DURHAM - The Oyster River Cooperative School District (ORCSD) wishes to recognize and congratulate the top 10 students in the Class of 2026.

Graduation is scheduled for Friday, June 5, beginning at 5 p.m. at the University of New Hampshire Whittemore Center (128 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824).

2026 Oyster River Valedictorian Jessica Li. (Photo Courtesy of the Li family)

Jessica Li is the daughter of Quan Zhang and Jun Li of Durham, NH. Jessica will graduate as the class of 2026 valedictorian. She is a motivated and intellectually curious student whose academic interests center on the sciences, leadership, and the arts.

Jessica has distinguished herself through her commitment to both scholarship and service. She served as vice president of the senior class and as co-captain of the ORHS girls’ tennis team, competing all four years. Her passion for music is evident through her work as a piano instructor in the University of New Hampshire’s Piano Extension Program. Academically, she helped establish the Oyster River High School (ORHS) Science National Honor Society and furthered her scientific interests through the Advanced Studies Program at St. Paul’s School, where she studied molecular biology.

Her accomplishments have earned her significant recognition, including competing at the national level for National History Day in 2024, receiving state-level Science Olympiad awards, and being named a National Merit Finalist. She is also a member of the French Honor Society and the Art Honor Society. She will graduate as a NH Scholar with a distinction in STEM.

With aspirations of becoming a physician, possibly in pediatrics, Jessica will take the next step in her academic journey this fall at Columbia University, where she plans to study biochemistry.

2026 Oyster River Salutatorian Benjamin Boodey. (Photo Courtesy of the Boodey family)

Benjamin “Ben” Boodey is the son of Simone and Tim Boodey of Barrington, NH. Ben will graduate as the class of 2026 salutatorian. He earned the recognition of National Merit Scholarship finalist, is a member of the Spanish Honor Society, and earned his Eagle Scout distinction. He has earned many accolades and awards while in high school, including: the Business and Economics award, the Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics in both 9th and 11th grade, and the Brandeis Book Award for social action and civic engagement.

Ben’s thirst for knowledge extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by his role as captain of both the math team, trivia team, and quiz bowl team. Additionally, he is a member of the Model UN Club. His care for others is shown by his membership in the Red Cross Club and his role as vice president of the Key Club.

Ben will be attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in the fall to study chemical engineering.

2026 Oyster River Top Ten Student Prajna Adhikari. (Photo Courtesy of the Adhikari family)

Prajna Adhikari is the daughter of Usha and Puskar Adhikari of Lee, NH. Throughout her high school career, Prajna has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence while also cultivating her creativity through the arts and extracurricular involvement.

A dedicated member of the ORHS dance team for all four years of high school, Prajna balanced her athletic commitments with a passion for artistic expression. She initiated and organized a Sewing Club, leading a series of workshops that reflected both her leadership and creativity. Prajna’s artistic talents have also been consistently recognized by art instructors, with her work showcased at various local facilities.

Prajna’s academic achievements are equally notable. She earned Highest Honors each semester and was awarded AP Scholar distinction by the College Board. Her accomplishments include membership in both the Spanish and Science National Honor Societies, recognition as a New Hampshire Scholar with a STEAM emphasis, and receipt of RIT’s Business and Leadership Award.

2026 Oyster River Top Ten Student Neely Roy. (Photo Courtesy of the Roy family)

Neely Roy is the daughter of Jessica and Johnathan Roy of Lee, NH. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and the National Technical Honor Society. Additionally, she received the Salve Regina Book Award and was recognized as a Scholar Athlete.

Neely commits herself with the same conviction to her athletic and career pursuits as she does with her academics. She is a valued and key member of the cross-country, indoor track, and outdoor track teams. Having earned her Licensed Nursing Assistant certification through ORHS’ Career Technical Program, Neely is currently using those skills at Harmony Homes By the Bay.

Neely will be attending Merrimack College in the fall where she will pursue a degree in nursing. Additionally, she will run for this Division I school in both cross-country and track and field.

