Laconia High School honors Top 10 in class of 2026

LACONIA — Laconia High School celebrated their top 10 students Wednesday night, led by Valedictorian Ava Noyes, who engineering and manufacturing technology teacher Ken Martin said, “is No. 1 for a reason.”

Ava Noyes

Martin said Noyes stands out over his 23 years of teaching at the Huot Career and Technical Center. One of his first memories of Noyes was walking into the cafeteria and seeing students on their phones, before the ban, but Noyes was on a calculator, doing her homework.

“I knew I had someone special,” Martin said. “I’ve had Ava for all four years of her high school career, and it has truly made me a better person, because I have never seen that lady upset. She never has anything negative to say about anyone or anything. It truly changes the entire atmosphere for me.”

Martin said he could talk about her accomplishments all night. She embodied the school’s Portrait of a Graduate, so much that he made an oversized sign with its pillars alongside her face for his classroom.

“It’s going to be a great conversation starter for other students, where they can say, ‘Who is that?’” Martin said. “And I can tell her all about this young lady, who has clearly demonstrated all of those attributes. They don’t define her, but they certainly have helped her get to where she is and will serve her greatly in the future.”

Noyes said in eighth grade, she could hardly decide what she wanted for dinner, let alone the rest of her life. That's when she found the Huot Center classes, interested in bridges and houses after a presentation. When she walked into engineering lab during her first year in high school, she was impressed by rows of the best computers she had ever seen.

Noyes said while she was uncertain at first, Martin encouraged her to stick with the trajectory, which ended up being pivotal. She got a certified SOLIDWORKS associate certificate in 10th grade, helped over the summer at the Huot Center to teach middle school students basic engineering while they launched rockets. She got a 3D printer to manufacture items in her own home, and then was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society, and became the ambassador for the engineering program.

She said none of this would have happened without Martin’s guidance. Last year, Noyes got a chance to intern at an engineering firm. As months passed, she realized she hated it, not because of the company, but a nagging feeling of misalignment. She was worried about telling Martin, but he told her she had to do what felt best for her, and he would be there to help. She knew he wasn’t just an engineering teacher, but a true mentor.

“I owe my greatest thanks to him, and there’s no doubt I would not be standing here if it wasn’t for his help and guidance,” Noyes said.

Carter Jones

Carter Jones is the school’s salutatorian, and was introduced by his football coach, Nick Ford.

“Carter is without a doubt, without question, one of the finest student athletes I’ve ever had the privilege to coach in my entire career at Laconia High School,” Ford said.

Ford was his coach on both junior varsity and and varsity teams. As a starting quarterback, he led the Sachems to the state championship game last fall. Jones was a two-year captain, and captain of the basketball team this year. Ford called him a true three-sport athlete, who also excelled on the baseball diamond.

Ford said Jones consistently demonstrated excellence in the classroom, as well as leadership in athletics, with the highest level of character in everyday life. He said Jones is the kind of young man every coach, teacher, and parent would be proud of.

“In each sport, he made a lasting impact not just through his performance, but through his attitude, work ethic and team first mentality,” Ford said.

Jones has also been a member of Interact Club, vice president of student council for two years, volunteer for Got Lunch!, and has been a volunteer basketball referee.

He said what separates Carter is his work in the classroom. Having the second highest GPA in the class reflects discipline, intelligence, and commitment to success.

“Carter has proven that it is possible to excel at the highest level of academics and athletics, and he has done so with humility and class,” Ford said.

Jones is still deciding on where to attend college, but plans to study business administration, and Ford knows wherever he goes, he will be successful.

“He is the most well-rounded, respectful, and accomplished student athlete I’ve ever had the pleasure of coaching,” Ford said.

Jones said he’s been lucky to have great support in the community, and his relationship with Ford is second to none. He admires his ability to connect with everyone on a team, which is something he strives to do, as well. It has translated into his drive in the classroom, which allowed him to be where he is today.

“His trust in me has given me the confidence to be the leader I have become, both on the field and off,” Jones said.

Zander LeClerc

Zander LeClerc is Nov. 3 in the class, and was introduced by Student Outreach Coordinator Stephan Burdette. Burdette has coached LeClerc since he was in seventh grade, in track and cross country.

Burdette talks to his athletes about character-building, and how who you are on the field will determine who you are off it. He said there has never been an athlete who embodied that more than LeClerc.

“Zander is somebody who shows up every single day and does the right thing,” Burdette said.

Burdette lauded LeClerc for leading his teammates and classmates, and his energy is important for the rest of the student body. LeClerc exhibits leadership, determination and a work ethic that allowed him to be one of the top students.

“I just know he is going to go on and be successful at whatever he does,” Burdette said. “I had a conversation today with some of my other athletes, and they told me Zander was at a job interview. I had to honestly say this is somebody I would fear going up against for a job.”

LeClerc said there hasn’t been anyone in his life who pushed him as hard as Burdette, and in the half-decade since they met, he has been one of the most important reasons he was even in the Top 10.

He said when running a race, it can be incredibly painful, and there will be points where the mind will tell you to slow down or stop. What differentiates runners is how they respond to that feeling, he said, and one thing he learned from Burdette is you have learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable.

“I learned this lesson from him, and I apply it to all aspects of my life both on and off the track,” LeClerc said.

The top three students spoke last during the dinner, held at the Huot Center, ending with the valedictorian. Principal Mike Boyle said the other seven were so close grade-wise, they decided to have them speak in alphabetical order.

