Lincoln College of New England
2279 Mt Vernon Rd, Southington, CT 06489
(860) 628-4751

Lincoln College of New England RN-BSN program officially received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) effective 2015 – 2021.  The RN-BSN program began May 2014 and has four successful graduating classes.

Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public’s health.

CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing.

CCNE serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices.

As a voluntary, self-regulatory process, CCNE accreditation supports and encourages continuing self-assessment by nursing programs and supports continuing growth and improvement of collegiate professional education and nurse residency programs.

The Southington Chapter of UNICO National held their 71st annual Top 25 Students Dinner at the Aqua Turf on June 1, to recognize Southington High School’s top 25 graduating seniors from the Class of 2016.

By TAYLOR HARTZ
STAFF WRITER

Out of 467 soon-to-be-graduates of Southington High School (SHS), 25 were honored for their high class ranking by the Southington chapter of UNICO National.

The 71st annual Top 25 dinner took place at the Aqua Turf Club on June 1, celebrating the success of students who earned a top spot in the SHS Class of 2016.

The Top 25 academically ranked students represent only the top 5 percent of seniors, based on their GPA scores.  The annual event celebrates their success with a dinner for the students, their parents, and members of the SHS staff and faculty.

The top three students, Timothy Cocozza, Emily Maciejewski, and Natalia Gimenez will deliver speeches at the graduation ceremony on June 10. For the other 22 students, this dinner was a chance to celebrate what they’ve worked so hard to achieve.

“These kids have spent their high school careers working hard,” said SHS Principal Brian Stranieri. “This dinner is a tribute to the hard work they’ve put in.”

Adam Cormier, who ranks fourth in the class, said he “went into freshman year with the goal of being in the Top 20” and felt like his final ranking was a major accomplishment.

Cormier was involved with the French National Honor Society, Key Club, Yearbook Club, Cross Country team, and French Club during his time at SHS. He will attend the University of Connecticut (UConn) to major in actuarial science this fall.

For Jessica Howe, the UNICO event, itself, was a long-term goal. “I’ve always wanted to come to this dinner,” she said. “It’s something I’ve strived for.”

Howe started her freshman year with a rank of 26 and finished at No. 5. During her tenure at SHS, Howe earned varsity letters for soccer, indoor track, and outdoor track. This fall she will head to UConn to study mathematics.

UNICO member Joe Peccerillo, chair of the Top 25 dinner committee, said that these 25 students are not only at the top academically, but are also involved in their community and in many extracurricular activities.

“These are Southington’s up-and-coming young adults who will hopefully be carrying on our traditions” said Peccerillo. “They really represent what UNICO represents.”

UNICO’s motto is “service above self.” The organization focuses on community involvement and volunteer service for men and women of Italian heritage.

Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connellan said the Top 25 dinner has become a tradition that the students look forward to each year.

“One of the things that is really important is to celebrate the achievements of our students,” said Connellan. “The students who are here tonight are active in academics and pursue what interests them.”

The superintendent said the dinner, itself, is a tribute to how deeply the Southington community values education.

Southington’s top 25 are: TImothy Cocozza, Emily Maciejewski, Natalia Gimenez, Samantha Butlien, Anthony Cammuso, Victoria Castillo, Fizza Chaudhry, Jennifer Congdon, Adam Cormier, Jessica Gagnon, Anna Gerwig, Jessica Howe, Danielle Hughes, Jenny Johnson, Kayla Kavanagh, Laura Koba, Sarah Lamb, Sylwia Lewkowicz, Kristina Linehan, Niels Peschel, Alex Rasten, Brenna Sarantides, Steven Sokolowski, Alexander Statkevich, Joseph Zavorskas, and Angelina Zollo.

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

Last Friday, students at Plantsville Elementary School donned purple to support Southington’s Relay for Life event. Students, above, show their support with Principal Steve Bergin.

Photo by TAMMI NAUDUS

Plantsville Elementary School fifth grader Alexis L’Heureux hands some work to librarian para Jodie Martocchio. L’Heureux was selected to be the school’s “Principal For The Day” on Friday, June 3. Behind her, “sacked” principal Steve Bergin watches in dismay as school business goes on without him.

Photo by TAMMI NAUDUS

Members of the Class of 2016 gather before the ceremony. Almost 500 students graduated from Southington High School on June 10. (Photo by Taylor Hartz)

Earlier today, Southington High School graduated 490 locals at a commencement ceremony at Southington High School for the Class of 2016.

The following is a list of graduates (*High Honors, +Honors):

*Michael Robert Aberizk; *Andrew John Ackerman; *Steven Thomas Adams; +Christian Yamil Aguayo; *Evan David Aiudi; *Leandro Antonio Alabado Alejandro; *Griffin Richard Alix; *Kayla Rose Allaire-Gardner; *Kelsea Allen; *Paige Marie Allen; +Kaitlyn Nicole Anderson; +Matthew James Andrini; *Erin Rose Angelillo; Dominic Joseph Annunziata; *Timothy Peter Anop; *Andrew Carl Ardolino; *Jonathan Nelson Ardolino; *Jacob Michael Armstrong; and Mevlan Asipi.

*Ciara Noelle Backus; *Alicia Marie Badorek; *Angela Nicole Balaoing; Trevor Austin Baracchi; *Joshua Michel Barry; Aryana Noelle Bechtold; *Matthew Paul Becotte; *Quinn Anthony Becotte; *Mikayla Lee Bedell; *Shallynn Ivy Beerbaum; +Jesse Vincent Bellemare; +Jake Thomas Bentz; Joseph John Bernetti; +Wiktor Franciszek Berniak; *Kimberly Libby Biela; *Aleksandra Anna Bieniek; Brandon James Birmingham; Thomas John Birmingham; Michela Rachael Blake; +Kylie Taylor Blazek; Ryan Donald Bleau; *Nathan Michael Blitz; Makayla Rae Bonenfant; +Christopher Michael Borkowski; Jasmine Elizabeth Boschulte; Jeffrey Bowman; *Alexa Niccole Bracken; Ashley Madison Brasile; *Nicole Ann Breedlove; +Christine Elizabeth Brilla; *James Andrew Brino; Cody Dennis Brown; *Rachel Jordan Bruno; +Austin Andrew Bull; *Kyle Andrew Bunko; *Ryan Patrick Burrill; *Samantha Joan Butlien; Daniel Butterly; Jacob Caine Buzzell; and +Kevin Andrew Byrnes.

+Lauren Ann Cafasso; Nicolas Ryan Caiaze; *Rebecca Morgan Caisse; +Cassandra Emily Callaghan; Nicole E. Calver; *Brooke Alexandra Camden; *Anthony Michael Cammuso; *Grace Elizabeth Cardozo; +Tyler John Carmichall; Christopher Michael Carozza; *Raegan Elizabeth Casarella; +Sierra Ashlee Casciano; *Victoria Elizabeth Castillo; Lexy Celella; *Kays Arjin Cetin; *Katelin Hope Chamberland; *Benjamin Carl Chasse; *Jacob Christopher Chasse; *Fizza Shahzad Chaudhry; *Luis Chadwick Chavez; *Payton Lynne Chiaro; *Nicole Cecile Christensen; *Courtney Marie Christino; Aiden Michael Chubet; Matthew George Cianciolo; +Sarah Jo Cipollini; *Timothy Daniel Cocozza; +Hannah Leigh Comparone; Lexus Diamond Conaway; Jose Antonio Concepcion; *Jennifer Anne Congdon; *Adam Griffin Cormier; +Athena Mariah Cote; *Hayley Jean Crafts; *Olivia Patricia Cranney; Destiny Ann Cruz; Brian Valery Culotta; Keanu Jakai Cummings; Nicole Theresa Cyr; and Samuel Lawrence Cyr.

