Portland School Notebook: Top graduates of the Class of 2015

PORTLAND — The following students were named the top 2015 graduates of the their high schools, according to a news release earlier this month from the city school district.

Casco Bay High School

Sebastian Andrew, son of Hilary Andrew and Stephen Andrew, was chosen by his peers as the 2015 class speaker at Casco Bay High School. He starred last spring in the school’s production of “Alice in Wonderland,” playing both the cool Caterpillar and the goofball hero, the White Knight. He also performed a monologue from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” at a school meeting. Andrew is known as a “navigator” for his class, as well as a “whimsical peacemaker.” He plans to attend Concordia University.

Liam Fowler, son of Bruce Fowler and Susan Webster, achieved the highest grade-point average, 3.9, among the Casco Bay High School Class of 2015. He participated in every Advanced Placement course offered by the school, and was honored in his freshman year as the Habits of Work Student of the Year. As a sophomore, he was a finalist in “When Worlds Collide,” a competition which asked students to prepare a fundraising proposal for a nonprofit organization in Africa. During his junior year, he volunteered with other members of his class to provide Hurricane Sandy relief in New York. Fowler also has participated in athletics. He plans to attend Middlebury College.

Deering High School

Olivia Blom, daughter of Lynn and Eric Blom, is the valedictorian of the Deering High School Class of 2015. She received the Harvard Book Award, and was a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship competition. She served as president of the Key Club chapter, and was active in the Natural Helpers program. Outside of school, Blom has been active in her church, First Parish Unitarian, serving as a youth representative on its Sunday School Board and participating in a mission trip to Alabama. She also has sang soprano as a member of the Musica De Filia chorus, and participated in its performance last year at Carnegie Hall in New York. She plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania.

Christopher Richardson, son of Ann Richardson, is the salutatorian of the Deering High School Class of 2015. He served as president of the National Honor Society chapter, volunteered weekly to work with kindergarteners through the Future Teachers of America organization, and performed as a first-chair clarinetist in the concert band. Outside of school, he has worked as a customer service representative in a local grocery store, and helped care for his niece, now 5 years old. Richardson plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania.

Portland High School

Francesca L. Butterfield, daughter of Michele and Lou Butterfield, is the salutatorian of the Portland High School Class of 2015. She received the Columbia Book Award, was a member of the National Honor Society chapter, and was awarded first place in the Classical Association of New England Writing Contest. She served as the editor of the student newspaper, and was a member of the Executive Board, the Key Club chapter, Film Consideration Club and GSTA. Butterfield also volunteered with the Fuller Center for Housing in Nicaragua, and served as a teacher aide at Longfellow Elementary School. In addition, she competed on the cross country team and lacrosse team. She plans to attend Barnard College.

Miranda B. Richman, daughter of Brad Richman and Mari Balow, is the valedictorian of the Portland High School Class of 2015. She received the Harvard Book Award and the Longfellow Writing Award, was named an AP Scholar with Honor and was recognized in the National Merit Scholarship competition. Richman served as vice president of the photography club, captain of the academic decathlon team, treasurer of GSTA and a member of the Environmental Club. She participated in the Global Studies certificate program, was active in the French Language and Literary Group, and volunteered as a peer tutor in the Make It Happen! program. In addition, Richman volunteered with the Maine Democratic Party during her senior year. She also played on the tennis team for four years. She plans to attend Harvard College.

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