BY RYAN O'CONNOR

For the first time in school history, Goffstown High School will send four students to Dartmouth College.

Patrick Dobens, Lorena Bouroncle, Christina Kelleher and valedictorian Jocelyn Duford, all at the top of their class, will head northwest to Hanover, to test their academic prowess in the Ivy League.

Dobens, who is graduating with a 94 average and 3.8 grade-point average, said he was literally in disbelief when he found out all four were accepted, identifying the one trait they have in common as “genius.”

“When I first found out that (Duford and Bouroncle) got in through early decision, I was just happy for them, and I was already considering applying, so come March 29, when I found out I got in too, I stopped breathing for a little bit,” said Dobens.

“I think everyone who applies to an Ivy League school, it looks great on paper, but what really clinched it for us is the interview that we had to go through,” he continued. “I think all of us had that flare that they’re looking for that really adds to your resume – more of a personality rather than just being book smart.”

Bouroncle, who has a 98 average, expanded on Dobens comments.

“I think we’re all great students, we have good grades, and we’re all really involved with the school,” said Bouroncle. “We’re all unique in our own way and I think that uniqueness stood out in our application.”

Duford, who sports a 4.0 grade-point average and a 98 average, gave credit to the faculty at Goffstown High School.

“I just appreciate all the dedication and caring that all the teachers here at Goffstown High School have given us to guide us toward our future,” said Duford.

Christina Kelleher, who is graduating with a 3.9 grade-point average, agreed with Duford, who has been one of her best friends since the two were in first grade.

She said they could have never excelled academically without the strong support of the teachers at the school.

Though they will all head down different academic paths, all four students said they will stay close in college and hope to represent their Goffstown roots.

Kelleher says she will pursue a degree in creative writing, while Duford says she will attempt to combine math, French and theater at Dartmouth.

Bouroncle, who is already fluent in both English and Spanish, having grown up in Peru, said she would like to become fluent in French, in addition to gaining a degree in economics.

Dobens, like Bouroncle, said he looks to expand his foreign language skills and obtain a minor in Spanish, while pursuing biology and pre-med in Hanover.