Seekonk High School Announces 2022 Recipient of Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Award for Academic Excellence

Seekonk -- Superintendent Rich Drolet and Principal William Whalen are pleased to announce that Seekonk High School senior Ava Lyon was selected as the district's 2022 recipient of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.) Award for Academic Excellence.

The M.A.S.S. Award of Academic Excellence is presented by the superintendent to a deserving student in each school district throughout Massachusetts. To be considered for the award, the student must be a member of the senior class with a cumulative GPA that places them in the top fifth percentile of their class. The nominee must also consistently demonstrate leadership, social responsibility, respect for their fellow students and involvement in various aspects of the school community.

Lyon has been recognized for her academic success, dedication to school organizations and leadership roles, and community service.

Lyon is currently ranked at the top of her class having taken numerous honors and AP courses throughout her time at Seekonk High School. Her strongest coursework is in math and science as she hopes to work in the medical field upon her college graduation.

Lyon is involved in many activities and extracurriculars at Seekonk High School, such as the Student Council and serving on the Executive Board for the National Honor Society. She also has been a varsity athlete on the fall soccer team and spring girl’s tennis squad since her sophomore year.

On the weekends she works at the Flatbread Pizza Company in Providence. She also has volunteered at the Miriam Hospital in Providence where she discovered her interest in pursuing a career in the medical field, and at the Rhode Island SPCA as she has a long-standing love for animals. Lyon is also a strong supporter of environmental and conservation causes, as she and her mom have been members of the World Wildlife Foundation.

"Ava stands out in the Seekonk Public Schools community not just for her academic excellence, but also for her leadership and enthusiastic participation in several different clubs and sports, in addition to her after-school job and volunteer work," Superintendent Drolet said. "Best of all, Ava exudes positivity and promotes excitement in everything she does, which is admirable. I would like to thank her for her contributions to our Seekonk school community, as well as congratulate her on the scholarship."

Added Principal Whalen, "Ava is an important piece of the puzzle that makes up Seekonk's 2023 senior class. Not many students graduate with the list of accomplishments that Ava has accumulated, however, she is modest about it all. On behalf of the high school community, I would like to congratulate Ava on her many accomplishments."

Lyon will be presented with the award and a $1,000 Francis W. Gallishaw Memorial Scholarship alongside her family, Principal Whalen and Superintendent Drolet at the South Coast Educational Collaborative's Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 15 at Bridgewater State University.