*Jacob Paolo D’Alessandro; +Patrick Dabrowski; *Tessa Alexandra Daly; Tyler William Daniels; Senton Dautllari; Alyssa Joanne Debbisi; +Anna Daniela DeCroce; +Andrea Clarice Defeo; Hunter Anthony DeFrancesco; Anthony Carl DeGennaro; +Margaux Lee Degumbia; Liam Edward Delahunty; *Sarah Claire Delaney; Gabriella Annalise DelGreco; Adam Dell; Austin Jacob DellaVecchia; Kyra Paige DeLuco; George Christopher Desiderio; Aaron Michael Desprey; +Margo Renee DeVore; Alessio Marcelo Diana; *Jack Wesley Dietz; *Christie Marie Dizenzo; *Sarah Julia Dolan; *Connor Edward Dombal; *Kealey Bridget Donahue; *Adam Jared Dorau; *Steven Raymond Dorzens; +Jonathan Richard Doty; Bryan Thomas Doucette; *Bryan Murphy Doyle; *Hali Marie Doyon; +Marissa Noel-Mae Drivdahl; Darci Mae Drzewiecki; *Rachel Leigh Dufresne; and Ryan Michael Duncan.

+Spencer David Eaton; *Kristen Victoria Elliott; *Megan Marie Enright; and +Heatherann Edna Esden.

*Daniel George Fagan; *Kathryn Grace Falcetti; *Nicholas Ryan Falco; +Skye Ashley Farago; *Drew Thomas Farkas; Luke David Ferreira; Julian Cristiano Figueiroa; Vincenzo Giuseppe Fiorello; *Jarod Alec Florian; Charles Edward Foulk IV; *Tyler Dean Fox; +Hannah LeBlanc Francis; Michael Allen Frappier; Riley Weber Freehling; and *Katrina Marie Furgalack.

Benjamin Wayne Gaedeke; Daria Rose Gagnon; *Jessica Nicole Gagnon; *Victoria Anne Gagnon; *Paul Michael Gambardella; +Christopher Joseph Gamber; *Michaela Rae Ganezer; Marc James Garcia; Rebecca Janet Garfield; Sean Kevin Garrison; +Taylor Gail Garry; Elijah Angel Gaudalupe; *Cassandra Michele Gaudio; Victoria Ann Gentile; *Sarah Elizabeth Gerrish; Anna Elizabeth Gerwig; Julia Nicole Gilbert; *Natalia Gimenez; Michael Thomas Gioia; *Michelle Susan Glowasky; Elwood Francis Goding; *Trevor James Godston; Manuel Gonzalez; Kaylee Nicole Goodrich; Margarita Sofya Gordon; Ryan Gregory Gorr; *Kaylee Rose Graef; *Bethany Rose Greenlaw; Katherine Marie Greer; +Justine Renée Griffin; Gavin Phillip Griffis; *Nicole Ann Groll; Jamie Kathleen Gryk; and Garrett Edward Gugliotti.

*Megan Frances Hamilton; Dominic Thomas Hamm; John William Hammersley; Emily Ann Hanson; Taahir Ejazz Harris; Austin Tyler Hochstrate Hamera; Mitchell Dean Hotham; *Jessica Ann Howe; *Mark George Howland; *Danielle Rose Hughes; and Megan Danielle Hyman.

Thomas Joseph Infante; *Christopher William Iverson; and *Julia Nicole Izydorczak.

*Danielle Nicole Jaffer; Corey Jonah Johnson; *Jenny Alexandra Johnson; Caitlyn Renee Jones; *Samantha Mary Jones; *Kayla Ann Judd; and Timothy Patrick Judd.

Orana Kaja; *Jessica Elizabeth Kane; +Krzysztof Kamil Kasinski; *Kayla Elizabeth Kavanagh; Taylor Renee Kavanah; +Hassan Afzal Khan; *Sana Tanveer Khan; *Alyssa Kizilski; +Jacob Kligerman; *Gregory Daniel Kloczko; *Laura Melissa Koba; *Visal Kong; +Ryan Joseph Kosienski; *Caitlyn Anne Krar; +Ashleigh Michaela Kristopik; Luke Thomas Krochko; *Reed Alexander Kroll; +Carter John Krzesik; Rachel Meagan Kuhr; *Kevin Alexander Kukla; +Dylan Zeus Kulas; +Kyle Joseph Kupstis; and Rachael Leigh Tarr Kurtz.

Kevin Allen Lalla; *Kyle Allen Lalla; *Sarah Elizabeth Lamb; Michael Patrick Lambert; Emily Eleanor Landino; Logan Joseph LaPorte; *Jessica Gail Lappen; +Kelly Lynn Lappen; +Logan Joseph LaRosa; Ian James Lawrence; +Keegan Crane Leahy; +Dylan Jacob LeBlanc; Jessica Sarah Lee; Gilberto Leon; Heather Danielle Letourneau; *Sylwia Lewkowicz; *Katie Ann Lindberg; Mark Andrew Lindberg; Kaitlyn May Lindsay; *Kristina Marie Linehan; *Maya Rachel Litke; *Jeffrey Ryan Lockwood; *Samantha Jo Lohneiss; Abigail Susan Lowe; *Scott Michael Lucian; and *Bryce Patrick Lynch.

*Emily Anne Maciejewski; *Lauren Yvonne Macri; *Salvatore Magnano III; Michael Alan Majchrzak; +Justin David Makles; Angel Joseph Mange; *Emily Rose Mankus; Leslie Robin Marcil; *Gage Rodney Marshall; Pierce John Martin; +Bryan Giovanni Massabni; Erica Frances Masse; Desiree Mathers;

Mya Venantius Maxwell; David Vincent McCormick; Blake Thomas McDonald; Justin Reece McGovern; *Colton Michael McInnis; *Kelly Bridget McKenna; *Brianah Jade Mclean; Ryan Kevin McLin; *Morgan Elizabeth McNamara; *Steven Andrew McPherson; *John Philip Meade; +Lindzay Medeiros; *Jordan Alexander Meier; Jesse Melgar; Nicholas Franco Melillo; Storm Lee Mercado; Shayna Merdaa; Logan Alexander Miller; *Christopher John Minkiewicz; *Kaylah Dahnay Miron; *Kelsey Lupita Molina; +Jonathan Hans Moller; +Annie Elizabeth Mongillo; *Caroline Anne Mongillo; Max Stephen Mongillo; Melissa Morelli; *Tyler Mathew Morgan; +Austin Michael Morin; +Jacob Riley Morrell; *Parker Bennett Mulholland; *Haley Anne Mullin; *Brandon Joseph Murray; Brianna Marie Muscio; and Isaiah Joseph Mushrall.

Ashley Sarah Nafis; +Nathaniel Ryan Nagorski; +Catherine Lloyd Najarian; *Gabrielle Lauranna Napoli; *Matthew Albert Natelli; *Alexis Caitlyn Negron; *David J Nelson; Andrew John Newman; *Kasey Lee Newman; +Christopher John Niemierowko; *Nicole Paige Nyerick; and *Olivia Leigh Nyerick.

*Shannon Kimberley O’Connor; Kellie Mae Odette; and *Nicholas Ferdinand Ottalagana.

