By LINDSAY CAREY
STAFF WRITER

The Board of Education discussed ways to increase enrollment in technology, engineering, and manufacturing electives at Southington High School during the Curriculum and Instruction Committee Report.

Terri Carmody shared that the Curriculum and Instruction committee visited a few classrooms in the Technology Department at Southington High School, including an automotive class, wood shop, a metal work class, engineering class, and a construction class. She also said the curriculum committee visited Project Lead the Way and saw a robotic arm that the students are working on.

“I saw the kids really working hard and learning things,” said Carmody.

However, during the visit Carmody said the board learned of a deficiency in enrollment in that department by speaking with the teachers.

“Manufacturers are coming to the schools telling us that we need kids with these skills and that’s where the jobs are,” said Carmody.

Board of Education member David Derynoski, who has a background in engineering and business and has been a technology advocate as a member of the technology advisory board at SHS, also spoke about the need to inform students more about a career path in manufacturing, technology, and engineering.

Derynoski said that there are some companies, including his own, who are in such great need of employees that they have started classes in association with Tunxis Community College to teach students CNC machining and basic machining skills.

“Just our medium-sized company, over the next eighteen months, we’re looking to hire an excess of 200 machinists,” said Derynoski. He said that with an aging work force, there are a lot of companies that are all looking for help.

Derynoski said there is a marketing issue within the schools that needs to be addressed in order to effectively nurture interest in these fields and guide students into a fulfilling career.

“We need to be able to get out there and get to the students and their parents—for those that feel that, maybe, college isn’t for them,” Derynoski said. “Maybe they don’t have the basic understanding of what’s out there or even where they want to go, but we have to give that opportunity for them to at least try it because a little bit of interest can grow into something that could be very rewarding.”

Derynoski said that the Technology Advisory Board has started visiting the middle schools annually and talking to the classes about possible careers in technology, manufacturing, and construction. The board is hoping that these visits will spark an interest, so that when they go to the high school, it may impact their elective selection. He noted that more regular visits may be necessary.

Board of Education member Terry Lombardi said that she believes there should be more awareness and development for this at the middle school level.

“I think that sometimes when students get to the high school it may be too late,” said Lombardi.

Board of Education Chairman Brian Goralski said that one way they could increase the interest is in middle school students would be to make sure middle school students are included at the annual Engineering Expo.

Lombardi also said that the department should work on establishing a better image for these career options, because some people are just so set on college after high school and don’t know anything else.

To Lombardi’s point, Derynoski noted that these jobs pay more than minimum wage and can provide people with a good living.

Board of Education member Patricia Johnson suggested that they begin to take an interdepartmental approach to increase enrollment in this department.

“Students in math classes could see what their projected use would be in some of these areas in tech education and of course engineering, and so this interdepartmental contribution would be helpful,” said Johnson.

After receiving these suggestions from the Board of Education, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee will continue to work with the department at the high school on ways to increase enrollment in these electives.

Southington High School has announced their honor roll for the third quarter.

Grade 9

The following students earned first honors:

Nandani Mohit Adhyapak, Rosanna Teresa Airo, Jacob Phillip Albert, Victoria Elizabeth Aldieri, Nolyn Allen, Cora Elizabeth Altomari, Jacob Oscar Anderson, Katarina Marie Aulbach, Cicily Alexis Balachandar, Madison Marie Beaudoin, Emma Marie Becotte, Chloe Dianna Becquey, Evan Scott Bender, William Bernard Blaise, Allison Haley Blaszko, Julia Rose Brilla, Allison Marie Brown, Collin Richard Burbank, Zachary Thomas Burleigh, Marissa Frances Calandra, Carolyn Catherine Callahan, Gina Maria Calo, Jacqueline Rose Carbone, Allison Rose Carta, Sophia Kaitlyn Chaltas, Kevin Chudy, Cameron Francis Clynes, Jacqueline Mariel Coley, Abigail Grace Connolly, Thomas Michael Danby, Carlie Rose DeFelice, Kira Lee Dethlefsen, Julia Nadine Dietz, Kathryn Anastasia Dondero, Michael Jon Dorsey, Melissa Nathalie Drexler, Olivia Maia Fournier, Matthew Thomas Garry, Ariana Gazaferi, Casandra Rolande Govoni, Adam George Gwara, Heather Marie Hannigan, Jeffrey Thomas Hannigan, Taylor Rose Harton, Amanda Stephanie Howe, Taylor Marie Hubert, Aisha Hussain, Katelyn Mary Ierardi, Medina Iljazi, Alexa Rose Imme, Keegan Patrick Jarvis, Ashley Michelle Kane, Rea Kelolli, Felicity Lee Keyworth, Kelly Nicole Koba, Alexander Eric Kuhr, Alex Minh Le, Abigail Rose Legere, Claire Elizabeth Macioce, Teresa Marie Maffiolini, Jacob Thomas Manente, Joseph Charles Martin, Nicole Elizabeth Martocchio, Marissa Lynne Mastroianni, Ariella Danielle Matarazzo, Lamiaa Matit, Sydney Venturi Mauro, Donna Paulette McNeill, Julia Elizabeth McPherson, Mahima Mehta, Hartlee Rose Meier, Sarah Ann Minkiewicz, Daniel Jeffrey Minton, Jacob Andrew Mohr, Jessica Rae Monte, Joshua Robert Moravsky, Kayleigh Anne Moses, Emily Elizabeth Nadile, Kathleen Frances O’Reilly, Katherine Ann Oshana, Timothy Michael O’Shea, Erin Marie Palinkos, Samuel Jacob Pappas, Safiyah Iqbal Pathan, Amisha Paul, Amy Elizabeth Paul, Spencer Daniel Perry, Tyler Stefan Peruta, Jessica Donna-Lynn Pesce, Jacob Steven Petruzzi, Emma Pauline Reney, Anthony Ralph Riccio, Tayler Jordyn Riddick, Andrew Frand Robel, Rachel Anita Roberts, Julia Catherine Rodman, Holly Taylor Ross, Katarina Jewel Rothstein, Alexa Renee Rutkowski, Sylvia Nicole Rutkowski, Brett David Rycki, Christina Grace Sack, Isabella Rose Scalise, Ashley Nicole Shafran,

Saipriya Sharma, Anna Rose Shugrue, Niko Andreas Sophroniou, Faith Largo Sporbert, Caitlyn Elizabeth St. Jarre, Bethany Nicole Synott, Robert Harrison Taylor, Cade Joseph Testa, Jennifer Thai, Zachary Ryan Thomas, Emily Anne Tinyszin, Vanessa Lynn Tischofer, Coral Rae Tommervik, Daniel Francis Topper, Amanda Jo Travers, Ester Nataliya Vynar, Janette Kaitlyn Wadolowski, Benjamin Joseph Wakefield, Stephanie Huei Shien Wang, Joelle King Wankerl, Madina Welcome, Julia Marie Wells, Rachel Nicole Williams, Brett Michael Wolff, Molly Page Wright, Sean Michael Young, Lydia Yu, Kateryna Yurkevych, Emily Sophie Zakrzewski, Kara Anne Zazzaro, Lia Eileen Zelvis, Stephanie Anne Zera, and Sammi Zhang.

The following students earned second honors:

Renn Mitchell Abramczyk-Dubiel, Michael John Abucewicz, Brianna Marie Albanese, Maria Alecsandru, Sarah Nicole Allard, Haley Rose Allen, Kaili Marie Anziano, Samantha Dawn Appelle, Catrina Marie Aszklar, Jessica Lynn Baillargeon, James Joseph Baril, Samantha Christine Barmore, William Henry Barmore, Gabriella Marie Bassi-Belanger, Andrew Arthur Bauer, Jordan Edward Beaupre, Mackenzie Ann Beaupre, Shawn Michael Begin, Nicoletta Alexandra Belales, Megan Elizabeth Biscoglio, Amanda Jillian Boccio, Ali Aurora Borkowski, Victoria Elizabeth Bouyea, Jordan Timothy Brayfield, Logan Paul Brayfield, Brandy Suzanna Brinton, Cole Joseph Brock, Erica Taylor Bruno, Connor George Brush, Timothy Joseph Budnik, Hayden Thomas Burbank, Jordan Michele Cammuso, Kayleigh Elizabeth Carmichall, Nicole Frances Carter, Ryan Daniel Case, Elizabeth Carolyn Cassan, Amy Autumn Cayer, Gabrielle Marie Cerra, William Augustino Ceruti, Dylan Robert Chiaro, Clark Nicole Jacildo Chua, Chelsea Mary Cocozza, Steven Douglas Cova, Jared Ryan Curtis, Evan Michael Daddona, Nicholas Steven Daddona, Mark Anthony D’Agostino, Noah Alexander De Jesus, Jacob Loren DeLorenzo, Kaitlyn Nicole DeMaio, Rachel Catherine DePonte, Sarah Lorraine Dill, Brianna Rae Dixon, Molly Margaret Dobratz, Zachary Michael Domian, Isabella Rose Dominello, Trevor Jeffrey Dufresne, Kaylee Ann Fantoli, Francesca Isabelle Ferrante, Mario Joseph Ferreri, Michelle Carolyn Flynn, Ryan James Flynn, Katherine XiPeng Foley, Lauren Nicole Foligno, Anthony Gandolfo, Brianna Michelle Gee, Erica Christine Gerrish, Julia Rose Groll, Deborah Lynn Hannigan, Jack Roland Herms, Jacob Allen Holbrook, Nathaniel Luis Huff, Daniel Jack Hunter, Katie Morgan Judge, Mikaela Amore June, Brandon Jeshu Jurkowski, Julia Rose Kahl, Quintin David Kimmel, Alex Charles Klinzmann, Joseph Andrew Koczera, Brandon Christopher Kohl, Radoslaw Konopka, Jonathan Michael Kryzanski, Jake Joseph Kubisek, David Christopher Kupcho, Megan Jean LaMontagne, Conner Joseph Leone, Shane Marshall Leone, Sarah Rosalinda Lew, Alexander Yuri Lipsky, Ariana Llabani, Andrew James Lohneiss, Zachary Joseph MacDonald, David Bryan MacKay, Faryn Makaela Malley, Sydney Ann Marecki, Samuel Joseph Masotta, Jeremy Ryan Mercier, Zachary Robert Monti, Sarah Flynn Myrick, Sarah Rose Newhart, Katthy H Nguyen, Michelle Evelyn Nogaj, Eric Joseph Padden, Gianna Teresa Passarelli, Britni Paige Pastyrnak, Madison Marie Penna, Tiana Glizmar Perez-Toro, David Donald Perlot, William John Pfanzelt, Jonathan Francis Pierson, Megan Elizabeth Posadas, Kayla Frances Powers, Nicholas James Ragozzine, Ethan Paul Rathbun, Sydney Nicole Rice, Timothy Robert Sadlowski, Sana Saeed, Isabella Francesca Salazar, Brittney Paula Sao, Lauren Michele Schiffer, Shaan Shah, Suchi Sanjay Sheth, Ashley Son, James Walter Starr, Kendall Jaye Suski, John Michael Terray, John Charles Terry, Samuel Joseph Thomson, Phuong Anh Trinh, Thomas Philip Tsangarides, Lissette Urena, Karista Elizabeth Valenti, Anthony Michael Vecchio, Jasmin Vega, Justin Paul Verrilli, Shivali Hemant Vyas, David Nicholas Wadman, Tagan David Welch, Rosalie Mae Whitehead, Karolina Lucyna Wneta, Patrycja Izabella Zajac, Hannah Elizabeth Zelina, William Joseph Zesut, and Nicholas George Zollo.

