MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA – For the second consecutive year, the Manchester Essex Regional High School (MERHS) Athletic Department has been awarded the prestigious Cape Ann League Baker Division Hyland Award.

The 2025-26 Hyland was co-awarded to MERHS as well as neighboring high school Hamilton-Wenham Regional. The Manchester Hornets were recognized for their commitment to the community and for continuously striving for success both on the field and in the classroom.

The Hyland award recognizes dedication, hard work, and excellence across high school athletic departments. The award was named in honor of MERHS teacher, coach, and athletic director Joseph M. Hyland. Hyland became athletic director in 1965 and remained in the position until 1977, serving as an award-winning baseball and basketball coach.

The Cape Ann League (CAP) continues Hyland’s legacy by celebrating high schools that demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship and go above and beyond in their athletic departments.

This is the third time MERHS has received this award since Cameron “Cami” Molinare was appointed Athletic Director. This past school year marks her fifth year in office.

“This is a testament to Cami’s amazing leadership,” said Principal Julie Sgroi. “She holds our students to a high standard, provides the leadership they need, and has an amazing rapport with the community.”

End of Year District Newsletter June 2026

Manchester Essex Middle School Wins Gold Medal at the METG Festival for Production of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."

Manchester Essex Regional School District is proud to share that middle school students were honored with a gold medal at the Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild (METG) Drama Festival on Sunday, May 3 for their production of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." The Middle School Drama Festival is an annual event organized by the METG. It provides a platform for middle school students to showcase their one-act plays, learn from one another, and receive constructive feedback from professionals. Judges recognize outstanding talent by awarding plaques and presenting All-Star Awards for performance and technical excellence.  Students' production of 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' earned an overall gold medal, the highest level of recognition awarded at the festival.  The production also received the Stage Manager's Award, which is given by the host school to the most respectful, easiest to work with group throughout the weekend's performances. Sam Walsh was the production's Stage Manager, and Frankie Villa French was the Set Designer. Four students additionally received an all-star award from the judges for Excellence in Acting:  Isaac Collins, who played Ichabod Crane Bella Arnold, who played Brom Bones Elia Simon, who played Mrs. Clossen Bridget Desrosiers, who played Kid 2 Additionally, the following students were recognized by the judges for Excellence in Technical Theater:  Aria Gadoury (costumes/makeup and stage crew) Addie Woodman (costumes/makeup and stage crew) Chloe Deery (costumes/makeup, stage crew and set design) Amelie Munroe (stage crew) Manchester Essex Regional School District would like to recognize co-directors Tyler Garofalo and Jenny Hersey, as well as all of the students who participated in the production: Isaac Collins, Bella Arnold, Josh Dokken, Ian Burke, Audrey Donnellan Valade, Parker Woulfe, Zoe Rubens, Evie Lamphear, Clarinda Bradford, Eliza Flatley, Molly McKeen, Elia Simon, Ronan Morgan, Emily Chouinard, Bridget Desrosiers, Madison Greco, Camden Sharp, Lucia Ochs, Frankie Villa French, Chloe Deery, Addie Woodman, Aria Gadoury, Sam Walsh, Amelie Munroe and McKenzie Murray.  "The drama festival is a great confidence builder for middle school students as they are expected to complete all parts of a production from lights to sets to costumes to sound design and acting on their own," said Co-Director Tyler Garofalo. "The day itself is such a celebration of theatre and the students feel so accomplished.”

Manchester Essex High School Journalism Students Earn Regional Recognition

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA– Manchester Essex Superintendent Pam Beaudoin is proud to share that the high school's journalism students have received regional recognition at the New England Scholastic Press Awards. 

The class won third place in the All New England award for schools with under 750 students. All but four students are new to the class, having minimal prior experience with journalism. 

 

In addition to the team's award, senior Riley McKinnon was honored with a fifth-place individual achievement award for her news story covering the passing of beloved art teacher Caroline Epp. 

 

In her piece, McKinnon captured the extent of Epp’s impact through reflections from colleagues and students. Science teacher, Kristin Umile, shared, “It was always about kids. That was what she was always very passionate about: making sure good things were happening for kids.” McKinnon's piece can be viewed here.

