Students Recognized for Scholarship, Focus and Extracurricular Dedication

Natick High Seniors Addison Scully and Ryan Weierman were presented with the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.) Award for Academic Excellence by Superintendent Bella Wong at the Natick School Committee meeting on November 20.
Ms. Wong shared the following remarks, which underscored in exactly what ways these NHS students are committed scholars and community leaders:

Addison Scully is a superlative student in every sense, from her near-perfect transcript to the kindness, thought and insight she brings to every single class, every single day. Addison has a genuine love of learning that permeates everything she does, from her education to more creative pursuits such as dance. 

Addison was honored with the Yale University Book Award this past spring, she’s an AP Scholar, and one of just four National Merit Semi-Finalist nominees in her graduating class. She has earned high regional and national accolades as a dancer both individually and with her dance group, and she also earned a Scholastic Art Award Honorable Mention for work she created in her Graphic Design elective last year.

Addison has been prolific in her involvement in a wide range of after-school activities, earning leadership positions such as a seat at the Principal’s Roundtable, and in teaching and mentoring younger dancers in her studio. She has given back to the community with countless community service hours. She sincerely strives to bring out the best in herself and others, truly exemplifying the finest qualities of Natick High citizenship and scholarship.

From the moment Ryan Weierman entered high school, you could tell that she embodied all of the qualities to make a difference at NHS. She is determined, enthusiastic, passionate, and loyal. She is in the top tier of her class which is a testament to her academic prowess, her eagerness to learn, and her competitive internal drive to do the best she can.

Ryan is a top-notch student whose work ethic and organizational skills led to high grades from the very start, but what sets her apart is her intellectual growth and curiosity. While Ryan is in elite company in terms of her academic accomplishments with an extremely rigorous course load at Natick High, she stands out in many other ways through her accomplishments. Among the many impactful and meaningful contributions Ryan has made, one to highlight is her work with Youth for Sex Ed, a student-led organization dedicated to the passage of the Healthy Youth Act. As a founder and now vice president, Ryan works with other colleagues to pass legislation that would ensure that all MA students have inclusive, accurate, and age-appropriate sex education.

In addition to her advocacy for social justice, she is a true historian and enjoys sharing her knowledge with others. With Ryan's passion for history, coupled with her charismatic charm, she will lead the next generation of historians and be an example for young people everywhere.