Congratulations to Kendora and Morgan, Two Dedicated Children's Auction Volunteers: Recently Recognized at Laconia High School Top 10 Dinner

Throughout their high school years, Morgan and Kendora participated as engaging volunteers at many of our Children's Auction events! We know they will achieve great success in the next stage of their personal journeys.

The annual tradition of the Laconia High School Top 10 Dinner, held at the Huot Technical Center’s dining room, pulled back the focus just far enough to celebrate both the students and the adult they chose to spotlight, giving them each a chance to speak about what it was like to learn from — or guide — the other.

Kendora Harper-Cartier

The class’s valedictorian, Harper-Cartier chose Andrea Besegai, who now teaches at the middle school but first taught Harper-Cartier during both her kindergarten and fifth grade years.

Besegai said it takes relentless drive, academic ambition and unwavering dedication to arrive at the title of valedictorian. “Kendora embodies all those qualities, but she is so much more. Beyond those academic accolades, Kendora is a beacon of kindness. She is respectful and she has one of the most infectious laughs I have ever heard.”

Harper-Cartier is someone who sees barriers as “tiny speed bumps,” and sees opportunities to leverage challenging circumstances into successful outcomes. These attitudes have taken her to advanced studies at St. Paul’s School’s summer program and Lakes Region Community College, and to benefit organizations such as the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction and New Hampshire Food Bank. Harper-Cartier also works as a nanny and at Fratello’s Italian Grille.

Morgan Mitchell

Rebecca Price, art and technology teacher, said she had to compose herself differently when Mitchell was in her class. “I would stand a little taller, straighten out my back and lift my chin,” all to ride the tide of elegance that would follow Mitchell. “I feel like you bring people up with you.”

Mitchell calls to mind the literary character Jane Eyre, conceived by Charlotte Bronte, who navigated a challenging social and economic landscape and found her own path to independence and love.

Like Eyre, Price said to Mitchell, “You don’t fit in any box.” Or, quoting Bronte, “You’re no bird, no net can trap you. ... Go out in the world and break down barriers and become whoever it is that she wants to be.”

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