Keene High's Top 10 Graduates Head to MIT, Notre Dame

The top 10 graduates from Keene High School's Class of 2026 just closed one chapter and opened another, heading to some of the country's most prestigious universities this fall. These New Hampshire students spent four years balancing rigorous academics with leadership roles, sports, arts, and community service.

Evelyn Ormerod earned admission to MIT after excelling in Keene's most challenging courses. She led the Drama Club as president while staying active in Math Team, Hiking Club, and Band, showing that technical excellence and creativity can thrive together.

Sarah Heon will pursue aerospace engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, building on years of leadership through Civil Air Patrol, Girls State, and Girls Nation. Her passion for engineering grew through hands-on learning opportunities and community involvement.

Two graduates are heading to the University of Notre Dame to study architecture. Greta Ruehr combined her love of science and art through involvement in Nordic skiing, track, Unified Soccer, and both National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society. Catharine Kamphuis credits teachers, mentors, and friends with helping her embrace challenges and build resilience.

Avery Johnson transformed from a nervous freshman into a confident leader, serving as president of both Interact Club and Student Council. She'll study biochemistry at Smith College on a pre-med track, following her passion for chemistry and biology.

Grace Lyons explored business and finance through the Cheshire Career Center while earning dual-enrollment credits and participating in Mayor Jay Kahn's Youth Council. She's headed to the University of Connecticut to study finance on a pre-law track.

Lucia Pierannunzi will study chemical engineering at Clarkson University after balancing advanced science courses with varsity volleyball, track and field, and multiple service organizations. Autumn Jefts is pursuing psychology on a pre-health track at Mount Holyoke College, aiming to become an occupational therapist.

The Ripple Effect

These graduates represent more than individual achievement. Their diverse interests span from Calista Scott's passion for writing and publishing at Champlain College to Natasha Walter's intensive ballet training at Point Park University alongside biology studies. Each student found their unique path while lifting up classmates through leadership, mentorship, and friendship.

Their success reflects the power of supportive teachers, robust extracurricular programs, and a school culture that encourages students to explore widely. The Class of 2026 shows that excellence isn't one-size-fits-all—it's found in scientific labs, on stage, on ski slopes, and in community service projects.

Ten students, ten different dreams, one shared foundation of hard work and hope.