Grade 10

The following students earned first honors:

Madison Catherine Aldieri, Hallie Mackenzie Altwies, Kelly Christina Angeli, Alissa Beverly Anglis, Katerina Victoria Belales, Kayla Elizabeth Birmingham, Skylar Jayne Blumetti, Jenna Michelle Boccio, Sydney Janet Brault, Jennifer Theresa Briscoe, Megan Elizabeth Burke, Laura Catherine Calandra, William David Carbone, Meghan Elizabeth Cichon, Samantha Mae Cocchiola, Kristen Claire Craven, Annelise Maria D’Abramo, Anthony Mario D’Abramo, Evan Charles D’Agostino, Erica Marie Daigle, Amanda Marie Delorme, Megan Kathleen Delorme, Nickolina Cecelia Doran, Victoria Alice Duszak, Kata Erika Erdei, Katherine Olivia Estell, Jared Adalid Fernandez, Hunter Mason Forrest, Michael Thomas Freeman, Laura Izabela Furtak, Rebecca Rose Gagne, Sarah Elizabeth Gallo, Jay Vipulkymar Gandhi, Emily Coyle Gibney, Justin David Giumelli, Matthew Kyle Gundersen, Alexandra Nicole Harris, Kyle James Hermann, Joshua James Hilliard, Evelyn Jordan Holbrook, Rachel Maria Huff, Hannah Mcallister Jackman, Katie Patricia Kelley, Kendra Helen Kochol, Kelly Anne Kritz, Sydney Rae Kroll, Erik Michael Kryzanski, Amanda Danielle Lavoie, Kimberly Ann Lebel, Michael William Listro, Rebecca Ann Lo Presti, Michael James Loose, Emily Lynn Lyons, Morgan Taylor Maccione, Alexa Eman Maddalena, Janelle Kathleen Mangassarian, Maegan Mariani, Marissa Joan Matarazzo, Kristen Elizabeth Mathew, Leen Matit, Michael Dean Mauro, Ryan Alan McIntyre, Matthew William McLaughlin, Jordan Michael McMeans, Natalie Ann Messner, Amanda Carol Morach, Mark James Murdy, Thomas James Murdy, Catherine Linda Myers, Ashley Michelle Nelson, Madelyn Jane Nichols, Jillian Lee Noli, Hannah Lyn Olsen, Anjali A Patel, Timothy Carlton Perry, Justin Jettarith Phen, Andrew Joseph Premus, Samantha Shalini Purushotham, Jesse Peter Rasten, Morgan Jean Raymond, Michael Blake Ricciardone, Turner William Rodman, Benjamin Edward Russman, Samantha Rose Sagnella, Joseph James Savage, Joseph Gerald Savarese, Matthew James Sciota, Kaitlin Marie Semmel, Kyle Stephen Semmel, Nathan Raymond Simard, Kyle Glen Solomon, Jeremy Adam Spooner, Kimberly Elizabeth Stafko, Samantha Beatrice Steeves, Carson Rose Stifel, Brandon Thomas Stone, Monique Regina Szabo, Caitlin Marie Taddeo, Brendan Anthony Taylor, John Luke Testa, Olivia Nichole Thomas, Stephen Joseph Vollaro, Megan Elizabeth Walsh, Natiya Virginia Washer, James Patrick Cahalane Weil, Michelle Lynn Woodruff, and Alexa Christina Zborowski.

The following students earned second honors:

Abigail Victoria Alfieri, Alyssa Ann Ash, Abigale Ann Asklar, Lily Leanna Baker, Rachel Lauren Baldick, Martha Cooper Barry, Katherine Claire Bauer, Nicholas Paul Benham, Ryan James Bjorklund, Alyssa Marie Boucher, Dorina Bregu, Taylor Ann Brown, Robert Victor Bunting, Makenna Jane Calabrese, Michaela Anne Carrera, Andrew Dana Chavez, Kyle David Chinigo, Haley Mary Chmura, Nicole Krystyna Chuchro, Alex Nicole Ciaffaglione, Kamryn Lee Cochrane, Dominic Joseph Coppola, Christian John Crowley, Tyler Jeffrey Cyr, Dante Raffaelle D’Agostino, Bianca D’Amore, Dante Angelo DeCesare, Michael Joseph DeFeo, Matthew Anthony DeLorenzo, Hannah Elizabeth DeMaio, Cassandra Lynn Dethlefsen, Kenneth John Dowler, Brian Patrick Durocher, Brianna Lynn Eigo, Juliana Rose Ferreri, Mateusz G Gaciarz, Andrew William Gallagher, Shamus Liam Geel, Erin Mary Gibney, Lyndsey Taylor Giudice, Kelly Ann Graff, Jonathan Michael Gray, Samantha Leann Greenslate, Rachael Lynn Haberski, Daniel Charles Hackerman, Jordan Elizabeth Helton, Kylie Victoria Helton, Lynia Lane Hilke, Kailey Rose Hinckley, Michael Paul Jagos, Emma Elizabeth Jaworowski, Emma Madeline Johnston, Lauren Kathryn Jones, Jessica Nicole Karwowski, Catherine Marie Kates, H. Dustin Kilgore, Jordan Danielle Lamkins, Samantha Marie Lamkins, Lexie Reneve Lewis, Andrew Lester Luczak, Crystal Anne Madore, Megan Elizabeth Mahon, Ryan Michael Mailhot, Christopher Alan Martin, Samantha Lynn Martins, Connor Michael McDonough, Kaitlyn Emily McNamara, Mark Andrew Meade, Margaret Rose Meehan, Taryn Leigh Meenan, Samuel Mena-Peralta, Ryan Thomas Meneo, John Richard Mindek, Peyton Francis Mitchell, Sean Thomas Molgano, Andrew Reed Monteleone, Julia Anna Mularczyk, Gabrielle Katherine Mulholland, Samantha Paige Nardi, Tianna Marie Oliva, Lars Joseph Olson, Isaiah Breon Osorio, Elysse Cassandra Page, Evyenia Christina Papageorge, Vasoula Erene Papageorge, Brianna Nicole Pellerin, Ariel Rose Perry, Delaney Ann Picard, Jessica Piotrowski, Thomas Aldo Ragozzino, Nathan Michael Raposa, Nicholas Joseph Rappi, Joshua Joseph Richardson, Bailey Joseph Robarge, Alexyss Tiffany Roderick, Stephen Andrew Rutkowski, Ellen Maighread Scafariello, Paul Lloyd Schweiger, Brendan Shea, Ryan Patrick Sheehan, Kristen Grace Shubert, Delaney Rose Smick, Noah Edward Tedeschi, Mallory Brooke Terry, Mark Anthony Testa, Adam Hunter Theriault, Alison Nicole Theriault, Lauren Marie Torino, Madison Marie Trask, John Christopher Vecchio, Oksana Maria Voronchak, Hannah Mary Weir, Madison Haley Whillock, Madison Marie Yurgaitis, and Michael Anthony Zera.

Grade 11

The following students earned first honors:

Andrew Carl Ardolino, James Andrew Brino, Rachel Jordan Bruno, Brooke Alexandra Camden, Anthony Michael Cammuso, Raegan Elizabeth Casarella, Katelin Hope Chamberland, Fizza Shahzad Chaudhry, Nicole Cecile Christensen, Timothy Daniel Cocozza, Jennifer Anne Congdon, Adam Griffin Cormier, Olivia Patricia Cranney, Andrea Clarice Defeo, Sarah Julia Dolan, Steven Raymond Dorzens, Megan Marie Enright, Kathryn Grace Falcetti, Skye Ashley Farago, Jessica Nicole Gagnon, Michaela Rae Ganezer, Natalia Gimenez, Nicole Ann Groll, Jessica Ann Howe, Jenny Alexandra Johnson, Samantha Mary Jones, Kayla Elizabeth Kavanagh, Jacob Kligerman, Gregory Daniel Kloczko, Laura Melissa Koba, Visal Kong, Caitlyn Anne Krar, Reed Alexander Kroll, Kyle Allen Lalla, Sylwia Lewkowicz, Kristina Marie Linehan, Samantha Jo Lohneiss, Emily Anne Maciejewski, Salvatore Magnano, Colton Michael McInnis, Haley Anne Mullin, Brianna Marie Muscio, Shannon Kimberley O’Connor, Lauren Marie Parker, Alissa Karolyn Paul, Dane Michael Penksa, Valerie Mary Perzanowski, Niels Justin Peschel, Nicholas Alfred Pierson, Emma Lynn Powers, Alex Ernest Rasten, Gabriella Ann Roccasecca, Michael Joseph Ruszczyk, Benjamin Vincent Sadlowski, Amanda Karnika Sao, Brenna Marie Sarantides, Amy Serrano, Jhanvi Dharmesh Shah, Morgan Patricia Shubert, Lucia Sintoni, Nicolette Marie St. Amand, Emily Elizabeth Stafford, Mark Allyn Stalter, Alexander Joseph Statkevich, Paris Marie Testa, Krysta Tsangarides, Edmond Keith Vitcavage, Natalie Kalea Wadolowski, Ryan James Wells, Codie Anne Wershoven, and Joseph Allen Zavorskas.

The following students earned second honors:

Leandro Antonio Alejandro, Griffin Richard Alix, Kayla Rose Allaire, Paige Marie Allen, Dominic Joseph Annunziata, Timothy Peter Anop, Jonathan Nelson Ardolino, Alicia Marie Badorek, Austin Tyler Baumann, Shallynn Ivy Beerbaum, Joseph John Bernetti, Wiktor Franciszek Berniak, Kimberly Libby Biela, Alexandra Anna Bieniek, Brandon James Birmingham, Nathan Michael Blitz, Ashley Madison Brasile, Nicole Ann Breedlove, Austin Andrew Bull, Kyle Andrew Bunko, Samantha Joan Butlien, Jacob Caine Buzzell, Lauren Ann Cafasso, Rebecca Morgan Caisse, Victoria Elizabeth Castillo, Luis Chadwick Chavez, Payton Lynne Chiaro, Matthew George Cianciolo, Hannah Leigh Comparone, Hayley Jean Crafts, Tessa Alexandra Daly, Anna Daniela DeCroce, Anthony Carl DeGennaro, Margaux Lee Degumbia, Christie Marie Dizenzo, Connor Edward Dombal, Kealey Bridget Donahue, Rachel Leigh Dufresne, Daniel George Fagan, Drew Thomas Farkas, Luke David Ferreira, Jarod Alec Florian, Riley Weber Freehling, Katrina Marie Furgalack, Paul Michael Gambardella, Sean Kevin Garrison, Cassandra Michele Gaudio, Trevor James Godston, Bethany Rose Greenlaw, Mark George Howland, Danielle Rose Hughes, Christopher William Iverson, Julia Nicole Izydorczak, Danielle Nicole Jaffer, Jessica Elizabeth Kane, Hassan Afzal Khan, Sana Tanveer Khan, Alyssa Kizilski, Ashleigh Michaela Kristopik, Kevin Alexander Kukla, Kevin Allen Lalla, Sarah Elizabeth Lamb, Jessica Gail Lappen, Kelly Lynn Lappen, Katie Ann Lindberg, Jeffrey Ryan Lockwood, Scott Michael Lucian, Michael Alan Majchrzak, Justin David Makles, Emily Rose Mankus, Gage Rodney Marshall, Kelly Bridget McKenna, Morgan Elizabeth McNamara, Steven Andrew McPherson, John Philip Meade, Kaylah Dahnay Miron, Jacob Riley Morrell, Brandon Joseph Murray, Nathaniel Ryan Nagorski, Catherine Lloyd Najarian, Gabrielle Lauranna Napoli, Alexis Caitlyn Negron, Kasey Lee Newman, Nicholas Ottalagana, Jacob Alexander Pabst, Ryan Shawn Partiss, Katherine Rose Peccerillo, Christopher Michael Pestillo, Kali Pliego, Devin Michael Prive, Griffin Scott Ramey, Renz Patrick Rebeca, Allie Nicole Rinaldi, Faith Marie Ritchie, John Francis Rivers, Trever Medeiros Rogers, Domenic Stephen Rossi, Kalista Rose Ruoff, Gabriel Rzadkiewicz, Samantha Schiffer, Allison Mara Schroeder, Jessica Taylor Seitz, Sarah Sherwill, Justin Christopher Sliker, William James Smelley, Kelsey Shae Snodgrass, Steven Sokolowski, Jason Joseph Soltys, Amelia Marie Sponauer, Andrew Thomas Szandrocha, Melanie Lauren Tedeschi, Amanda Annmarie Thompson, Aaron Nicholas Tiscione, Jason Steven Tosta, Kahli Marie Travers, Nathan Quang Truong, Katherine Anne Trykowski, Jennifer Turci, Amanda Lee Valerio, Delana Hope Veilleux, Diana Frances Verderame, Abigail Cecelia Wallace, Christasia Denyse Walton, Lindsey Rose Witte, Alexandra Wyluda, Aron Francis Zamfino, Aaron Joseph Zerbe, Angelina Jennifer Zollo, and Gabriella Rose Zuk.