Jacob Alexander Pabst; Tiffany Amber Palmieri; +Mackenzie Emily Parks; +Ryan Shawn Partiss; *Sarah Eileen Parzych; *Kushal Bhavesh Patel; Alexander Khalel Patrick; *Alissa Karolyn Paul; *Giavonna McKenzi Paulus; Kaylee Marie Pawlak; *Katherine Rose Peccerillo; +Dane Michael Penksa; *Lauren Nicole Perkowski; Daniela Sara Perone; *Valerie Mary Perzanowski; *Niels Justin Peschel; *Christopher Michael Pestillo; +Briana Alyssa Petta; *Nicholas Alfred Pierson; *Jami Rae Pliego; *Kali Marie Pliego; *Brandon Michael Porter; *Sofia Marie Possidento; Malik James Powell; *Bailey Jean Powers; *Emma Lynn Powers; and *Devin Michael Prive.

*Katrina Lynn Quoka.

*Griffin Scott Ramey; Arianna Lee Ramirez; *Alex Ernest Rasten; *Renz Patrick Rebeca; Rebecca Ann Reinhard; Kegan Louis Relihan; Desmen Darnel Restrepo; *Sofia Annette Ricciardi; Nathan Michael Richter; *Natalie Rose Rickard; *Allie Nicole Rinaldi; Savanna Lee Rivera; +John Francis Rivers; *Erin Kathleen Roach; Daniel Christopher Robinson; *Gabriella Ann Roccasecca; Alyxis Catalina Rodriguez; Michael-Cesar Rodriguez; Tyler James Roecker; *Andrew John Rogalski; *Trever Medeiros Rogers; +Jasen David Rose; *Domenic Stephen Rossi; +Kalista Rose Ruoff; Wesley Simpson Rushing; *Michael Joseph Ruszczyk; Daniel Matthew Rutkowski; and Gabriel Rzadkiewicz.

*Benjamin Vincent Sadlowski; *Stephen Philip Salmon; Manjot Singh Samra; *Amanda Karnika Sao; +Fatima Saqab; *Brenna Marie Sarantides; *Emily Jeanne Sargent; Damian Patryck Savage; Christopher William Scanlon; Eric James Scanlon; *Samantha Schiffer; Alexis Nicole Schipritt; *Matthew Alexander Schmidt; Erik David Schneider; *Allison Mara Schroeder; *Jessica Taylor Seitz; *Lauren Eve Semataska; *Amy Serrano; *Jhanvi Dharmesh Shah; *Sarah Sherwill; Riyaben Ajaykumar Sheth; Jonathan Bradley Shine; *Morgan Patricia Shubert; *Brett Nolan Simms; *Cole Sebastian Simoneaux; Ethan Alexander Sioch; *Robert Joseph Sirko; Thomas Joseph Skawinski; Justin Christopher Sliker; *Valerie Elizabeth Slimskey; David Craig Smelley; *William James Smelley; *Alexander Gardner Smith; *Kelsey Shae Snodgrass; *Steven Sokolowski; *Jason Joseph Soltys; *Kyle James Somers; Chandler James Spencer; Andrew Benjamin Spitz; *Amelia Marie Sponauer; *Nicolette Marie St. Amand; Daryelle Kylee St. Laurent; Emily Elizabeth Stafford; *Michael Daniel Stafko; Kyle Clifford Stakey; +Mark Allyn Stalter; Kiersten Lynn Stanley; *Alexander Joseph Statkevich; Adam Joseph Stedman; *John Allen Stevens; Carmela Catherine Stewart; Alexis Precious Stohmal; Michelle Christine Stublarec; Nikko Lee Stulpin; *Erin Nicole Sullivan; +Daniel Justin Summa; Alyssa Dianne Swanson; and *Andrew Thomas Szandrocha.

+Andrew Tyler Szymanski; +Crystal-Lynn Marie Tcharkovsky; *Melanie Lauren Tedeschi; *James Harrison Terray; Jacob Patrick Testa; Paris Marie Testa; Amanda Annmarie Thompson; Brittany Alexandra Thornton; Mark Joseph Threlkeld; Cory Christopher Thurston; *Aaron Nicholas Tiscione; Veronica Gail Topa; *Jason Steven Tosta; Brandon Christopher Toth; *Kahli Marie Travers; +Nathan Quang Truong; *Katherine Anne Trykowski; *Krysta Tsangarides; and *Jennifer Anna Turci.

*Jenna Elizabeth Uba.

Amanda Lee Valerio; Tyler Garret Valle; Mikaela Rose Van Epps; Griffin Paul Vanduinen; Christopher Arturo Vega; +Delana Hope Veilleux; Thomas Francis Venice; *Diana Frances Verderame; Lucas James Vernale; *Matthew James Verrilli; Mark Philip Vitali; and *Edmond Keith Vitcavage.

*James Walter Wadman; *Natalie Kalea Wadolowski; Jacob Paul Walasewicz; *Abigail Cecelia Wallace; +Christasia Denyse Walton; Kayla Marie Ward; Savannah Victoria Waters; Madison Rose Wells; *Ryan James Wells; *Codie Anne Wershoven; Zackery Storm Westover; Alex Brian Whitford; *Lindsey Rose Witte; +Catherine Elizabeth Wormer; +Nicholas Daniel Worthington; and *Alexandra Wyluda.

Dariusz Piotr Zajac; *Aron Francis Zamfino; *Joseph Allen Zavorskas; Joseph Manjunath Zembko; Aaron Joseph Zerbe; *Angelina Jennifer Zollo; *Gabriella Rose Zuk; and Andrew Joseph Zysk.

Click to Enlarge (Photos by TAYLOR HARTZ)

On Friday, June 10, Southington High School celebrated 490 graduating seniors during commencement activities on Fontana Field. Graduates Steve Salmon and Mark Threlkeld, above, celebrate with their classmates at the end of the ceremony. (For a complete list of graduates, page to the bottom of this post)

By TAYLOR HARTZ
STAFF WRITER

In her final moments as a Blue Knight senior, Emily Sargent stood before friends, family, and faculty to sing the national anthem at the Southington High School commencement ceremony on Friday, June 10. Just before the second verse of The Star-Spangled Banner, her microphone cut out.

Sargent kept singing, and turned to her classmates.

At first there was silence. Then the faint sound of Sargent continuing the anthem made its way to the crowded bleachers. Then, slowly, but surely, the volume grew, as the SHS class of 2016 joined their classmate in song.

Applause erupted on and off the field when the anthem finished, for students and faculty who sang along proudly.

“That is the image of the Class of 2016 that I will have in my mind forever,” said Board of Education Chairman Brian Goralski. “When they sang the national anthem, I saw the way they handled themselves with respect and class. I felt a level of respect I have never felt before.”

Students in the Class of 2016 line up to receive their diplomas on Friday, June 10.

The ceremony celebrated 490 seniors becoming SHS alumni on Friday evening – flipping their tassels, posing for photos, and holding their diplomas proudly in the air. Before their much-anticipated commencement, a few students had the opportunity to share their advice and well wishes with fellow graduates.

SHS student body president Andrew Rogalski followed the anthem performance with a patriotic speech about what it means to be an American, and a Blue Knight.

“We don’t give up when things are wrong, instead we keep pushing forward to make them right once again, and that is a quality that makes me proud of my country, and even more so, the class of 2016,” said Rogalski.

He urged his classmates to leave SHS in pursuit of innovation and intelligence, and to tackle problems they encounter in their community, and their nation.

“We are the next generation of this country’s 240-year story, and now it’s our turn to write the next chapters,” said Rogalski. “The class of 2016 has the ability to mend all of the problems that we see before us.”

Class President Andrew Rogalski embraces his classmate, essayist Natalia Gimenez, at the podium between their speeches.

