HOULTON, Maine — Principal DeWayne Morse and the faculty of Houlton Middle/High School are honored to recognize the exceptional academic and leadership achievements of the following seniors. These five students represent the pinnacle of dedication, character and school spirit.
Valedictorian Keegan Brown is the daughter of Becci McCarthy and Andy Brown. Her high school career is marked by high academic honors, including the prestigious MPA Principal’s Award and the Seal of Biliteracy in French. A leader across multiple disciplines, Brown served as the vice president of the National Honor Society, president of the First Aid Club, JMG officer, varsity softball player and First Chair in the All-Aroostook Band.
Brown plans to attend the University of Southern Maine for public health, with aspirations of becoming a pediatrician.
Salutatorian Jaeden Wu is the son of David and May Wu. Wu also credits secondary guardians Debbie and Mark Lunn for their unwavering support. A decorated scholar-athlete, Wu earned the Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award and numerous awards of excellence in mathematics, sciences and French. He served as the trusted treasurer for the Class of 2026, NHS and JMG. On the court and field, Wu was a triple-varsity captain (soccer, basketball and tennis), earning PVC All-Academic honors and multiple All-Aroostook and all-star selections in basketball. He further served his school as a teaching Assistant and mentor.
Wu plans to attend the University of Maine at Orono for engineering physics, aiming for a career in nuclear or aerospace engineering.
First Honors Essayist Hayden Belyea is the daughter of Miranda and Jordan Wotton. She has been a central figure in student government as class secretary and president of JMG. A dedicated athlete, Belyea served as captain of the varsity winter cheer team and contributed to the school as a community service officer for the NHS.
Belyea plans to attend the University of Maine at Orono with a focus on optometry.
Second Honors Essayist Victoria Ervin is the daughter of Ken and Liz Ervin. She is a prolific leader, serving as president of the Student Council, president of the National Honor Society and co-vice president of JMG. Ervin also represented her peers as the RSU 29 School Board student representative. A standout athlete and entrepreneur, she was captain of the varsity basketball and lacrosse teams and operates two small businesses: Tori’s Cakes & Bakes and Tori Ervin Photography. Her ability to balance high-level academics with leadership has been a hallmark of her Shire spirit.
Ervin plans to attend Husson University’s doctorate of physical therapy program, where she will also play Division III women’s lacrosse.
Class Marshal Peter Bonaparte is the son of Adam and Amber Bonaparte. He is a recipient of the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award and served as vice president of the Interact Club. On the field, Bonaparte competed as a varsity cornerback and in varsity track and field.
Bonaparte plans to attend New York University for Spanish and linguistics, followed by service in the U.S. Army as a foreign area officer.
“We are incredibly proud of Keegan, Jaeden, Hayden, Victoria, and Peter. They embody the hard work, versatility and character that define the very best of Houlton Middle/High School,” Morse said.
