1. Joely Anne Centracchio
Johnston High School class of 2016 valedictorian is Joely Anne Centracchio, who plans to attend Boston College, where she will major in psychology.
Centracchio’s list of accomplishments reads more like a private-sector professional’s than that of a high school student. They include serving as class vice president for Student Council, on the Social Committee for the homecoming float, and as a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Chorus and Select Choir, Academic Decathlon, Chemistry Club, and the Rhode Island, Junior National and National Honor Societies.
She’s also provided assistance through volunteering with the Special Olympics and Hasbro Hospital, tutoring, food bank collections, blood drives, and at local nursing homes. She received scholarships from the Johnston Federation of Teachers, Johnston Music Association, and the Parent Teacher Student Organization.
Her numerous awards include the U.S. Air Force Math and Science Award, and the U.S. Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award.
“I will remember the daily challenges of balancing academics, extracurricular activities and my interests, while fitting in fun times with my friends,” Centracchio said. “I will always remember the wonderful moments spent with teachers as they shared their wisdom, care, and concern for my education.”
Looking to experience life in abundance and to be a part of unique and inviting educational opportunities, she strove to make her family and teachers proud and is grateful for their inspiration and support.
“My passion for life and my value toward education drive me on a daily basis,” she said. “Furthermore, my parents, teachers, principals, friends, and mentors have been paramount guides in molding me into the driven individual I have become.”
2. Ibrahim Abaherah
Ibrahim Abaherah’s focus and dedication to his academic career earned him the title of salutatorian for the class of 2016.
“Not many have the opportunity to get an education, so I think it is best to get the most out what you have, and do the best you can,” he said.
Abaherah did his best and more as a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and the Chemistry Club, and as president of the Chess Club and National Honor Society. His excellence continued on the field as a soccer player for the Johnston Panthers.
“I will never forget waking up at six o’clock in the morning each day! But most importantly, I’ll never forget the acts of kindness from my friends, teachers and students,” Abaherah said. “All the wonderful teachers I’ve had and love, my friends, my family, and of course Mr. Russo.”
Abaherah plans to major in biology at Providence College.
3. Gillian Melikian
Gillian Melikian ranked third in this year’s class, and will go on to major in pre-medical sciences and biology at Providence College.
“Of all the memories I have made here at Johnston High, my involvement in the building of my class’s homecoming float as the class president will always stick out in my mind,” Melikian said. “The memories I have of past overnighters, homecoming days, and meetings themselves all have their own special place in my heart. I have had more laughs at float meetings than anyone would ever think possible.”
Melikian also served as class president on the Student Council for the last three years. She was part of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), the Junior National and National Honor Societies, and the Panther Cubs.
“I attribute all of my achievements and successes to my two wonderful parents. They have always been my biggest supporters, mentors, and inspirations ever since I was young,” she said. “Everything I have earned was accomplished with the hopes of making them proud, and I am beyond blessed and honored to be their daughter.”
Melikian would like to thank class advisor Mrs. Smyth, and attributes her academic skills to Mr. Taborelli, who she said inspired her to work hard and “understand that learning does not cease when one leaves the classroom, but rather it carries on to all aspects of life.”
4. Rachel Graziano
When asked about what motivated her to excel, Rachel Graziano said it was her future career choice that drove her ambitions.
“From the beginning of high school, I have wanted to be a forensic scientist, which has given me something to work toward,” she said. “I knew I wanted to be in a top program for it and was motivated to succeed.”
Graziano served as Student Council secretary, a section leader in band, and a captain in lacrosse, and was a member of the Chemistry Club, Float Committee, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), and National Honor Society.
“I will always remember the school spirit that radiates throughout Johnston High School,” she said. “Being a member of so many clubs and activities has allowed me to make so many remarkable friends who are passionate about so many different things.”
Graziano attributes her success to her family, especially her parents, her guidance counselor Ms. Mallari, as well as her teachers Mrs. Denham, Mrs. Florio, Mrs. Smyth, and Ms. Picano. She will attend the University of New Haven in the fall.
5. Victoria Johnson
Fifth-ranked Victoria Johnson plans to study pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Rhode Island.
“Without a doubt, I owe the majority of my success and enjoyment of high school to my family, especially my parents and sister,” she said. “My grandfather also had a positive influence on my life, as he was my number one supporter in everything I did.”
At Johnston High, Johnson played volleyball and served on the Float Committee, and was a member of the Junior and National Honor Societies, Panther Cubs, SADD, and Chemistry Club.
“I will always remember the lessons I’ve learned, the relationships I’ve created, and the memories made throughout the past four years with all my friends and teachers,” she said. “However, I will never forget the memories made during float and homecoming season, as well as those from playing on the volleyball team. These will definitely be the hardest things to leave behind.”
Johnson’s special recognitions include the Johnston School Committee Scholarship, the Janice Ruggerio Memorial Scholarship, the Agape Dermatology Scholarship, and the Richard Salzillo Memorial Scholarship.
