By DONNA KENNY KIRWAN

PAWTUCKET — The health care field figures prominently into the future career plans of Bishop Keough's top two students in the class of 2009. Kristen Grenier, chosen as the valedictorian of the graduating class, said she is interested in becoming a neo-natal nurse while Naomie D. Akochi-Chenin, the salutatorian, wants to be a surgeon.

Grenier, the daughter of Jo-Ann Grenier of Cumberland, has successfully balanced sports and a host of other activities with academic excellence. “My mom taught me to be self-motivated,” she said, modestly.
This motivation has lead to a myriad of achievements, including being recognized by the National Honor Society and Rhode Island Honor Society (junior and senior year),  receiving the Presidential Academic Fitness Award (junior and senior year), the Herff Jones award and the Congressman Patrick Kennedy award for academic excellence.
In addition to earning many of Bishop Keough's own academic awards, Grenier has played soccer, basketball, softball and hockey for her school and served as soccer team captain in her junior year. A longtime dancer, she has also participated in the school's drama productions, and served on yearbook staff and other clubs. In her sophomore year, Grenier traveled to Australia as a student ambassador with the People to People program.
Of her school experience, Grenier said that Bishop Keough taught her “not only the value of education, but the value of both community and personal growth.” She said she plans to attend Salve Regina University in the fall to major in nursing.
Akochi-Chenin, the daughter of Michelle Lespinasse of North Providence and Emmanuel Akochi-Koble of Canada, said her family always put an emphasis on education and learning. Her sister was valedictorian of the Bishop Keough class of 2004. “I always wanted to make my mother proud,” she stated.
Among Akochi-Chenin's many accomplishments are her inclusion on the Rhode Island Honor Society and National Honor Society (junior and senior year), the Herff Jones Award, the President's Education Award, the Dr. Rene Fortin Book Award from Providence College, and the 2009 Civic Leadership Award from the Rhode Island Secretary of State. Additionally, she also garnered numerous awards given by Bishop Keough for academic excellence.
In addition, Akochi-Chenin played tennis, softball and basketball, participated in drama productions and model legislature, served for four years on student council and was a student ambassador.
Akochi-Chenin said that her aunt is a pediatrician and she always wanted to work in the medical field. She plans to attend John Abbott College in Canada  to pursue her goal.
Reflecting on her school experiences of the last four years,  Akochi-Chenin said that Bishop Keough “has made me into a leader.” She added, “I have truly discovered a lot of my hidden potential. I learned to be myself and no one else.”