Meet the ’24 Valedictorian and Salutatorian
When Bishop Guertin honored members of the senior class who have achieved stellar academic benchmarks at the annual Scholar’s Breakfast in May, several students were also singled out for their especially high marks during their four years. During that event, it was announced that seniors Lindsay Marquis and Sofia Ocque had earned the distinction as the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, for the BG Class of 2024.
Both outstanding students, Marquis and Ocque have been at the top of the Class of 2024 since arriving on Lund Road four years ago. Now, as they prepare for the next journey in their lives, they took some time to reflect on what BG meant to them.
Salutatorian
Name: Sofia Ocque
Hometown: Caracas, Venezuela / Groton, Mass.
Previous School: Presentation of Mary Academy
College Attending: UMass Amherst
Planned area of study: Biology
How did Bishop Guertin prepare you for college?
With its rigorous academic curriculum, BG taught me skills regarding note taking, preparing for assessments, and time management. Beyond the classroom, Bishop Guertin helped me develop my social and leadership skills. With the help of BG, I have also managed to better integrate my faith into everyday life. I believe that the summation of these principles have thoroughly prepared me for college.
Your most memorable BG experience?
The most memorable experience was the school’s musical production of “Mamma Mia!” during my junior year. I had the honor of playing the role of Sophie with Ryanne Delaney as Donna. I bonded with all of my friends greatly through the shows, making unforgettable memories.
Your clubs and activities:
Over the past four years, I have participated in Red Cross Club, Campus Ministry, Student Ambassador, Film Club, theater, JV Soccer, Track, and Pickleball Club.
A final thought that encompasses your BG experience:
Bishop Guertin helped me grow as an individual in several aspects of my life. I will forever cherish the people I met, the memories I made, and the lessons I learned.
Valedictorian
Name: Lindsay Marquis
Hometown: Nashua, N.H.
Previous school: Nashua Catholic Regional Junior High School
College attending: Boston College
Planned Area of Study: Accounting for Finance and Consulting, Pre-Law, Music
How did Bishop Guertin prepare you for college?
Aside from the challenging workload, BG provided access to so many opportunities to develop real-world skills. Mock trial, for example, taught me about law, yet also how to speak confidently and argue a point convincingly and succinctly - two things that will benefit me regardless of the path I choose to pursue.
Your most memorable BG experience?
Being a member of the BG orchestra for four years taught me more about teamwork, responsibility, and community than I ever thought possible. I am so incredibly grateful that I was able to develop as a musician in an environment that was free of stress or intense competition, and that I now have so many great memories to look back on of my time in high school.
Your clubs and activities:
Honors Orchestra (violin), Pit Orchestra for Cinderella, Mock Trial, Moot Court, National Honor Society (Member Relations Officer), Art NHS, French NHS
A final thought that encompasses your BG experience:
The way I see it, continuing from BG is not an ending itself, but instead a natural progression. Starting college in the fall does not seem to break from what I’ve been doing for the past four years, as my time at BG has felt less like high school and more like being a member of a family and community. I don’t say that to be generic, but because it’s true - I met my best friends, and the experiences we went through together made me feel more accepted as a person than I’ve ever felt before.