Schools

Dorsky, Lane-Reticker Reflect on Class of 2012 Experiences

Valedictorian Sarah Kate Lane-Reticker and salutatorian Evan Dorsky look forward to the next step – college.

Between a male Spanish teacher dressed as Lady Gaga lip syncing at a pep rally and students breaking their first test tubes during one AP biology lab involving jet streams, valedictorian Sarah Kate Lane-Reticker and salutatorian Evan Dorsky have had many funny memories at .

But they also take their studies seriously as they not only prepare to address their peers at the Class of 2012 graduation Friday night but also to go to college.

Dorsky, a member of the high school’s robotics team, will continue his education in engineering at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering in Needham, MA and Lane-Reticker will be headed to Waterville, ME to attend Colby College.

“I like being able to solve problems using critical thinking,” Dorsky said of choosing the engineering field. “That’s one of best things about education.”

Meanwhile Lane-Reticker is deciding between chemistry and English. She said that her fondness for literature is due to not having a TV growing up, finding solace in books like Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Wizard of Oz and Misty of Chincoteague. Colby, a liberal arts school, gives her the opportunity to study both the sciences and humanities.

“I’m so excited. Some part of me can’t really believe that it’s here now and it doesn’t feel that we’re done with high school ever. But I’m ready to graduate,” said Lane-Reticker, whose former English teacher and senior mastery project mentor Jenna Aylsworth went to Colby.

Even though Dorsky and Lane-Reticker will be giving speeches at their graduation, Lane-Reticker remains humbled by the talent of her peers.

“In a way, I almost feel like I’m not really equipped to be giving people advice,” she said. “There’s absolutely no reason I’m more qualified to give my classmates advice than anyone else.”

When asked to characterize the Class of 2012, Lane-Reticker said that her classmates are smart and very involved in community service.

As president of the National Honors Society, Lane-Reticker helped organize the K.A.R.E. Fair, which stands for “Kids in Avon Reaching Everyone,” spearheaded by advisor Peter O’Sullivan. The May event raised $2,500 to fund building a handicapped-accessible ramp at the home of fourth-grader . An anonymous donor contributed an additional $1,500.

"That’s probably one of the most meaningful things I’ve done in all of high school,” Lane-Reticker said, amazed that despite having “senioritis,” “everyone made it happen.”

Since last August, Dorsky has been teaching people from 65 years old to 80 how to use the three new iPads the Avon Senior Center purchased with funding from an Avon Education Foundation grant. He has taught them everything from “simple web browsing” to watching videos or using Facebook.

Dorsky credited the high school for giving him the flexibility to be involved in many activities and clubs.

“I think I liked that I could do all the things that I’m interested in to the extent that I did them,” Dorsky said.

Both Dorsky and Lane-Reticker have musical talents as well, Dorsky on violin and viola and Lane-Reticker on flute.

Lane-Reticker also ran on the cross country team her sophomore through senior year. She did outdoor track throughout high school, competing in the mile, 800-meter, two-mile and 4-by-800 relay. This past winter, she ran in the mile, 800 and 1,000 for her first indoor track season. She even did the Manchester Road Race in the off-season.

“I mostly do it to stay in shape,” she said.

The most memorable part of her season was when it started snowing in late October, right after running in the Class M state championship race that earned the Falcons second place.

All of these moments are ones to be enjoyed in Lane-Reticker’s eyes.

“Don’t listen to teachers when they tell you procrastination doesn’t work because it does. As long as you basically get your work done,” she said. “Enjoy the time while you have it because it’s going to go by really fast.”

Editor's Note:
Avon Patch will be taking photos and video at graduation, which starts at 5 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the Avon High School football field, weather-permitting and will be moved inside in the event of inclement weather. Some of the speeches will also be published on this website afterward. Are you planning on taking photos of your own? Please feel free to upload them here or our community gallery (avon.patch.com/pics).

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