Meet the Stoughton High Class of 2013's Top Graduates

After four years of demanding coursework and a plethora of extra curricular activities, the top 10 students in Stoughton High's Class of 2013 are ready to cap a stressful, yet rewarding high school experience. 

The Stoughton High Class of 2013 graduates Thursday evening, June 6, with more than 250 students set to receive their diplomas. 

Jessica Morse is the class valedictorian, following in the footsteps of her older sister Kara, who was valedictorian of the SHS Class of 2011. Eldest sister Emily (SHS' 07) was fifth in her class.

Joining Morse in the top 10 in 2013 (in order of class rank, based on grade point average): Joy Liu, Tim McGrath, Niamh Fennessy, Alex Peixinho, Nick Keith, Brianna Shores, John Stewart-Racicot, Benjamin Call and Christina Solem. 

The stress they endured wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

"I'd be worried if I wasn't stressed out," Fennessy said. 

"I put myself under all this stress because I knew it would be worth it," Keith said. 

"All the hard work we did was to help us in college," Peixinho added. 

While their grades were top-notch, these students were also among the most active in SHS, involved in a number of extra-curriculars ranging from sports to music to student government to math and science team. 

"A lot of people say high school is the best four years of your life. I don't know if I'd say that, but band made it the best it could be," Morse said of her experience in the Stoughton High music department. 

Fennessy echoed similar sentiments about her work with student council. She is also president of the senior class. 

The students thanked their teachers for the impact they had on their respective high school careers. 

They advised underclassmen and future SHS students not to procrastinate and to get involved with school-related activities starting freshmen year.

"Think about the big picture," Keith said. "Because in the end it will all pay off."