Karin Baard is the Valedictorian for the Brunswick High School graduating class of 2008. She is the daughter of Mary and Ronald Baard of Brunswick. As yet undecided as to her college choice, Karin intends to major in Spanish with a minor in International Relations or Peace Studies. Challenging herself with this school's most demanding course load, Karin has been inducted into National and Spanish Honor Societies as well as being a Presidential Scholar nominee. Excelling in math and science, Karin earned the Society of Women Engineers award her junior year in addition to the University of Pennsylvania book award. She also was awarded an Outstanding Achievement in Foreign Language Award for her junior year for her strong performance in Spanish. KarinÕs love of music and theater has included participation in Brunswick High School's Chamber Choir where she earned the vocal musicianship award for two years consecutive. Karin has also devoted many hours in support of our local Theater Project whether it be helping to stage youth or adult productions or manage the store. A member of the Math Team and Key Club, Karin possesses excellent leadership skills that will add to her success in future years to come.
Alice "Ali" Shaw is the Salutatorian for the Brunswick High School graduating class of 2008. She is the daughter of Carla and Randy Shaw of Brunswick. Ali has not decided on a major, but is considering biology which she will study at either University of Virginia or College of William and Mary. Ali is a passionate learner as well as being kind hearted, mature, humble and dedicated. She is bit shy, but that has not stopped her from being a leader in the school community and she is President of the National Honor Society. Ali is both a three season athlete and a musician. Her contributions to the swim team have been particularly noteworthy and she is ranked 11th in the state for butterfly. She has been recognized for her academic strengths and personal characteristics through awards that include: National Merit Commended Student, DAR Good Citizen Award, Smith Book Award, Dirigo GirlÕs State, Spanish Honor Society, and the Brunswick High School Science Award. Last summer she attended Brown University's Environmental Leadership Lab.
Amanda Grimes is the daughter of Dawn and Joseph Grimes of Brunswick. In the fall she will attending Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana where she will be majoring in Biomedical/Aerospace Engineering. Amanda is a member of the National Honor Society, the Math team and co-president of Key Club, which is the youth organization of Kiwanis. As a member of that community service organization she embodies the motto of Key Club, "Caring, Our Way of Life". Her spirit her concern for others, and her integrity are reflected in all of the activities she pursues. There is never a lot of noise around her accomplishments, but there is tremendous power in her quiet leading by example. These qualities are also reflected in Amanda in participation in Girl Scouts. A scout of 13 years, Amanda has participated in many service projects and also received the Gold Award (the highest award in Girl Scouts). She currently serves on their board of directors.
Harrison "Harry" Swan is the son of Emily and Ben Swan of Brunswick. Harrison has taken a rigorous course of study and has particularly enjoyed his humanity courses. Harry is a quiet, deep thinking young man who has decided to take a year off before attending college. He would like to spend time working at the camp his family owns, traveling and pursuing his interest in filmmaking. Harry has already made several films and hopes to major in film/English/writing.
David Slovenski is the son of Dugin and Peter Slovenski of Brunswick. David has challenged himself with the most rigorous chouse of study offered and he has been actively involved in athletics and music. While he has excelled in all of his classes, he is truly a gifted mathematician. This year, he took two math classes at Bowdoin College because he had completed the course of study at the high school. David plans on attending Princeton College and majoring in engineering. Although David is goal oriented, studious and hardworking, he has a remarkable sense of humor and an ability to take any task or challenge and make it fun. Those characteristics coupled with his enthusiasm and energy has helped him become one of the leaders in the classroom and school community. He is president of the band and captain of the math team. David is also a top athlete who has broken pole vaulting records at this high school as well as on a state and regional level. In addition, he is an accomplished trumpet player. David is a member of the National Honor Society and a recipient of the Williams Book Award and the Bausch and Lomb Science Award. This multi-talented young man is sure to find success in his future endeavors.
Seth Strickland is the son of Susan and Frank Strickland of Lisbon. He transferred to Brunswick High School in his junior year after being home schooled and attending a very small private school. Despite the huge change in academic environment, Seth's transition was seamless. Seth is mature, articulate and a leader in the classroom. He is well read and passionate about learning. He plans on attending Hillsdale College in Michigan and he would like to major in Art and English. Seth is a member of the Speech and Debate team and he has consistently placed in the top three for original works and poetry. He has also competed with the indoor track program and the tennis team. Outside school, Seth is active with the Boy Scouts. His academic accomplishments have earned him the Yale Book Award and the National Latin Exam Gold Metal. He enjoys conversation with friends, reading, writing and coffee.
Samuel "Sam" Kaplan is the son of Suzanne Meeker and Jamie Kaplan of Brunswick. Sam will be attending Amherst College this fall with an intended major in Economics and Pre-Law Studies. With a love of learning, Sam has been recognized as an AP Scholar of Distinction for his strong performance on advanced placement exams and is an inductee in both the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. A leader on the playing field as well as in the classroom, Sam has played an integral part in the success of Brunswick High School soccer, resulting in his selection to the Maine Soccer Coaches Association Eastern Maine All-Class Team, the All-Conference KVAC and the Captain's Award. Always looking to share his expertise with younger players, Sam worked as a referee for Brunswick Parks and Recreation soccer program and at the Jeremiah Cromwell Disabilities Center. Other hobbies include physical fitness, reading and poetry.
Maryam Ansari is the daughter of Louise and Hamid Ansari of Brunswick. Maryam plans on attending Wheaton College in the fall majoring in Biology/Environmental Science with a minor in French. A strong leader by example, Maryam has been very active in the Brunswick High School Key Club as both treasurer her junior year and vice president her senior year. MaryamÕs strong passion for her community was seen in her successful organization of Earth Day and Bike Rodeo events this past year. Maryam has also worked with youngsters interested in learning about foreign languages as an instructor in the Foreign Language of Youth program held at the elementary school level. Awards Maryam has earned include the Davis Award (10th grade) for her wonderful interpersonal skills and an Outstanding Achievement in French award. Maryam was also the recipient of the Kodak Young Leadership Award which celebrates a student's strong dedication to academics, leadership in extracurricular activities and pride in oneÕs community. Maryam has been inducted into both the National and French Honor Societies. Other interests of Maryam include biking, rock climbing, studying Quebec and ice cream.
Ross Sabasteanski is the son of Carol and Frank Sabasteanski of Brunswick. From a young age, Ross has been interested in the business world and towards that end plans on attending Babson College in Massachusetts. He would like to major in Sales and Marketing. Both in and out of school, Ross is recognized for his hard work and determination. He has consistently challenged himself with a rigorous course of studies and he has excelled in the math and science courses. Ross is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. Ross played both football and lacrosse for several years, but this year decided to spend more of this free time working. He works for both Ray Labbe Construction and Hannaford's. Ross has high integrity, a positive attitude and a terrific sense of humor. His long range goal is to become a Fortune 500 CEO.
