Rickards named valedictorian at Katahdin

STACYVILLE, Maine — Katahdin High School principal Marie Robinson on Monday announced the honor parts for the Class of 2018.

Natalie Rickards has been named valedictorian, while Jordyn Ritchie has been selected as salutatorian. Five additional students, Kate Anderson, Shaylee Anderson, Hannah Drew, Leanne Fitzpatrick and Brian Nason were announced as honor students.

Rickards is the daughter of Albert and Faith Rickards of Patten. She plans to attend Husson University in Bangor and pursue a degree in legal studies: pre-law. Rickards is a member of the National Honor Society and student council.

Rickards has participated in varsity soccer and basketball. She has achieved McDonald’s Academic All-State, All-Aroostook, Bangor Daily News All-Tournament team, and Aroostook Senior All-Star team for basketball. She is also the MPA Principal’s Award recipient.

Ritchie is the daughter of Rob and Nicki Ritchie of Sherman. She plans to attend University of Maine in Fort Kent and pursue a degree in nursing. Ritchie was class vice-president her sophomore and junior years. She is a member of the National Honor Society and student council.

Ritchie participated in varsity soccer, volleyball, and cross-country. She was also involved with Studio One in dance. Ritchie taught dance at the Patten Recreation Department working with students from the ages of 5 to 13. She also volunteered for Vacation Bible School and American Red Cross Blood Drive.

Kate Anderson is the daughter of Steve and Cheryl Anderson in Patten. She plans to attend the University of Maine in Orono and pursue a degree in Speech Pathology. She is a member of the National Honor Society and was vice president her junior year and president her senior year. She has also been involved with Youth Advocacy Group all four years. Anderson was class president her freshman, sophomore, and junior years. She is currently class secretary for her senior year and yearbook editor. Anderson has participated in freshman basketball and varsity soccer. She was awarded the All-Aroostook Academic-All Stars Award.

Shaylee Anderson lives in Shin Pond Village. She plans to attend Northern Maine Community College in Houlton and pursue a degree in Nursing. She is a member of the National Honor Society. She has volunteered at the American Red Cross Blood Drives, Special Olympics, and clothing drive at KMHS. She is also the manager of the baseball team.

Drew is the daughter of Timothy and Shelly Drew of Stacyville. She plans to attend Husson University in Bangor and pursue a degree in Nursing. Drew is a member of the National Honor Society, student council, and Youth Advocacy. She is the senior class president. Drew participated in the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Program. She has participated in varsity basketball, softball, and volleyball. Drew has volunteered at American Red Cross Blood Drives, breakfast for seniors, and Special Olympics. She has also been involved in the Talent Search (TRIO) program.

Fitzpatrick is the daughter of Craig and Kacy Fitzpatrick of Stacyville. She plans to attend Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle and pursue a degree in paramedic. Fitzpatrick participated in varsity softball, basketball, volleyball, and soccer. She is a member of the student council and National Honor Society. She volunteered at Vacation Bible School and other activities at church.

Nason is the son of Gretchen and Paul Murray of Sherman and Earl Nason of Patten. He plans to attend Husson University in Bangor and pursue a degree in nursing. Nason was Class vice president his freshman and junior year and has participated in student council. He has been in Upward Bound all four years. Nason was the manager of the girls’ basketball team his senior year. He volunteered at the American Red Cross Blood Drives and participated in Skills USA his senior year.