Fall River’s Elizabeth Kinnane Named One of Massachusetts’ Top Vocational Students

In a moment that has made both her school and community proud, Elizabeth Kinnane, a senior at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in Fall River, has been recognized as one of Massachusetts’ Outstanding Vocational Students of the Year — an honor that only a select few across the state receive.

But if you ask anyone who knows her, they’ll tell you: she’s always been outstanding.

A Standout in and Out of the Classroom

Elizabeth, who is in the Advanced Manufacturing program at Diman, has been turning heads for a while now — not just for her academic achievements, but for the energy and kindness she brings to everything she does.

“She’s one of those students who just does it all,” said one of her teachers. “She’s sharp, she’s focused, but she also never hesitates to help someone else out — whether it’s in the shop or on the field.”

In the classroom, Elizabeth has consistently ranked at the top of her class. Her work in the machine shop, where she specializes in precision manufacturing, reflects a maturity and skillset that goes far beyond her age. And she’s not just doing the work — she’s leading by example.

Athlete. Leader. Teammate.

When she’s not in the shop or hitting the books, you’ll likely find Elizabeth on the soccer field, basketball court, or tennis court — and not just participating, but leading.

She’s been a captain of the soccer team for two years and has racked up a long list of awards, including multiple MVP titles and all-star recognitions in the Mayflower Athletic Conference. She’s also been a standout in both basketball and tennis, earning captain status and the admiration of her teammates.

“Liz isn’t just a good player, she’s the kind of captain you want,” said a fellow student-athlete. “She picks people up when they’re down. She makes you want to give it your all.”

Representing Diman on the State Stage

As if academics and athletics weren’t enough, Elizabeth also represented Diman in SkillsUSA — a prestigious career and technical education competition. She competed as part of the Automated Manufacturing Team, and with her teammates, brought home a first-place finish at the state level.

That win wasn’t just about talent, it was about teamwork — something Elizabeth values deeply.

“It wasn’t just about us knowing what to do,” she said. “It was about being in sync, having each other’s backs, and working together under pressure.”

Giving Back to the Community

Despite her busy schedule, Elizabeth still finds time to give back. She’s volunteered for numerous service projects and community events — a testament to her belief that leadership is about more than awards; it’s about impact.

“Helping people, especially in your own city, just feels right,” she said. “It’s something my family always encouraged me to do.”

Looking Ahead

With graduation on the horizon, Elizabeth is already planning her next chapter. She hopes to continue her studies in engineering or manufacturing technology and is exploring college options that will challenge her and help her grow even more.

Being named one of the Outstanding Vocational Students in the state is a huge achievement — but for Elizabeth, it’s just the beginning.

“This award means a lot,” she said, smiling. “But I still feel like I have so much more to learn and do. I just want to keep moving forward, keep building something — in every sense of the word.”

And knowing Elizabeth, she’ll do just that.