Three 8th graders at Kurn Hattin Homes for Children did a remarkable job of staying the course and graduating on Saturday, June 4, 2022. Kurn Hattin Homes’ Board President, Mark Bodin welcomed everyone and commented that the graduates were awesome and became a better version of themselves from their time at Kurn Hattin. After the Invocation, flag salute, The Charles Albert Dickinson Award presentation, and a selection from Kurn Hattin’s band, Salutatorian, Jordan Perkins, read a line from one of her favorite songs, “The only time you should ever look back is to see how far you’ve come.” Valedictorian, Gabrielle Elmore-Brown remarked, “We adjusted to wearing masks, then not wearing masks, then masking again. We had to distance ourselves from each other, eat in smaller settings, and be flexible. None of this was easy, but we did it. We have overcome all of these challenges and I know that my fellow graduates and I are prepared to overcome every situation that comes our way.”
The students were recognized for their many talents and achievements with various awards:
RESIDENTIAL AWARDS:
GOOD CITIZENSHIP AWARD – RESIDENTIAL DIRECTORS
For the student who is most helpful and cooperative with other students
(In Memory of Mrs. Rudolph Novak)
-Dreyson Warren, Grade 6
SUITCASES:
For 8th grade students who have shown outstanding progress
(In Memory of Esther Mayo and Priscilla Watson)
-Gabrielle Elmore-Brown
-Denise Nichols
-Jordan Perkins
WOODHULL MUSIC AWARDS:
JAZZ BAND AWARD – Jordan Perkins
OVERALL BEST EFFORT AWARD – Denise Nichols
INSTRUMENT AWARD – Gabrielle Elmore-Brown
MASSACHUSETTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ AWARD EXCELLENCE IN WRITING
-Gabrielle Elmore-Brown
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARD
(Sponsored by Shirley Bacon Doyle, Class of 1949)
The Alumni Association is pleased to present a $50 award each, to a deserving student who embodies the spirit of Kurn Hattin through kindness to others and participation in all aspects of campus life.
-Denise Nichols
JOHN P. BARRY & CHRISTOPHER W. BARRY AWARD
For the student who exemplifies the Kurn Hattin spirit and shows acts of kindness to staff and students throughout the school year. (In Memory of John P. Barry and in Honor of Christopher W. Barry)
-Phoenix Schell, Grade 5
ELEANOR WARD ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
For the 8th grade student showing the greatest improvement
-Denise Nichols
W.I. MAYO MEMORIAL AWARD
For outstanding all-around achievement by an 8th grader
-Gabrielle Elmore-Brown
ROBERT P HUBBARD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
For a current or past graduate who has an aptitude for art, literature, writing or the visual arts
(In Memory of Robert P. Hubbard)
-Jordan Perkins
THOMAS G. FAHNER SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
For a current or past graduate who shares Mr. Fahner’s values of integrity, compassion and the determination to succeed. (In Memory of Thomas G. Fahner)
-Reginald Watson, Class of 2015 San Jose University
-Kevin Patterson, Class of 2018 Prince Tech, Hartford, CT
After receiving their diplomas, the 3 graduates proudly moved their mortarboard tassels to the left and all cheered. Congratulations to the Kurn Hattin Class of 2022! From (L to R): Valedictorian, Gabrielle Elmore-Brown (Mont Vernon, NY), Denise Nichols (Alstead, NH), and Salutatorian, Jordan Perkins (Jaffrey, NH).
Thank you to Terry & Marya Holcombe for sponsoring the Happy Cows ice cream truck as a special treat at the luncheon.
Since 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children has helped thousands of children and their families by offering a safe home and quality education in a nurturing environment. Its mission: Kurn Hattin transforms the lives of children and their families forever.