2026 Oyster River Top Ten Student Geneva Ruml. (Photo Courtesy of the Ruml family)

Geneva Ruml is the daughter of Katherine and Wheeler Ruml of Durham, NH. She is a member of the Science Honor Society, French Honor Society, and is the treasurer of the Tri-M Honor Society. She is a masterful musician, as evidenced by being accepted into the All-State Musical Festival in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. She earned the distinction of top scoring musician in alto saxophone in both 11th and 12th grade. Additionally, Geneva received a National Merit commendation.

Outside of school, Geneva continues her passion for music. She plays classical saxophone and is also a member of the New Hampshire Youth Band.

Having been accepted to Wesleyan University under early decision, she will explore and discover her future goals.

2026 Oyster River Top Ten Student Anna Shuba. (Photo Courtesy of the Shuba family)

Anna “Anya” Shuba is the daughter of Svetlana and Roman Shuba of Lee, NH. She earned the recognition of National Merit Commendation and is a member of the Art Honor Society. She earned the Scholastic Gold Key for art and earned the Silver Key on three separate occasions.

Anya brings her dedication to all that she does, including swimming at both the high school and club level. She is an active member of the Biobuilder Club and Science Club, as well as our math team.

Anya will be attending Dartmouth College in the fall where she will be pursuing a degree in biotechnology.

2026 Oyster River Top Ten Student Amalie Trump. (Photo Courtesy of the Trump family)

Amalie Trump is the daughter of Jessica and David Trump of Lee, NH. She is the president of the Tri-M Honor Society and is a member of the French Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society. Additionally, she received the Rochester Institute of Technology Humanities Book Award.

Amalie is equally committed outside of the classroom. She is the captain of the dance team and is a skilled track and field athlete. Additionally, she is a Student Mental Health team leader, a student senator, and on the prom and homecoming committee.

Amalie will be attending the University of New Hampshire in the fall as a member of the Hamel Honors College where she will be studying medical microbiology, with a desire to become a research scientist in a pharmaceutical lab.

2026 Oyster River Top Ten Student Joseph Vanasco. (Photo Courtesy of the Vanasco family)

Joseph Vanasco is the son of Lara and Steven Vanasco of Madbury, NH. He was the recipient of the Xerox Award for Technology and Innovation and is a member of the National Honor Society.  Joseph is an Eagle Scout and earned a certificate of recognition from The Veterans of Foreign Wars for his Eagle Scout distinction.

Outside of the classroom, Joseph is equally impressive. In addition to his long-standing commitment to scouting, he is the captain of his rowing team at Great Bay Rowing and has earned many Coaches Awards during his tenure there. He is also the treasurer of the Key Club and is a member of both the Red Cross Club and the trivia and quiz bowl team.

Joseph will be attending Purdue University to pursue a degree in electrical engineering.

2026 Oyster River Top Ten Student Issac Williams (Photo Courtesy of the Williams family)

Issac “Ike” Williams is the son of Laura and Michael Williams of Madbury, NH. As a talented musician, he was invited to All-State for three years to play the viola. He was also part of the chamber festival and a member of the 1,000 lb. Club.        

Outside of the classroom, Ike immerses himself fully into many endeavors, most notably in the equestrian world. He qualified for regionals at the Interscholastic Equestrian Association’s competition on two separate seasons and earned one first place distinction, qualifying for “Zones.” When not riding or playing music, Ike will take any opportunity to powerlift or ski.

With aspirations of working at NASA, Ike will be attending Purdue University in the fall where he will be studying aerospace engineering.

2026 Oyster River Top Ten Student Dawen Zhou. (Photo Courtesy of the Zhou family)

Dawen Zhou is the daughter of Zaixing Zhou and Baorong Zhao of Durham, NH. She is a member of the Tri-M Honor Society, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Science Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. She also received the Society of Women Engineers Certificate of Merit.

Dawen is equally diversified in her endeavors outside of the classroom. She is a member of our soccer team and plays club soccer as well. She is the treasurer of the Red Cross Club and a member of the Pearl Literary Arts Magazine Club. She completed the Biomedical CTE program and is a member of our Biobuilder Club. When she can find some free time, she loves to crochet and paint.

Dawen will be attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the fall, where she will be pursuing a degree in chemical engineering as she hopes to work in the pharmaceutical industry.