2 Wilmington High School Seniors Honored As Commended Students

WILMINGTON, MA — Two Wilmington High School seniors have been honored as Commended Students in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program, the school has announced.

Ryan Kanihan and Audrey LaConte each were presented with a Letter of Commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

"Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success," a spokesperson for the NMSC said in a statement. "We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of (continued) academic success."

Kanihan carries a 4.1 GPA, which ranks among the top 10 percent in the Class of 2023.

This year, Kanihan is taking classes at Middlesex Community College — via the college's dual enrollment program — focusing on cybersecurity, which is his intended college major.

Kanihan has been active in the WHS's Science Club, Math Club and Chess Club and participated in the Academic Decathlon.

Outside of school, Kanihan spends time creating his own computer programs, volunteering at his church and playing the piano.

LaConte, meanwhile, has a perfect 4.3 GPA and is the CAD design lead for the high school's Robotics Club. They also are co-president of the Art Club and serve as a voice for the students on multiple school improvement committees.

As an artist, LaConte has been commissioned for independent projects. They also are a tap dancer, who is a member of the Wilmington Dance Academy, a competitive dance team.