Class salutatorian Emily Maciejewski shared that although she learned a great deal at SHS, she hopes her classmates will move forward toward new experiences—whether it be college, entering the work force, or military service.

“While high school provides the springboard for the future, this should not be where we peak,” said Maciejewski. “While we will always be Blue Knights, high school is only the beginning.”

Following performances by the SHS band and chorus, the students also heard speeches from Goralski, Superintendent of Southington Public Schools Timothy Connellan, and their principal, Brian Stranieri.

Goralski said that, as he does each year, he turned to SHS students for inspiration for his graduation speech. This year, he met with an American Cultures class with students from all academic levels. When he asked these students to describe their class, he heard words like family, community, involved, respectful, united, strong, innovated, and proud.

One students’ word choice stuck out to him – ubiquitous. An adjective that means “present, appearing, or found everywhere.”

Goralski told the Class of 2016 to have a ubiquitous influence on the town, to remember Southington will always stand behind them, and to know that “the positive influence you have had on this community will be felt for years.”

(Page down for a complete list of SHS graduates in the Class of 2016)

Photos by TAMMI NAUDUS

Click to Enlarge

The following is a list of graduates (*High Honors, +Honors):

*Michael Robert Aberizk; *Andrew John Ackerman; *Steven Thomas Adams; +Christian Yamil Aguayo; *Evan David Aiudi; *Leandro Antonio Alabado Alejandro; *Griffin Richard Alix; *Kayla Rose Allaire-Gardner; *Kelsea Allen; *Paige Marie Allen; +Kaitlyn Nicole Anderson; +Matthew James Andrini; *Erin Rose Angelillo; Dominic Joseph Annunziata; *Timothy Peter Anop; *Andrew Carl Ardolino; *Jonathan Nelson Ardolino; *Jacob Michael Armstrong; and Mevlan Asipi.

*Ciara Noelle Backus; *Alicia Marie Badorek; *Angela Nicole Balaoing; Trevor Austin Baracchi; *Joshua Michel Barry; Aryana Noelle Bechtold; *Matthew Paul Becotte; *Quinn Anthony Becotte; *Mikayla Lee Bedell; *Shallynn Ivy Beerbaum; +Jesse Vincent Bellemare; +Jake Thomas Bentz; Joseph John Bernetti; +Wiktor Franciszek Berniak; *Kimberly Libby Biela; *Aleksandra Anna Bieniek; Brandon James Birmingham; Thomas John Birmingham; Michela Rachael Blake; +Kylie Taylor Blazek; Ryan Donald Bleau; *Nathan Michael Blitz; Makayla Rae Bonenfant; +Christopher Michael Borkowski; Jasmine Elizabeth Boschulte; Jeffrey Bowman; *Alexa Niccole Bracken; Ashley Madison Brasile; *Nicole Ann Breedlove; +Christine Elizabeth Brilla; *James Andrew Brino; Cody Dennis Brown; *Rachel Jordan Bruno; +Austin Andrew Bull; *Kyle Andrew Bunko; *Ryan Patrick Burrill; *Samantha Joan Butlien; Daniel Butterly; Jacob Caine Buzzell; and +Kevin Andrew Byrnes.

+Lauren Ann Cafasso; Nicolas Ryan Caiaze; *Rebecca Morgan Caisse; +Cassandra Emily Callaghan; Nicole E. Calver; *Brooke Alexandra Camden; *Anthony Michael Cammuso; *Grace Elizabeth Cardozo; +Tyler John Carmichall; Christopher Michael Carozza; *Raegan Elizabeth Casarella; +Sierra Ashlee Casciano; *Victoria Elizabeth Castillo; Lexy Celella; *Kays Arjin Cetin; *Katelin Hope Chamberland; *Benjamin Carl Chasse; *Jacob Christopher Chasse; *Fizza Shahzad Chaudhry; *Luis Chadwick Chavez; *Payton Lynne Chiaro; *Nicole Cecile Christensen; *Courtney Marie Christino; Aiden Michael Chubet; Matthew George Cianciolo; +Sarah Jo Cipollini; *Timothy Daniel Cocozza; +Hannah Leigh Comparone; Lexus Diamond Conaway; Jose Antonio Concepcion; *Jennifer Anne Congdon; *Adam Griffin Cormier; +Athena Mariah Cote; *Hayley Jean Crafts; *Olivia Patricia Cranney; Destiny Ann Cruz; Brian Valery Culotta; Keanu Jakai Cummings; Nicole Theresa Cyr; and Samuel Lawrence Cyr.

*Jacob Paolo D’Alessandro; +Patrick Dabrowski; *Tessa Alexandra Daly; Tyler William Daniels; Senton Dautllari; Alyssa Joanne Debbisi; +Anna Daniela DeCroce; +Andrea Clarice Defeo; Hunter Anthony DeFrancesco; Anthony Carl DeGennaro; +Margaux Lee Degumbia; Liam Edward Delahunty; *Sarah Claire Delaney; Gabriella Annalise DelGreco; Adam Dell; Austin Jacob DellaVecchia; Kyra Paige DeLuco; George Christopher Desiderio; Aaron Michael Desprey; +Margo Renee DeVore; Alessio Marcelo Diana; *Jack Wesley Dietz; *Christie Marie Dizenzo; *Sarah Julia Dolan; *Connor Edward Dombal; *Kealey Bridget Donahue; *Adam Jared Dorau; *Steven Raymond Dorzens; +Jonathan Richard Doty; Bryan Thomas Doucette; *Bryan Murphy Doyle; *Hali Marie Doyon; +Marissa Noel-Mae Drivdahl; Darci Mae Drzewiecki; *Rachel Leigh Dufresne; and Ryan Michael Duncan.

+Spencer David Eaton; *Kristen Victoria Elliott; *Megan Marie Enright; and +Heatherann Edna Esden.

*Daniel George Fagan; *Kathryn Grace Falcetti; *Nicholas Ryan Falco; +Skye Ashley Farago; *Drew Thomas Farkas; Luke David Ferreira; Julian Cristiano Figueiroa; Vincenzo Giuseppe Fiorello; *Jarod Alec Florian; Charles Edward Foulk IV; *Tyler Dean Fox; +Hannah LeBlanc Francis; Michael Allen Frappier; Riley Weber Freehling; and *Katrina Marie Furgalack.

Benjamin Wayne Gaedeke; Daria Rose Gagnon; *Jessica Nicole Gagnon; *Victoria Anne Gagnon; *Paul Michael Gambardella; +Christopher Joseph Gamber; *Michaela Rae Ganezer; Marc James Garcia; Rebecca Janet Garfield; Sean Kevin Garrison; +Taylor Gail Garry; Elijah Angel Gaudalupe; *Cassandra Michele Gaudio; Victoria Ann Gentile; *Sarah Elizabeth Gerrish; Anna Elizabeth Gerwig; Julia Nicole Gilbert; *Natalia Gimenez; Michael Thomas Gioia; *Michelle Susan Glowasky; Elwood Francis Goding; *Trevor James Godston; Manuel Gonzalez; Kaylee Nicole Goodrich; Margarita Sofya Gordon; Ryan Gregory Gorr; *Kaylee Rose Graef; *Bethany Rose Greenlaw; Katherine Marie Greer; +Justine Renée Griffin; Gavin Phillip Griffis; *Nicole Ann Groll; Jamie Kathleen Gryk; and Garrett Edward Gugliotti.

*Megan Frances Hamilton; Dominic Thomas Hamm; John William Hammersley; Emily Ann Hanson; Taahir Ejazz Harris; Austin Tyler Hochstrate Hamera; Mitchell Dean Hotham; *Jessica Ann Howe; *Mark George Howland; *Danielle Rose Hughes; and Megan Danielle Hyman.