Grade 12

The following students earned first honors:

Alexandria Abacherli, Megan Marie Albert, Alexandra Veronica Barmore, Zachary Reinhold Bauer, Erik Robert Bergland, Jonathan Robert Blain, Angelica Hope Brilla, Cassandra Lynn Camilli, Patrick David Carozza, Kayley Ann Carrier, Jenna Rosemary Casey, Caroline Louise Charlton, Ashley Virginia Christensen, Bridget Emily Clark, Sarah Rose Colston, Elizabeth Bern Costello, Erin Mary Cova, James Samuel Danielson, Austin Devin DeGumbia, Kevin Michael Drexler, Matthew Mark Duszak, Olivia Rose Ende, Julie Amanda Falk, David Matthew Falvo, Michael Matthew Fazzino, Kayleigh Jane Flanigan, Kayla Mary Folcik, Chelsea Rose French, Miranda Gazaferi, Mack Richard Golos, Jessica Lynn Goralski, Julia Marie Granato, Anna Leigh Gregoire, Jocelyn Azalie Gregor, Patrick James Gustavson, Abigail Tatyana Heller, Monica Nicole Hicks, James Patrick Hoder, Meghan Marie Kelley, Sarah Caitlin Knight, Sharon Kwok, Sarah Anne Leahy, Jessica Nicole Lee, Kristen Elizabeth Loose, Sarah Margaret Luczak, Joshua Paul Marcil, Angela Marie Masciangioli, Marissa Ann Mayo, Katherine Jennifer Mellitt, Margaret Ann Mellitt, Anthony Meneo, Eric Joseph Minton, Jennifer Rose Monte, Zachary David Murillo, Talia Rae Nanfito, Flora Alicia Nardi, Mikayla Lynn Otis, Ryan Timothy Padden, Sarah Ilona Palko, Megan Hope Palumbo, Colby Lee Pelletier, Ryan Louis Pelligrinelli, Evan Thomas Pokorski, Bailey Elizabeth Potter, Ryan Patrick Pulver, Cassidy Erin Race, Julia Lynn Reilly, Francesco Ricigliano, Raquel Josephine Romano, Alexandra Mae Rothstein, Rebecca Diane Ryan, Louise Anna Schutz, Brett David Shaw, Autumn Eliza Sheffy, Jarod William Shurack, Ryann Madison Snodgrass, Matthew Nicholas Sorrentino, Kimberly Ann Southland, Kathleen Mary Spagnoletti, Connor Alexander Sperry, Alana Erin St. John, Matthew Gray Steeves, Victoria Hanna Stepien, Rianna Leigh Susco, Alexa Rose Taylor, Michael Brian Taylor, Michael Alan Theriault, Matthew Salvatore Torrisi, Rebecca Tsangarides, Veronica Ann Viturale, Adam Jeffrey Viviano, Abigail Nicole Wadman, Colleen Elizabeth Walsh, Brittany Amber Williams, Caitlin Eileen Young, and Maghen Elizabeth Zagryn.

The following students earned second honors:

Ryan Abouchacra, Alaina Elizabeth Albino, Meagan Rose Asklar, Rachel Mackenzie Babon, Caroline Ruth Barry, Erich Nicholas Bender, Cheyenne Deanna Bevans, Tiffany Amber Blancato, Melissa Christine Borysewicz, Michael Nicholas Botsacos, Nickolas Gary Brazil, Tyler Robert Brinton, Matthew James Briscoe, Alicia Marie Brocki, Adam Philip Brush, Kaitlyn Ann Budrow, Michael Arthur Burek, Zachary Charles Bylykbashi, Emily Kate Csuka, Austin Riley Daly, Breanna Rae DiDomizio, Dominic Dante Discepolo, Tyler Joseph DiTunno, Jessica Lynn Dos Santos, Kateri Eileen Downes, Casey Francis Doyle, Sariah Natalie Dutkiewicz, Marissa Ann Feeney, Nicole Elizabeth Fischer, Mackenzie Lee Flanigan, Kendra Nicole Friedt, Michele Elaine Gamelin, Jared Thomas Gavronski, Rebecca Ann Gerrard, Allison Kathleen Gibney, Ryan Edward Goldstein, Elena Kathryn Gomez, Alexander Joseph Gorr, Amanda Jeanne Hamel, Antoine Latiye Harris, Adriel Hernandez, Kendra Marie Hill, Abigail Elizabeth Hodges, Amanda Jean Hudick, Marissa Lynn Jackson, Alexander Edward Jamele, Kunal Niraj Kataria, Arooba Tanveer Khan, Sana Khan, Devin Michael King, Christopher Douglas Kingsbury, Leah Marie Kligerman, Haley Marie Kolesnik, Antonella Marie Kuziak, Ellie Marie Lefkovich, Jared Evan Lentini, Zachary Daniel Levesque, Emily Anne Lippincott, Natalie Marie Liquindoli, Alison Nicole Lonicki, Catherine Emily MacKay, Erin Diana Martin, Nicholas John Mauriello, Gwyneth Ann McFall-Gorman, Melissa Linda McKim, Haley Lee Messenger, Kayla Lorraine Michalic, Jake Thomas Moise, Jacob Samy Molgano, Jacqueline Lynn Morelli, Jack Scully Myers, Rebekah Lynn Najarian, Rachel Alexandra Nardi, Luke Thompson Nichols, Connor William O’Hara, Zaya Eugene Oshana, Franklin Anthony Pac, John Joseph Pac, Kyle William Partiss, Priya A. Patel, Kaitlin Jean Paterson, Katelyn Kathleen Pavloski, Lee Ann Elizabeth Pelletier, Emily Belle Pestillo, Christian Joseph Raczka, Mitchell Stanislaus Raczka, Erin Kathryn Reilly, Kailey Victoria Richardson, Nicole Elizabeth Ricker, Destiny Joelie Ritchie, Nicholas Jordan Rosario, Courtnie Rebecca Roy, Isabella Rose Russo, Cristian Sanchez, Jacob Erik Semmel, Lillian Rose Shaw, William Fitzgerald Smith, Zachary Kyle Spratto, Ciarra Elexus Sukatski, Morgan Alexa Terry, Jake Michael Thayer, Julia Rosemarie Tinyszin, Curtis Edward Topper, Christina Ann Trovato, Elizabeth Mary Veilleux, Nicole Megan White, Adam Joseph Whitford, Elizabeth Constance Woods, Neil Edward Young, Jolanta Lucy Zajac, Destinee Ayaissa Zarrelli, and Lauren Marie Zazzaro.

Southington High School announced more students for their third quarter honor roll.

Grade 12

Lauren Elizabeth Carney and Madison Lin Chapman earned first honors.

Grade 11

Kayla Ann Judd earned first honors. Erin Nicole Sullivan earned second honors.

Grade 10

Matthew James Dominello earned first honors. Payton Mary Courtmanche and Gabrielle Sophie Veilleux earned second honors.

Grade 9

Emma Catherine Topper earned first honors. Matthew Ronald Babicz, Shalyn Starr Butkiewicz, and Alyssa Nicole McDonald earned second honors.

On Wednesday, June 30, UNICO celebrate the Top 25 students at Southington High School at a dinner at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. Front, from left, Tyler Hanna, Jessica Goralski, Kathleen Spagnoletti, Erin Cova, Margaret Mellitt, Ryann Snodgrass, Julia Granato, and Benjamin Herms. Back, Matthew Torrisi, James Hoder (Valedictorian), Victoria Swartz, Meghan Kelley, Bailey Potter, Erik Bergland, Cassidy Race, Julie Falk, Nicole Ricker, Ryan Padden, Priya Patel, Caitlin Young (essayist), Matthew Duszak (slightly behind), Julia Reilly, Kevin Drexler, and Michael Taylor. Not pictured is Jessica Lee. Photo by TAMMI NAUDUS

By TAYLOR HARTZ
STAFF WRITER

Southington’s UNICO honored the Top 25 students in Southington High School’s senior class, recognizing just five percent of the soon-to-be graduates. The annual UNICO Top 25 dinner is a 70 year tradition at Southington High School.

With more than 500 students set to cross the stage next week and become the high school’ newest alumni, being one of the top 25 academically ranked students is no easy feat.

“Southington High School is a demanding school, and the expectations in this community are high,” said superintendent Tim Connellan, and so is the praise for students. Connellan said that of all the school districts he has served, no community encourages and recognizes their top students quite like Southington.

“Its great to see the smiling faces and proud parents,” said Connellan, “they have a lot to be proud of.”

During the annual dinner held at the Aqua Turf Club last week, students and their families were invited to celebrate the achievement that motivated many of them to work a little harder on each assignment.

SHS principal Brian Stranieri said that he has seen the award work as a positive incentive for students.

“They’re competitive at all times, and they compete against themselves,” said Stranieri, looking on at the 25 students seated in front of him, smiling for a photo. The new principal said he was thrilled to have this dinner be one of the big events he was able to experience with the first graduating class in his administration.

Senior Matt Duszak agreed that the achievement required some “friendly competition.”

Duszak, who swam and played violin at the high school, said the best part of the recognition was being able to celebrate with all of his friends—the 25 students he spent most of his high school career with.

“Its all the same people in all those top-notch classes,” said Duszak, who will be attending the U.S. Naval Academy, “We definitely relied on each other.”

Seniors Jessica Goralski and Kathleen Spagnoletti, both members of the National Honor Society and math team, agreed that the idea of the Top 25 was a goal to strive toward.

“It takes a lot of effort because everyone works so hard,” Goralski said about the competition amongst classmates.

Both students thought the dinner was a positive representation of the hard work they had put into their academics.

The evening honored the students with individual awards, and an overall sense of a group achievement.

UNICO Vice President Tony Cusano told students how “honored and proud” UNICO was to recognize the group, while event co-chairperson Dr. Joseph Peccerillo told students that the academic successes, extracurricular involvement, and friendships they formed in high school all added layers to who they are as people, and would lead to their success in whatever they pursued next.

As the students and their families heard remarks from their principal and superintendent, they were reminded of the pride that the SHS faculty has for their success.

“We celebrate their success, because that’s our success too” said Connellan.

Southington High School’s top three graduating seniors, salutatorian Erik Bergland, left, valedictorian James Hoder, center, and essayist Caitlin Young, right.

By TAYLOR HARTZ
STAFF WRITER

A thick stack of resumes sat in front of Southington High School’s top three students on Tuesday afternoon, noting the many academic achievements that earned them a spot at the top.

