June 8, 2002
R.W. Traip Academy announces Top 10 students
Randall Zito, principal at R. W. Traip Academy is proud to announce the top academic seniors in the Class of 2002.
Valedictorian
Travis Downs is the son of Philip and Sayra Downs. He will attend the University of Maine at Farmington. Travis was a member of the basketball team and was awarded the most valuable player, most improved player and the player with the highest grade point average. While playing soccer, he also received the highest grade point average – Travis was also on the cross country team. He was a member of the National Honor Society and held the office of vice president. A member of the student council he was again vice president.
For the community Travis both coached and officiated Kittery recreation basketball games. He played AAU basketball. In his senior he was the editor of the yearbook and newspaper.
Salutatorian
Judith Estelle Hibschman is the daughter of Tom Hibschman and Clare Rogers. Judy has held many officers. She was the National Honor Society President and student council president. A member of SEARCH, AIDS prevention, STOP culture club and yearbook editor were clubs in which she participated.
Athletically, she played field hockey and was captain her senior year. She was the indoor track manager. She participated in outdoor track and field for three years and managed the team in her senior year. Judy has also been an AIDS educator. Judy has been a leading force for the activities for seniors and she received the Western Maine Conference citizenship award. She will attend George Washington University.
Honor Essayist
Ryan Higgins is the son of William and Deborah Higgins. He was a member of the National Honor Society. An athlete, Ryan played soccer for two years. He participated in track and field for four years and captained the team his senior year.
He was a captain of the cross country and indoor track teams for two years and was captain in his senior year. Ryan volunteered at the center for wild life, special olympics and coastal cleanup. He was awarded the Western Maine Conference citizenship award. Ryan is a talented artist and will attend the College of the Atlantic.
Matthew Bradstreet is the son of Kevin and Janice Bradstreet. Activities include ski club for four years, National Honor Society for two years, culture club for two years, Heritage Club, AIDS awareness and student council for one year. He was a member of the track team and soccer teams. Matthew's interests include photography and Matthew will attend St. Michael's College in the fall.
Heather Bowden is the daughter of Ann Bowden and John Bowden. Her club activities include Project Search, school newspaper, culture club, student council representative and Spanish club. In her senior year she managed three sports' teams, soccer, indoor and outdoor track. As a volunteer she served on the seacoast AIDS response, peer educator, tutoring, childcare provider for York County Child Abuse and neglect's Nurturing Program and at the Kittery Little League Concession stand. Heather will attend Elmira College.
Nathanael Rowan is the son of Robert and Pam Rowan. He was a member of the National Honor Society for two years. A four year basketball player, and two year baseball player, he captained the baseball team during his senior year. Nathanael volunteered as a counselor at the Well's basketball camp. He also enjoys golf. He plans to major in computer engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute.
Julie Bassett is the daughter of Richard and Janet Bassett. Her activities include National Honor Society and select chorus. She was president of the key club and student council. Julie captained the championship soccer team. Activities and volunteerism include Seacoast Leadership, Young Women's Leadership, the Rotary Youth Leadership Award and volunteer at Special Olympics. Julie will attend the Northeast Institute of Whole Health.
Stephanie Provost is the daughter of Lori Provost. Activities include dance and weight lifting. Stephanie was a mentor at Mitchell School, and made donations to the March of Dimes. Her goal was to graduate early. She will attend MacIntosh College and major in business management.
Moire Daniel is the daughter of Paul and Judith Daniel. She was a member of the National Honor Society, member of the student council, stage manager in the drama club and key club secretary. Moire will attend the University of Maine at Orono.
Darika Fritchittavong is the daughter of Kongthong and Phayyank Frichittavong. She has been actively involved in Project Search and national Honor Society. Secretary and vice president of the key club, stage and house manager of the drama club. Darika is always willing to help, her volunteer work includes Portsmouth children's day, special Olympics, New Hampshire Public Television Auction, Toys & Food for families, Salvation Army Holiday food drives and bell ringing, Fairhide Housing Project and K-CAP.
Darika will attend Johnson and Wales University in the fall.
