TOWNSEND – Superintendent Brad Morgan is pleased to share that a North Middlesex Regional High School student-athlete was

named Gymnast of the Year at the Central Mass High School Sports Awards Ceremony last week. 

Samantha Difonte, a rising senior from Townsend, was recognized on Wednesday, June 26 during a ceremony at the Hanover Theater & Conservatory for the Performing Arts in Worcester. Difonte participates in the co-operative gymnastics program with Groton-Dunstable Regional High School.

Difonte holds the program's vault record with a 9.6, and also holds the program's highest all-around score of 37.65.

The Central Mass High School Sports Awards is an athletic recognition program honoring the area’s top-performing athletes, coaches and teams. The nine-month program, selecting and announcing nominees each season, culminates in an in-person awards show. The ceremony was organized by the Worcester Telegram & Gazette and by the USA Today Network. 

Difonte is also a high-achieving member of the North Middlesex Regional High School Track Team. 

"On behalf of the entire district I'm pleased to congratulate Samantha on this achievement, and on being a stellar student-athlete," said Superintendent Morgan. "It takes hard work and incredible dedication to reach the top in athletics, and we hope Samantha will be very proud of this for years to come."

TOWNSEND -- Superintendent Brad Morgan is pleased to share that North Middlesex Regional High School student Jackson Bailey has been recognized as student-athlete of the month by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA).

Bailey was awarded student-athlete of the month by the MIAA for the month of March. Nominations for the MIAA Student-Athlete of the Month award may be submitted by principals, athletic directors, teachers, coaches, guidance counselors or other school administrators. The MIAA considers athletic performance, academic achievement, and community service initiatives in their decision-making process. 

Bailey was nominated by head baseball Coach Jim Beauregard. Bailey’s athletic achievements include being a three-sport athlete, participating in cross country, indoor track and field, and baseball for the duration of his high school career. In all three sports, he was appointed the role of Captain. He also received the Coaches Award and Team MVP in cross country as well as being named a league all-star in indoor track and field.

"I have been coaching baseball for 30 years and have been an athletic director for 20. All during this time, I have never encountered a student that has been more worthy of a recognition," Beauregard wrote in part. Beauregard cited Bailey's leadership qualities, numerous efforts to improve his community, and willingness to help those who may need it.

Academically, Bailey is a member of the National Honor Society and the Rho Kappa National Honor Society for Social Studies.

He is also involved in many community-based initiatives. Bailey has been a major advocate for bringing financial literacy courses to North Middlesex Regional High School. Because of his efforts, the school was able to receive federal grant funding to host a Credit for Life financial literacy fair in April. 

Bailey was also a student coordinator for the New Orleans Louisiana Service Learning (NOLA) Program. The NOLA Program is a service trip that around 40 students participate in over spring break. Students travel to the New Orleans area and take part in service initiatives such as building wheelchair-accessible ramps and cleaning kitchens, common areas, and outdoor areas. As student coordinator, Bailey was responsible for planning fundraisers, services, flights, and accommodations for the trip. 

As student-athlete of the month, Bailey will receive a $1,000 scholarship from the MIAA. He will also receive a plaque of recognition and features on MIAA social platforms. 

“Congratulations to Jackson on this tremendous accomplishment,” said Superintendent Morgan. “Jackson has an unwavering dedication to improving the community and the people around him that has been a joy to witness. I am glad to see his accomplishments recognized. His future is extremely bright.”