D-R Valedictorian and Salutatorian Named

Penny Braga is the Valedictorian and Nicholas DeCilio is the Salutatorian for Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School’s Class of 2025.

“Both students have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements, leadership, and dedication to their school and our #WeAreDR community,” Principal Dustin Demers said Wednesday.

Braga has distinguished herself as a scholar, athlete, and leader throughout her high school career. A member of student government for all four years, Penny currently serves as the Senior Class Secretary. She is also the Treasurer of the National Honor Society, where she upholds the values of scholarship, leadership, and service.

In athletics, Penny has been a dedicated member of the DR field hockey team, serving as a team captain in her senior year. Her leadership and sportsmanship earned her the South Coast Conference Sportsmanship Award.

Braga has completed nine Advanced Placement (AP) courses across multiple disciplines. Her academic excellence has been recognized with the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents’ Award for

Academic Excellence and the Harvard Book Award.

In addition, Braga is actively involved in community service, volunteering at the Rehoboth Food Pantry and the Blanding Library. This fall, she will attend college in California to study biochemistry, with plans to pursue a career in medicine.

“We could not be prouder of Penny and all of her accomplishments while here at DRRHS,” said Demers. “There is no doubt that she will use all she has learned here to positively shape the world through her future endeavors. Penny is a true example of the caliber of student our high standards at DRRHS can create.”

DeCilio has excelled both in and out of the classroom during his time at

DRRHS. With a strong commitment to academics, he has completed eight AP courses and has been recognized with the AP Scholar Award, the Brown Book Award, and the National School Development Council’s Award for Academic Growth and Student Leadership in Learning.

“Nicholas is a student leader who has been empowered to make a difference at DRRHS through his work ethic, compassion, and love of learning,” said Principal Demers.

DeCilio is a member of the DR Winter and Spring Track and Field teams, where he leads as captain in sprinting and throwing. He is also actively involved in the math team and Peer Leaders group, helping to organize

various school events.

DeCilio has contributed over 100 hours of community service, volunteering at the Rehoboth Food Pantry and the East Providence Boys and Girls Club youth basketball league.

This fall, DeCilio will attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), where he plans to major in computer science and data analytics.