On Wednesday, May 27, Lori Arsenault, the managing editor of the Gorham Times, presented scholarships to GHS graduating seniors Lauren Dunbar and Derek Luo. Lauren and Derek are students who, through their hard work and determination, have demonstrated excellence throughout their school careers.

Lauren Dunbar will be attending St. Joseph’s College in Standish to study social work with the goal of becoming a school counselor or social worker. She has a passion for helping children who have had challenges in their lives and hopes to provide them with empathy, support and a safe space to be themselves. In addition to being a successful student, Lauren has also played volleyball and basketball during her high school years. She is a determined and hardworking student who will help others in her life through her determination, empathy and kindness.

Derek Luo will be attending the University of Rochester and majoring in biomedical engineering. Derek hopes that through a career in the medical field, he will be able to spread light and warmth to the community around him. Beyond his success in the classroom and four years of varsity tennis, Derek has been a volunteer at Maine Health and at St. Vincent de Paul’s soup kitchen and an intern research assistant with an industrial engineering professor at USM.

He has truly found ways to spread warmth and light through the greater Gorham community.

Congratulations to Lauren and Derek and all of the Gorham High School Class of 2026!