Thomas Joseph Infante; *Christopher William Iverson; and *Julia Nicole Izydorczak.

*Danielle Nicole Jaffer; Corey Jonah Johnson; *Jenny Alexandra Johnson; Caitlyn Renee Jones; *Samantha Mary Jones; *Kayla Ann Judd; and Timothy Patrick Judd.

Orana Kaja; *Jessica Elizabeth Kane; +Krzysztof Kamil Kasinski; *Kayla Elizabeth Kavanagh; Taylor Renee Kavanah; +Hassan Afzal Khan; *Sana Tanveer Khan; *Alyssa Kizilski; +Jacob Kligerman; *Gregory Daniel Kloczko; *Laura Melissa Koba; *Visal Kong; +Ryan Joseph Kosienski; *Caitlyn Anne Krar; +Ashleigh Michaela Kristopik; Luke Thomas Krochko; *Reed Alexander Kroll; +Carter John Krzesik; Rachel Meagan Kuhr; *Kevin Alexander Kukla; +Dylan Zeus Kulas; +Kyle Joseph Kupstis; and Rachael Leigh Tarr Kurtz.

Kevin Allen Lalla; *Kyle Allen Lalla; *Sarah Elizabeth Lamb; Michael Patrick Lambert; Emily Eleanor Landino; Logan Joseph LaPorte; *Jessica Gail Lappen; +Kelly Lynn Lappen; +Logan Joseph LaRosa; Ian James Lawrence; +Keegan Crane Leahy; +Dylan Jacob LeBlanc; Jessica Sarah Lee; Gilberto Leon; Heather Danielle Letourneau; *Sylwia Lewkowicz; *Katie Ann Lindberg; Mark Andrew Lindberg; Kaitlyn May Lindsay; *Kristina Marie Linehan; *Maya Rachel Litke; *Jeffrey Ryan Lockwood; *Samantha Jo Lohneiss; Abigail Susan Lowe; *Scott Michael Lucian; and *Bryce Patrick Lynch.

*Emily Anne Maciejewski; *Lauren Yvonne Macri; *Salvatore Magnano III; Michael Alan Majchrzak; +Justin David Makles; Angel Joseph Mange; *Emily Rose Mankus; Leslie Robin Marcil; *Gage Rodney Marshall; Pierce John Martin; +Bryan Giovanni Massabni; Erica Frances Masse; Desiree Mathers;

Mya Venantius Maxwell; David Vincent McCormick; Blake Thomas McDonald; Justin Reece McGovern; *Colton Michael McInnis; *Kelly Bridget McKenna; *Brianah Jade Mclean; Ryan Kevin McLin; *Morgan Elizabeth McNamara; *Steven Andrew McPherson; *John Philip Meade; +Lindzay Medeiros; *Jordan Alexander Meier; Jesse Melgar; Nicholas Franco Melillo; Storm Lee Mercado; Shayna Merdaa; Logan Alexander Miller; *Christopher John Minkiewicz; *Kaylah Dahnay Miron; *Kelsey Lupita Molina; +Jonathan Hans Moller; +Annie Elizabeth Mongillo; *Caroline Anne Mongillo; Max Stephen Mongillo; Melissa Morelli; *Tyler Mathew Morgan; +Austin Michael Morin; +Jacob Riley Morrell; *Parker Bennett Mulholland; *Haley Anne Mullin; *Brandon Joseph Murray; Brianna Marie Muscio; and Isaiah Joseph Mushrall.

Ashley Sarah Nafis; +Nathaniel Ryan Nagorski; +Catherine Lloyd Najarian; *Gabrielle Lauranna Napoli; *Matthew Albert Natelli; *Alexis Caitlyn Negron; *David J Nelson; Andrew John Newman; *Kasey Lee Newman; +Christopher John Niemierowko; *Nicole Paige Nyerick; and *Olivia Leigh Nyerick.

*Shannon Kimberley O’Connor; Kellie Mae Odette; and *Nicholas Ferdinand Ottalagana.

Jacob Alexander Pabst; Tiffany Amber Palmieri; +Mackenzie Emily Parks; +Ryan Shawn Partiss; *Sarah Eileen Parzych; *Kushal Bhavesh Patel; Alexander Khalel Patrick; *Alissa Karolyn Paul; *Giavonna McKenzi Paulus; Kaylee Marie Pawlak; *Katherine Rose Peccerillo; +Dane Michael Penksa; *Lauren Nicole Perkowski; Daniela Sara Perone; *Valerie Mary Perzanowski; *Niels Justin Peschel; *Christopher Michael Pestillo; +Briana Alyssa Petta; *Nicholas Alfred Pierson; *Jami Rae Pliego; *Kali Marie Pliego; *Brandon Michael Porter; *Sofia Marie Possidento; Malik James Powell; *Bailey Jean Powers; *Emma Lynn Powers; and *Devin Michael Prive.

*Katrina Lynn Quoka.

*Griffin Scott Ramey; Arianna Lee Ramirez; *Alex Ernest Rasten; *Renz Patrick Rebeca; Rebecca Ann Reinhard; Kegan Louis Relihan; Desmen Darnel Restrepo; *Sofia Annette Ricciardi; Nathan Michael Richter; *Natalie Rose Rickard; *Allie Nicole Rinaldi; Savanna Lee Rivera; +John Francis Rivers; *Erin Kathleen Roach; Daniel Christopher Robinson; *Gabriella Ann Roccasecca; Alyxis Catalina Rodriguez; Michael-Cesar Rodriguez; Tyler James Roecker; *Andrew John Rogalski; *Trever Medeiros Rogers; +Jasen David Rose; *Domenic Stephen Rossi; +Kalista Rose Ruoff; Wesley Simpson Rushing; *Michael Joseph Ruszczyk; Daniel Matthew Rutkowski; and Gabriel Rzadkiewicz.

*Benjamin Vincent Sadlowski; *Stephen Philip Salmon; Manjot Singh Samra; *Amanda Karnika Sao; +Fatima Saqab; *Brenna Marie Sarantides; *Emily Jeanne Sargent; Damian Patryck Savage; Christopher William Scanlon; Eric James Scanlon; *Samantha Schiffer; Alexis Nicole Schipritt; *Matthew Alexander Schmidt; Erik David Schneider; *Allison Mara Schroeder; *Jessica Taylor Seitz; *Lauren Eve Semataska; *Amy Serrano; *Jhanvi Dharmesh Shah; *Sarah Sherwill; Riyaben Ajaykumar Sheth; Jonathan Bradley Shine; *Morgan Patricia Shubert; *Brett Nolan Simms; *Cole Sebastian Simoneaux; Ethan Alexander Sioch; *Robert Joseph Sirko; Thomas Joseph Skawinski; Justin Christopher Sliker; *Valerie Elizabeth Slimskey; David Craig Smelley; *William James Smelley; *Alexander Gardner Smith; *Kelsey Shae Snodgrass; *Steven Sokolowski; *Jason Joseph Soltys; *Kyle James Somers; Chandler James Spencer; Andrew Benjamin Spitz; *Amelia Marie Sponauer; *Nicolette Marie St. Amand; Daryelle Kylee St. Laurent; Emily Elizabeth Stafford; *Michael Daniel Stafko; Kyle Clifford Stakey; +Mark Allyn Stalter; Kiersten Lynn Stanley; *Alexander Joseph Statkevich; Adam Joseph Stedman; *John Allen Stevens; Carmela Catherine Stewart; Alexis Precious Stohmal; Michelle Christine Stublarec; Nikko Lee Stulpin; *Erin Nicole Sullivan; +Daniel Justin Summa; Alyssa Dianne Swanson; and *Andrew Thomas Szandrocha.

