CHELMSFORD — Six Chelmsford High School seniors were honored as Lions Pride/Rotary Students of the Month for June, Principal Stephen Murray announced.
Sponsored by the Chelmsford Rotary Club for over 30 years, the Student of the Month program recognizes outstanding students from each of Chelmsford High’s three academic houses for their achievements both in and out of the classroom.
Students receiving recognition were Alice Gu and Mary Margaret Huffman from Emerson House, Megan Arpino and Samuel Mattsen of Hawthorne House and Michael Mwaniki and Ruby Boucher from Whittier House.
Alice Gu
Gu, who has took a rigorous course load every year of high school, was enrolled in AP Psychology, Physics, Modern World Literature, Nutrition, Career Exploration, AP Biology, Calculus and AP Spanish.
Her hard work has earned her induction into the National Honor Society (NHS) and Spanish Honor Society (SHH).
Always one to showcase her school spirit, Gu was a member of Class Representatives, the varsity field hockey team, the NFHCA National Academic Squad for Field Hockey and the Scholars of Distinction NFHCA National Academic Squad.
Described as poised and considerate, thorough and driven, Gu plans to attend UMass Amherst to major in biology.
She is the daughter of Mingli Hou and Zhiyong Gu.
Mary Margaret Huffman
“A hardworking student who truly enjoyed coming to class every day,” Huffman was enrolled in Modern World Literature, AP Environmental Science, Lifetime Sports, Sociology, American History through Film, AP Psychology and Calculus.
Her academic efforts have earned her membership in the NHS, World Language Honor Society and the Science National Honor Society (SNHS).
A valued member of the CHS community, Huffman was actively involved in multiple organizations such as Class Reps, Best Buddies, the Mentor Program and a Tundra Leader during her senior year.
She has also been a member of the field hockey and lacrosse teams.
Huffman plans to attend the University of Connecticut, majoring in pre-teaching studies with a focus on history.
She is the daughter of Karen and Greg Huffman.
Megan Arpino
Arpino’s “passion for knowledge” was evident in her course load, which included AP Literature, ASL, Reality Check, AP Psychology, Forensics, Calculus, Organic Chemistry, Criminal Justice, Sociology and Techniques & Principles in Athletic Training.
She has been inducted into the NHS, SHH and the SNHS.
Outside the classroom, Arpino was a member of the GIVE Club, Class Representatives and the CHS dance team; she also played field hockey as a sophomore and junior before becoming the team manager as a senior.
Arpino has also volunteered for numerous organizations and events, including the Keller Williams Gift Drive, St. Mary’s Parish and Field Hockey Youth Camp, as well as working fundraising events for her dance studio.
In the fall, Arpino plans to attend Stonehill College with an undecided major and a dance minor.
She is the daughter of Linda and Michael Arpino.
Samuel Mattsen
Described as someone with great “intellectual curiosity,” Mattsen was enrolled in Physics CP, Modern World Literature CP, Calculus 1 CP, Guitar 1 CP, Communications/Media 1 CP, American History Through Film CP, and Technology Troubleshoot and Repair CP.
In addition to academics, Mattsen was very active in CHS athletics, serving as a member of the baseball, spring track and winter track teams.
Outside of school, Mattsen has volunteered at the June Place Fundraiser.
In the fall, Mattsen will either be attending Suffolk University or Emmanuel College to study marketing.
He is the son of Paula and Bradley Mattsen
Michael Mwaniki
Enrolled in Anatomy and Physiology Honors, Common Law and Trial Procedures, Pre-Calculus, Woodworking and Design, World Literature and AP Psychology, Mwaniki “has been a positive contributor in all his classes at CHS.”
His hard work and dedication has resulted in membership in the NHS.
Mwaniki was a member of the Freshman Mentor Program, Class Representatives and Dean Council. In addition, he participated in outdoor track and field, football and basketball.
During his basketball career, Mwaniki was an MVC All-Star, Lowell Sun All-Scholar 2nd Team nominee, and twice voted the CHS Scholar Athlete award winner.
Outside of school, Mwaniki works with the youth basketball community coaching and officiating, and has done lots of volunteering for the town of Chelmsford.
Mwaniki will be attending Boston College and studying biology.
He is the son of Mindi Shenye-Mwaniki and Martin Mwaniki.
Ruby Boucher
“A wonderful asset to all her classes,” Boucher was enrolled in Physics, Modern World Literature, Calculus, Anatomy and Physiology Honors, and American History Through Film.
Her hard work in the classroom earned Boucher membership in the NHS and SHH.
In addition to her studies, Boucher was an active member in LIME and the Freshman Mentor Program; she has also been a standout ice hockey player on the Billerica-Chelmsford varsity ice hockey team.
She enjoys spreading her passion for ice hockey to others by teaching youth how to skate and play the game she loves.
Boucher plans to attend Framingham State University to continue her academic and ice hockey careers. She will be studying biology and possibly getting into the field of public health.
She is the daughter of Michael Boucher and Sara Boucher.