The three friends—valedictorian James Hoder, salutatorian Erik Bergland and essayist Caitlin Young, gathered to speak about their accomplishments, goals, and plans just a week before they will stand in front of their classmates to say goodbye to their SHS community, and hello to exciting new adventures.

Hoder, the number one academically-ranked student at SHS this year, is off to chase his dream of becoming an electrical and acoustic engineer at Tufts University in Medford, Mass.

Bergland, who said his academic interests included “math and anything that contains math,” will study applied mathematics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, while Young will follow her two passions, finance and law, down to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The students’ high ambitions and competitive choices for their college educations follow four years of academic, athletic, and extracurricular success through which the three students developed a strong friendship.

After years of friendly competition, “we’re all really proud of each other’s accomplishments and are happy to be the three here together” said Hoder.

Along with a long list of high-level classes, the three students supported each other in academics, sports, and even on stage. All three are members of the drama club and participated in this year’s spring musical, where they danced and sang in the ensemble of Urinetown.

They were just as successful in sports. Hoder, president of the National Honor Society, played varsity doubles tennis. Young, Vice President of NHS, played field hockey all four years, and Bergland was active in town league baseball and basketball.

When not on the court or in the classroom, Hoder stayed busy and balanced between two passions—engineering and community involvement.

Hoder hopes to study engineering focused on acoustics, which he thinks makes his passion unique—a passion developed largely through his participation with the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) mentorship program, an afterschool partnership where he learned from professionals, including Southington town officials, and visited real construction sites like the Southington middle school project to learn more about engineering.

Though he describes his career aspirations as very centered, Hoder said that in his personal life he strives to be social and active in a variety of ways. He volunteered more than 600 hours of services with Faith Living Church, where he delivered furniture to the needy in Waterbury, taught vacation bible school, and served as a worship leader.

Outside of his church, Hoder taught the Junior Achievement Program at Strong Elementary School, spent his summers tutoring algebra and basic sciences, and currently plays six instruments, including the piano and mandolin.

Though he said he doesn’t know where his career will take him, he hopes that whether he settles in Southington or somewhere new, he will stay social and active in his community.

Bergland is a member of the math team with Hoder and Young, the recipient of the Rensselaer Medal—an honor bestowed upon the top mathematics student—and is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, the National Honor Society, and the National Society of High School Scholars.

Young, a member of Spanish Honor Society, was a track and field athlete for three years and taught vacation bible school at St. Dominic for five summers.

All three students said that in their friendship, personal reflections on high school and their upcoming speeches, they hope to encourage one another and their classmates to pursue their passions.

As the students talked about their future plans and passed successes, they agreed that they couldn’t have done it without each other’s friendships and text message reminders of homework assignments.

While the three could easily rattle off course titles like AP Physics, AP United States History, and AP Statistics as their most influential academic experiences at SHS, they agreed that the people that they’ll be addressing next Thursday evening are what they’ll miss the most about this chapter of their lives.

“It’s molded me,” said Bergland of the community at SHS, crediting the relationships formed at SHS with the most lasting impact.

Despite the competition, it is clear that the three students have encouraged each other along the way, and will continue to support each other’s aspirations.

Bergland joked that if his mathematic concepts or Hoder’s engineering work ever require the help of a law firm, they’ll know who to call, gesturing toward Young.

They hope to pass their inspirations along to the rest of their classmates in their speeches next week.

Bergland said he hopes he can use his speech as a platform to send a message to his fellow graduates that it is important follow your passion, no matter what opinions others may hold about your goals, and hopes he can share his excitement for following his own.

“There are a lot of things left to be found out in this day and age,” he said, “and I’m excited to find them out.”

Young agreed, and plans to reassure her classmates that whether they are moving on to pursue their dreams in their careers this fall, they should not lose sight of what they love most and strive to pursue it somehow.

Hoder hopes when giving his speech as valedictorian, a moment he has worked toward for four years, he can address his classmates with the encouragement that the upcoming change is okay, and they have been prepared well, through great friends and faculty, for what the future has to hold.

To comment on this story or to contact staff writer Taylor Hartz, email her at THartz@SouthingtonObserver.com.

Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connellan speaks during the parent volunteer recognition luncheon at Hawk’s Landing Country Club on June, 16.

By TAYLOR HARTZ
STAFF WRITER

As the season of award ceremonies and end-of-the-year banquets winds down, the Southington Board of Education held one last luncheon this week, to recognize the parent volunteers who have helped plan, organize, and promote the many events and activities held throughout the school year.

Nearly 100 parents, faculty members, administrators, and Board of Education members gathered at Hawk’s Landing Country Club on Tuesday afternoon to celebrate service to Southington Public Schools.

Terri Charmody, vice chairman of the board, began the ceremony by calling on each principal to announce the volunteers being honored from their school.

As the principals introduced the parent volunteers, they commended their support in the classroom and their service to after-school activities.

Members of the community joined administrators, speaking on behalf of their experience with the many volunteers.

Representatives from Southington Stop and Shop, who sponsored the luncheon, and the Hospital of Central Connecticut, praised their partnership with Southington schools and the parent volunteers they have encountered in their A+ Program and involvement with the Southington Education Foundation.

Throughout the ceremony, several administrators and faculty members expressed their gratitude for the volunteers’ constant reliability and time dedication.

“These parents are in my building—if not every day—every week,” said Patricia Mazzarella, principal of Flanders Elementary School, of the five volunteers seated at her table.

While the countless classroom and after school hours were recognized by all, many acknowledged the individuals who had continued to work in the schools long after the end of their teaching careers or children’s educations.

Robert Brown, retiring Southington High School teacher, recognized BettyAnn and Wally Bailey for more than twenty years of service at John F. Kennedy Middle School.

In more than forty years of teaching, Brown said he has seen teachers, parents, faculty and administrators work together to form “a positive sense of community” within the Southington school system.

“The glue that holds it all together is the wonderful people in this room who selflessly give their time to our schools,” said Brown.

In his retirement, Brown said he hopes to join the ranks of those who serve the students and schools “with no greater reward than knowing they have helped young people learn, grow and progress.”

Superintendent of Southington Public Schools Timothy Connellan, who spoke at the luncheon, agreed that the service of so many parents helps to shape the students they encounter.

While he recognized the many hours spent planning and supervising events, handing out awards, and supporting classrooms, Connellan said the gift of volunteering goes far beyond the time they donate, by providing students with a valuable life lesson.

“You provide an example of giving, of support and of service to our students” he said.

To comment on this story or to contact staff writer Taylor Hartz, email her at THartz@SouthingtonObserver.com.

Thirteen graduating Southington High School seniors were honored on Tuesday afternon for their enlistment in the United States military. The students were recognized at a luncheon on June 10, when families, local veterans, school administrators and town officials gathered in their honor.

By TAYLOR HARTZ
STAFF WRITER

School officials saluted 13 Southington High School seniors at a special ceremony to aknowledge their enlistment in the United States military.

Following their graduation from Southington High School, the students will serve in the Army National Guard, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and U.S. Navy, with one student attending the U.S. Naval Academy and two entering Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs—the University of Connecticut Army ROTC and the Eastern Connecticut State University Air Force ROTC.

To honor the enlistees, the Southington Municipal Center was covered in red white and blue décor, as town representatives, educators, and families gathered to hear speeches of well wishes and present the students with tokens of recognition.

Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connellan opened the ceremony, which included the distribution of military cords by Southington school administrators, and remarks from John Brian Durbin, Southington High School social studies teacher and retired lieutenant colonel of the U.S. Army.

As the group enjoyed a lunch provided by CC Carvers in downtown Southington, dozens of veterans were asked to stand, recognizing parents, current recruiters, town officials and members of the American Legion Kiltonic post 72—among them were Durbin and town manager Gary Brumback, who shook hands and told stories about serving together in Germany.

Durbin, who gave the third annual luncheon’s keynote address, began with a message of gratitude. “Thank you for volunteering to protect our way of life,” he said.

He then provided the students with what he called the “Durbin Dozen”—twelve pieces of advice for their future endeavors that included never making the same mistake twice and doing the right thing even when no one is looking.

After speeches by Connellan, Board of Education Chairman Brian Goralski, and and Town Council member Reverend Victoria Triano, the students were presented with what Goralski called “tokens of appreciation and symbols of what they’re about to do.”

The students were given a red, white, and blue cord to wear proudly at graduation, coins from the American Legion, a World War I and World War II blue star banner for their families, and a pocket flag from the women’s auxiliary.

The American Legion also presented two students, twin brothers Griffin and Collin Litke, with laptops and webcams. The twins, entering into the Army National Guard, completed their basic training last summer, and will now attend military job training in Missouri.

Although the brothers said that their parents are more at ease with their decision to enlist because they will be serving together, the webcams and laptops will allow them to keep in touch with their family and friends here in Southington throughout their service.

Remaining in contact with their hometown community was a message that was repeated throughout the ceremony.

Goralski and Triano both urged students to stay safe, keep in touch with their families, and remember that “we’re proud of you now and we’ll be proud of you always” said Goralski.

Steve Pintarich of the American Legion, who participated in the “coining” ceremony and is actively involved in the laptop donation program, said the legion wants current and future enlistees to know that “we care about what they’re doing and we are going to support them.”

Pintarich said the legion aims to act as a support system for military members before, during and after their service, along with providing a local resource for parents and families, offering advice and insight to any questions and concerns.

This lasting connection and community is something that several students said they are looking forward to.

Eric Minton, entering the U.S. Navy, will be a third generation submariner. He said he is most looking forward to “camaraderie and brotherhood,” as he follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, father, aunt, and uncle, pursuing a dream he has had since childhood.

The third annual ceremony offered the enlistees and their families a strong sense of community support and pride, as they celebrated their graduation and decision to serve their country.

Richard J. Terino (Courtesy of Southington Public Schools)

By TAYLOR HARTZ
STAFF WRITER

Southington Public Schools will start the new school year with three new administrators, appointed by the Board of Education in a special meeting on June 22.

Richard J. Terino will serve as the new principal of John F. Kennedy Middle School, following former principal Steven Madancy’s promotion to assistant superintendent.

Terino has been the assistant principal of Southington High School (SHS) since 2009 and has served as the president of the Southington Administrators Association, overseeing 26 administrators since 1991.

During his time at SHS Terino evaluated language arts, social studies, and library and media courses, and supervised custodial staff, building and grounds and the site budget.

He has been a facilitator of the Grades 8-9 Transition Committee since 2012 and the Professional Development and Evaluation Committee since 2010 and was the president of the Southington Education Association until 2012. He was the director of both the summer school program from 2003 to 2012, and the Head Start program from 1997-2003, through the Board of Education.

Terino received his Bachelor of Science in English and history from Central Connecticut State University (CCSU,) in 1975, his Master of Science in Special Education from CCSU in 1982, his MS +30 in educational foundations from Trinity College of Vermont in 1997, and his educational leadership degree from Sacred Heart University in 2009.

Terino’s move from SHS to JFK, along with the recent promotion of Brian Stranieri to principal, created two openings in the high school administration, and the BOE welcome two new assistant principals, R. Jeffrey Shaw and Richard Aroian.

Jeff Shaw (Courtesy of Southington Schools)

Shaw has been working for Southington Public Schools since 1990, has been a K-12 Music Specialist since 2005 and was the music curriculum chairman from 2002 to 2005. During his time in the Southington music department, Shaw has been responsible for developing and mapping the music curriculum, aligning all grades based on national and state standards, and overseeing staff evaluations and professional development for eleven schools.

Shaw has been the Director of Instrumental Music at SHS since 1990, where he has served as the director of the orchestra, wind ensemble, marching band and jazz ensemble, directing a total of more than 200 students.

