Melanie Elizabeth Fleming is a senior at Fitch High School in Groton. She is involved in several organizations that highlight her commitment to the Groton–Mystic community. During her time at Fitch, Melanie has been awarded the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Book Award, ranks in the top 25 of her graduating class, is a member of the National Honor Society, serves as the secretary of the Keyettes Club, plays cello in the string orchestra, and acts as a student representative to the Groton Board of Education.

Melanie is also a Bronze and Silver Award Girl Scout, earned through more than fifty hours of community service. She is a competitive dancer at Dancers Ink in Mystic and an Ambassador Girl Scout in Troop 63176. Melanie will be attending the University of Connecticut in the fall, where she will major in marketing at the Storrs main campus.

Melanie loves the St. Patrick’s Day season because it gives her the chance to spend quality time with family and friends, enjoy the annual Mystic Irish Parade, share family stories, and decorate her home with her mom using shamrocks and cherished Irish decorations passed down through generations—turning the house into a walk down memory lane.

Emma Forde is a senior at Fitch High School. During her time at Fitch, Emma received the Endicott Book Award, ranked in the top 25 of her class, and became a member of the National Honor Society. She has served as captain of both the Fitch High School soccer team and the Fitch High School track team for two years.

Emma has volunteered at the Mystic Irish Parade for many years, a tradition that connects her to her Irish roots. In 2018, she visited Ireland, where she reconnected with family and deepened her understanding of her heritage. She feels especially connected to her roots through her love of storytelling, a gift she inherited from her grandad.

Emma will attend Western New England University in the fall, where she plans to major in marketing and play soccer. She has always cherished the Mystic Irish Parade as a meaningful way to bring together friends and family while celebrating her pride in Irish culture.

Elizabeth (“Ellie”) Sarah Zuro is a senior at Stonington High School. She serves as Vice President of the National Honor Society, is a four-year student government representative, and is Co-President of the school’s peer mediation group. Ellie has earned Academic High Honors throughout all four years of high school.

A dedicated athlete, she is a four-year starter on the varsity girls lacrosse team, where she has earned All-State Second Team, All-Star ECC, and Defensive Player of the Year honors. Ellie is also deeply committed to service, volunteering for the past seven years with her church’s youth mission program. In addition, she plays first-chair viola with the Thames Valley Youth Symphony at Connecticut College.

Ellie grew up surrounded by storytelling, which sparked her love for writing and literature. She cherishes listening to her grandparents’ stories and learning about their Irish traditions. In 2018, she traveled to Dublin, where she enjoyed hearing local storytellers, visiting Trinity College, and exploring her Irish heritage.

Ellie plans to attend a four-year college, where she hopes to double major in psychology and political science.

Kelly Margaret Turley is a senior at Marine Science Magnet High School, where she is an active and accomplished student. She is a member of the National Honor Society, a Student Council Officer, a Student School Ambassador, and a Peer Tutor. Kelly has received several academic honors, including the Excellence in AP Chemistry Award, the ECE Marine Science Award, and the Science Distinction Award.

A lifelong athlete, Kelly was a competitive swimmer with the Mystic Hammerheads, where she once held 14 speed records in multiple strokes for her age group. She is also a four-year varsity tennis player for Fitch High School.

Kelly is deeply involved in her community. She attends and volunteers at St. Patrick’s Church, assisting with youth programs, altar serving, and parish events. She also volunteers at the New London Community Meal Center, helping prepare and serve food to those in need. Some of her favorite childhood memories include walking in the Mystic Irish Parade with St. Patrick’s Church, wearing Kelly green, Irish step dancing, and celebrating with her large extended family. She will be visiting Dublin for the first time over Spring Break.

Kelly will attend Northeastern University in Boston, where she plans to pursue a dual major in bioengineering and biochemistry.

Maerin Lyon is a senior at Fitch High School and a dedicated student-athlete. She is a four-year member of both the Fitch Varsity Girls Soccer Team and the Varsity Softball Team, earning several ECC Sportsmanship Awards throughout her athletic career. Maerin is also an active member of the Environmental Club and the National Honor Society.

Her hobbies include playing softball, cooking, baking, and going to the gym. Maerin has marched in the Mystic Irish Parade since she was young, an experience that has fostered a strong sense of pride in her Irish heritage. She shares that the parade has helped her feel connected to her roots while also giving back to the community she loves.

Maerin plans to attend a four-year college following graduation.