Laconia's Top 10 Dinner celebrates students and their biggest cheerleaders

LACONIA — The students who graduate top of the class are studies in discipline, drive and grit, and any other laudable attributes draped over the shoulders of the highest achievers.

However deserving those mantles might be, the individualized framing excludes part of the picture, the part that shows great students are made in part by talented, dedicated educators. The annual tradition of the Laconia High School Top 10 Dinner, held on Wednesday night at the Huot Technical Center’s dining room, pulled back the focus just far enough to celebrate both the students and the adult they chose to spotlight, giving them each a chance to speak about what it was like to learn from — or guide — the other.

Gracie Lewis

Krin Monterose, band instructor and fine arts department head at LHS, was chosen by Lewis to give her introduction. Monterose said Lewis came into the band community through an unusual door — during her first year, Lewis was Facetiming a band member friend of hers, and liked the uniform, so she decided to join.

Her interest in band soon grew beyond the superficial.

“She immediately became part of the family, and over the years, she’s definitely been one of the family members that keeps everyone in check, even myself,” Monterose said. Lewis is a leader in band as well as clubs, and a three-sport athlete. She raises money to help local human services organizations and also finds time to work.

“Many times she’s worked a shift at Burrito Me and then come to school on a Saturday for band-related things,” Monterose said. “This truly shows her dedication to our symphonic band and teaches all the other members that you can do both.”

“When someone asks me, 'Why are you in band?', my answer innately follows: ‘Monte,’” Lewis said, when it was her turn to take the podium. She said Monterose has the ability to make her smile, and has shown what it means to be dedicated to a program as well as her students, who she helps navigate high school’s “inevitable ups and downs. ... Monte’s office is undoubtedly my most visited room in LHS.”

Her music teacher possesses, “an endless amount of kindness, and she always finds a way to show you that she truly cares. Monte has taught me many things, but most of all, she has taught me the importance of truly listening ... I was always remember the importance of listening louder than you play.”

Paxten Perley

“If you spend any time around Paxten, you know that at any given moment, she could be laughing hysterically and crying at exactly the same moment,” said Stephen McDonough, math teacher. “That was exactly what I was confronted with in honors freshman math class,” he said, explaining his earliest memory of the student he would get to know much better in years to come.

“I spent my four years working with Paxten in a lot of ways. She’s kind of been like my right-hand man.” McDonough is the boys lacrosse and basketball coach, and Paxten stepped up to serve as manager for both teams. She helped the teams in every way she could, and her dedication remained constant, whether it was a season when the team was contending for the state title, or struggling to make the playoffs.

“I do everything in my power to annoy her on a daily basis, because I know how serious she takes it, and I try to provide some levity to the situation,” McDonough said.

When a friend asked for him to recommend a student intern at a local law firm, McDonough immediately thought of Perley. The internship didn’t last long.

“Paxten earned so much respect that she’s going to be paid. She has keys to the office,” McDonough said, “she’s going to be attending trial with them and assisting in the defense.”

Perley said she’s learned from her math teacher how to bring out the best in someone, whether it’s a basketball player in the playoffs, or a laughing-crying fist year student in math class.

“He truly is so adaptable to every student he has in class. He uses his comedic nature and his light-hearted-ish humor to put a smile on anyone’s face,” and he’s also able to deliver “meaningful direction and criticism” to those who need it.

And he cares about the wellbeing of his charges. At one away game, a fan from the other contingent said something that provoked tears from Perley — no laughter in this episode — and word of the interaction reached McDonough. Perley doesn’t know what he did about it, but she can say the team received a personal apology from the hosting school shortly thereafter.

“He might not have been my coach, but he’s always been my teacher, always pushing me to reach my full potential and achieve goals.”

Molly Lemay

“As a middle school student, Molly was one of the most authentic 13-, 14-year-olds I’ve ever met,” recounted LMS teacher Stephanie Atherton. “She loved the arts, writing, drawing, and all things music.” Lemay impressed with her clear sense of self, shrugging off the influences of her peers, parents or even social norms. “She wore what she wanted, talked with whom she chose, spent time doing what pleased her,” Atherton said.

Atherton said she compared notes with her high school colleagues, who said Lemay continued to exhibit those traits as she matured.

It goes without saying any top 10 student has a solid work ethic, Atherton said, but Lemay distinguishes herself by being what she called a “heart-worker,” infusing as much compassion into her work as she does effort.

“I admire and respect your ability to stay true to who you are and what you believe in. You are one of a kind,” Atherton said.

Lemay said Atherton “always gave me a smile whenever I walked into the classroom,” and her teacher saw things in herself she didn’t.

“I had a lot of trouble seeing the point in a lot of things that I was learning,” Lemay said. “I would often scribble on the margins of my papers, not really concerned by whatever was on the page. But Atherton would help me feel something for what I was learning. She would encourage me and pat me on the back,” Lemay said. “Thank you so much for coming here with me, and just being someone that I always knew would be on my side.”

