Stephanie Boutin, 17, is shown wearing an original piece of artwork-a necklace that she made. Boutin graduated from Bonny Eagle High School last Friday, and will attend Susquehanna University in the fall.

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Boutin

Seventeen-year-old Stephanie Boutin graduated on June 8 from Bonny Eagle High School. And she seems to have the next four years pretty well planned out. During High School, Stephanie had interests and experiences that influenced her plans for her college career.

Boutin, a Standish resident, will attend Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania this fall, where she will study art therapy. Boutin plans to combine courses in two areas of study that interest her – art and psychology – to design her own major.

“I’m going to be really far away from home, but I’m really excited about the experience,” said Boutin.

Boutin took advantage of a variety of electives during high school. One of these was a psychology class, which she said piqued her interest in that field.

“I think (high school) was fun, and I took classes and electives that I thought would be fun to make my time there more enjoyable,” said Boutin.

As far as art goes, drawing and painting have long been part of Boutin’s life. She excelled in high school, taking advanced placement art courses. And she was even a winner of the Gold Key Award, given by the National Scholastic Art Awards, for a magazine montage self-portrait called “Sassy Girl.”

Boutin said she entered the contest as a requirement for one of her classes, not expecting to win.

“(The title) is a little embarrassing. It wasn’t a serious title,” said Boutin.

Regardless, Boutin won, and her work was entered into a national contest in New York City. Margaret Maxwell, Boutin’s art teacher, loved watching her grow as an artist. She said that this year especially was marked by huge progress for Boutin.

“We really watched her blossom. Her work just took off. It’s at the mastery level,” said Maxwell.

Art therapy can be an outlet for people who have experienced emotional trauma. Someday, Boutin would like to use her degree to work with children.

“I want to work with little kids. They can use art to express how they feel,” said Boutin.