Twenty-seven local 2015 high school graduates were accepted to Northern Essex Community College’s Presidential Scholars Program, an honors program devoted to high academic achievement.

In its 16th year, the Presidential Scholars Program is designed to reward motivated high school students who will be attending Northern Essex. Students are selected based on their high school academic record and recommendations from high school guidance counselors and teachers.

“Our Presidential Scholars Program targets academically motivated high school graduates who have decided to start their college education at Northern Essex,” said Lane Glenn, president of Northern Essex. “Most plan to transfer to a four-year college or university after getting an associate’s degree from Northern Essex.”

Admission to the program includes a $1,000 scholarship, which is renewable provided the recipient maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher while attending NECC. Accepted students also receive a staff or faculty mentor who acts as an academic resource throughout the student’s time on campus.

This year’s Presidential Scholars include the following (by hometown):

Boxford:

Megan Gibson, Masconomet Regional High School, Engineering Science

Derry, NH

Anthony Bowers, Pinkerton Academy, General Studies: Individualized Option

Georgetown

Abby Sippel, Georgetown High School, Liberal Arts

Groveland

Madison Lesiczka, Pentucket Regional High School, Early Childhood Education

Natalie Scott, Pentucket Regional High School, Liberal Arts

Haverhill

Abigail Monson, Haverhill Technical High School, Liberal Arts

Gabrielle Ouellette, Haverhill High School, General Studies: Health Specialization

Wyatt Pepe, Haverhill High School, Law Enforcement Certificate

Xionnett Pla, Haverhill High School, Accounting

Lawrence

Lindsey Costello, Finance High School, Early Childhood Education

Janelle Lopez, Greater Lawrence Technical High School, General Studies: Health Specialization

Chelsea Lynch, Central Catholic High School, Liberal Arts

Lys Ortiz, Lawrence International High School, General Studies: Health Specialization

Crisleidy Paula, Lawrence International High School, Liberal Arts: Psychology Option

Glendaliz Restos, Greater Lawrence Technical High School, General Studies: Health Specialization

Jacqueline Rosales, Greater Lawrence Technical High School, Liberal Arts

Methuen

Rocherly Difo, Methuen High School, Early Childhood Education

Ariorca Herrera Abreu, Methuen High School, Liberal Arts: Middle/High School Teaching Option

Rayhon Perez, Methuen High School, Biology

Deric Sutton, Methuen High School, General Studies: Health Specialization

Newbury

Joseph Simon, Triton High School, Liberal Arts

Newburyport

Caitlyn Cole, Newburyport High School, General Studies: Art

North Andover

Joseph Donofrio, North Andover High School, Business Management

Plaistow, NH

Aurora Sidor, Timberlane Regional High School, General Studies: Business Option

Salem, NH

Erin Lehner, Salem High School, Liberal Arts: Theater Option

West Newbury

Emily Galligan, Pentucket Regional High School, Biology

For more information on the NECC Presidential Scholars Program, please contact Lindsay Graham at scholarships@necc.mass.edu or at 978-556-3629.