Luke Stafford

Tyler Davis said he first met Stafford in an honors English class. The class was full of students nervous for the first day with a new teacher. They probably didn’t know their teacher, just hired to teach at LHS, was equally as nervous, if not more so.

His student Stafford, Davis came to learn, is “probably the single hardest worker I have ever met,” and as evidence he cited drumming and downhill skiing. “And those are two activities where the only way to get better at those is to practice. It is hours on the hill, it is hours with the sticks, it is constantly doing the same thing over again. And that takes a certain type of person that’s going to put in all that hard work behind the scenes."

He’s further impressed by Stafford’s capacity to ask for assistance, something that doesn’t come easily for students or adults.

“It really shows that he isn’t afraid to do that, and he knows that the only way he will be successful is to ask for help,” Davis said.

If Davis was impressed by Stafford’s willingness to ask for help, Stafford was equally as grateful the call was answered.

“Before entering his classroom, I struggled with writing and getting poor grades on my essays,” Stafford said. “He taught me the fundamentals of a good essay, how to write a thesis sentence and how to put my ideas into words. He changed my perspective on English class and more importantly, on myself as an English student. I learned that by improving my writing, I improved my confidence. He was passionate about the books we read, making learning and writing about them easier and more fun.”

Davis also appreciated demands Stafford faced outside school, and offered him flexibility to find the right balance between academics and other obligations.

“So I want to thank you, Mr. Davis, for your patience, wisdom and humor. Thank you for helping me find my voice and making me a more confident person,” Stafford said.

Yuri Luis

Paul Wheaton, science teacher, said Luis was a “breath of fresh air” in his classroom. “I’ve been teaching for a long time, over 25 years, here in Laconia,” and in his first year science classes, he’s grown used to having most students uninterested in what he’s trying to teach.

“You seem to take an interest here. You’re always asking good questions, and you actually listen when I answer you,” which Wheaton took as a sign of respect.

Other students noticed how Luis was grasping the material, Wheaton said, and would follow his lead during lab projects. “That was very impressive,” Wheaton said.

Luis works two jobs, at Gunstock Mountain Resort and at a butcher shop, while also applying himself to achieve academic excellence.

“You are definitely a unique man, I’m proud of you, I think you will succeed in whatever you do,” Wheaton said.

Luis moved to the U.S. from the Philippines in 2019, “which was really tough. I spent my days really anxious and nervous.” Yet in Wheaton, Luis found a teacher willing to help, even if it took a few extra minutes.

“I just want to say thank you for dedicating your time, because time is precious,” Luis said. “The most precious thing you can give to someone is your time. Thank you for being there with me in the hardest times.”

Morgan Mitchell

Rebecca Price, art and technology teacher, said she had to compose herself differently when Mitchell was in her class. “I would stand a little taller, straighten out my back and lift my chin,” all to ride the tide of elegance that would follow Mitchell. “I feel like you bring people up with you.”

Mitchell calls to mind the literary character Jane Eyre, conceived by Charlotte Bronte, who navigated a challenging social and economic landscape and found her own path to independence and love.

Like Eyre, Price said to Mitchell, “You don’t fit in any box.” Or, quoting Bronte, “You’re no bird, no net can trap you. ... Go out in the world and break down barriers and become whoever it is that she wants to be.”

Price was only in Mitchell’s schedule once a week, during her student support block, Mitchell said. But Price didn’t let that diminish the depth of her understanding of her students.

“She took the time to get to know all of us individually, memorizing our schedules,” Mitchell said. “She made all of us feel seen.”

Later, when Mitchell had a scheduling problem, Price found a solution by arranging an online class for her. Price found the time to be there for Mitchell to answer questions and make sure she was on track. As a result, Mitchell now has a passion for photography, which she's put to great use documenting family gatherings and her travels.

“I’m so lucky to know that I’ve always had someone in my corner, someone always rooting me on. You mean the world to me,” Mitchell said.

Kali Muzzey

Jill Trimble, art and technology teacher, said she first saw Muzzey on stage, dancing at a studio where Trimble’s children also studied. She then heard Muzzey was named to the varsity lacrosse team in her first year.

“That was when I knew Kali doesn’t just participate, she commits 110% to everything she does,” Trimble said.

As a sophomore, Muzzey joined Trimble’s digital art class, which wasn’t a natural fit. Muzzey is a perfectionist who likes to get the right answer — and there’s no such thing as perfection or the correct response in art. Then, in her support block, Muzzey and Trimble connected on a deeper level.

“This is where I saw not just the dancer, the athlete or the student, but the person,” Trimble said. That person is someone who values her relationships, respects her teachers and family, and is passionate about important issues.

“Kali doesn’t hesitate to speak out when something doesn’t sit right with her, and I love seeing that fire in her,” Trimble said. “She’s the perfect blend of sweet and sassy, the kind of combination that will take her very far.”

