Six members of the King Philip Regional High School Class of 2026 graduated with distinction in recognition of research projects designed to address community needs.

Students may earn Graduation with Distinction in either Liberal Arts or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) by proposing, researching and developing a project focused on a community issue, completing a process paper and presenting their work to a faculty panel.

"This distinction represents months of independent research, creativity and dedication," Superintendent Dr. Rich Drolet said. "Each of these students identified an issue that mattered to them and developed a project designed to educate, support or improve their community."

Principal Nicole Bottomley said the projects reflected the "compassion, initiative and leadership" shown by the Class of 2026.

Graduation with Distinction recipients were:

Distinction in Liberal Arts

Sophia Mohamed - Researched the impact of war on women in Somalia, Palestine and Afghanistan and created a series of painted portraits displayed with artist statements.

Serenity Moten - Studied school-based mental health resources for teenagers and developed an awareness campaign at King Philip Regional High School.

Marissa Walker - Researched the benefits of National Junior Honor Society participation and helped establish a chapter at King Philip Middle School, leading its inaugural induction ceremony.

Distinction in STEM

Nakshatra Arun - Conducted a food-waste audit at King Philip Regional High School and developed recommendations to reduce waste.

Mandy Chen - Created a program to collect and redistribute new and gently used school supplies to students in need.

Jinan Khannouchi - Researched the effects of excessive social media use, presenting findings to local and regional Active Minds groups to support advocacy for balanced social media use.

Recipients were recognized at the senior awards ceremony and graduation, and their diplomas reflect their Graduation with Distinction status.