the Community Awards Ceremony. Seniors dressed, in caps and gowns from an earlier graduation rehearsal, were awarded locally-funded scholarships towards their continuing education as well as other awards including the Gold L.
    Scholarships included the Mabel Allen and Barbara Nelson awards. Allen was an English teacher during WWI and a fund was set up in her name to benefit an outstanding English student.  Nelson taught third and fifth grades for 25 years in Lunenburg. When she passed away in 2010, a scholarship was created in her memory to be given to a graduating senior with a declared education major. Taylor Liljegren received the Mabel Allen Award and Ronni Gillette the Barbara Nelson Award
    Dr. Robert Fallon, well-known and beloved town member, established the Fallon Animal Clinic in 1963 after years of struggle in school. Upon his passing earlier this year, the Fallon family raised funds for a scholarship in his name for students who planned to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine.
    Assistant Principal Brian Spadafino read a message from the family, “If Bob were here today, he would have said, ‘You can do anything you put your mind to with hard work and perseverance’.”
    Hana Vickery, Hannah Petersen, Sarah Noviello and Ashli Brady were the first time recipients of the Dr. Robert J. Fallon scholarship.
    Athletic Director Peter McCauliff took a moment before presenting the athletic scholarships to thank the graduating class for four years of amazing effort.
    “This class has contributed in a huge way to the athletic department. This year has been an outstanding year athletically,” said McCauliff.  
    When presenting the Richard Mulligan Awards, he reminisced over the past season and it’s quirks and successes. The number of incredible athletes put a pinch on McCauliff and the other coaches to select the recipients.
    “The coaching staff always agonizes over who to choose for top honors… and this year we chose two outstanding athletes among many outstanding athletes, David Knutson and Jennifer Markham,” he said.
    Not only was the class of 2012 outstanding on the field, they were phenomenal in the classroom. A record 29 students received the Gold L, the highest number in LHS history.
    Fannie Woods, LHS’ singular female principal, created the Gold L in 1933. At the end of her eight years as principal, she awarded a “Gold L” to students who earned all A’s and B’s in all four years of high school. There were three recipients in 1933, Janette Cook Kelley, Chandler Plimpton Pierce and Avis Arleta Proctor. The class of 2012 smashed all records with 29 recipients.
    Karma Tousignant recognized Deb Aro, Sheila Szocik and Tina Cooney for their unmatched work in the front and guidance offices. Each received a potted lily as sign of gratitude. Senior Rachael Spurgeon took the stage as well to formally thank Joseph Dillon for stepping up to the duties of principal.
    “Thanks for coming here when we needed you and being our principal,” said Spurgeon.
    For a list of award recipients turn to page 6.