 

As a result of her work, McKinnon and her advisor, Mary Buckley-Harmon, were invited to speak on a panel about covering difficult topics in journalism. McKinnon shared insights from her experience writing the story, offering her perspective about the responsibility and care required when telling meaningful, personal stories.

 

Six students from the journalism program attended the panel, describing the experience as both engaging and inspiring.

 

"I’m especially proud since all but four of our students are new to this class this year. They will be the core of our staff next year," said Buckley-Harmon. "Riley took a back seat in her interviews, allowing people to tell their stories about Caroline. She approached her article with sensitivity and thoughtfulness."

District Newsletter: April/May 2026

Manchester Essex High School Students Collaborate to Create Documentary Films

 

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA– Students from Manchester Essex Regional High School (MERHS) recently premiered a series of short documentary films following a six-week collaboration with 1623 Studios, a Gloucester-based media team. Students from MERHS in Digital Photo 2 and Studio/Portfolio classes participated in six hour-long sessions led by professionals from 1623 Studios. During the sessions, students developed creative and technical skills through documentary storytelling. Students selected topics including the Essex Shipbuilding Museum, Captain Dusty’s Ice Cream (once a fresh fish and bait shop), and the history of Singing Beach and the Bath House. Working in small groups, they conducted research, wrote scripts, recorded voiceovers, and curated images and music to bring their stories to life. Using Adobe Premiere Pro, a high-level design platform, each group compiled its work into compelling short films that reflect aspects of their communities. MERHS instructors Andrew Lucas and Tamera Burns provided guidance and support throughout the production process, helping students refine their projects and deepen their understanding of documentaries. The program concluded with a screening event held at 1623 Studios, where parents, teachers and peers got to witness the hard work and thought put into the films. The event celebrated creative achievements and the collaborative partnership between the school and the studio. MERHS looks forward to continuing its partnership with 1623 Studios and expanding opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning experiences. "This collaboration gave students an opportunity to experience film and media from concept to completion," said Art Teacher Tamera Burns. " They not only developed technical skills, but also learned how to connect with their community in meaningful and creative ways." The films are available for viewing on YouTube here. Film professionals from 1623 Studios working with MERHS students. (Photos Courtesy Andrew Lucas)

Manchester Essex Regional High School Debate Team Excels at State Tournament

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Superintendent Pam Beaudoin and Principal Julie Sgroi are pleased to share that the Manchester Essex Regional High School (MERHS) Speech and Debate Team finished its season with an impressive showing at the Massachusetts Speech and Debate League State Final Tournament at Chelmsford High School.

 

The annual tournament is the most competitive of the year, in 2026 it marked a historic milestone as the largest Novice Public Forum competition to date, featuring 95 teams from across the state.

 

Leading the MERHS team, Lily Berkowitz and Grace Burgess delivered an outstanding performance, finishing 14th overall with a 5-3 record. As they entered the elimination rounds as the 28th seed, the duo defeated the fifth-seeded team, placing them among the top-ranked teams in Massachusetts.

 

Annabelle Kerivan and Rosie Renehan finished strong with a 3-3 record, demonstrating their skill against highly competitive opponents.

 

Freddy Jakes and Stella Langille, along with Abby Borgerson and Claire Yukins, secured 2-4 records, contributing to the team's competitive presence at the tournament.

 

The State Final capped a year of growth, hard work, and spirited competition for the MERHS Speech and Debate Team. “Facing the most talented debaters in Massachusetts at the largest state tournament ever held, the team rose to the occasion and proudly represented MERSD,” said Sally Berkowitz, Debate Director.

 

"I am incredibly proud of our students for their dedication, resilience and outstanding performance at this year's final," said Superintendent Beaudoin. "Competing at the largest tournament in state history and achieving such strong results is a testament to their commitment and the strong future of the program."

 

Community members will have the opportunity to see a live debate and support the team in an upcoming mock-debate fundraiser, for which additional details will be released shortly.