Shawsheen Tech's first semester graduates of the month are, from left, Jasmine Johansen and Methun Tayaapalan for October, Sarah Johansen and Nicholas Gerasimov for November, and Addison Dunham and Morgan Gilman for December.(Courtesy of Shawsheen Tech)
BILLERICA — Shawsheen Valley Technical High School is pleased to announce its first semester “Outstanding High School Students of the Month,” an initiative that allows faculty to recognize outstanding high school students, all of whom will receive special recognition from the Billerica Lodge of Elks.
The Student of the Month program selects two seniors each month based on a variety of qualities. Criteria include character, leadership, citizenship, contributions to the school and community, academic achievement, and professional competence. These students are selected in recognition of their contributions to their class and Shawsheen Tech with the belief that they will become outstanding graduates who will make a lasting positive impact on the community after they graduate.
October
Jasmine JohansenJasmine, a senior health assistant student from Billerica, was recognized as the October Senior Female Athlete of the Month. Jasmine stands out as an excellent student and always strives to excel academically. She is ranked first in her class.
Jasmine, captain of the Shawsheen High School swimming team and varsity tennis player, has demonstrated strong leadership skills: she served as secretary for Shawsheen High School’s SkillsUSA Leadership Team and won bronze medals in “Medical Mathematics” at both the 2022 and 2023 state championships.
Outside of school, Jasmine has been doing the Pan-Mass Challenge for 6 years and has a passion for health care. She is a CNA licensed, participated in the Shawsheen Co-op Education Program and currently works at Bayberry on Emerald Court. After high school she plans to attend college and earn a degree in nursing.
Metun Tayaparan, The Tewksbury resident, who is studying drafting at Shawsheen Technical College, has been named the Male Senior of the Month for October. His exceptional ability in drafting was evidenced by the significant achievement of winning a bronze medal in “Architectural Drafting” at the 2023 state SkillsUSA competition.
Mesan has been an integral part of Shawsheen’s vibrant academic community as an active member of both SkillsUSA and the National Honor Society. Outside of the classroom, she dedicates her time to community service by volunteering at the Billerica Public Library and participating in Tewksbury’s fall cleanup.
An avid member of the Math Club, Methan's passion for learning extends beyond his major studies. He aspires to a career in civil engineering after high school. His dedication to his craft, academic excellence, and passion for service have laid a solid foundation for a promising future in the engineering field.
November
Sarah JohansenSarah, an engineering student at Shawsheen Polytechnic Institute, was recognized as the Female Senior of the Month for November. Sarah, a Billerica resident, participated in Shawsheen's Cooperative Education Program and worked as an Electronics Technician Assistant/Assembler for Diversified Technologies.
Sarah excelled academically, ranking in the top three of her class and serving as secretary of the National Honor Society. Outside of her academics, she demonstrated leadership skills by serving as president of the Teen Dating and Violence Awareness Club, co-captain of the Orientation Leaders, and student representative on the School Committee.
Sarah was actively involved in sports, clubs and volunteer work. She contributed her athletic talents to Shawsheen’s Varsity Tennis Team in the spring and volunteered as a swim teacher. Additionally, Sarah has been an active participant in the Pan-Math Challenge for the past six years.
Sarah plans to major in mathematics with the dream of becoming a high school math teacher, and her dedication, leadership, and academic excellence bode well for a promising future in whatever she chooses.
Nicholas Gerasimov Nicholas, a dedicated plumber student at Shawsheen Technical College, was named November's Person of the Month. Nicholas lives in Billerica and works as a plumber apprentice for Z Plumbing and Heating Company in the city, where he gained hands-on experience in his field as part of Shawsheen's Cooperative Education program.
Outside of his academics, Nicholas demonstrated leadership skills by serving as captain of the varsity soccer team and as an ambassador for Shawsheen. Nicholas actively contributed to the school community by helping with open house events and assisting teachers with the annual seventh grade Project Explore program. His commitment to community service extends beyond Shawsheen as seen in his summer volunteer work helping seniors with landscaping projects and ensuring safety at local lakes by installing docks and ropes to protect swimmers.
Nicholas’ greatest accomplishment at Shawsheen Tech was winning a silver medal in the “Plumbing” category at the SkillsUSA national competition. After graduation, he plans to work in the plumbing field and continue his academic and career path with continuing education classes to earn his Master Plumbing license.
December
Addison DunhamThe Tewksbury resident and health assisting student at Shawsheen was named Female Senior of the Month for December. She is a certified CNA and participated in the cooperative education program.
Addison is a true leader and volunteer. She participates in the Walk for Hope, volunteers as a swim teacher, and teaches valuable lessons to the youth in her community. Her involvement spans many areas, including serving as an advisor for the Class of 2024, being a member of the National Honor Society, competing in SkillsUSA, and winning a gold medal at the Health Knowledge Bowl state championships.
A versatile athlete, Addison was an athlete at Shawsheen High School for three seasons, competing in track, soccer and swimming, and also participated in the ski club and book club.
After graduation, Addison hopes to pursue a career as a nurse and further her education.
Morgan GilmanMorgan, a Billerica resident who is studying electrical engineering at Shawsheen Technical Institute, was named December's Man of the Month. As part of a cooperative education program, Morgan honed his electrical engineering skills at Brunel Brothers Electric. He also works at the Billerica Country Club, where he has been a dedicated employee for more than three years.
Morgan's dedication and hard work in his studies and extracurricular activities is evident in his plans to attend a four-year university and major in engineering. Morgan is a natural leader on campus, as evidenced by his role as co-captain of Shawsheen's Ski Club. Morgan remains steadfast in his dedication to his studies and future career, and has committed to attending Massachusetts Maritime Academy in the fall.
