RUMFORD — To honor students who excel academically, Mountain Valley High School Principal Matt Gilbert initiated a Scholar of the Trimester. The scholars were announced at school-wide assembly recently.

Gilbert said, “At MVHS we stress the importance of finding a stage to celebrate all students. Often the accomplishments and success that students achieve in the classroom are not fully appreciated. The Scholar of the Trimester program provides our staff the opportunity to publicly recognize those students that go above and beyond in the classroom.”

The English Department selected two scholars: senior Kristin Arsenault and junior J.T. Greene.

In presenting the award, English teacher Meg Doughty said, “Kristin was chosen for the trimester award because she has consistently been one of the best English students in MVHS and this year is no different. She challenged herself this summer to read many of the classics, such as “Frankenstein,” on her own time and for her own enjoyment and enrichment. She constantly stretches herself, makes great connections between intellectual curiosity makes her a joy to have in class.”

English teacher Jim Aylward said of Greene, “J.T. has done an outstanding job in English classes throughout his high school career. He has shown improvement and growth and is a leader in the classroom.”

The Math Department honored freshman Abbie Blauvelt.

Math teacher Katie Killam said, “The award goes to a freshman who has excelled in geometry. She is a pleasure to have in class and always puts forth her best effort. Along with challenging herself with honors classes, she has also joined the math team. The outstanding scholar for the math department is Abbie Blauvelt.”

Senior Tom Marshall received the award from the Science Department.

Science teacher Ken Baker said, “Tom Marshall is a leader both academically and athletically. He contributes to the positive atmosphere of MVHS through his involvement in basketball, baseball and the National Honor Society. He volunteers his time through such activities as helping his class during homecoming week, reading to younger kids in the afterschool program and coaching summer basketball. Tom challenges himself academically with honors and advanced placement level classes. In the classroom he contributes positively and strives to learn the material more than he strives to get a good grade. Tom is a positive role model in and out of the classroom and that is why the science department has selected him for the outstanding academic achievement award.”

In addition to receiving the English award, Kristin Arsenault was also honored by the Social Studies Department.

Social studies teacher Chris Carver said, “Kristin has taken all of the social studies courses we offer, including pre-AP (Advanced Placement) U.S. history, AP U.S. history and AP European history. She is hard working and conscientious and enjoys learning.”

The world languages teachers selected junior Joshua Maillet.

Spanish teacher Victoria Monsalve said, “As a French student who has decided to take Spanish independently, Josh has adapted very well and is exceeding expectations. Even though he is not currently taking French, he continues to practice and help others learn it. He enjoys learning a language and learns more than is required simply because he wants to learn it, not for a grade or a credit.”

Freshman Dylan Knox received the physical education and health award.

Physical education teacher Todd Papianou explained, “Dylan’s maturity and insight surpassed his peers during the Freshmen Project unit. It was clear all semester that he was engaged and concerned for the success of himself and his classmates. He not only led by example, but was able to articulate his role in class in a sophisticated manner.”

Finally, sophomore Andrew Arsenault earned the family/consumer science, technology and music award.

Family and consumer science teacher Lorraine Tanguay said, “It is not very often that a student has made an impact in three of the unified arts classes during one trimester, but this has been the case during the first trimester of the 2014-15 school year. Andrew was a student this past trimester for Mr. Bailey, Mr. Prescott, and me. In each of his classes, he made an exceptional effort to get his work not only completed on time, but with remarkable results. He also did not hesitate to help fellow classmates with their work as well. He was a great asset to his classroom teachers and set a positive example for his fellow students.”