Deering High School's auditorium echoed with recognition and pride last month during the annual Junior Book Awards ceremony.  The 11th grade, a pivotal year in a student's high school career, demands a rigorous academic workload alongside extracurricular activities and college application preparation. The annual Junior Book Awards ceremony acknowledged the achievements of twenty-seven students. 

Principal Dr. Jake Giessman, Assistant Principal Ms. Halima Noor, Mr. Shawn Kennedy (school counselor), and Ms. Heather Sawyer (science teacher and event coordinator) all contributed to ensuring a memorable evening for students and their loved ones. The faculty expressed immense pride in the students' scholastic achievements, athletic contributions, and development of strong personal character.

The following Deering High School juniors received book awards: Addy Stephane Ntwari, Allison Brady, Anika Gin, Anja Machado, Anya Heiden, Asa Tussing, Bilal Mohamed, Damion Cordero, Devin Turner, Eli Tuchinsky, Ethan Fisher, Garret Shaw, Isabella Figdor, Juweria Hassan, Kamosi Silva, Khalid Mahamed, Luke Newell, Michelle Matos Galva, Miranda Rojas Guerrero, Mya Landry, Phat Thai, Rose Bolduc, Sophia Harrod-Kim, Violet Blum Levine, Zabel Kasabian, Zahraa Almatwari, and Zeke Zelonish.

Prestigious institutions including Bowdoin College, Brandeis University, Brown University, College of the Atlantic, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Rochester Institute of Technology, Smith College, Springfield College, St. Lawrence University, St. Anselm College, St. Michael's College, Suffolk University, University of Maine, University of Rochester, University of Southern Maine, Williams College, and Yale University provided book awards for this ceremony.

This ceremony embodies Deering High School's commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who achieve academic excellence, actively participate in their community, and cultivate strong character. The evening served as a powerful tribute to the resolve of the students and the commitment of the faculty. It solidifies a cherished tradition of recognizing and celebrating outstanding achievements within the junior class.