In addition to maintaining the school district calendar for all music events, and developing an annual music budget for all music programs, Shaw has served as a coach for little league, American Legion Post 72 junior and senior league baseball teams, and Southington Youth Basketball.

Shaw received his Sixth Year Program degree from CCSU in 2012, following a master of arts in education for curriculum and instruction from the University of Connecticut (UConn) in 1992 and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from UConn in 1982. He is a member of the American School Band Directors Association, Phi Beta Mu Honorary Music Educators Fraternity, Music Educators National Conference and Connecticut Music Educators Association.

Richard Arioan began his twenty-nine-year teaching career in Southington after receiving his Bachelor of Arts in History from UConn in 1986, a master’s degree in elementary education from CCSU in 1993 and his Seventh Year 092 administrative certification from CCSU in 2014.

Rich Aroian (File photo, 2014 Class LL softball championship game)

Aroian was a 10-year team leader and a curriculum area specialist for the Social Studies Department at DePaolo Middle School. He served as the Social Studies assistant chairperson and as an administrative intern at SHS where he has taught world history, international relations, and American culture since 2004, after teaching geography and American history at DePaolo since 1986.

Since 1986 Aroian has been active in the Southington athletic department. He coached soccer at DePaolo from 1986 to 2005, when he began coaching girls’ soccer at SHS and has been a softball coach at SHS since 1990.

Aroian is a member of the Connecticut High School Coaches Association, the National Council for History Education and Bill of Rights Institute, and the CT Education Association.

During his time at DePaolo and SHS he has planned and executed professional development days for the social studies teachers and supervised social studies lesson plan development. He served as the co-chair of the vertical alignment committee, developed a new teacher orientation program and developed school-wide argumentative and expository writing rubrics.

The Southington Board of Education appointed Terino, Shaw, and Aroian to fill the vacant positions last week, when they were welcomed by the board and Superintendent Connellan as the town’s newest principals.

Southington High School has announced their honor roll for the fourth quarter.

Grade 9

The following students earned first honors:

Nandani Mohit Adhyapak, Rosanna Teresa Airo, Nolyn Allen, Cora Elizabeth Altomari, Jacob Oscar Anderson, Katarina Marie Aulbach, Cicily Alexis Balachandar, Madison Marie Beaudoin, Emma Marie Becotte, Chloe Dianna Becquey, Evan Scott Bender, William Bernard Blaise, Allison Haley Blaszko, Jordan Timothy Brayfield, Julia Rose Brilla, Allison Marie Brown, Hayden Thomas Burbank, Marissa Frances Calandra, Carolyn Catherine Callahan, Gina Maria Calo, Jacqueline Rose Carbone, Kevin Chudy, Cameron Francis Clynes, Chelsea Mary Cocozza, Jacqueline Mariel Coley, Abigail Grace Connolly, Nicholas Steven Daddona, Rachel Catherine DePonte, Kira Lee Dethlefsen, Julia Nadine Dietz, Sarah Lorraine Dill, Kathryn Anastasia Dondero, Melissa Nathalie Drexler, Kaylee Ann Fantoli, Lauren Nicole Foligno, Olivia Maia Fournier, Ariana Gazaferi, Julia Rose Groll, Adam George Gwara, Heather Marie Hannigan, Jeffrey Thomas Hannigan, Taylor Rose Harton, Jack Roland Herms, Amanda Stephanie Howe, Aisha Hussain, Katelyn Mary Ierardi, Alexa Rose Imme, Katie Morgan Judge, Brandon Jeshu Jurkowski, Ashley Michelle Kane, Rea Kelolli, Kelly Nicole Koba, Jonathan Michael Kryzanski, Alexander Eric Kuhr, Alex Minh Le, Abigail Rose Legere, Shane Marshall Leone, Ariana Llabani, Tanthalas Alexander Lowrey, Claire Elizabeth Macioce, Teresa Marie Maffiolini, Sydney Ann Marecki, Joseph Charles Martin, Nicole Elizabeth Martocchio, Marissa Lynne Mastroianni, Ariella Danielle Matarazzo, Lamiaa Matit, Julia Elizabeth McPherson, Hartlee Rose Meier, Sarah Ann Minkiewicz, Daniel Jeffrey Minton, Jacob Andrew Mohr, Jessica Rae Monte, Joshua Robert Moravsky, Kayleigh Anne Moses, Emily Elizabeth Nadile, Kathleen Frances O’Reilly, Erin Marie Palinkos, Amisha Paul, Amy Elizabeth Paul, Spencer Daniel Perry, Tyler Stefan Peruta, Jessica Donna-Lynn Pesce, Anthony Ralph Riccio, Sydney Nicole Rice, Andrew Frand Robel, Rachel Anita Roberts, Julia Catherine Rodman, Holly Taylor Ross, Katarina Jewel Rothstein, Alexa Renee Rutkowski, Sylvia Nicole Rutkowski, Brett David Rycki, Christina Grace Sack, Isabella Rose Scalise, Ashley Nicole Shafran, Shaan Shah, Saipriya Sharma, Suchi Sanjay Sheth, Anna Rose Shugrue, Faith Largo Sporbert, Caitlyn Elizabeth St. Jarre, James Walter Starr, Bethany Nicole Synott, Robert Harrison Taylor, John Charles Terry, Jennifer Thai, Zachary Ryan Thomas, Emily Anne Tinyszin, Vanessa Lynn Tischofer, Daniel Francis Topper, Emma Catherine Topper, Amanda Jo Travers, Phuong Anh Trinh, Shivali Hemant Vyas, Janette Kaitlyn Wadolowski, Benjamin Joseph Wakefield, Stephanie Huei Wang, Joelle King Wankerl, Madina Welcome, Julia Marie Wells, Rachel Nicole Williams, Nathan Kallerman Wivell, Brett Michael Wolff, Molly Page Wright, Sean Michael Young, Lydia Yu, Kateryna Yurkevych, Kara Anne Zazzaro, Hannah Elizabeth Zelina, Lia Eileen Zelvis, Stephanie Anne Zera, William Joseph Zesut, and Sammi Zhang.

The following students earned second honors:

Renn Mitchell Abramczyk-Dubiel, Michael John Abucewicz, Brianna Marie Albanese, Jacob Phillip Albert, Victoria Elizabeth Aldieri, Maria Alecsandru, Sarah Nicole Allard, Haley Rose Allen, Catrina Marie Aszklar, Matthew Ronald Babicz, Jessica Lynn Baillargeon, James Joseph Baril, Samantha Christine Barmore, William Henry Barmore, Jordan Edward Beaupre, Mackenzie Ann Beaupre, Shawn Michael Begin, Nicoletta Alexandra Belales, Megan Elizabeth Biscoglio, Amanda Jillian Boccio, Logan Paul Brayfield, Brandy Suzanna Brinton, Cole Joseph Brock, Lokshmi Ruth-Ellen Brown, Erica Taylor Bruno, Connor George Brush, Timothy Joseph Budnik, Collin Richard Burbank, Zachary Thomas Burleigh, Jordan Michele Cammuso, Kayleigh Elizabeth Carmichall, Kaitlyn Ann Carrubba, Allison Rose Carta, Nicole Frances Carter, Ryan Daniel Case, Elizabeth Carolyn Cassan, Gabrielle Marie Cerra, William Augustino Ceruti, Sophia Kaitlyn Chaltas, Clark Nicole Chua, Samantha Lee Clark, Emily Elizabeth Cole, Steven Douglas Cova, Jared Ryan Curtis, Amber Nicole Daley, Thomas Michael Danby, Carlie Rose DeFelice, Jacob Loren DeLorenzo, Kaitlyn Nicole DeMaio, Molly Margaret Dobratz, Isabella Rose Dominello, Michael Jon Dorsey, Trevor Jeffrey Dufresne, James Mesa Feltz, Francesca Isabelle Ferrante, Mario Joseph Ferreri, Michelle Carolyn Flynn, Ryan James Flynn, Katherine XiPeng Foley, Kaylee Jean Gammon, Diamond Imani-Kyah Garcia, Matthew Thomas Garry, Brianna Michelle Gee, Erica Christine Gerrish, Kirsten Olivia Gersbeck, Casandra Rolande Govoni, Lauren Kathryn Graef, Jacob Michael Hayes, Taylor Marie Hubert, Nathaniel Luis Huff, Medina Iljazi, Kristian Andrew Izydorczak, Keegan Patrick Jarvis, Mikaela Amore June, Julia Rose Kahl, Ethan William Kelly, Felicity Lee Keyworth, Quintin David Kimmel, Taylor Elizabeth Klein, Alex Charles Klinzmann, Joseph Andrew Koczera, Brandon Christopher Kohl, Radoslaw Konopka, Jake Joseph Kubisek, David Christopher Kupcho, Leah Rose Kurtz, Megan Jean LaMontagne, Jason Lau, Conner Joseph Leone, Sarah Rosalinda Lew, Alexander Yuri Lipsky, Andrew James Lohneiss, Hunter Douglas London, Zachary Joseph MacDonald, David Bryan MacKay, Faryn Makaela Malley, Samuel Joseph Masotta, Donna Paulette McNeill, Mahima Mehta, Jeremy Ryan Mercier, Sameer Rabbani Mirza, Zachary Robert Monti, Michaela Marie Nanfito, Katthy H Nguyen, Michelle Evelyn Nogaj, Katherine Ann Oshana, Timothy Michael O’Shea, Eric Joseph Padden, Samuel Jacob Pappas, Gianna Teresa Passarelli, Britni Paige Pastyrnak, Safiyah Iqbal Pathan, Angelo Joseph Pederson, David Donald Perlot, Jacob Steven Petruzzi, William John Pfanzelt, Jonathan Francis Pierson, Kayla Frances Powers, Nicholas James Ragozzine, Ethan Paul Rathbun, Ashaki J Reid, Emma Pauline Reney, Victoria-Elizabeth Reynolds, Tayler Jordyn Riddick, Timothy Robert Sadlowski, Sana Saeed, Isabella Francesca Salazar, Brittney Paula Sao, Ashley Son, Niko Andreas Sophroniou, Tanner Ethan Sperry, Morgan Rylie St. Jarre, Jack Storm, Garrett James Susi, Kendall Jaye Suski, John Michael Terray, Cade Joseph Testa, Kieran Connor Tindall, Coral Rae Tommervik, Thomas Philip Tsangarides, Lissette Urena, Jasmin Vega, Justin Paul Verrilli, Ester Nataliya Vynar, David Nicholas Wadman, Tagan David Welch, Rosalie Mae Whitehead, Karolina Lucyna Wneta, Patrycja Izabella Zajac, Emily Sophie Zakrzewski, Cameron David Zegzdryn, and Nicholas George Zollo.

