TAUNTON — Three Taunton students have been awarded the 2024 Francis W. Gallishaw Memorial Award, which comes with a $1,000 scholarship from the South Coast Educational Collaborative, according to a press release.
The award recognizes academic achievement, leadership and service across Southeastern Massachusetts school districts.
The recipients are Natalie Duncan from Taunton High School, Evelyn Miller from Taunton Alternative High School and Mary Wallace from Taunton Public Virtual Academy.
The scholarships will be awarded after the recipients complete their first semester of higher education.
“Each of these students represents the best of what Taunton Public Schools stands for,” said Superintendent John J. Cabral.
“Natalie, Evelyn and Mary have shown incredible dedication to their education and their communities. Their success is a testament not only to their hard work but also to the supportive network of families, educators and peers around them. We are so proud to celebrate their achievements and look forward to seeing the incredible things they will accomplish in the future.”
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Natalie Duncan, a junior, ranks first in her class of 521 students. She has completed 11 Advanced Placement courses and earned the AP Scholar with Distinction recognition. Duncan is involved in the Johnson & Johnson Emerging Leaders Program, aligning with her plans to study biomedical engineering.
“Natalie is the epitome of academic excellence and leadership,” said John Harrison, principal of Taunton High School. “Her drive and ambition, paired with her ability to inspire others, make her a role model for her peers and a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.”
Duncan is also co-president of the Key Club, a DECA Board Member and a four-year member of the Student Advisory Committee. She contributes to the National Honor Society and Student Council and has achievements in Latin.
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Evelyn Miller, also a junior, is the top-ranked student at Taunton Alternative High School with a 3.35 GPA. She balances school, work and leadership roles, serving as CEO of the award-winning Junior Achievement team.
“Evelyn’s achievements are a testament to her determination and resilience,” said Bert Delaney, principal of Taunton Alternative High School. “She leads by example and balances her many responsibilities with grace and poise, making her an inspiration to our school community.”
Miller works 20–30 hours per week outside of school and contributes as a peer tutor.
Mary Wallace, a senior, is a student at the newly established Taunton Public Virtual Academy. She has excelled in a self-directed learning environment, taking advanced electives to refine her writing skills.
“Mary is an exceptional student who has overcome challenges with grace and determination,” said Elizabeth Rodrigues, principal of Taunton Public Virtual Academy. “She is a pioneer in our program, and her success is a reflection of her hard work, self-motivation and love of learning. We couldn’t be prouder of her.”
For more information about South Coast Educational Collaborative, visit www.scecoll.org.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.