Emma Conlon

Emma Conlon was introduced by art teacher Alison Witham. From the start, Conlon proved to be “hard-working, dedicated, enthusiastic and a very talented student.” She was impressed how Conlon, in her first year, had created a plan to guide her through her high school career.

“It is rare for a ninth grade student to present such a clear and intentional vision for their future,” Witham said.

Conlon planned to be an art teacher, and also intended to complete most required coursework early, to focus on that. In the years that followed, she was constantly engaged in upper-level courses, and actively involved in preparing to become a teacher.

“With her determination, passion and character, I have no doubt she will be a successful adult and inspiring teacher,” Witham said.

Abigail Hayward

Abigail Hayward was introduced by science teacher Stefanie Barkanic, who said Hayward is a bright light in any setting.

“Abby is a natural collaborator, who leads with kindness and empathy, making even the most daunting of classes feel less heavy,” Barkanic said. “But there is a deep layer of grit beneath that upbeat exterior. It should come as no surprise to see Abby here at the Top 10 dinner.”

Barkanic said, much like she approaches riding horses, when she falls off, she gets right back on. She watched Hayward apply this mentality to an AP Biology course that is rigorous, and can be frustrating. Hayward proactively seeks out the help she needs, and is always willing to do the hard work to better herself.

“Watching her growth as a student has been truly impressive,” Barkanic said.

Hayward plans to earn her doctorate in veterinary medicine.

Benjamin Hogg

Benjamin Hogg was introduced by economics teacher Patrick Mignanelli, who commended Hogg’s parents for helping him become the person he is. Mignanelli relates much of Hogg’s success to the football field, as he coached him and watched him grow before his eyes. Despite not being the biggest, strongest, or fastest, he called Hogg the “definition of grit, determination, and discipline.

“Coaching provides a lot of insight into a student’s character,” Mignanelli said.

Hogg worked his way into a starting role during his last two seasons, and Mignanelli said he asked Hogg to be ready to start at tackle at a moment’s notice. This position is usually not meant for someone who is 150 pounds, but he had trust in Hogg to get the job done.

“I did this, because I knew that if I could count on any kid on that football team, it was Ben Hogg,” Mignanelli said. “Never once did he complain, he was always ready at a moment’s notice, because he works hard.”

Hogg is heading to Coastal Carolina University, and Mignanelli has no doubt there is a great future ahead of him.

Heidi Kristoffersen

Taylor Osborne teaches social studies, and introduced Heidi Kristoffersen, who he first met last spring in his AP Psychology course. He had already heard Kristoffersen’s reputation for being a hardworking, driven student, who wants to succeed at the highest level.

“It took only a couple weeks to prove that reputation correct,” Osborne said.

Osborne said Kristoffersen proves true scholarship isn’t just about what you know, but about the questions asked, and the humility involved.

“All that stuff is what makes a Top 10 student,” Osborne said.

Kristoffersen has aspirations to be an elementary school teacher.

Haily McCarty

Haily McCarty was introduced by music teacher Krin Monterose, who said McCarty leads by example. She worked with McCarty through the music program, and said from the very first day of band camp, she knew McCarty would be a vital part of the band family.

There were days when Monterose watched McCarty walk through the door and see stress leave her, as she was able to be herself, and excel at playing clarinet. McCarty serves as a section leader, who her peers look up to for her musical ability, as well as her kindness and patience.

Monterose said McCarty is someone who always takes initiative, and is often the last person to leave performances. Her leadership is extremely valuable to the program, Monterose said.

“Haily is someone who consistently goes the extra mile, not just in what she does, but how she supports the people around her,” Monterose said.

McCarty has plans to be an elementary school teacher, and will be heading to Merrimack College.

“Merrimack College will be lucky to have someone like you, Haily,” Monterose said.

Holden Mousseau

Holden Mousseau was introduced by English teacher Tyler Davis, who said he was so happy to see and watch everyone in the Top 10 grow. He recognized their hard work, and said they have all earned the accolade.

One of his favorite traits about Mousseau is his humility about the incredible effort he puts in. Whether it was on the soccer field or running track, he said nothing fazed him.

“He puts the work in, isn’t flashy, and that’s a trait that a lot of us don’t really give enough credit to, or learn until we are older,” Davis said.

Mousseau is pursuing a career in architecture, and Davis said if he were describing Mousseau as an architectural style, it would be “Greek Revival.” It's classic and simple, and a complexity that sometimes needs to be coaxed out.

“I think that really fits Holden,” Davis said. “Next year, wherever you end up, you will be a talented architectural student. Watching your brain work is just amazing.”

Samantha Wylie

Physical education teacher Lindsy Poulin introduced Samantha Wylie, and admitted it was one of the only times she has been truly nervous. Poulin met Wylie when she was in sixth grade, and has coached her in basketball and lacrosse since then. Poulin saw first-hand the type of teammate Wylie is: a person who shows up, works hard, and has a team-first mentality.

“What truly sets Sammy apart is her heart,” Poulin said. “She’s incredibly kind, thoughtful, and mature beyond her years.”

Poulin said this is exhibited in her relationship with her sister who has spinal muscular atrophy. She called Wylie a “devoted and compassionate sister” who includes her in every part of her life. Her patience, empathy and selflessness are rare for someone her age, Poulin said.

Next year Wylie will be heading to Endicott where she plans to study biology and biotechnology, and is on the path to be a physician’s assistant.

“I have no doubt she will bring the same determination and compassion, and heart, to the next chapter,” Poulin said.