Each year Superintendent of Schools Jim Adams gets to honor three current Ashland High School seniors for their dedication to academics and leadership and who consistently embody the core values of the district and high school. The award recipients are selected with help from the AHS leadership team and counseling department. They look for students who not only excel in a specific academic area but also demonstrate a high level of involvement and contribution to the school community.

Superintendent Adams was pleased to award the following recipients for the 2022-23 school year with this distinction.

Massachusetts School Superintendents Certificate of Academic Excellence

Jennifer Pickett

Hardworking, respectful and compassionate are just a few words to describe Jenny Pickett. She is a highly motivated, intelligent and driven individual who always puts forth her best effort and consistently strives to achieve her goals. Jenny was the recipient of the Clarkson University Award for Achievement and is also a National Merit Commended student. She is the President of the Leos Club and has been an active member of the Student Council and the Yearbook Club for several years. She has also contributed to her community in a meaningful way by volunteering countless hours at the Ashland Public Library and through her church’s Youth Ministry. Jenny has been admitted to Syracuse University for the fall to major in Film Production and Business Administration. 

National School Development Council Award for Academic Growth and Student Leadership in Learning

Christopher Bialzik

Leader, analytical, respectful and focused describes Christopher Bialzik. Christopher sets an example of integrity and respect among his peers and is a powerful role model. He is a National Merit Commended student and Rensselaer Medal Award recipient who takes advantage of all opportunities presented to him and goes beyond expectations in all he does. He has earned his Eagle Scout designation within the Boy Scouts and exemplifies all the scouts represent in character and civic responsibility. Christopher is a youth baseball umpire and coach and values his contribution to mentoring young players. He is active on the AHS varsity baseball team and junior varsity golf team while volunteering his time readily for community service. Christopher has been admitted to Northeastern University to study BioEngineering.

April Wang 

Since freshman year, April Wang has challenged herself with the most rigorous course load possible and now ranks in the top 5% of her class. She is one of the most conscientious, diligent and optimistic students at AHS, and many teachers wish they could duplicate her motivation and intrinsic curiosity in all their students. April is thoroughly involved in the AHS community through her work in student council, as editor-in-chief for the yearbook, robotics club member, the School Committee Advisory Council and volleyball, to name a few. April has recently been accepted into Cornell University’s freshman class of 2027, where she hopes to major in engineering, which allows her to continue what she loves, creating tangible products through design and creativity.

“Our district is honored to have such a diverse and well-rounded group of distinguished students,” said Superintendent Adams. “I could not be more proud of their accomplishments, and I wish them the best as they take the next step in their education.”

The district offers its deepest congratulations and respect to these three outstanding students for a job well done.

About Ashland Public Schools

Ashland Public Schools is a forward-thinking district located in Ashland, Mass., serving nearly 3,000 pre-K through grade 12 students in five schools. For news, updates and announcements, follow Ashland Public Schools @AshlandClockers on Twitter or visit ashland.k12.ma.us.