+Andrew Tyler Szymanski; +Crystal-Lynn Marie Tcharkovsky; *Melanie Lauren Tedeschi; *James Harrison Terray; Jacob Patrick Testa; Paris Marie Testa; Amanda Annmarie Thompson; Brittany Alexandra Thornton; Mark Joseph Threlkeld; Cory Christopher Thurston; *Aaron Nicholas Tiscione; Veronica Gail Topa; *Jason Steven Tosta; Brandon Christopher Toth; *Kahli Marie Travers; +Nathan Quang Truong; *Katherine Anne Trykowski; *Krysta Tsangarides; and *Jennifer Anna Turci.

*Jenna Elizabeth Uba.

Amanda Lee Valerio; Tyler Garret Valle; Mikaela Rose Van Epps; Griffin Paul Vanduinen; Christopher Arturo Vega; +Delana Hope Veilleux; Thomas Francis Venice; *Diana Frances Verderame; Lucas James Vernale; *Matthew James Verrilli; Mark Philip Vitali; and *Edmond Keith Vitcavage.

*James Walter Wadman; *Natalie Kalea Wadolowski; Jacob Paul Walasewicz; *Abigail Cecelia Wallace; +Christasia Denyse Walton; Kayla Marie Ward; Savannah Victoria Waters; Madison Rose Wells; *Ryan James Wells; *Codie Anne Wershoven; Zackery Storm Westover; Alex Brian Whitford; *Lindsey Rose Witte; +Catherine Elizabeth Wormer; +Nicholas Daniel Worthington; and *Alexandra Wyluda.

Dariusz Piotr Zajac; *Aron Francis Zamfino; *Joseph Allen Zavorskas; Joseph Manjunath Zembko; Aaron Joseph Zerbe; *Angelina Jennifer Zollo; *Gabriella Rose Zuk; and Andrew Joseph Zysk.

By TAYLOR HARTZ
STAFF WRITER

Along with the 490 Blue Knights who graduated from Southington High School (SHS) last Friday, Southington schools will say goodbye to more than 30 members of their faculty and staff. During the 2015-2016 school year, 33 employees of Southington Public Schools announced their retirement.

The list of retirees includes one administrator, Special Education Coordinator Sandy Kujawski, along with three secretaries, Denise Gravel-Silve from Thalberg Elementary School (TES), and Carol Volpe and Judy Holley from SHS. In addition, crossing guard Letizzia Benoit (SHS), assistant head custodian at SHS Gary Tompson, and John F. Kennedy Middle School (JFK) nurse Mary Ann Chiappetta joined the list of retiring workers.

For 19 teachers, ranging from the elementary to high school level, the class of 2016 was their last. SHS will say goodbye to Stephen Carpenter (technical education), Nancy Chiero (special education), Barbara Jarvis (math), John Durbin (social studies), Dorothy Fontana (family and consumer sciences), and guidance counselor Bethany Ingreselli.

JFK will return next fall without math teacher Nancy Powers-Salamon. The school is still mourning the loss of Joseph Cipolini (science) who passed away in April.

TES will say farewell to teachers Karen Audskevich (grade 5), and Andrea Triano-Lachapell (grade 2). Kelley Elementary School speech teacher Terese Burger is also among the list of retirees. Diance Colite (grade 4) and Linda Gaitling (special education) retired from Plantsville Elementary School. Hatton Elementary School is saying goodbye to Denise Pedrotty (grade 4) and Alisa Piech (special education). Strong Elementary School’s list includes Cheryl Sasek (grade 4).

Seven paraprofessionals have also retired this year. Judy Houseman and Lisa Epperson retired at the high school, while Jackie Belanger and Linda Long retired from Joseph A. DePaolo Middle School.

Derynoski Elementary School will say goodbye to paraprofessionals Lynn Germano and Sharon Leland; Hatton Elementary School to Rosemary Pelletier.

Superintendent of Southington Public Schools Timothy Connellan pointed out that many on the list of retirees have spent most, if not all, of their careers in Southington.

“It is rare these days to have someone dedicate their entire career to one school district,” said Connellan, “I think it says a lot about the community and the integrity of the individuals’ dedication to their students.”

Connellan said that he hopes many retiring members of the faculty and staff will, as he has seen in the past, return to Southington schools as substitutes, volunteers, or even just as visitors.

“It’s really hard to replace their expertise and dedication,” said Connellan, “They have all become such an integral part of the every day fabric.”

Connellan noted that one retiree in particular has already made plans to continue her work in Southington. Nancy Chiero, a special education teacher at SHS, will return in the fall as a 0.2 FTE employee, meaning she will work one full day per week or one period per day.

Connellan said he has had the opportunity to work closely with Chiero on many projects over the years, and that she is “the epitome of going above and beyond.” Chiero will assist special needs students ages 18 to 21-years-old with transitioning into life outside of SHS in a partnership between Lincoln College of New England and Southington Public Schools.

“We have folks come back all the time, because people have such an amazing connection with these schools and these students,” said Connellan, “We appreciate all of these individuals so much.”

Plantsville Elementary School kindergarten teacher Christina McKirryher, above, will be recognized by the Southington Board of Education as the 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year during the staff convocation on Aug. 29.

By TAYLOR HARTZ
STAFF WRITER

First grade students at Plantsville Elementary School (PES) have had the pleasure of being taught by the best teacher in town, Christina McKirryher.

Southington Public Schools announced on June 9 that McKirryher, who has been teaching first grade at PES since 2001, is Southington’s 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year.  She will be recognized at the Staff Convocation on Aug. 29, and at a reception prior to the Sept. 22 Board of Education (BOE) meeting.

A resident of Naugatuck, McKirryher began her teaching career in 2009 when she was hired as a literacy tutor at Strong Elementary School. A year later, she was appointed as a kindergarten teacher at PES, and was assigned as a first grade teacher in 2011.

“[McKirryher] believes that every child deserves to learn in an environment that focuses on student achievement and meeting the needs of every child,” said Superintendent of Southington Public Schools Timothy Connellan in a press release.

“She’s an excellent example of great teaching in Southington,” said PES Principal Stephen Bergin, who has worked with her for two years. “Her practice of instruction is at a high level of rigor.”

Outside the classroom, the kindergarten teacher serves as the Southington’s Townwide Effort to Promote Success (STEPS) building representative for PES, and founded the S.T.A.R.S. program to recognize students for their character traits.

She is a member of the Scientific Research-Based Intervention committee, the Responsive Classroom Committee, and the School Safety and Security Committee. McKirryher also helps to organize the “Taste of Plantsville” cultural night, literacy nights for kindergarten through second grade, a “Read Across America” day, and multiple field trips.

“She develops outstanding relationships with everyone she works with,” said Bergin, including students, co-workers, administrators, and parents.

McKirryher earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Connecticut in 2007, and her master’s degree in elementary education and business education from the University of Bridgeport in 2008. She is currently working toward a sixth year degree in educational leadership from Central Connecticut State University.

“She goes out of her way in the school and in the community,” said Bergin. “She absolutely deserves the award and we are very proud.”

On Wednesday, June 8, students from Derynoski Elementary School lined the street to welcome “The Wall That Heals” as it passed the school. Local veterans supplied American flags for the front lawn. Student musicians played “Taps,” while teachers and students gathers to applaud the procession of trucks, motorcycles, and first responders that escorted the Wall on its journey from the Home Depot on Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike to its destination at Memorial Boulevard in Bristol. Since 1996, the half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C has toured communities throughout the nation.

