Six Manchester Essex Regional High School Students Named to 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA – Manchester Essex Regional High School (MERHS) Principal Julie Sgroi is proud to share that six seniors have been recognized in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. Seniors Charlie Athanas, Catherine Vendt, Alexander Hatfield, Peter Langendorf and Dodge Roberts have been named commended students in the program. Senior Tyler Cummins has been named a semifinalist, making him eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Award. The students were recognized for their academic achievement and potential in the 2025 Preliminary SAT, the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The commended students are among approximately 34,000 students nationwide being recognized for their academic achievements and were selected from a group of over 1.2 million applicants. According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, commended students are among the top 50,000 highest scorers who entered the 2027 competition.

Cummins has been named one of 16,000 semifinalists nationwide, representing less than 1% of the nation's high school graduating seniors. He will have the opportunity to advance in the competition for approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarship Awards. To make it to the list of finalists, Cummins and a MERHS official must submit a detailed scholarship application, providing information about Cummins' academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. The 2027 program winners will be announced by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation beginning in April 2027. A letter of commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and Manchester Essex Regional High School has been presented to the students by Principal Sgroi. "We are incredibly proud to celebrate the accomplishments of these six students," said Principal Sgroi. "These students have demonstrated an exceptional level of academic achievement and dedication to continued growth. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment to excellence of both these students and our entire staff and student body." 

(Manchester Essex Regional High School's commended students, from left to right: Charlie Athanas, Catherine Vendt, Alexander Hatfield, Peter Langendorf and Dodge Roberts. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District) 

Tyler Cummins, a semifinalist in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. 

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MERHS Athletic Department has been awarded the prestigious Cape Ann League Baker Division Hyland Award

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