“Ever since I was little I’ve been a hard worker that always strove for perfection, and for that I thank my parents,” she said.
6. Kristina DiMascio
Kristina DiMascio earned her sixth spot in the top 10 with a combined excellence in athletics and academics.
“I will remember and cherish my memories with my peers in athletics, extracurricular activities, and in the classroom,” she said. “Sports have played a major role in how I have grown as a person, and that is something I will never forget.”
DiMascio served as captain of the volleyball and basketball teams, and as a volunteer assistant coach of the Unified Basketball Team. In volleyball, she received an All Tournament Team award, as well as First Team and Second Team All-Division awards. Her team won three division titles and a state championship, which is one of her favorite high school memories.
DiMascio also received the Johnston High School Scholar Athlete Award, the United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award, and the National Guard Scholar Athlete Award.
“All of my coaches allowed me to fail before I found the road to success,” she said of coach Ed Saravo, Greta Lalli, Chris Corsinetti, and Matt Lafazia.
On the academic side, DiMascio participated in Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Panther Cubs, National Honor Society, Float Committee, and Battle of the Classes.
“My motivation to excel stemmed from my desire to attend my dream school. I have loved UConn since I was in middle school and receiving excellent grades would allow me to be accepted,” she said, adding that she plans to major in finance. “My parents have raised me to strive to be the best I can be, and their encouragement has guided me for 18 years.”
7. Laura Arango
Seventh-ranked Laura Arango said her mother motivates her to excel in academics and beyond.
“It has always been my goal to one day to be able to give my mom the opportunity to enjoy life without the worries of money,” she said. “Eventually, I will.”
Arango’s time at Johnston High saw her participate in the National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), the Chemistry Club, Float Committee, Panther Cubs, and as a peer tutor. She also served as president of World Cultures.
Her success could not have been achieved without contributions from her grandparents, aunt, friends, and of course her mother.
Arango will always remember high school through “the laughs I’ve shared with my friends and teachers.”
Arango plans to double major in political science and biology on a pre-med track at Boston College.
8. Katerina Athaide
Eighth-ranked Katerina Athaide won’t soon forget the fun she had in high school. She plans to attend the University of New Haven, where she’ll major in forensic science.
“From my high school years I’ll remember all the memories I’ve made through my participation in athletics, academics, and other extracurricular activities,” she said. “The hardest memories to leave behind will be the ones I’ve made playing sports. They’ve consumed most of my time here at the high school, and I can’t believe I’m leaving it all behind.”
Athaide’s memories include serving as captain of the volleyball and basketball teams, as well as playing on the softball team. She received a Division III Second Team All Division award in volleyball, the Scholar Athlete Award, and multiple scholarships.
“The people that contributed most to my success and enjoyment of high school would be my friends, family, teachers, and coaches,” she said. “[My parents] always taught me that what I want to accomplish now will create a path for my future, and this was my motivation to do well in school and push past any obstacles to become successful.”
Athaide used that motivation in the Chemistry Club as an officer, as a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Panther Cubs, the Rhode Island, National, and Junior National Honor Societies, and the Float Committee, and as design editor for the Yearbook Committee. She also received and Excellence in Science medal.
9. Jenna Bouchard
“I was motivated to excel because I loved the feeling of achieving a high grade,” ninth-ranked Jenna Bouchard said. “I did whatever I could to achieve this feeling as much as possible.”
Bouchard plans to take those feelings on to the University of Rhode Island, where she’ll major in computer science.
“My parents have had the greatest influence on my success,” she said. “They always pushed me to do my best and they helped me when I needed it.”
Bouchard participated in the National Honor Society and Mock Trial. She also received a Rhode Island Scholar Award and Rhode Island National Honor Society Award.
“I remember the events at the end of the school year the most. The concerts, dances, and award ceremonies were always a lot of fun,” she said. “It was a great time to spend with friends and celebrate the end of the year.”
10. Andrew Sano
Rounding out the top 10 of Johnston’s class of 2016 is Andrew Sano, who accomplished much academically in his high school career.
Sano was part of the Academic Decathlon, serving as team captain, as well as an officer of the Chemistry Club, during his senior year. He worked as the student editor for the Pawprint in the school’s newspaper club. A member of the National Honor Society, he was also a member of the Chess Club.
Sano’s dedication earned him distinct recognition, with a Gift of Art award in 2014, honors from the Rhode Island National Honor Society, an Excellence in Italian award, and participation in the statewide Academic Decathlon.
From his high school years, Sano said he would most remember the “friends that I’ve made along the way, and all the lessons that I’ve learned that will help me later in life.”
He credited his parents, close friends, and teachers for his successes.
“My parents, who helped me shape who I was leading up to high school, and being inspired by seeing other students excel helped me to shape an image of who I wanted to be,” he said.
Sano plans to attend Providence College, majoring in biology.
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