BETHEL — Telstar Regional High School staff and students are pleased to recognize the top scholars from the graduating class of 2021. These individuals have distinguished themselves throughout their high school careers. The Telstar community congratulates these young scholars for their commitment to their academics, their school and their communities.

Shelby Anne Thorman – Magna Cum Laude

Shelby AnneThorman is the daughter of Penelope York-Gibson of Bethel, Maine. Shelby has continuously pushed herself in the classroom. She received high honors during each semester, and fit three AP classes into her schedule. Shelby has also taken on numerous leadership roles in and outside of Telstar. She is president of the National Honor Society (NHS), reporter for the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), a member of Student Council and the Class of 2021 Co-President. Shelby is also a talented athlete who played varsity soccer, field hockey and softball (captain). She has been involved in multiple community service opportunities, including volunteering at the Bethel Historical Society, Stephens Memorial Hospital 5K, Bethel District Exchange and as a CPS Teachers Assistant. Some of Shelby’s hobbies include going on adventures with her dogs, being in nature, painting, spending time with friends and family and watching Netflix. After graduation, Shelby plans to get her master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Maine to become a speech pathologist. Her goal is to work with special needs children.

Max Kruse – Magna Cum Laude

Max Kruse is the son of Jesper Kruse and Martha McLean of Greenwood, Maine. Max has 170+ hours of community service for participating in Trail Crew at the University of Maine 4H Camp in Bryant Pond, working on local trails near the camp. He and his friends cut and hauled trees, moved large rocks through swamps and constructed bridges. He was a member of Student Council all four years of high school and FBLA from freshman to junior year. Freshman year he was class co-president and sophomore year served as class treasurer. Max played soccer throughout high school. He was also on the baseball team his sophomore and senior year. Next year while Max decides where to attend college, he plans to live in Utah to ski and work at a resort. Some hobbies Max enjoys are skiing, traveling, fishing, hiking, playing sports and being outdoors.

Jewel Mae Smith – Magna Cum Laude

Jewel Mae Smith is the daughter of Melissa and Walter Smith of Andover, Maine. Jewel has participated in many community service activities, including volunteering at the Blueberry Mountain Bible Camp in Weld, Maine. She is an active member of the Bethel community and an active babysitter. Jewel has also been a member of FBLA, Student Council, NHS, National Technical Honor Society and band. Jewel also played field hockey and softball. Outside of school, she babysits and spends time with her family and friends. Jewel is very excited to expand her learning at Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, where she will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

Dylan Duclos – Magna Cum Laude

Dylan Duclos is the daughter of Rebecca and Greg Duclos of Andover, Maine. Dylan has participated in several community services activities including various Sunday River events and helping with Telstar Middle School track events. Dylan was also on the soccer, and track and field teams. In track, Dylan qualified twice for high jump at the state meet. Outside of school, she has a brown belt in karate and enjoys various types of horseback riding. Dylan is planning to continue her education at Cazenovia College, majoring in Equine Science and Management and competing on the school’s riding team.

Lilyana Noel Johanson – Magna Cum Laude

Lilyana Noel Johanson is the child of Tanya Johanson of Greenwood, and Paul Johanson of Bethel, Maine. She has been involved in multiple community organizations and activities, including Telstar Middle School’s drama program, Telstar High School’s Chinese Exchange Program, assisting at BAAM events, and the Freshman Dinner when she was a freshman. Throughout her high school career, Lily has participated in the THS Drama program (as an actor, costume designer, and director), the Civil Rights Team, Interact Club, NHS, and as a mentor for North Star. After high school, she plans to attend Plymouth State University, with a major in theatre arts, and then move on to become a professional costume designer for the stage. Lily’s extracurricular hobbies include, drawing, sewing, writing, and learning about the history of fashion and true crime.