Photos by JOHN GORALSKI

Click to Enlarge

By TAYLOR HARTZ
STAFF WRITER

As the school year came to a close, Southington Public Schools took the time to recognize the many parents who volunteered their time to help out teachers, faculty, and students during this past school year.

On June 2, the sixth annual Parent Volunteer Luncheon was held at Hawk’s Landing Country Club, recognizing more than 50 individuals for their service to local schools. The tradition was started in 2009 to recognize the support that parents provide in the classroom and in extracurricular activities at every grade level.

“Your efforts year after year gather us here in your honor,” John F. Kennedy Middle School Principal Rick Terrino told parents.

The luncheon, organized by Debi Albetis, executive assistant to the Superintendent of Schools, was hosted by Board of Education member Terri Carmody,

“There is just not an adequate way to thank you for all you do for our children,” said Carmody, who distributed a box of chocolates to each volunteer.

Volunteers at the luncheon included members of Parent Teach Organizations (PTO), Executive Board members for PTOs, retired teachers, classroom assistants, and volunteers with fundraising campaigns and programs such as Kelley Elementary School’s Art for a Cause.

“We as teachers are very appreciative of what you do,” said Dan Hart, a social studies teacher at SHS and member of the Southington Education Association.

“When you volunteer, you vote everyday on the type of community you would like to live in,” said Hart. “Thank you for voting with your heart. I’m proud to witness the time and dedication you put in.”

Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connellan addressed volunteers, thanking them for their countless hours of volunteerism and for making “a fantastic place to raise a family.”

“We have great kids here, and the reason we have great kids is because we have great parents,” said Connellan, “Everything that happens in our public schools is dependent on our families.”

After lunch, Carmody went to each table, where administrators recognized the honored volunteers from their school for all of their hard work.

The following volunteers were recognized at each school:

Alta—Maria Melillo and Karen Smith.

Southington High School—Steven Daniels, John Myers, Moira Myers, Liza Breutzmann, and Leslie Loose.

Joseph A. DePaolo Middle School—Todd Breutzman, Teresa Izzo, Mabeline Silve, Angela Heidgerd, and Concetta Scavone.

John F. Kennedy Middle School—Bette Ann Bailey, Wally Bailey, Kelly DelDebbio, Carla Perillo, and Dora Ruisecki.

Derynoski Elementary School—Casie Messina, Ann Flynn, Suzanna Soda, Lynelle Smailes, and Karen Corrado.

Flanders Elementary School—Leslie Bordiere, Jennifer Lanci, Tina Michaud, Raeshelle Percival, and Cassandra Fallon.

Hatton Elementary School—Nicholas Cutler, Josie Cannuli, Christi Chmura, Jennifer Gilmore, and Maxine Casale.

Kelley Elementary School—Kristi Josephson, Gina Palmieri, Jolene Drechsler, Maureen Vargas, and Heather Farr.

Plantsville Elementary School—Claudia Csuka, Michele Peters, Bonnie Plourde, Lisa Wrubelski, and Cathy Watson.

South End Elementary School—Dan Nivison, Ray Dischino, John Nitz, Colleen Clark, and Robyn Kroll.

Strong Elementary School—Angelique Bilodeau, Lauren Marino, Meredith Fenwick, Amy Cogswell, and Carrie Brunalli.

Thalberg Elementary School—Paul Coppola, Heather Coppola, Ashley Nutting, Rachael Gonzalez, and Joanna Tokarzewski.

Recent SHS graduate Samantha Butlier was awarded one of four Wesley A. Kuhry Youth Citizenship Awards by United Technologies. The award is presented for community service. Honorees, above, are presented with their awards. Honores, from left, Kendall Comstock, Vaeyanna Lettman, Stephanie Cota, and Butlier.

Each year, four students are recognized for their dedication to community service at a statewide meeting of the YMCA of Greater Hartford.

This year, Southington High School senior Samantha Butlier, was awarded one of four Wesley A. Kuhry Youth Citizenship Awards for Community Service by United Technologies Corporation (UTC) and the YMCA.

The award is given in honor of Wesley A. Kuhry, a former president of Sikorsky Aircraft and former senior vice president of UTC. Kuhry was “known for his outstanding volunteer and professional leadership,” the YMCA said in a press release.

Butlier, now an SHS alumni, has been an active volunteer at the Southington Care Center, which provides short and long term rehabilitation and care to senior residents in Southington, since her sophomore year of high school.

She also volunteers with the New Haven-based organization, Abraham’s Tent, sponsored by the Columbus House non-profit in New Haven. The organization provides emergency shelter and housing assistance to men.

Butlier received the award at the annual meeting of the YMCA of Greater Hartford in early June.

The award honors participants at YMCA programs, from ages 15 to 20, who “have strongly demonstrated an ongoing commitment to volunteer service,” said the YMCA in a release.

The organization said recipients possess the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, and serve as positive role models in their community.

Lincoln College of New England President Denise Lewicki poses with a student during commencement exercises at Wolcott High.

By TAYLOR HARTZ
STAFF WRITER

Lincoln College of New England (LCNE) graduated its 50th class this May, with 223 graduates from 24 different degree and certification programs.

The college’s commencement ceremony took place at Wolcott High School on May 13, celebrating their milestone anniversary, and the accomplishments of all their graduates.

“While so much has changed over time, our focus and commitment to our students has not,” said LCNE President Denise Lewicki. “The continual expansion of program offerings, such as the latest addition of a bachelor in human services [degree], keeps the college relevant and responsive to the needs of the community.”

This year’s graduates included 40 students from the state’s only accredited mortuary science program, and the second class of the bachelor of science in nursing for registered nurses program, with 33 graduates.

Southington Town Councilor and reverend Victoria Triano addressed students at the ceremony, and Southington resident Curtis Robinson delivered the keynote address.

“The college was thrilled to have two prominent local residents share their experience and words of wisdom,” said Lewicki. “We are very fortunate to have had dynamic and thought-provoking Southington residents address the graduating class.”

Robinson is the cofounder of the Curtis D. Robinson Men’s Health Institute at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, and a St. Francis Hospital Medical Board Member. He shared the story of his success in business and the importance of giving back to the community with graduates.

At the ceremony, Robinson was awarded an honorary degree from LCNE for his humanitarian service.

Southington’s Brian Tomasco was valedictorian at the Taft School in Watertown.

By TAYLOR HARTZ
STAFF WRITER

Southington student Brian Tomasco has been named senior class valedictorian of The Taft School in Watertown.

Tomasco began his education at Thalberg Elementary School, before attending middle school at Mooreland Hill School in Kensington, and graduating from Taft on May 29.

He was actively involved in activities both on campus and in his hometown. In Southington, Tomasco is an active member of St. Paul’s Church where he serves as an acolyte and a Eucharist minister. He was involved at Taft as a residential monitor for the freshman-sophomore dorm, and a writing tutor. He also served as a campus tour guide, and played varsity soccer, varsity baseball, and junior varsity basketball.

During his senior year, he was inducted into the Cum Laude Society, a national organization for academic excellence in high school. He also earned awards for Excellence in Classics and Outstanding Work in Chemistry.

“The recognition is a great honor for me,” said Tomasco, “It shows how the hard work over the years has paid off and inspires a sense of gratitude for all those teachers and role models who have pushed me to achieve.”

Tomasco will be leaving Southington this fall to attend Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, where he plans to major in economics.

Deborah Stevens of Strong Elementary School was named as Southington’s 2016 paraeducator of the year.

