HAMPDEN — Hampden Academy is proud to announce the top academic honors for the Class of 2025. These students have distinguished themselves through outstanding academic achievement, leadership and service to the school and community.
We are pleased to recognize their hard work, dedication and the positive example they have set for their classmates. Below are brief biographies highlighting each student’s accomplishments and future plans.
Tessa Castrucci
Valedictorian
Tessa, the daughter of Hannah and William Castrucci of Hampden, has been an outstanding student and leader throughout her years at HA. She has been actively involved in a wide range of activities, including Junior Classical League, varsity soccer, varsity alpine ski, varsity tennis, Math Team, ASB Leadership, Key Club, National Honor Society, Student Council, Class Officers and Envirothon.
Tessa’s excellence has been recognized with numerous honors, including Student of the Quarter, Student of the Month (Science), the PVC Student-Athlete Award, the St. Michael’s Book Award, the MPA Principal’s Award, AP Scholar with Distinction and National Merit Commended Scholar.
In addition to her academic and extracurricular achievements, Tessa works part-time at Dairy Queen during the summer and has volunteered her time with Key Club and NHS, supporting the food cupboard, blood drives, community events and the HA concession stand. In her free time, she enjoys baking, skiing, reading and spending time with her friends and family.
Tessa will attend Bowdoin College in the fall, where she plans to major in mathematics.
Maryssa LeBlanc
Salutatorian
Maryssa, daughter of Manon and Gilles LeBlanc of Hampden, has distinguished herself through her strong academic performance and active involvement in school activities. She has participated in Junior Classical League, Envirothon and served as a Makerspace Ambassador.
Her achievements have been recognized with the Award for Excellence in Science and the 11th Grade Book Award for Social Studies.
Outside of school, Maryssa works part-time at Erickson’s Hardware and Ice Cream as well as at Lucerne Veterinary Hospital. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, hunting, fishing and training dogs and horses.
Maryssa will attend the University of Maine at Orono, where she plans to major in pre-veterinary and animal sciences.
Annelise Small
Honors Essayist
Annelise, daughter of Adam and Allison Small of Hampden, has excelled academically while contributing her time and talents to a variety of school activities. She has been involved in Yearbook, Envirothon, Bible Club, Math Team and Art Club.
Her accomplishments include being named a Rensselaer Medalist, receiving high honors and Student of the Month recognition for World Languages.
Annelise is also active in the community, volunteering as a kennel cleaner at the Bangor Humane Society, supporting the Hampden Food Cupboard, assisting with the Coding Club at Weatherbee and participating in Habitat for Humanity projects. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, backpacking, exploring local cafes and volunteering.
Annelise will attend Stony Brook University on Long Island, New York, where she will major in physics and participate in the WISE (Women in STEM and Engineering) Program.
