The Top Scholars of the Class of 2026

Congratulations to the Top Scholars and Academic Leaders of the Class of 2026!

Milena Mataac '26 has been named Valedictorian, and Amelia Phillips '26 has been named Salutatorian.

The Class of 2026 gathered in the Memorial Gymnasium on Wednesday, April 29, for the Class Photo and for the special announcement, which occurred on the Class of 2026 College Sweatshirt Day!

Meet the Valedictorian and Salutatorian

• Milena Mataac '26, Valedictorian
• Amelia Phillips '26, Salutatorian

Photo Album: Valedictorian & Salutatorian Announcement

April 29, 2026 - Memorial Gymnasium

Click here to view album and download photos on Raider SmugMug.

Announcement from Ms. Jeanne Burns, Assistant Principal & Academic Dean

"Congratulations to our highly talented Class of 2026!"

"There are many seniors who are outstanding scholars and have achieved a number of academic achievements, and we congratulate all who have worked so hard to use their gifts and talents to be the best they can be. And thank you to the teachers, staff, and coaches who have helped our students along this journey."

"For the Class of 2026, Milena Mataac has been named Valedictorian and Amelia Phillips has been named Salutatorian. Please join us in congratulating them on their accomplishments."

Meet the Valedictorian and Salutatorian

• Milena Mataac '26, Valedictorian
• Amelia Phillips '26, Salutatorian

---

 

Valedictorian: Milena Mataac '26

Congratulations to Milena Mataac '26, Valedictorian for Central Catholic High School’s Class of 2026!

This fall, Milena will be attending the University of Pennsylvania, where she plans to study bioengineering.

About Milena

• College: University of Pennsylvania
• National Merit® Finalist
• Hometown: Newbury
• Middle School: Immaculate Conception School (Newburyport, MA)

Activities

• Tennis
• National Honor Society, Vice President
• Raider Review Newspaper, Managing Editor
• Concert Band
• Liturgical Band & Chorus
• Student Ambassadors, E-Board
• Student Alumni Association, E-Board
• Visions Coffeehouse
• Camp Champagnat Leadership Institute, Student Leadership Team
• Art Club
• Piano Lessons
• Club Tennis

In Milena's Words

Why is CCHS Special?

"Central Catholic is a very special place, because it provides every student with an opportunity to pursue their own unique interests. There is always something new to try, and there are so many people here—teachers, faculty, and fellow students—who will never hesitate to give you their full support."

Committed to Service

"Over the past years, I have enjoyed participating in Marist Mentors, where I had the opportunity to work with children in physical and academic need from the community surrounding CCHS; altar serving at my local parish—Immaculate Conception Parish (Newburyport MA); and participating in Student Alumni Association events, including the Christmas Gift Wrapping Event and the Easter Egg Hunt, both of which benefited the least favored."

"I also volunteered this summer at the Museum of Old Newbury (Newburyport) and the Custom House Maritime Museum (Newburyport), working to preserve historical records and promote historical interest in my hometown."

Faculty Role Models

"I would like to thank Mr. Hebert (Mr. Cameron Hebert '17, Math Faculty), who has been a role model and source of support both in class and in extracurriculars; Mr. Denmead (Mr. Bruce Denmead, Music Teacher & Band Director), who introduced me to a world of music I never knew existed; Mr. Griffin (Mr. Brian Griffin, Science Faculty), who has greatly helped me develop an understand of and love for physics; and so many other teachers who have supported me and inspired in me a love for learning throughout my time at Central."

Her Future

This fall, Milena will be attending the University of Pennsylvania, where she plans to study bioengineering.

Raider Legacy

• Sister: Maria Mataac '21

Congratulations, Milena!

---

 

Amelia Phillips '26, Salutatorian

Congratulations to Amelia Phillips '26, Salutatorian for Central Catholic High School’s Class of 2026!

This fall, Amelia will be attending Northeastern University.

About Amelia

• College: Northeastern University
• National Merit® Commended Student
• Hometown: Windham, NH
• Middle School: Birches Academy (Salem, NH)

CCHS Activities

• Theatre Guild
• National Honor Society
• Student Ambassadors
• Student Alumni Association
• Student Walk Committee
• Love for Lazarus
• A/V Club
• Outside CCHS
  • "I play piano at home and take piano lessons."

In Amelia's Words

Why is CCHS Special?

"I think that what makes Central Catholic so special is the community. Ever since I started going to school here, I have felt so welcomed and accepted by everyone I have ever met. The teachers are incredibly kind and genuinely want to see us succeed, and I have found so many incredible friends here as well."

Committed to Service

"I have loved getting to volunteer at Lazarus House, whether with Love for Lazarus, the Student Alumni Association, or on my own. Volunteering there has allowed me to meet so many incredible people while helping to give back to our community in Lawrence."

Faculty Role Models

"Every single teacher I've had at Central has helped me throughout my academic journey and made me who I am today. In particular, I would like to mention Mr. Hebert (Mr. Cameron Hebert '17, Math Faculty) and Mr. Boucher (Mr. Eric Boucher '04, Math Faculty), who have allowed me to learn to truly love math, as well as Mrs. Thompson [Mrs. Christine (Leonard '06) Thompson English Faculty) and Ms. LaBrie [Mrs. Jessica (Dick '09) Labrie '09, English Faculty], who helped me hone my research and writing skills through the AP Capstone program."

Her Future

This fall, Amelia will be attending Northeastern University.

Raider Legacy

Brothers: Colin Phillips '24 and Liam Phillips '26

---

Congratulations, Amelia!

---

Celebrating the Class of 2026

 

Celebrating the Class of 2026

Visit the Class of 2026 page for upcoming events and additional information!

Congratulations to Milena and Ameila. We are so proud of you!