Trimble wasn’t just her digital arts teacher, Muzzey said, “she was my go-to person at any time I felt overwhelmed or stressed, or just needed to talk, I knew I could go to her.”

Kindness and patience Muzzey said were Trimble’s greatest lessons.

“So, Ms. Trimble, thank you, thank you for listening to me, for pushing me or believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” Muzzey said. “You made a bigger impact on me than I can fully put into words and I will always appreciate you.”

Kardin Nguyen

Nguyen might not have looked like much when he showed up for football practice. He was small and skinny and didn’t know the first thing about the sport. But, said strength coach Rod Roy, the team under coach Nick Ford placed a significance on dedication, and there was no questioning Nguyen’s commitment to the team.

“We wanted to award those kids that were dedicated and committed to the program,” Roy said. “I always said, 'Kardin needs to be on the field, Kardin needs to be playing, because Kardin is the most dedicated kid in the program.'” His dedication was exhibited at every summer workout, every strength training session and every other possible opportunity. “He just wants to work, he wants to be dedicated, and he wants to be committed and we need to show him that we appreciate that effort.”

Nguyen said he was surprised by the form appreciation took, especially when he learned he would be playing on the offensive line, protecting the quarterback from blitzing linebackers and making space for a running back.

“I did not believe in myself whatsoever,” Nguyen said.

But his coaches did, and their belief stuck, even in instances where Nguyen made a mistake.

They rewarded his dedication, and he theirs. Nguyen said he saw how many hours the coaching staff was putting into the team, and it inspired him to match their effort. “In general, it motivated me because the amount of work he puts in, he should see back.”

Kathryn Beane

Jillisiana Paul, English teacher, said she first met Beane in her first year English class, and immediately recognized the characteristics that resulted in her finishing among the top of the class.

“Kathryn’s the type of student that every teacher wishes for. She is dedicated to pushing herself, incredibly dedicated in her work ethic, a slight perfectionist and somehow she manages to balance it all along with her personable demeanor,” Paul said.

Later, as Beane became president of Key Club and Paul the club’s advisor, she got another view of her student.

“Kathryn holds herself to a high standard yet she’s full of humility,” Paul said. “She’s a true team leader and at times she was the team, showing up one Saturday morning to volunteer with just her lonely Key Club advisor."

Beane said she learned important lessons from Paul, including, “showing us how even simple tasks can impact others significantly. Equally important is the ability to prioritize oneself. ... She has continuously emphasized that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of others,” words which Beane said she will carry with her as she moves on to nursing school.

Kendora Harper-Cartier

The class’s valedictorian, Harper-Cartier chose Andrea Besegai, who now teaches at the middle school but first taught Harper-Cartier during both her kindergarten and fifth grade years.

Besegai said it takes relentless drive, academic ambition and unwavering dedication to arrive at the title of valedictorian. “Kendora embodies all those qualities, but she is so much more. Beyond those academic accolades, Kendora is a beacon of kindness. She is respectful and she has one of the most infectious laughs I have ever heard.”

Harper-Cartier is someone who sees barriers as “tiny speed bumps,” and sees opportunities to leverage challenging circumstances into successful outcomes. These attitudes have taken her to advanced studies at St. Paul’s School’s summer program and Lakes Region Community College, and to benefit organizations such as the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction and New Hampshire Food Bank. Harper-Cartier also works as a nanny and at Fratello’s Italian Grille.

“These are just a few of her accomplishments that speak to her incredible drive,” Besegai said.

Yet the most lasting memory Besegai has of Harper-Cartier is the “jack-o-lantern smile” she wore into every kindergarten day.

It was that smile that got Besegai to try her first-ever hard-boiled egg, and that smile was why, at the end of Harper-Cartier’s fourth grade year, Besegai pleaded for her former student to be placed on her fifth grade roster, so she could look forward to her energy each day.

“Kendora is the ultimate lifetime student. She will undoubtedly achieve great things in the future, and not just because of her brilliant mind, but because she leads with her beautiful, compassionate heart,” Besegai said.

Harper-Cartier said Besegai taught her her “my ABCs, to solving number problems to solving petty arguments on the playground that I thought was the end of the world.”

Teaching a room full of young children must be difficult but, Harper-Cartier said, Besegai seemed unflappable. “Even after leaving kindergarten, she’s stayed an inspirational force in my life. Her words of encouragement always gave me something to look forward to ance continue to want to achieve more.”

Whatever she does from here, Harper-Cartier’s learning will bear Besegai’s fingerprints.

“As I wrap up my senior year of high school, I still look back on these moments, thankful that there was always somebody in my court, who could push me to grow as a learner.”

Whenever Harper-Cartier asked Besegai’s for something, she answered, whether it was asking her to try her boiled egg, or coming to speak as her guest at the Top 10 dinner. “I’m lucky enough to say that she’s done this more times than I could count,” Harper-Cartier said. “She’s been there ready to share her words of wisdom, honesty and hope, I don’t think there’s enough words of gratitude I can express what I think of you.”