Grade 10

The following students earned first honors:

Madison Catherine Aldieri, Abigail Victoria Alfieri, Hallie Mackenzie Altwies, Kelly Christina Angeli, Jake Noah Aparo, Katherine Claire Bauer, Katerina Victoria Belales, Nicholas Paul Benham, Kayla Elizabeth Birmingham, Zachary Jay Blake, Skylar Jayne Blumetti, Jenna Michelle Boccio, Sydney Janet Brault, Jennifer Theresa Briscoe, Megan Elizabeth Burke, Laura Catherine Calandra, William David Carbone, Meghan Elizabeth Cichon, Kamryn Lee Cochrane, Dominic Joseph Coppola, Kristen Claire Craven, Annelise Maria D’Abramo, Anthony Mario D’Abramo, Evan Charles D’Agostino, Erica Marie Daigle, Bianca D’Amore, Megan Kathleen Delorme, Nickolina Cecelia Doran, Victoria Alice Duszak, Jasmyne Veronica Engman, Kata Erika Erdei, Katherine Olivia Estell, Jared Adalid Fernandez, Juliana Rose Ferreri, Hunter Mason Forrest, Michael Thomas Freeman, Laura Izabela Furtak, Rebecca Rose Gagne, Sarah Elizabeth Gallo, Jay Vipulkymar Gandhi, Emily Coyle Gibney, Justin David Giumelli, Rachael Lynn Haberski, Alexandra Nicole Harris, Jordan Elizabeth Helton, Joshua James Hilliard, Kailey Rose Hinckley, Rachel Maria Huff, Hannah Mcallister Jackman, Emma Elizabeth Jaworowski, Katie Patricia Kelley, Kendra Helen Kochol, Kelly Anne Kritz, Sydney Rae Kroll, Erik Michael Kryzanski, Jordan Danielle Lamkins, Amanda Danielle Lavoie, Lexie Reneve Lewis, Michael William Listro, Rebecca Ann Lo Presti, Michael James Loose, Morgan Taylor Maccione, Alexa Eman Maddalena, Megan Elizabeth Mahon, Janelle Kathleen Mangassarian, Maegan Mariani, Marissa Joan Matarazzo, Kristen Elizabeth Mathew, Leen Matit, Michael Dean Mauro, Connor Michael McDonough, Ryan Alan McIntyre, Matthew William McLaughlin, Jordan Michael McMeans, Natalie Ann Messner, John Richard Mindek, Amanda Carol Morach, Mark James Murdy, Thomas James Murdy, Catherine Linda Myers, Samantha Paige Nardi, Ashley Michelle Nelson, Madelyn Jane Nichols, Jillian Lee Noli, Elysse Cassandra Page, Anjali A Patel, Timothy Carlton Perry, Justin Jettarith Phen, Delaney Ann Picard, Jessica Piotrowski, Andrew Joseph Premus, Samantha Shalini Purushotham, Nathan Michael Raposa, Jesse Peter Rasten, Morgan Jean Raymond, Michael Blake Ricciardone, Turner William Rodman, Benjamin Edward Russman, Stephen Andrew Rutkowski, Joseph James Savage, Joseph Gerald Savarese, Paul Lloyd Schweiger, Matthew James Sciota, Kaitlin Marie Semmel, Kyle Stephen Semmel, Brendan Shea, Nathan Raymond Simard, Jeremy Adam Spooner, Kimberly Elizabeth Stafko, Samantha Beatrice Steeves, Carson Rose Stifel, Monique Regina Szabo, Caitlin Marie Taddeo, Brendan Anthony Taylor, Bianca Ashley Taylor-Soriano, Noah Edward Tedeschi, John Luke Testa, Olivia Nichole Thomas, Lauren Marie Torino, Stephen Joseph Vollaro, Megan Elizabeth Walsh, Natiya Virginia Washer, James Patrick Weil, Michelle Lynn Woodruff, Madison Marie Yurgaitis, Alexa Christina Zborowski, and Artur Marcin Zielinski.

The following students earned second honors:

Amir Hasson Agoora, Michael Joseph Allen, Seth Andrew Almeida, Alissa Beverly Anglis, Abigale Ann Asklar, Jake Babon, Lily Leanna Baker, Rachel Lauren Baldick, Martha Cooper Barry, Rachel Elizabeth Belanger, McKenna Quinn Belury, Ryan James Bjorklund, Alyssa Marie Boucher, Dorina Bregu, Colton Patrick Brown, Taylor Ann Brown, Robert Victor Bunting, Makenna Jane Calabrese, Xaria Lynnez Callender, Jason Robert Calvi-Rogers, Michaela Anne Carrera, Jade Allison Cassidy, Andrew Dana Chavez, Kyle David Chinigo, Nicole Krystyna Chuchro, Alex Nicole Ciaffaglione, Samantha Mae Cocchiola, Megan E Colleran, Brayden Alexander Cooney, Kayla Nicole Coppola, Christian John Crowley, Tyler Jeffrey Cyr, Dante Raffaelle D’Agostino, Emily Elizabeth Daley, Dante Angelo DeCesare, Michael Joseph DeFeo, Matthew Anthony DeLorenzo, Amanda Marie Delorme, Hannah Elizabeth DeMaio, Cassandra Lynn Dethlefsen, Casey Jane Devin, Matthew James Dominello, Brian Patrick Durocher, Brianna Lynn Eigo, Carol Jean Fannon, Derrick Allen Gdovin, Shamus Liam Geel, Erin Mary Gibney, Lyndsey Taylor Giudice, Kelly Ann Graff, Jonathan Michael Gray, Samantha Leann Greenslate, Matthew Kyle Gundersen, Andrew Jon Hall, Trevor Jay Hall, Kyle James Hermann, Lynia Lane Hilke, Evelyn Jordan Holbrook, Michael Paul Jagos, Kornelia Maria Jez, Emma Madeline Johnston, Lauren Kathryn Jones, Samantha Eaton Jones, Jessica Nicole Karwowski, Catherine Marie Kates, H. Dustin Kilgore, Allison Rose Krampitz, Patricia Rose Krzynowek, Samantha Marie Lamkins, Rachel Carina Lawrence, Kimberly Ann Lebel, Lauren Taylor Levensaler, Dylan Michael Levesque, Nathan Dominic L’Heureux, Andrew Lester Luczak, Emily Lynn Lyons, Crystal Anne Madore, Ryan Michael Mailhot, Christopher Alan Martin, Samantha Lynn Martins, Emily Diane Matukaitis, Kaitlyn Emily McNamara, Margaret Rose Meehan, Taryn Leigh Meenan, Samuel Mena-Peralta, Ryan Thomas Meneo, Olivia Catherine Michalic, Johnathan David Mikosz, Sarah Helen Mirisola, Katlin Joy Misiorski, Sage Elizabeth Misluck, Sean Thomas Molgano, Anthony Joseph Mondo, Ashlee Irene Montefalco, Andrew Reed Monteleone, Julia Anna Mularczyk, Bao-Anh Thi Nguyen, Tianna Marie Oliva, Hannah Lyn Olsen, Lars Joseph Olson, Evyenia Christina Papageorge, Vasoula Erene Papageorge, Brianna Nicole Pellerin, Jared Ryder Pelletier, Ariel Rose Perry, Benjamin Stephen Pestillo, Thomas Aldo Ragozzino, Nicholas Joseph Rappi, Joshua Joseph Richardson, Julian Robles, Alexyss Tiffany Roderick, Alex James Rodriques, Francesca Antonia Russo, Samantha Rose Sagnella, Ellen Maighread Scafariello, Jacob Sean Secondo, Ryan Patrick Sheehan, Kristen Grace Shubert, Kayla Rose Sica, Kyle Glen Solomon, Everett Patrick Sperry, Brandon Thomas Stone, Grace Katherine Strillacci, Mallory Brooke Terry, Alison Nicole Theriault, Leann Marie Tonnotti, John Christopher Vecchio, Gabrielle Sophie Veilleux, Joseph Robert Vitali, Hannah Mary Weir, Zachary George Zakreta, Michael Anthony Zera, and Miranda Lynn Zygmunt.

Grade 11

The following students earned first honors:

Leandro Antonio Alejandro, Andrew Carl Ardolino, Angela Nicole Balaoing, Matthew Paul Becotte, Alexandra Anna Bieniek, James Andrew Brino, Rachel Jordan Bruno, Samantha Joan Butlien, Brooke Alexandra Camden, Anthony Michael Cammuso, Raegan Elizabeth Casarella, Victoria Elizabeth Castillo, Katelin Hope Chamberland, Fizza Shahzad Chaudhry, Timothy Daniel Cocozza, Jennifer Anne Congdon, Adam Griffin Cormier, Olivia Patricia Cranney, Senton Dautllari, Andrea Clarice Defeo, Sarah Julia Dolan, Steven Raymond Dorzens, Megan Marie Enright, Jarod Alec Florian, Jessica Nicole Gagnon, Michaela Rae Ganezer, Cassandra Michele Gaudio, Natalia Gimenez, Nicole Ann Groll, Jessica Ann Howe, Mark George Howland, Danielle Rose Hughes, Jenny Alexandra Johnson, Samantha Mary Jones, Kayla Elizabeth Kavanagh, Jacob Kligerman, Gregory Daniel Kloczko, Laura Melissa Koba, Caitlyn Anne Krar, Reed Alexander Kroll, Kyle Allen Lalla, Sarah Elizabeth Lamb, Sylwia Lewkowicz, Kristina Marie Linehan, Samantha Jo Lohneiss, Emily Anne Maciejewski, Lauren Yvonne Macri, Emily Rose Mankus, Colton Michael McInnis, Haley Anne Mullin, Brianna Marie Muscio, Nathaniel Ryan Nagorski, Shannon Kimberley O’Connor, Lauren Marie Parker, Alissa Karolyn Paul, Katherine Rose Peccerillo, Dane Michael Penksa, Niels Justin Peschel, Nicholas Alfred Pierson, Alex Ernest Rasten, Sofia Annette Ricciardi, Gabriella Ann Roccasecca, Domenic Stephen Rossi, Michael Joseph Ruszczyk, Benjamin Vincent Sadlowski, Amanda Karnika Sao, Brenna Marie Sarantides, Allison Mara Schroeder, Morgan Patricia Shubert, Lucia Sintoni, Alexander Gardner Smith, Steven Sokolowski, Jason Joseph Soltys, Nicolette Marie St. Amand, Alexander Joseph Statkevich, Paris Marie Testa, Kahli Marie Travers, Krysta Tsangarides, Edmond Keith Vitcavage, Ryan James Wells, Joseph Allen Zavorskas, and Angelina Jennifer Zollo.

The following students earned second honors:

Griffin Richard Alix, Kayla Rose Allaire, Paige Marie Allen, Matthew James Andrini, Dominic Joseph Annunziata, Jonathan Nelson Ardolino, Alicia Marie Badorek, Joshua Michel Barry, Austin Tyler Baumann, Quinn Anthony Becotte, Joseph John Bernetti, Kimberly Libby Biela, Kylie Taylor Blazek, Nathan Michael Blitz, Jasmine Elizabeth Boschulte, Nicole Ann Breedlove, Kyle Andrew Bunko, Lauren Ann Cafasso, Rebecca Morgan Caisse, Kays Arjin Cetin, Benjamin Carl Chasse, Payton Lynne Chiaro, Nicole Cecile Christensen, Hannah Leigh Comparone, Hayley Jean Crafts, Tessa Alexandra Daly, Anthony Carl DeGennaro, Margaux Lee Degumbia, Sarah Claire Delaney, Christie Marie Dizenzo, Connor Edward Dombal, Kealey Bridget Donahue, Adam Jared Dorau, Bryan Murphy Doyle, Rachel Leigh Dufresne, Daniel George Fagan, Kathryn Grace Falcetti, Skye Ashley Farago, Drew Thomas Farkas, Luke David Ferreira, Tyler Dean Fox, Riley Weber Freehling, Taylor Gail Garry, Sarah Elizabeth Gerrish, Trevor James Godston, Bethany Rose Greenlaw, Garrett Edward Gugliotti, Christopher William Iverson, Julia Nicole Izydorczak, Danielle Nicole Jaffer, Kayla Ann Judd, Jessica Elizabeth Kane, Hassan Afzal Khan, Sana Tanveer Khan, Visal Kong, Ashleigh Michaela Kristopik, Carter John Krzesik, Kevin Alexander Kukla, Jessica Gail Lappen, Kelly Lynn Lappen, Katie Ann Lindberg, Scott Michael Lucian, Salvatore Magnano, Justin David Makles, Gage Rodney Marshall, Erica Frances Masse, Kelly Bridget McKenna, Brianah Jade Mclean, Morgan Elizabeth McNamara, Kaylah Dahnay Miron, Caroline Anne Mongillo, Jacob Riley Morrell, Parker Bennett Mulholland, Brandon Joseph Murray, Catherine Lloyd Najarian, Gabrielle Lauranna Napoli, Kasey Lee Newman, Nicole Paige Nyerick, Olivia Leigh Nyerick, Nicholas Ottalagana, Lauren Nicole Perkowski, Valerie Mary Perzanowski, Christopher Michael Pestillo, Jami Pliego, Kali Pliego, Sofia Marie Possidento, Katrina Lynn Quoka, Griffin Scott Ramey, Renz Patrick Rebeca, Natalie Rose Rickard, Faith Marie Ritchie, John Francis Rivers, Erin Kathleen Roach, Trever Medeiros Rogers, Samantha Schiffer, Jessica Taylor Seitz, Lauren Eve Semataska, Amy Serrano, Jhanvi Dharmesh Shah, Sarah Sherwill, Brett Nolan Simms, William James Smelley, Kelsey Shae Snodgrass, Kyle James Somers, Amelia Marie Sponauer, Emily Elizabeth Stafford, Mark Allyn Stalter, John Allen Stevens, Erin Nicole Sullivan, Melanie Lauren Tedeschi, James Harrison Terray, Aaron Nicholas Tiscione, Katherine Anne Trykowski, Jennifer Turci, Jenna Elizabeth Uba, Amanda Lee Valerio, Delana Hope Veilleux, Diana Frances Verderame, James Walter Wadman, Natalie Kalea Wadolowski, Christasia Denyse Walton, Codie Anne Wershoven, Alexandra Wyluda, Aaron Joseph Zerbe, and Gabriella Rose Zuk.

