KATARINA DE LA TORRE – BIDDEFORD GAZETTE

The standout student receives high praise from her teacher and other community members

By KAREN GARNETT | Biddeford School Department

Biddeford High School (BHS) Senior Katarina De La Torre has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Principal’s Award. The award, sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association (MPA), is given annually to a senior from each high school in recognition of their academic achievement and citizenship.

**BIDDEFORD HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR KATARINA DE LA TORRE** is selected as the recipient of the 2026 Maine Principals’ Association Principal’s Award. (Photo Maureen Grandmaison Photography)

As De La Torre’s teacher, Veronica Foster, shares, “Kat is a hard worker and an exemplary student, the kind that every teacher feels lucky to have in class. What truly sets her apart, though, is something a little harder to pin down.

“Kat is unfailingly, intuitively kind in a way that feels increasingly rare and increasingly precious. In group work, class discussions, and student assemblies, she reaches toward others, creating community with everyone around her and directing their collective energy toward progress, collaboration, and joy.

“Kat is a remarkable student, but more than that, she’s a remarkable person, one who makes the world better just by being in it.”

De La Torre has distinguished herself academically through a rigorous course load that includes Advanced Placement and Honors classes, earning her a 7th-place ranking in her graduating class. She will attend the University of Maine to pursue a degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine.

“Kat is a remarkable student, but more
than that, she’s a remarkable person,
one who makes the world better
just by being in it.”
— BHS Teacher Veronica Foster

In addition to her academic accomplishments, De La Torre has demonstrated a deep commitment to the arts and her school community.

She has been dancing for 14 years and is a dedicated member of the Salt Flat Dance Collaborative Company, where she has performed for the past two years.

She is also actively involved in school clubs, contributing her time and energy in ways that reflect both leadership and a strong sense of community. Friends,family, and teachers alike describe Kat as compassionate, driven, and someone who consistently lifts others up.

Principal Martha Murray states, “Katarina is an outstanding representative of Biddeford High School. Her academic excellence, dedication to her passions, and genuine kindness toward others set her apart.

She approaches every opportunity with grace, determination, and a commitment to making those around her better. Kat leads not only through her accomplishments, but through her character, and we are incredibly proud to recognize her with this honor.”

The Principal’s Award is presented in more than 100 Maine public and private high schools by member principals of the MPA, the professional association that represents Maine’s school administrators. For more information about the award, visit https://mpaprof.org/mpa-principals-award-2.

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