Senior Jinan Khannouchi presents her research project on the impact of social media use on teenagers’ mental health. (Photo Courtesy King Philip Regional School District)
WRENTHAM — Superintendent Dr. Rich Drolet and King Philip Regional High School Principal Nicole Bottomley are pleased to announce that six members of the Class of 2026 have graduated with distinction in recognition of research projects they completed to address community needs.
Students may earn Graduation with Distinction in either Liberal Arts or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). To receive the honor, students must propose, research, and develop a project focused on a community need, complete a final process paper, and present their work to a faculty panel.
“This distinction represents months of independent research, creativity, and dedication,” said Superintendent Dr. Drolet. “Each of these students identified an issue that mattered to them and developed a project designed to educate, support, or improve their community. We congratulate each of them on this remarkable achievement!”
“What stands out most about these projects is how thoughtfully our students approached real-world challenges,” said Principal Bottomley. “From raising awareness about mental health and social media use to reducing food waste and supporting students in need, these projects are representative of the compassion, initiative, and leadership that the Class of 2026 has continually shown.”
Students who graduated with distinction include:
Distinction in Liberal Arts
Sophia Mohamed: War Torn-Women
Sophia researched the impact of war on women in Somalia, Palestine, and Afghanistan. She also studied color symbolism and artistic styles before creating three painted portraits of women using different color schemes. The portraits were displayed for the King Philip community alongside artist statements.
Serenity Moten: The Importance of Mental Health Resources for Teenagers
Serenity researched effective ways to support teenagers’ mental health through school-based resources. She then created an awareness campaign at King Philip Regional High School that included bulletin board displays, morning announcements, and informational graphics.
Marissa Walker: National Junior Honor Society and Its Impact Beyond Education
Marissa researched the purpose and long-term benefits of National Junior Honor Society participation for middle school students. She then helped establish a National Junior Honor Society chapter at King Philip Middle School and led the induction ceremony for its inaugural members.
Distinction in STEM
Nakshatra Arun: Think Before You Toss
Nakshatra completed an audit of food waste generated during school lunches at King Philip Regional High School. Her research identified causes of food waste and informed solutions, including educational materials and menu-planning recommendations designed to reduce waste.
Mandy Chen: Repurposing School Supplies
Mandy designed and implemented a program to collect new and gently used school supplies that might otherwise be discarded and redistribute them to students who could benefit from them.
Jinan Khannouchi: Excessive Social Media Use and Its Effects
Jinan researched the effects of social media use and presented her findings to both the King Philip Active Minds chapter and a regional gathering of Active Minds chapters. Using MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey data and survey results she collected herself, she helped inform future advocacy efforts promoting balanced social media use.
Each student’s diploma indicates their Graduation with Distinction status. Students were also recognized during the senior awards ceremony and at graduation.
###
Senior Marissa Walker presents her research project about the National Junior Honor Society and the benefits this program has for younger students. (Photo Courtesy King Philip Regional School District)