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CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (June 5, 2026) – The 2026 Chelmsford High School Students of the Year for 2026 were announced during Senior Awards Night on Thursday, May 28.

They are Katherine Evans (Emerson House), Karen Khela (Hawthorne House) and Ethan Jiang (Whittier House).

Before the winners were announced, Erin MacNeil, Dean of Emerson House, described what it takes to become a Student of the Year.

“A Student of the Year is someone who is eager to learn, whose curiosity brings energy to the classroom, they ask thoughtful questions, they’re willing to take risks,” she said. “Their presence makes the classroom better, not just through achievement, but through kindness, character and the way they positively impact those around them.”

Katherine Evans – Emerson House

Katherine Evans was named the 2026 Chelmsford High School Student of the Year for Emerson House.

MacNeil said Evans was chosen as Emerson’s Student of the Year because her dedication, character and passion have made a lasting impact on the school community.

“Throughout high school she has demonstrated an exceptional balance of academic excellence, leadership and involvement,” she said. “She earns this honor because of the way she leads – with empathy; she gives her full effort to everything she does and she consistently shows up for others.”

CHS math teacher Lauren Dehaan described Evans as “a quiet leader who guides others through steady action rather than stealing the spotlight.”

Craig Vitale, CHS history teacher, said Evans is “a wonderfully deep thinker.”

“Despite her being incredibly intelligent, she’s humble, she never puts anyone down and is always willing to help,” he shared. “Her ability to see the big picture is unmatched.”

Evans will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology to pursue a degree in engineering.

Karen Khela – Hawthorne House

Karen Khela was named the 2026 Chelmsford High School Student of the Year for Hawthorne House.

Jaclyn Vitale, Dean of Hawthorne House, said while Khela boasts an impressive transcript and boasts numerous awards and accolades, she is so much more than letters and numbers on a page or trophies and medals on a shelf.

Kathryn LaFlamme, a social studies teacher at CHS, described Khela as “a remarkable, kind soul who brings an authentic and unforced energy to everything she does.”

“Karen’s joy and sense of humor can instantly brighten anyone’s day,” she said.

Science teacher Dr. Somdatta Chowdhury praised Khela for her enthusiasm, dedication and passion for learning.

“She brightens any room she enters with her positivity and curiosity,” she said. “Every time I speak with her, I learn something new. Every conversation with Karen adds another element of joy to my day.”

CHS Spanish teacher Estefania Tower said “Karen has always been a powerhouse.”

“She questions all the right things, thinks critically and shows kindness and respect towards others,” she said. “She is globally conscious and curious, and there is no doubt that she will go on to make the world a much better place.”

This fall, Khela will be attending Brown University to study biochemistry on a pre-med track.

Ethan Jiang – Whittier House

Ethan Jiang was named the 2026 Chelmsford High School Student of the Year for Whittier House.

John MacIsaac, Dean of Whittier House, described Jiang is “an outstanding individual who has quietly impacted all of Chelmsford High School in a positive way over the past four years.”

CHS social studies teacher Stephanie Gilbert said Jiang is someone who has “endless educational inquisitiveness and who loves to learn new things.”

“He is a critical thinker who is not afraid of engaging with people of differing viewpoints in an effort to greater his understanding for others,” she said. “He is truly a student of knowledge.”

Marian Smith, CHS English teacher, said it came as no surprise to her that Jiang was awarded Student of the Year.

“He is an exceptionally smart, hard-working and kind individual who is always fully engaged in our class community and goes out of his way to support his peers,” she said. “His determination is unmatched.”

After graduating, Jiang will be attending Amherst College to study economics.

About Chelmsford Public Schools

The Chelmsford Public School District provides all students with multiple pathways to optimize their own potential for academic excellence, leadership, and social and emotional wellness. The mission of the Chelmsford Public Schools is to educate, engage, prepare, and empower well-rounded and knowledgeable learners to PERSEVERE through challenges, demonstrate RESPECT and INTEGRITY in their words and actions, are DEDICATED to their community, and display EMPATHY as global citizens while discovering and pursuing their full potential. This PRIDE-driven culture enables all members of the school community to support the growth and development of students. For more information, please visit www.chelmsfordschools.org.