‘Saint Michael’s is a better place because of you’: Class of 2026 celebrated during Senior Awards Brunch

The Class of 2026 celebrated with heartfelt emotion and jubilation during this year’s Senior Awards Brunch – some of which was exuded by the proud faculty and staff who’ve journeyed with them these past four years. 

The annual brunch in Alliot was an awards banquet during which a handful of students and student mentors were recognized, and all were lauded for their contributions and personal growth.  

President Richard Plumb encouraged graduates to carry the close relationships they made at Saint Michael’s College with them.  

He reminded the graduates: “You chose St. Mike’s…and St. Mike’s chose you back. Saint Michael’s is a better place because of you.” 

Heidi St. Peter ’96, who was the class’s Purposeful Learning program director, offered remarks to the class, which ended up being the inaugural cohort for that program during the class’s first year. She cheekily praised them for their critiques of the program – being willing to advocate for change as they worked together to mold it into something meaningful, turning complaints into action.  

Vice President of Enrollment Management Heidi St. Peter ’96 addresses the Class of 2026 during its Senior Awards Brunch on May 7, 2026. (Photo by Teddy Vretzakis ’29)

She said the future doesn’t always unfold in an expected way, saying, “life will give you opportunities that surprise you…remind you what you’re capable of.” 

One graduate, Nick Wracker ’26, received two awards but wasn’t present for the reading of the second one. He was demonstrating the very selflessness he was being awarded for, according to Dean of Students Dawn Ellinwood, by being there for a teammate in a time of need.  

Senior Class president Ashley Silveira noted that while only a few received awards, all have had a profound impact on one another and the College. These were some of the qualities that distinguish the Class of 2026.  

The Senior Awards Brunch is one of the major activities during senior week, culminating with Commencement on Sunday, May 10.  

View a photo gallery from this year’s ceremony, below: 

Below are the award recipients for this year’s Senior Awards Brunch. 

Elizabeth A. Durick Award   

This award is presented to a senior who has made a significant contribution to the Christian goals of Saint Michael’s College.  

Awarded to: Victoria Reed ’26 of Alburgh, Vermont 

Fr. Michael Carter ’12, SSE, poses with Victoria Reed ’26 during the Senior Awards Brunch for the Class of 2026 on Thursday, May 7, 2026.(Photo by Kevin Hummer)

Frank G. Mahady Memorial Award   

This award is presented to the graduating senior who best demonstrates the qualities of moral leadership and social justice, which were important to Judge Frank G. Mahady, and who demonstrates the potential for making a significant contribution to the causes of peace and justice.  

Awarded to: Elizabeth “Libby” Rossi ’26 of Merrimac, Massachusetts

Libby Rossi ’26, right, smiles at MOVE Director Lara Scott as Scott reads an award citation during the Senior Awards Brunch for the Class of 2026 on Thursday, May 7, 2026. (Photo by Teddy Vretzakis ’29)

Saint Michael’s Award   

This award is presented to a member of the senior class who, over the past four years, has been involved for the betterment of the class and the community. The award signifies an unselfish commitment to others and to the development of community at Saint Michael’s College. 

Awarded to: Nicholas Wracker ’26 of Columbia, South Carolina 

Nick Wracker ’26, right, poses with Athletics Director Matt Akins after winning the first of two awards during the Senior Awards Brunch for the Class of 2026. (Photo by Kevin Hummer)

Dr. Marie Henault Award 

Dr. Marie Henault was a pioneering leader at Saint Michael’s College. One of just a few women faculty on campus, she became chair of the English Department in 1969. With this, Dr. Henault was the first woman to lead an academic department. This award is presented to a student who has been a pioneering leader within our community, recognizing their efforts both on- and off-campus during their time as a Saint Michael’s College student. This award recognizes pioneering leadership, dedication, and positive contributions to the Saint Michael’s community and beyond. 

