Laconia students showcase Diploma of Distinction projects at school board meeting
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Summary
Five Laconia High School students presented Diploma of Distinction capstone projects — ranging from a student-run food support program to a children’s anti-bullying book — and described plans to sustain and scale their work across elementary schools.
At the Laconia School Board meeting on March 17, five Laconia High School students presented projects qualifying them for the Diploma of Distinction, a senior recognition that pairs a B average and 30 credits with a capstone 'passion project.' Lisa Hines and staff described the program’s process and mentorship.
Savannah Dutile described creating a student-run food-support station, saying she launched the initiative in September and had it operating by December. "Everybody that has used it has got really good feedback," she said, noting donations from the middle school and a $600 gift-card contribution that helped sustain supplies. She said she keeps funds and resources on a high-school account and has coordinated with Key Club and school staff to continue collection and distribution.
Other students described projects aimed at elementary literacy and creativity. Gracie described forming a literacy group at Woodland Heights through the Project Extra program and creating reusable lesson materials; another student described an art-oriented Project Extra group for third graders. One student discussed assembling "growth mindset" boxes for first- and second-grade classrooms with whiteboards, markers and replenishable materials so teachers can reuse them. A student author described writing and illustrating an anti-bullying children’s book she plans to pilot at Woodland Heights and to place in school libraries; she said proceeds or leftover funds would support Lakes Region Mental Health.
Board members and staff asked about sustainability and budgets. Students said they had created guides or Canva booklets and had left materials and plans with school coordinators so the activities could be replicated. One student said she paid about $100 out of pocket for materials; another said the middle school conducted a food drive that supplied her pantry.
Superintendent Amy and other administrators praised the students’ efforts and noted staff involvement in mentoring and reviewing proposals. The board offered applause and encouraged staff to help students publicize successful projects.
The presentation concluded with board members asking follow-up questions on legacy and transferability; students detailed how materials and activity guides had been provided to elementary coordinators so the programs can continue beyond each student’s graduation.
