As graduation ceremonies continue across the city, some of Worcester’s top high school seniors have been recognized for academic achievement, leadership and community involvement through the Worcester County Superintendents’ Association Scholars’ Recognition program.
The annual recognition honors graduating seniors from across Worcester Public Schools who have distinguished themselves both inside and outside the classroom. This year’s honorees include valedictorians, student-athletes, researchers, student government leaders and students heading to some of the nation’s top colleges and scholarship programs.
At North High School, Tammy T. Do was recognized after graduating first in her class of 289 students with a 4.85 weighted GPA. According to the district’s announcement, Do completed a rigorous schedule of advanced placement and early college coursework while participating in theater and debate.
Fellow North High senior Milene G. Novoa, ranked second in the class with a 4.83 weighted GPA, was recognized for balancing academics, athletics and leadership as president of the National Honor Society while competing in varsity cross country and track and field.
At Worcester Technical High School, Katie Lam was recognized as valedictorian for the Class of 2026. The district said Lam earned 15 college credits through Early College Worcester while serving as president of SkillsUSA, the National Honor Society and the Asian Student Union.
Worcester Tech student Nelson Tetteh was also honored after completing an internship with Nobel Prize-winning scientist Dr. Craig Mello and founding the school’s STEM Club. According to the district, Tetteh also helped develop a research proposal focused on antibiotic resistance and created a website supporting a school in Ghana.
University Park Campus School senior Rediet Abayneh was recognized for her academic achievements and research work at Clark University. Worcester Public Schools said Abayneh, a Martin Luther King Jr. Poetry Contest winner and Harvard Book Award recipient, will attend Columbia University this fall on a full scholarship.
At Burncoat High School, Yvonne Roberts was recognized for her leadership roles as president of the school’s Black Student Union and as a student delegate to the Worcester School Committee. The district also highlighted her work in Burncoat’s Innovation Career Pathways Program, where she became a certified nursing assistant.
Claremont Academy valedictorian Carol Somersall Feliz was recognized for graduating with 18 college credits through early college programs with Worcester State University and Quinsigamond Community College, along with coursework completed at Clark University. The district said she also earned the Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction in Spanish.
At Doherty Memorial High School, students Kleri Morcka and Elena Melka were both recognized for academic achievement and leadership. According to the district, Morcka interned at the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office and held leadership roles in student government and the National Honor Society, while Melka received multiple academic honors and developed a video game designed to educate people about rainforest threats.
South High Community School students Caleb Som and Jordan Dennett were also among those recognized. Worcester Public Schools said Som completed nine AP classes while pursuing additional advanced coursework during his senior year, while Dennett balanced athletics, mentoring and involvement in organizations including Science Olympiad, DECA and Mock Trial.
The Worcester County Superintendents’ Association Scholars’ Recognition program honors students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to community service.
For graduation schedules and ceremony information across Worcester Public Schools, see the Worcester Guardian’s graduation roundup.
