Top of Their Class

Abigail Tenreiro and Madison Khan will be recognized as the top students of Seekonk High School’s Class of 2020 when this year’s graduation is held in July.

“I have always been a competitive person but I don’t think education should be a competition,” Tenreiro said. “It’s frustrating that I am one of only two students who will be recognized for my hard work because I know that there are more students who have challenged themselves.”

Tenreiro was a member of Students Practicing Equality And Kindness (SPEAK), Key Club, and Science Club.  “Each year SPEAK organizes freshman orientation as well as other events that focus on inclusion,” Tenreiro explained. “This spring would have been my 12th sports season as a SHS athlete. During the fall I run cross country, in the winter I swim except my sophomore year which I did indoor track, and in the spring I run outdoor track.”

“I am very proud of myself for finishing in the top of my class,” said Khan. “My family and friends were all very proud of me! I really appreciate the support they’ve given me through the years.”

Khan played bassoon in the school’s Symphonic Band and clarinet in the marching band and was a member of the Science Club, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and the school’s Outdoor Track and Field team. Khan was also a Class Director of the Key Club and completed two-hundred hours of community service over the last four years.

“I will miss the wonderful teachers I had at Seekonk High,” Khan said. So many of them had positive impacts on me and I am very thankful for them.”

Tenreiro and Khan’s senior year has been marked by some unexpected challenges. The coronavirus pandemic resulted in school closures and remote learning. “The last few months have been really tough,” Tenreiro noted. “I miss interacting with my teachers and friends everyday. What we can do from home is much more limited than what we can do in the classroom. Many of my teachers engaged students by doing hands-on projects in the classroom.”

“It has been difficult at times while learning from home, especially for some of my AP classes,” Khan explained. “On the bright side, I have enjoyed spending more time with my family before going to college and improving my baking skills.”

Tenreiro will be attending Lehigh University where she plans to study environmental engineering.

Khan will be attending Tulane University and plans on majoring in history and minoring in anthropology.

Khan advises next year’s senior class to prepare themselves for anything. “Spend time with your friends when you can and always look for the silver lining in those seemingly bad situations,” Khan added.

“I would tell next year’s senior class to work hard and focus on your goals. I am where I am today because I always challenged myself and never settled,” Tenreiro said.