Grade 12

The following students earned first honors:

Alexandria Abacherli, Megan Marie Albert, Marissa Emily Asal, Katherine Elizabeth Baldwin, Alexandra Veronica Barmore, Michael David Batchelor, Zachary Reinhold Bauer, Erich Nicholas Bender, Erik Robert Bergland, Jonathan Robert Blain, Melissa Christine Borysewicz, Angelica Hope Brilla, Tyler Robert Brinton, Matthew James Briscoe, Adam Philip Brush, Michael Arthur Burek, Zachary Charles Bylykbashi, Cassandra Lynn Camilli, Lauren Elizabeth Carney, Kayley Ann Carrier, Jenna Rosemary Casey, Madison Lin Chapman, Caroline Louise Charlton, Rong Chen, Ashley Virginia Christensen, Nicole Chudy, Bridget Emily Clark, Sarah Rose Colston, Alana Audrey Conti, Elizabeth Bern Costello, Erin Mary Cova, Austin Devin DeGumbia, Tyler Joseph DiTunno, Jessica Lynn Dos Santos, Sebastian Alexander Doughty, Kevin Michael Drexler, Olivia Rose Ende, Julie Amanda Falk, David Matthew Falvo, Michael Matthew Fazzino, Kayla Mary Folcik, Chelsea Rose French, Miranda Gazaferi, Melissa Kate Geffken, Mack Richard Golos, Jessica Lynn Goralski, Julia Marie Granato, Anna Leigh Gregoire, Jocelyn Azalie Gregor, Patrick James Gustavson, Amanda Jeanne Hamel, Antoine Latiye Harris, Abigail Tatyana Heller, Ryann Madison Henry-Snodgrass, Monica Nicole Hicks, James Patrick Hoder, Shane Thomas Holley, Meghan Marie Kelley, Arooba Tanveer Khan, Christopher Douglas Kingsbury, Sharon Kwok, Megan Ann Langdeau, Sarah Anne Leahy, Jessica Nicole Lee, Zachary Daniel Levesque, Kristen Elizabeth Loose, Sarah Margaret Luczak, Catherine Emily MacKay, Joshua Paul Marcil, Kaitlin Marie Martocchio, Angela Marie Masciangioli, Nicholas John Mauriello, Marissa Ann Mayo, Richard John McCarty, Melissa Linda McKim, Katherine Jennifer Mellitt, Margaret Ann Mellitt, Anthony Meneo, Eric Joseph Minton, Jake Thomas Moise, Jennifer Rose Monte, Jacqueline Lynn Morelli, Zachary David Murillo, Talia Rae Nanfito, Flora Alicia Nardi, Rachel Alexandra Nardi, DaQuane Malik Nealey, Connor William O’Hara, Mikayla Lynn Otis, Ryan Timothy Padden, Sarah Ilona Palko, Dominick Palmisano, Megan Hope Palumbo, Priya A. Patel, Colby Lee Pelletier, Lee Ann Elizabeth Pelletier, Ryan Louis Pelligrinelli, Thomas Judson Perzanowski, Bailey Elizabeth Potter, Ryan Patrick Pulver, Cassidy Erin Race, Erin Kathryn Reilly, Julia Lynn Reilly, Jonathan Ronald Richards, Kailey Victoria Richardson, Francesco Ricigliano, Raquel Josephine Romano, Alexandra Mae Rothstein, Isabella Rose Russo, Cristian Sanchez, Amanda Kaitlynn Scheffler, Brett David Shaw, Autumn Eliza Sheffy, Jarod William Shurack, Matthew Nicholas Sorrentino, Kathleen Mary Spagnoletti, Connor Alexander Sperry, Matthew Gray Steeves, Rianna Leigh Susco, Alexa Rose Taylor, Michael Brian Taylor, Morgan Alexa Terry, Michael Alan Theriault, Matthew Joseph Thomson, Curtis Edward Topper, Matthew Salvatore Torrisi, Rebecca Tsangarides, Elizabeth Mary Veilleux, Veronica Ann Viturale, Adam Jeffrey Viviano, Abigail Nicole Wadman, Colleen Elizabeth Walsh, Adam Joseph Whitford, Caitlin Eileen Young, Maghen Elizabeth Zagryn, and Lauren Marie Zazzaro.

The following students earned second honors:

Leila Marie Agoora, Alaina Elizabeth Albino, Meagan Rose Asklar, Trevor Austin Baracchi, Cheyenne Deanna Bevans, Lindsey Elizabeth Bjorklund, Tiffany Amber Blancato, Michael Nicholas Botsacos, Nickolas Gary Brazil, Alicia Marie Brocki, Zayda Marie Broderick, Ethan George Buttery, Patrick David Carozza, Brandon Anthony Christino, Emily Kate Csuka, Dakota Avery Curtis, James Samuel Danielson, Danielle Barbara David, Kyle Joseph DeFrancesco, Shawn Albert Devin, Breanna Rae DiDomizio, Vincenzo Paul DiMauro, Dominic Dante Discepolo, Kateri Eileen Downes, Casey Francis Doyle, Brittany Frances Drouin, Darian Dube, Matthew Mark Duszak, Sariah Natalie Dutkiewicz, Mersades Destiney Faison, Michaela Rose Falk, Marissa Ann Feeney, Nicole Elizabeth Fischer, Kayleigh Jane Flanigan, Mackenzie Lee Flanigan, Kendra Nicole Friedt, Harrison Edward Garrett, Jared Thomas Gavronski, Rebecca Ann Gerrard, Allison Kathleen Gibney, Ryan Edward Goldstein, Alexander Joseph Gorr, Natalia Grosfeld, Rebecca Lorraine Hayes, Emma Louise Hermann, Benjamin Christopher Herms, Raegan Elizabeth Honyotski, Marissa Lynn Jackson, Alexander Edward Jamele, Brian David Jaworowski, Kayla Marie Kearney, Sana Khan, Devin Michael King, Leah Marie Kligerman, Sarah Caitlin Knight, Matthew Richard Koczera, Haley Marie Kolesnik, Antonella Marie Kuziak, Ellie Marie Lefkovich, Jared Evan Lentini, Emily Anne Lippincott, Natalie Marie Liquindoli, Alison Nicole Lonicki, Alexandria E Lunn, Erin Diana Martin, Morgan Leigh McCarthy, Gwyneth Ann McFall-Gorman, Azar Fadi Merdaa, Haley Lee Messenger, Kayla Lorraine Michalic, Jacob Samy Molgano, Rachel Ryan Mouris, Rebekah Lynn Najarian, Catherine Coleman Natelli, Jessica Marie Nelson, Jonathan Luis Nieves, Daniel Ryan Normandin, Zaya Eugene Oshana, Kristina Rain Patterson, Katelyn Kathleen Pavloski, Emily Belle Pestillo, Peter C Pino, Evan Thomas Pokorski, Christian Joseph Raczka, Mitchell Stanislaus Raczka, Jonathan Peter Rappi, Scott Warren Rashaw, Nicole Elizabeth Ricker, Heather Nicole Ross, Courtnie Rebecca Roy, Rebecca Diane Ryan, Louise Anna Schutz, Jacob Erik Semmel, William Fitzgerald Smith, Marilyn Largo Sporbert, Zachary Kyle Spratto, Alana Erin St. John, Victoria Hanna Stepien, Zachary John Susi, Victoria Rose Swartz, Shelby Elizabeth Thurston, Julia Rosemarie Tinyszin, Nicole Elizabeth Tombari, Christina Ann Trovato, Nicholas James Valerio, Nicholas John Wells, Jeanette Mary Wiese, Brittany Amber Williams, Jennifer Hoy Wong, Elizabeth Constance Woods, Chase Davis Yurgaitis, Jolanta Lucy Zajac, and Destinee Ayaissa Zarrelli.

The Southington Youth Summer Theater, middle school students, performed the musical Zanadu Jr. last weekend.  The production is set in the 80’s and includes characters from Greek mythology.  The show was performed at Southington High School.  This coming weekend, the high school students will perform the musical All Shook Up.  Performances run Friday and Saturday at 7:00.  General admission is $8.00 per ticket.  Students and  seniors are $5.00 each.  Photos by:  Tammi Naudus 

A vigil is being planned for two Southington students, Annmarie Olender, 16, and Olivia Fusco, 14, who were victims in a fatal accident yesterday afternoon.

According to state police, a Hundai Accent carrying the two students crashed on I-84 eastbound, just west of the Queen Street exit at approximately 2:50 p.m. The car lost control and overturned in the medium between the eastbound and westbound lanes.

The accident caused backups on I-84 until about 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday evening while emergency personnel tried to clear the accident. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Superintendent Timothy Connellan released a message this morning informing parents of the tragedy and that students are organizing a vigil to be held on the Southington High School softball field, today, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“We lost two young members of our community and our Southington Public Schools family in a tragic accident,” Connellan said in the release. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of these two students and we grieve with them for their loss.”

Support services will be available at two locations, Southington High School and the Southington Municipal Center through Youth Services. Support will be available from Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Counselors, social workers, and psychologists will be available for students, parents, and staff members who would like to avail themselves of the services.

“Students, parents, guardians, faculty, or staff members should feel free to reach out to administrators at either Southington High School or Kennedy Middle School or to staff at Southington Youth Services for additional or continued support,” Connellan said in the release.

State police are asking that anyone with information about the accident should contact Trooper William Bevans of Troop H at (860) 534-1000, ext. 6136.

By LINDSAY CAREY
STAFF WRITER

The Board of Education discussed ways to increase enrollment in technology, engineering, and manufacturing electives at Southington High School during the Curriculum and Instruction Committee Report.

Terri Carmody shared that the Curriculum and Instruction committee visited a few classrooms in the Technology Department at Southington High School, including an automotive class, wood shop, a metal work class, engineering class, and a construction class. She also said the curriculum committee visited Project Lead the Way and saw a robotic arm that the students are working on.

“I saw the kids really working hard and learning things,” said Carmody.

However, during the visit Carmody said the board learned of a deficiency in enrollment in that department by speaking with the teachers.

