BY RYAN O'CONNOR

Though her roots are in South America, Lorena Bouroncle, “the Peruvian Heat,” has bloomed during her seven years in the Goffstown School District.

Moving to Dunbarton in May 2000, Bouroncle finished fifth grade with her classmates, barely able to speak a word of English.

“All I knew was basic terms like ‘My name is Lorena’ and ‘I’m from Peru,’” she said.

“It was obviously difficult because I spoke Spanish, and here in New Hampshire, there are barely any minorities.”

Enrolling in specialized courses to teach her English, Bouroncle said she had a firm grasp on the language within a year.

“The teachers were very helpful. They really did everything they could to help me out to make sure I was learning and getting good grades, so I was able to get the hang of it pretty quick,” she said.

More importantly, however, Bouroncle was welcomed into the school system by her peers, making it easy for her to pick up the local dialect and slang.

“I was really welcome here and I had no problem making friends, but now that I look back, it’s kind of funny,” she said, of her early struggles with the English language.

This was never more apparent than in sixth grade when she and classmates watched a science video on animals.

“I didn’t really understand some of it, so I stood up in front of the whole class and asked, ‘What’s mating?’” she said. “Everyone laughed at me, but we all played it off well.”

She’s come a long way.

Now, graduating in the top 10 of her class at Goffstown High School with a 95.2 average, Bouroncle will attend Dartmouth College this fall.

Even Goffstown High School Principal Frank McBride said he’s been wowed by Bouroncle’s drive.

“She’s a great kid who always has a smile on her face and often a dictionary at her side,” said McBride. “I think she has had to work a lot harder than some of her peers over the years, in that she has had to keep up with the normal course load, plus learn English.”

Having applied for early decision to Dartmouth, Bouroncle said she wasn’t convinced she would be accepted, especially after she found out valedictorian Jocelyn Duford also applied.

“It was my first choice ever since I went to visit as a junior. I knew it was such a high reach, and if I didn’t get in, I shouldn’t be disappointed, but my guidance counselor (Martha Benton), encouraged me and wrote me a magnificent recommendation, so I applied. In December, Jocelyn and I both checked online and found out we both got in, so we were excited but also shocked that an Ivy League school took two Goffstown students.”

As it turns out, Dartmouth took four. Patrick Dobens, and Christina Kelleher were also accepted.

“I think that says a lot about the quality of education at the school and how far it’s come,” she said. “I think our grade, itself, has a lot of smart, dedicated people, and the school, the administration and Mr. McBride have done a lot this year to really make this happen.

“I mean, we have four people in the same class going to Dartmouth. That’s amazing.”

Sports

In addition to academic success, Bouroncle has excelled in athletics as well.

During her senior year, she played a varsity sport all three seasons, including field hockey in the fall,
swimming in the winter, and lacrosse in the spring. She also played basketball as a freshman and participated in track and field her junior year.

“One of the aspects I’ve liked most about high school is the field hockey and lacrosse teams, and the coach (Jess Brown),” said Bouroncle. “They’re all my best friends.”

Brown, who has coached her in varsity field hockey and lacrosse for the last two years, has known her throughout high school.

“I’m pretty biased, but I think she’s pretty exceptional,” said Brown. “She really loves going out on the field and trying to rise to the challenge, and it’s hard not to like someone like that. She’s fiery on the field and uses every opportunity to try to improve herself.”

But balancing school, sports and mastering the English language hasn’t always been easy.

“Ever since I was little, I’ve been doing sports. I did gymnastics in Peru when I was 4. My mom has always pushed me to be in sports, and when you’re active, it gives you a discipline that not only forces you to be responsible, but also sets a schedule for you,” said Bouroncle. “My daily ritual is school, sports and homework at night, but in the off season I have more distractions and don’t get as much done, so the busier I am, the more successful I am.”

Brown said what separates Bouroncle from many others is her hard work, dedication and the fact that she sets high standards for herself.

“I think, with Lorena – which is also indicative of her personality – she’s not necessarily the most naturally talented player on the field, but she has a spark and she’s a play maker, so you put her on the out there and things happen,” said Brown. “She has the ability to change the momentum of the game and the direction of the game.

“She’s also very true to herself and true to her roots,” said Brown. “

Bouroncle agrees.

“I’m proud to be Peruvian and I love Peru and the culture behind it, but I also like that my friends respect I’m from another country, and I have different values and customs as well,” she said.

In fact, while she was playing in a basketball game her freshman year, a couple of her friends, in support of the team, made signs for each player. Bouroncle’s sign labeled her as “Peruvian Heat,” a nickname that has stuck ever since.