Salutatorian Set to Matriculate at the University of Vermont

After four years of unprecedented challenges, the class of 2022 congratulates Sophia MacKinnon on the impressive academic accomplishments that led to her receiving the prestigious title of Salutatorian.

Sophia transitioned from middle school to high school quite easily, having a successful freshman year. She immediately began joining clubs and sports teams, including Interact Club, soccer, basketball and lacrosse.

Her academic journey continued sophomore year, but was cut short due to the pandemic. However, when many students struggled to adapt to the chaos of remote learning, Sophia thrived. She adopted a positive attitude and turned a difficult year into a successful one.

Sophia’s junior year started off completely remote. She continued to participate in the same clubs and activities that she had previously, but decided to also join the field hockey team. Ultimately, she made the switch from remote learning to the classroom, finally reuniting with her friends on a regular basis.

Junior year was also the year that Sophia realized that she wanted to pursue a career in environmental studies. She credits this decision to her teacher, Dr. Rouse, as they constantly debated about the topic in his class.

Her senior year started off stressfully--overwhelmed by the college application process. Sophia persevered, however, and will be majoring in environmental studies at the University of Vermont this fall.

The 2021-22 school year also saw many leadership positions for Sophia. She was captain of the lacrosse team, Co-President of Interact Club, and Treasurer of NHS. Her favorite memory of the year was singing and harmonizing at lunch with her friends.

Sophia has a reputation around DHS as a hard worker with perseverance. This is reflected in the awards and recognition she received: The Coaches Award for lacrosse as well as a Bronze Medal Award for the National Spanish Exam.

In addition to being proud of her many athletic and academic accomplishments, she was most proud of her group of tight-knit friends at DHS. This speaks volumes about Sophia’s character. She is a kind, generous person who is more focused on the friendships she made in high school rather than the amount of awards and accomplishments she racked up.

Sophia would like to recognize the people who have contributed to her success. For starters, she wants to thank Ms. MacDonald for being an amazing coach and friend; her sister for the emotional and academic support she received from her; her parents for their undying support; and also the teachers she has had at DHS, all of whom have impacted her immeasurably.

Before leaving DHS for good, she wishes to impart the following wisdom to the underclassmen: "Focus on having a good group of friends and being happy."