The Blue Devil Spotlight

  Leominster High School senior Tuan Nguyen’s volleyball journey has been one defined by perseverance, growth, and dedication. His connection to the sport began in eighth grade through an unlikely source: gym class. “In my eighth grade gym class, we would regularly play volleyball with an oversized beach ball which captivated my interest in the sport,” Nguyen said. “For whatever reason, we never played with an actual volleyball. But, it still inspired me to try out for volleyball in high school.” Nguyen attended boys volleyball tryouts during the spring of his freshman year but did not make the team. While that experience may have discouraged others, Nguyen remained committed to improving. During the fall of his sophomore year, friends on the girls volleyball team invited him to practice with them, which eventually introduced him to the possibility of becoming a team manager. “This was the first time I heard about managing a sports team,” Nguyen said. “While I didn’t officially ...

  Leominster High School and Center for Technical Education Innovation senior Will Patton has been a key member of the boys lacrosse program over the past four years. His hard work and dedication have helped him become both a captain and a starting two-way midfielder for the Blue Devils. Like many student-athletes, Patton first got involved in lacrosse because of his friends. “I started playing lacrosse in 8th grade,” Patton said. “My friends and I were interested, so we all decided to try it out.” When it comes to what he enjoys most about lacrosse, Patton points to both the physicality of the sport and the bond among his teammates. “I like the physical aspect of the sport. I also enjoy my teammates. We all have a pretty good relationship with each other, and it's more fun playing with a team that gets along then one that doesn't." Patton has enjoyed a breakout senior season, scoring nine goals while leading the team with 24 assists. He ranks second on the team in points...

  On Friday, May 22, Leominster Public Schools will host the Special Olympics at Doyle Field, featuring approximately 170 students from six schools across the district. “This is always a special day for both our students and staff,” said event organizer and APE teacher Peter Charpentier. “Athletes compete and get the opportunity to show off all the hard work they have put in throughout the year as well as get a chance to catch up and visit with former teachers that they have had throughout their time here in Leominster.” This year’s event will also recognize eight students competing in their final games: Justin Aiesi, Sabrina Budd, Jack Cotoni, Geovana Dos Santos, Trinity LeBlanc, Loida Ramos, Jean Ronald Jean Pierre, and Amber Walls. Some of these students have participated in the School Day Games for as many as 15 years. “My favorite part of the day is being outside and hanging out with everybody,” said Jean Ronald Jean Pierre, who also stated his favorite events are soccer and r...

  A staple of the Leominster High School athletic community since 2015, the LHS Athletic Hall of Fame will unveil its new Wall of Fame display during a dedication ceremony on Tuesday, May 26 at 6 p.m. Over the past 11 years, the Hall of Fame has recognized more than 100 student-athletes, coaches, teams, and contributors who demonstrated outstanding leadership, sportsmanship, commitment, and skill. Inductees are selected during an 18-month cycle that includes nominations, reviews, selections, and presentation preparation. “Our Hall of Fame was born from the inspirational work assembled by the combined efforts of former Leominster High School coaches, teachers and administrators working towards a common goal to honor former LHS athletes, coaches and contributors to the athletic program in the history of LHS,” said LHS Athletic Hall of Fame president Frank Steffanides. Beyond honoring past Blue Devils, the Hall of Fame has also expanded its involvement within the community through sc...

Leominster High School junior Kendal Hattabaugh discovered tennis in an unexpected way: through driver’s education. During the summer between her freshman and sophomore years, she took the July driver’s education class taught by girls tennis head coach Mr. Robichaud. “I first met Kendal in the Summer of 2024 when she was enrolled in the July Driver's Education Class that I was teaching,” Robichaud said. “We were later paired up for drive times later that fall. It was during our drive times that the recruiting process began when it was brought to my attention that she did not play a spring sport for LHS.” A member of the basketball team, Hattabaugh had never considered tennis before Robichaud suggested it. Now, she is grateful she gave the sport a chance. “I had never thought about playing any sport other than basketball,” Hattabaugh said. “But, he convinced me to at least give it a shot.” Hattabaugh credits the welcoming atmosphere and team camaraderie as the main reasons she enjo...

Tennis became an unexpected part of senior Sam Ward’s high school experience after he arrived at Leominster High School four years ago looking for a spring sport to play. “I didn’t have plans to play when I first arrived at LHS,” Ward said. “I was introduced to the sport by looking for a spring sport to play and stumbled on tennis.” Since then, Ward has made a lasting impact on the boys tennis program as a two-year captain and the Blue Devils’ current No. 1 player. “It’s been a pleasure to know and to coach Sam for four years,” said varsity head coach Mark Mogé. “He has worked hard over the years and has developed the best tennis form of anyone I have coached.” Ward says his favorite part of tennis is the camaraderie and support within the program. “Even though singles is an individual sport, I really enjoy the team aspect during practice: working together, supporting each other, and pushing one another to improve,” Ward said. “Being part of a team, whether we’re competing to win ...

  When Leominster High School senior Evan Zumwalt first picked up a tennis racket as a sophomore, he didn’t expect how quickly the sport would become an important part of his high school experience. He was immediately drawn to the team’s camaraderie. “I enjoy playing and having fun with everyone on the tennis team,” Zumwalt said. “Everyone brings their own perspectives to the game, and helping to put them all together is so rewarding.” A lifelong Leominster resident, Zumwalt was introduced to tennis through the Leominster Recreation Department’s tennis training weeks. He enjoys the strategy of the game and the opportunity to be active outdoors. Head coach Mark Mogé has seen Zumwalt’s growth and leadership firsthand. “Evan joined the team in his sophomore year and has had a positive impact throughout his two-plus years here,” said boys tennis head coach Mark Mogé. “He was named as one of my captains in his junior season for his leadership and sportsmanship.” “Something I have learn...

  Leominster High School senior Ian Aronow has played baseball since first grade, following a family legacy that made the sport a natural fit. “My grandfather was the one that introduced me to baseball,” Aronow said. “He played professional baseball in the Houston Astros organization.” Now the everyday first baseman for the Blue Devils, Aronow combines strong defense with a consistent work ethic and leadership by example. “Ian Aronow isn’t just a first baseman,” said varsity head coach Rich Barnaby. “You can measure his value in every scoop he saves, every out he refuses to give away, and every teammate he lifts up. He’s the first to arrive, the last to leave, and the steady force that holds everything together.” He says his favorite part of the LHS baseball experience is the bond he shares with his teammates. “The team has a family feel,” Aronow said. “It is amazing to know I always have the support of my teammates and coaches.” Aronow credits the program and Coach Barnaby with he...