CARIBOU, Maine — Dr. ValerieAnn Waldemarson, adviser of the Caribou High School National Honor Society, has announced the new leadership for 2019-2020 school year following elections on May 3.
New officers are Shelby Barnes, president; Abigail Wimmer, vice president; Alya Theriault, corresponding secretary; Victoria Leavitt, responding secretary; and Parker Deprey, executive committee member.
The Caribou chapter is one of the largest in the state with 52 active members. Waldemarson stated it is not an easy task to run for an officer position in an organization this large that contains the best of the best in scholarship, leadership, service and character. Membership induction for the 2019-2020 school year will be held in the fall. Members currently include 32 seniors who will graduate on June 9.
Barnes, a junior, is the daughter of Travis and Kim Barnes of Caribou. She is active in her school and community. She has been dancing for 13 years with The Maine Dance Academy and has been playing the flute since the fourth grade. She is active in band, manages athletic teams at CHS and is the secretary of her junior class.
After high school, she plans to study paramedicine and eventually study nursing.
Waldemarson said Barnes is a driven and talented young lady who demonstrates the characteristics of leadership in everything that she does.
“Shelby has a well guided moral compass that embodies the true meaning character, leadership, scholarship and service which are the four ‘pillars’ of the National Honor Society. Her energy and enthusiasm are contagious and will lead to a dynamic year for the Caribou National Honor Society, Waldemarson said.
Wimmer, also a junior, is the daughter of Steve and Valorie Wimmer of Stockholm. She is a three-year All-State musician, an avid reader, and loves running and Nordic skiing.
After high school, she plans to study nursing and become a nurse practitioner specializing in women’s health.
Waldemarson said Wimmer would be a “great fit” as vice president and will bring great ideas and leadership to the chapter.
“Abigail demonstrates the four Pillars of the National Honor Society in all that she does and will be an asset to the organization,” she said.
Theriault, the daughter of Jenny and Shane Theriault of Caribou, is a junior and is involved in many extracurricular activities, such as soccer, basketball, softball, band and student government, and serves as the junior class president.
She is interested in pursuing a medical degree after graduation.
Waldemarson stated, “Alya demonstrates strong dedication to all she is involved in and will be a true asset to her position as corresponding secretary of the Caribou National Honor Society.”
Leavitt is the daughter of Wade and Jill Leavitt of Connor Twp. A junior, she is the vice president of her class and also student council vice president. She has been selected to go on a short-term exchange sponsored by the Caribou Rotary Club to Germany this summer. Victoria skis for the caribou Ski Team and loves to travel.
“Victoria possesses good leadership skills and will be an asset as an officer of the Caribou NHS,” said Waldemarson, who added that Leavitt’s experiences in leadership for her class and student council will be an asset.
Deprey is the son of Ryan and Amy Deprey of Caribou. A junior, he is involved in the varsity basketball, soccer and tennis teams. He is a two-time state champion, one for with the Vikings boys basketball team and the other with the tennis team.
In his free time he enjoys playing basketball with his Amateur Athletic Union Basketball Team, the Lumberjacks.
Waldemarson said she is proud to have Deprey on her leadership team and knows he possesses true leadership skills.
“He has been an asset to Caribou High School on and off the court and [I am] confident that he will continue that leadership through his officer position with the Caribou National Honor Society,” she said.
In addition to her NHS role, Waldemarson is JMG specialist with the very active JMG program at CHS. She advises the Kiwanis Key Club and yearbook staff and is an active member of the Caribou Athletic Boosters.
“It is an honor to work with the students of Caribou High School and to be the adviser of an organization that demonstrates strong leadership, character, scholarship and service,” she said.