Awarded to: Ryann Edwards ’26 of Barnstable, Massachusetts 

Ryann Edwards ’26, right, poses with Associate Director of Student Activities Kerri Leach after receiving an award during the Class of 2026 Senior Awards Brunch on May 7, 2026. (Photo by Kevin Hummer)

Roger F. Keleher Memorial Awards    

These awards are presented to outstanding scholar-athletes who are varsity letter winners and have maintained high scholastic averages. Roger Keleher was a 1915 graduate from Springfield, Massachusetts, who himself was a scholar and athlete.   

Awarded to: 

Kathleen Dean ’26 of Auburn, Maine 

Nicholas Wracker ’26 of Columbia, South Carolina 

Kathleen Dean ’26 poses with Athletics Director Matt Akins during the Senior Awards Brunch for the Class of 2026 on May 7, 2026. (Photo by Kevin Hummer)

John D. Donoghue Award   

This award is presented to the student, faculty member, or administrator who has provided strong support, leadership, and commitment to one of the college’s student publications. The award is named for John D. Donoghue ’32, Christian, gentleman, journalist, and teacher. Donoghue founded the student newspaper The Michaelman in 1947. He also founded the yearbook and served as the first chair of the Saint Michael’s College Journalism Department.  

Awarded to: Aurora “Rory” York ’26 of Loudon, New Hampshire 

Rory York ’26 poses with longtime Saint Michael’s College adjunct and veteran local journalist Mike Donoghue after winning an award during the Senior Awards Brunch for the Class of 2026 on May 7, 2026. (Photo by Kevin Hummer)

Rev. Gerald E. Dupont, S.S.E., Award    

The award recipient demonstrates dedication to the ideals of courage, vision, devotion, and faith upon which Saint Michael’s College was founded. This award is named for former president of the College, Rev. Gerald E. Dupont, S.S.E.   

Awarded to:  

Finn Joyce of Bedford, New Hampshire 

Heidi St. Peter ’96, Vice President of Enrollment Management 

Bridgette Akins, Coordinator of Wellness Outreach and Education, Bergeron Wellness Center  

Finn Joyce ’26, center, poses with Student Government Association President CJ Barton ’27, left, and Vice President Alec Campbell ’27 during the Senior Awards Brunch for the Class of 2026 on May 7, 2026. (Photo by Kevin Hummer)

Class Appreciation Awards  

Class appreciation awards are given to members of the Saint Michael’s College faculty and staff who have made a significant impact within the class.  

Awarded to:  

James Baker ’17, M’24, Associate Director of Special Events and Student Activities and Assistant Dean of Student Engagement 

Paul Constantino ’92, Professor of Biology 

Alicia Norris, Instructor of Business Administration and Accounting 

Sophie Burt ’26, left, smiles as she walks to the stage to receive a Community Service Award during the Senior Awards Brunch for the Class of 2026 on May 7, 2026. (Photo by Teddy Vretzakis ’29)

Community Service Awards    

The community service awards are given to seniors who have demonstrated exemplary involvement in both the college and local communities.   

Awarded to:  

Cassie Lathrope ’26 of Trumbull, Connecticut 

Evelyn Mercier ’26 of Waterville, Maine 

Sophie Burt ’26 of Madison, Connecticut 

Joelle Cameron ’26, center, poses with Class of 2026 Vice President Bridget Shaw ’26, left, and Class of 2026 President Ashley Silveira ’26 after receiving an award during the Senior Awards Brunch for the Class of 2026 on May 7, 2026. (Photo by Kevin Hummer)

Donald Sutton Community Service Awards    

This award is presented in recognition of Don Sutton’s twenty-six years of service and contributions to the Saint Michael’s community as the founder of the Saint Michael’s Fire and Rescue program. This award is given to a senior who has exemplified Sutton’s high ideals and level of commitment.  

Awarded to:  

Joelle Cameron ’26 of West Bridgewater, Massachusetts 

Travis Standerski ’26 of Lake Villa, Illinois 

Travis Standerski ’26, center, poses with Class of 2026 Vice President Bridget Shaw ’26, left, and President Ashley Silveira ’26 during the Senior Awards Brunch for the Class of 2026 on May 7, 2026. (Photo by Kevin Hummer)