In May, the Deering High School community gathered for the highly anticipated announcement of the annual BRECCIA literary magazine winners. Ms. Menard, club advisor and Educator, hosted over two dozen BRECCIA club members in the library, transforming the space into a vibrant celebration of student voice as the winning pieces were shared.
Warmest congratulations to this year's featured creators: Max Nichols, Zoe Stilkey, Evie Varbanova, Claudia Nteya, and Avery Stone.
BRECCIA stands as a vital pillar of the Deering community, providing a platform for our exceptionally talented creative writers to bring their internal worlds into the light. Through its annual print publication, live readings, and collaborative workshops, the club offers students a space to refine their craft and sharpen their creative instincts.
Stepping up to share such deeply personal work requires immense bravery. There is a profound power in the spoken word, and witnessing our students command that power with such vulnerability was an unforgettable experience. We are incredibly proud of these young writers for their courage, their artistry, and the strength of their unique voices. Bravo to the winners!
May started on a high note with our inspiring Class of 2026 Capstone Project Presentation Day, a milestone event celebrating the Senior Capstone Experience required by all students to graduate. Our seniors rose to the occasion, showcasing immense creativity, diligence, and passion across every academic department and beyond, with projects spanning science, nature, fashion, volunteerism, community improvement, works of art, languages, humanities, and technical innovations.
Take a look at this slideshow to see how our campus was transformed by these extraordinary presentations.
Way to go, Class of 2026, we are incredibly proud of your achievements, your remarkable presentations, and all of your future endeavors!
The Deering Players brought their 2025–2026 season to a transcendent close with a magical staged reading of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. From the noble Athenian court to the mischievous fairy realm and the hilarious antics of the Mechanicals, every student shone with a distinct light in this delightful harmony of comedy and romance. It was a refreshing evening of theater that showcased the immense talent of our students under the direction of Alyssa Rojecki. We are so proud of the cast and our incredible set, lighting, and sound crews for creating such an enchanting finale. Click the link in our bio to read the full review of this unforgettable performance!
Join us for an evening of music at the upcoming Spring Concert, hosted in the Deering High School auditorium. The event will take place on May 20, 2026, beginning at 6pm. This showcase will highlight the talent and preparation of several student ensembles, including the orchestra, chamber choir, handbells, and band. We welcome all community members to attend and support these musicians as they perform a diverse selection of pieces to celebrate the season.
As the 2025–26 school year draws to a close, Deering High School is celebrating a series of remarkable achievements, from the induction of 19 National Honor Society members and 32 Seal of Biliteracy recipients to a state championship for the Science Olympiad team. Recent weeks were marked by student artistry and community spirit, including an enchanting and skillful interpretation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream by the Deering Players and a magical Masquerade Ball at O’Maine Studio. The calendar remains full with the Spring Concert and Make It Happen graduation event on May 20, followed by Senior Awards Night on May 28 and the Class of 2026 commencement on June 4 at Merrill Auditorium. Families are reminded to check the graduation website for updates and ensure all library books are returned by the upcoming deadlines; the full community letter is available via the link in our social media bios.
Teacher Appreciation Week reached a high point this year thanks to an outpouring of support that genuinely energized our staff. The FTO set the tone by filling the week with thoughtful gestures, from the chalk greetings at the entrance to the daily snacks and organized lunch. This local effort was amplified by the Deering community, specifically the neighbors at Woodlands Congregational Church, who arrived with enough homemade sweets to stock the entire staff lounge. Local staples Big Sky Bread Company and Noble Pizzeria & Barbecue furthered the celebration, generously providing a spread of pastries, cookies, and meals. To everyone in Portland who donated their time or resources: thank you for recognizing our educators with such tangible kindness.
Mark your calendars for one of the most meaningful traditions at our high school. On Thursday, May 28th, at 6:00 p.m., we invite students, families, and the community at large to gather in the Clinton W. Graffam Auditorium for our Senior Awards Night. This evening serves as a tribute to the academic growth and unique contributions of our graduating class. While individual award recipients will be officially notified soon, we want the entire community to join us for this inspiring event. It is a wonderful opportunity to witness the "Deering Difference" in action as we recognize the milestones these students have reached during their time with us. We look forward to seeing you there for a night of community, pride, and celebration.
Deering High School students achieved a historic milestone at the 2026 Maine App Challenge, where their talent and participation earned the school top honors. During the official ceremony held on Saturday, May 02, at the Tyler Technologies headquarters in Yarmouth, Deering was recognized as the high school with the most app submissions in the state. Out of a record-breaking 151 total entries this year, the highest number in the contest's history, Deering students were responsible for 76 of them, representing over 50% of the entire field. This accomplishment was made possible through the support of Mr. Jonathan Graffius, whose guidance helped students navigate the design and development process.
In recognition of this outstanding engagement, Tyler Technologies awarded Deering High School $500 to support the Computer Science program. Additionally, the student participants will be celebrated with a pizza party sponsored by Tyler Tech. Congratulations to all the students who submitted their work and contributed to this record-setting year for the Rams. Go Rams!
Last Friday, May 1st, City Hall underwent a stunning transformation, serving as a multi-floor gallery for the vibrant creativity of Portland Public Schools. The exhibition showcased an impressive range of works from students across our art department, representing the mentorship and guidance of teachers Ms. Emily Serway, Mr. Chad Hart, and Ms. Kathryn Carlisle. Scheduled to coincide with the historic First Friday Art Walk, the event brought the community together to celebrate local talent in the heart of the city. We offer our sincere congratulations to all the participating students your talent is truly remarkable, and your work made for an unforgettable evening.
The next generation isn't waiting for their turn, they’re taking the lead! Deering High School seniors and juniors recently commanded the stage at Rowe Elementary, moderating a historic gubernatorial forum with ten candidates for Maine’s governor. From Hilina Gugsa’s insightful interview on civic responsibility with News Center Maine to sharp questioning from Vanessa Orellano, Racheny Rasmey, Abdulkadir Munye, Ryan Roarty, Charlie Dibble, and state debate champion Noah Rasheed, our students proved that their leadership in campus clubs, Model UN, and Speech translates directly into real-world impact. It was a powerful display of diplomacy and accountability that captured headlines across the state.
Check out the link in our bio to read the full blog post and explore all the media coverage from the Portland Press Herald and beyond!