“Manufacturers are coming to the schools telling us that we need kids with these skills and that’s where the jobs are,” said Carmody.

Board of Education member David Derynoski, who has a background in engineering and business and has been a technology advocate as a member of the technology advisory board at SHS, also spoke about the need to inform students more about a career path in manufacturing, technology, and engineering.

Derynoski said that there are some companies, including his own, who are in such great need of employees that they have started classes in association with Tunxis Community College to teach students CNC machining and basic machining skills.

“Just our medium-sized company, over the next eighteen months, we’re looking to hire an excess of 200 machinists,” said Derynoski. He said that with an aging work force, there are a lot of companies that are all looking for help.

Derynoski said there is a marketing issue within the schools that needs to be addressed in order to effectively nurture interest in these fields and guide students into a fulfilling career.

“We need to be able to get out there and get to the students and their parents—for those that feel that, maybe, college isn’t for them,” Derynoski said. “Maybe they don’t have the basic understanding of what’s out there or even where they want to go, but we have to give that opportunity for them to at least try it because a little bit of interest can grow into something that could be very rewarding.”

Derynoski said that the Technology Advisory Board has started visiting the middle schools annually and talking to the classes about possible careers in technology, manufacturing, and construction. The board is hoping that these visits will spark an interest, so that when they go to the high school, it may impact their elective selection. He noted that more regular visits may be necessary.

Board of Education member Terry Lombardi said that she believes there should be more awareness and development for this at the middle school level.

“I think that sometimes when students get to the high school it may be too late,” said Lombardi.

Board of Education Chairman Brian Goralski said that one way they could increase the interest is in middle school students would be to make sure middle school students are included at the annual Engineering Expo.

Lombardi also said that the department should work on establishing a better image for these career options, because some people are just so set on college after high school and don’t know anything else.

To Lombardi’s point, Derynoski noted that these jobs pay more than minimum wage and can provide people with a good living.

Board of Education member Patricia Johnson suggested that they begin to take an interdepartmental approach to increase enrollment in this department.

“Students in math classes could see what their projected use would be in some of these areas in tech education and of course engineering, and so this interdepartmental contribution would be helpful,” said Johnson.

After receiving these suggestions from the Board of Education, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee will continue to work with the department at the high school on ways to increase enrollment in these electives.

Southington High School family passes and senior gold cards will be available for the 2015-16 school year beginning on Monday, Aug. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Athletic Director’s office at Southington High School.

Family passes cost $110 and covers admission for immediate family members to volleyball (boys and girls), football, basketball (girls and boys), wrestling, and any night games starting at 5 p.m. or later on the SHS turf field. Each member of the family will get a card from high school age and up. Younger children will be admitted with the parent’s card. Family Passes may also be purchased at games and are good for all regular season games.

Individual adult passes ($45) and student passes ($30) are also available for purchase.

Senior Gold Cards are issued free of charge to Southington residents only, age 62 and over, with proof of age and residency. Those who already have received Gold Cards do not need to renew them. Gold Cards will also be available at games.

Passes (family, individual, or gold) cannot be used for CIAC tournament games or Thanksgiving football game.

For questions, contact the SHS Athletic Office at (860) 628-3229, ext. 425 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. or email them at athletics@southingtonschools.org

Julie Morrison, a music student at Central Connecticut State University, helps Derynosky fourth grader Lauren Yuskis with some guidance on the violin.

By TAMMI NAUDUS
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Last week Southington High School opened up its doors for two nights to to welcome in some aspiring musicians. The guests were students from all of the surrounding elementary schools in the district. The event was called an Instrument Petting Zoo.

An instrument petting zoo has nothing to do with animals. It is an event hosted by the high school music department. Members of the high school band, area music faculty, and college students who are studying music act as the instructors for the evening.

They set up in stations throughout the school cafeteria. Each station includes different instruments for the elementary students to try out in a hands-on environment.

The students are encouraged to pick up and play the instruments that they think they might be interested in learning to play.

“I think that it’s a really good event for the kids, because they find out more of what they are interested in rather than coming in for just one thing. My son has tried the violin, he played the saxophone, and the drums tonight. He did a great job on the drums, which he is leaning more towards learning.” Said Stacy Albert about her son.

Because the event is hands on, the students experience some of the challenges involved in choosing the right instrument for them.

Norah Doran, a fourth grader at Flanders is interested primarily in the string instruments. “I am going to try the violin, the viola, and the cello. I just did the cello, it’s a little harder than I thought cause I have to push down hard to get the right sound. Plus, I noticed I have to make sure keep my hair out of the way.”

Some of the students had a pretty good idea what they wanted to choose. After trying the saxophone and the trumpet, Alex LeClair, fourth grader at Flanders, had his thoughts. “I think I like the trombone the best, because I think it’s different from any other brass instrument.”

The Southington High school band students enjoyed the event as well.

“It’s a blast from the past for me. It really comes back to why you wanted to learn music in the first place,” said alto sax player Mike Freeman, a junior at Southington High. “It was fun and enjoyable. You see all of these kids trying very hard to succeed at something that it is their first time trying. It pushes me to want to be better as a player.” “For us, it’s just two hours out of our own time, but I still remember when I was a fourth grader doing my instrument petting zoo. I tried out so many instruments that night before I had my “Dreamweaver moment” after playing the saxophone. I love it.” Recalls junior, Mike Allen.

“I have been involved in this event multiple times, so I am used to working with the kids. I also give my own music lessons.” Explains a senior and percussionist Alex Smith, “All of the kids always want to hit the drums. Most want to just try, but there are those few who are genuinely really excited. It’s really inspiring to see kids that push hard for something that I have been involved in for years in school.”

Southington High School senior Alex Statkevich assists Brian Bregu with the trombone.

Visitors strike up a chorus at the Instrument Petting Zoo

Kieran McDowell, a fourth grader from South End School, tries the sax with the help of Flanders School music teacher Courtney Dalke.

Cody Robinson tries his hand with the violin.

Southington High School junior assists Derynoski fourth grader Ava Mulvey with the cello.

Southington High School junior assists Derynoski fourth grader Ava Mulvey with the cello.

Alex Statkevich, left, assists Brian Bregu with a trombone while Brian’s father, Dhimider, and brother, Gledion, enjoy the music.

By TAYLOR HARTZ
STAFF WRITER

Southington High School (SHS) will host a “College Day” on Tuesday, Sept. 15, when representatives from more than 130 colleges and universities will gather at the high school to answer questions and provide advice for soon-to-be college students.

For those looking to stay local, in-state schools such as Bristol Technical Education Center, Lincoln College of New England, and Quinnipiac University will be in attendance, along with Southern, Eastern, and Western Connecticut State Universities and the University of Connecticut.

New England schools will be heavily represented at the fair, with Emerson College, Fitchburg State College and the University of Massachusetts representing the Bay State, joined by Salve Regina University from Newport, Rhode Island, the University of Maine, Keene State College, in New Hampshire and the University of Vermont.

Representatives from several State of New York (SUNY) schools will make the drive to Southington, joining Manhattan College for city seekers and Hofstra University on Long Island.

From further down the East Coast, students can explore their academic options at Berkeley College in New Jersey, and Drexel University in Philadelphia and Campbell University in North Carolina.

Specialty programs such as the Albany College of Pharmacy, The Culinary Institute of America and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy will appeal to students who have already chosen their area of study, while the wide variety of programs and institutions will provide helpful information for those students still exploring their options.

The fair will be sponsored by the SHS guidance and counseling departments, with representatives from each school will fill the auditorium and lobby from 6:30 to 8pm on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Parents and students in the community are encouraged to come seek information on the many schools, and students are encouraged to wear their favorite college or college team clothing to school that day to show their school pride.

Any questions can be directed to the SHS guidance department at (860) 628-3229, ext. 244

The annual “Music of the Knight” band competition is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24. Blue Knight band members, above, gather at last year’s celebration.

On Saturday, Oct.24, the Southington High School Blue Knights Marching Band will present the 23rd annual “Music of the Knight” marching band competition at Fontana Field at Southington High School. This event is a US Bands sanctioned marching competition.

Twenty-two high school bands from across Connecticut and Massachusetts will be competing for the title. The final performance schedule will be posted by US bands on their website www.USBands.org.

Music of the Knight has been designated a “Gold Event” by US Bands and is one of the largest and most well-attended high school band competition in New England. It is the band’s major fund-raiser of the season and, with the assistance of many sponsors in the community, the band relies on this event to raise about 50 percent of its operating budget.

The event kicks off at 2:55 p.m. with performances by the Joseph A. DePaolo Middle School Band, under the direction of Richard Santanella, and the John F. Kennedy Middle School Band, under the direction of Tim Johnson.

The Award Winning Southington Blue Knights Marching Band under the direction of Sara Ossias and Harrison Stuppler will perform an exhibition of their 2014 Show, “The Coven.” In keeping with tradition, SHS band alumni will lead the Blue Knights onto the field for their performance. The evening will conclude with the SHS senior recognition and the award ceremony.

Southington High School, 720 Pleasant St, Southington, CT 06489

Four Southington schools in the Pleasant Street region have been placed on secure school status until further notice as a precaution. Southington High School, DePaolo Middle School, Hatton Elementary School, and Flanders Elementary School have temporarily suspended outside activities after someone threatened a staff member.

An alert was sent to parents from Southington’s Superintendant of Schools Tim Connella. The alert said that someone from outside the schools made the threat, but there is no threat inside any of the schools. The four schools will operate normally inside the buildings, but no one will be allowed to enter.

Reports indicate that Southington police have added patrols in the area.

Southington High School, 720 Pleasant St, Southington, CT 06489

The Southington Police Department announced an arrest after yesterday’s incident in Southington schools that resulted in four local schools being place on secure school status.

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, police received a report at approximately 8:15 a.m. that a Southington High School staff member received a threat from someone outside of the school. As a precaution, Southington High School, DePaolo Middle School, Flanders Elementary School and Hatton Elementary School were placed in secure school status.

“Secure school status” means that normal activity inside the school continues, but no one is allowed to enter or exit the school. The incident was investigated, and the threat was dismissed at approximately 9:40 a. m. The secure school status was lifted at that time.

The police investigation revealed that Gregory R Daly, 42, of Southington was involved in a dispute with a Southington High School staff member. As a result of the argument, Daly made personal threats against the staff member. Daly was located at his home in Southington and subsequently taken into custody.

Daly was charged with first degree threatening, second degree harassment, and breach of peace. He was held on a $500,000 bond. His court appearance is scheduled for today at Bristol Superior Court.

As a result of the investigation seven firearms were seized from the home and are now in police custody.

Southington cheerleaders are participating in the third annual Cheer for Dana-Farber presented by Walmart, which supports adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The Southington Valley Midget Football League cheerleaders and Southington High School cheerleaders are fundraising until Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, Nov. 26.

To participate in Cheer for Dana-Farber, cheerleading teams fundraise in their local communities through car washes, bake sales, canister collections, and more. There is no minimum fundraising requirement, but teams are required to register.

All teams that raise $1,000 or more will be entered into a drawing for the four grand prizes, including a chance to perform a cheerleading routine prior to the Dec. 20 New England Patriots game against the Tennessee Titans.

Each additional $1,000 raised earns teams an additional ticket entered into the drawing. The top nine fundraising teams will be invited to a special cheer clinic Saturday, Dec. 12 run by the New England Patriots Cheerleaders at the Field House at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.

Since the program began in 2013, more than 160 teams have raised over $154,000.

To support the Southington Valley Midget Football League cheerleaders, visit www.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=1133305&team=6468020.  

To support the Southington High School Blue Knight cheerleaders, please visit www.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=1133305&team=6476999.