Deborah Stevens of William Strong Elementary School (SES) has been announced as Southington’s Paraeducator of the Year.

Stevens has been a paraeducator at Strong since 2004, where she works with special education students from multiple grade levels.

On April 29, Southington Public Schools announced that Stevens had been chosen as the town’s nominee for the annual award, given by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) and School Paraeducator Advisory Council (SPAC).

“She exhibits an exemplary skillset as would be expected of such an employee by supporting academics, ensuring safety of the students and collaborating with faculty,” said Superintendent of Southington Public Schools Timothy Connellan in a press release.

The award is named for Ann Marie Murphy, Newtown, a special education teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School who lost her life in the December 2012 shootings.

The CSDE and SPAC honor one individual with the award each year and presents all nominees with a certificate at a recognition ceremony on Oct. 1

Tunxis Community College’s Business Administration program will offer seven-week online courses starting in August as part of its offerings for those students who want the added flexibility of taking courses off-campus in a quicker time frame.

“Principles of Managerial Accounting” and “Principles of Management,” which start Aug. 29 and Oct. 24 respectively, are taught by Tunxis faculty and will join an array of other business courses that can be completed online and in the evenings.

The accelerated courses are designed for those with busy schedules who want to finish their degree in a shorter timeframe.

The business program represents the largest field of study at Tunxis, helping to prepare students for growing employment opportunities with courses in accounting, management, business law, ethics, finance, entrepreneurship and marketing. Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the program stresses business practices, leadership, decision-making and technology. During the final year of study, students are able to apply their knowledge in practicums with the area’s leading employers.

Through guaranteed admissions programs and transfer agreements, Tunxis business students who complete an associate degree can seamlessly transfer their credits to a four-year baccalaureate business program at the Connecticut State Universities, UConn School of Business regional campuses, Charter Oak State College, and many private colleges.

Those who are interested in enrolling in prerequisites for the Tunxis online business courses are encouraged to sign up during Fall Credit Registration, which is underway now through August, with late registration on Aug. 25.

For more information on the business program, call (860)773.1631, email afeest@tunxis.edu, or visit Tunxis at tunxis.edu/ba.

More information about online courses and requirements can be found at www.tunxis.edu/distance-learning.

Tunxis is located at the junction of Routes 6 and 177 in Farmington.

Box score

In 140 Characters or Less: The Bees could not breakthrough with the big hit, dropping the rubber match of their series vs. the Skeeters 4-2.

The Game Changed When…:
the Skeeters mounted a two out rally in the bottom of the seventh with the game tied at two. After Albert Cordero’s single, the Skeeters brought home two runs on Josh Prince’s RBI double and Jeff Dominguez’ RBI single to give Sugar Land their first lead of the night and eventually the win.

Pitchers of Record:
W: Ryan Mattheus (2-1) | L: Brandon Fry (1-2) | SV: Derrick Loop (17)

Player(s) of the Game: NB Craig Maddox (2-5, RBI) | NB Shawn Haviland (6IP, 5H, 2R, 5K) | SL Jeremy Barfield (2-3, 2B, HR, RBI, BB, 2R)

Next Game:
Tale of the Tape –Bridgeport Bluefish (32-41, 2-1 2nd half) at New Britain Bees (37-36, 1-1 2nd half)
Pitching Matchup
New Britain: New Britain: Kyle Simon (3-2, 2.06) | Bridgeport: Jimmy Patterson (1-2, 4.24)
Bees Home Tickets: CLICK HERE | Available at the New Britain Stadium Box Office | Call 860-826-BEES
Broadcast: Youtube (Youtube.com/NewBritainBees).

Bees Buzz: Jon Griffin extended his road hitting streak to 11 straight with a 1-4 night…All nine Bees’ starters reached base in the game, with eight of the nine picking up at least one hit…Jon Jones stole his 23rd base of the season tonight, which puts him into sole possession of fourth place in the Atlantic League in that category (two behind teammate Michael Crouse for the top spot)…

A pair of Southington residents were among the 42 members of the Chase Collegiate School Class of 2016, who received their diplomas in front of faculty, students, family and friends on June 10. They received diplomas during the school’s commencement ceremony on Friday, June 10 on the Waterbury campus. Graduates, families and friends gathered at the South Porch of the 150-year-old private school for the event, which included performances by the Upper School Chorus and the Chase Collegiate School Band. Christopher Campochiaro, left, and Clarice Drexler, right, of Southington were among the list of graduates from the co-educational pre-K through grade 12 day school, which draws students from over 40 Connecticut towns.

Sarah Lamb, left, and Emily Maciejewski were selected as this year’s scholarship award winners for the Southington Education Foundation (SEF) scholarships.

By TAYLOR HARTZ
STAFF WRITER

The Southington Education Foundation (SEF) awarded $2,000 to local students this month for the pursuit of high education. Emily Maciejewski, salutatorian for the Southington High School (SHS) Class of 2016, and Sarah Lamb, were both chosen as recipients for the organization’s annual scholarships.

The SEF, established in 2009 to support creative initiatives in education, awarded Maciejewski with the SEF STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Scholarship, which is awarded to students who have excelled in STEM courses at SHS and plan to pursue a career in a STEM related field.

Maciejekewski participated in Project Lead the Way at SHS and will be attending the University of Connecticut to study mechanical engineering, working toward a career in aerospace or computer science.

Lamb was the recipient of the Joseph V. Erardi, Jr., award, named for the former Superintendent of Public Schools. This scholarship is given to a “civic minded” students who gives back to their community. Lamb, who volunteered with the Southington Town Wide Effort to Promote Success (STEPS) and Relay for Life, will be attending Quinnipiac University to study business.

“We had a large pool of candidates for both scholarships,” said SEF Scholatship chair Kelley Nolan-Maccione, in a press release, “We felt Emily and Sarah embody the spirit of the STEM and Joseph V. Erardi, Jr. scholarships.”

Kennedy Middle School’s student of the month for May. Front, from left, Lindsey Catlin, Daniel Messner, and Ryan Salzillo. Middle, Ava Muir, Leah Zaslavsky, Callan Angelo, and Gabriel Zamarano. Back, Asst. Principal Susanne Vitcavage, Anny Moquete-Volquez, Hailey Vargo, Mackenzie Coppola, Justin Taddeo, Thomas Nardi, and Principal Richard Terino.

John F. Kennedy Middle School in Plantsville recently announced the names of its May students of the month. Teachers nominated these students for their academic performance, exemplary citizenship, and/or participation in extracurricular activities.

Sixth grade students of the month are Lindsey Catlin, Daniel Messner, Ryan Salzillo and Gabriel Zamorano.

Lindsey, an honor roll student, is extremely hardworking and inquisitive in class. She always puts her best effort forward and goes above and beyond teachers’ expectations. She is a member of the Unified Theater and swing choir, and does gymnastics. Her outside interests also include reading and helping clean her church.

Dan is a sixth grade Unified Arts student of the month. He is a dedicated artist who always takes his time to ensure that every detail of his work is just right. A role model student, everyone admires his ambitions and achievements. Dan is an honor roll student and a member of the newspaper club. He plays town soccer and pitches and plays second base for his baseball team. In addition to sports, Dan likes to draw and spend time outdoors.

Ryan comes in every day with a positive attitude and ready to work. He puts forth his best efforts each day and prides himself on being successful. He is an honor roll student and plays tenor saxophone in the band and in woodwinds. He plays school and town soccer and centerfield and short stop on his baseball team. He is a Boy Scout, and in his free time he likes going outside, being with friends, and playing sports.

Gabe is a well-mannered young man. He is always prepared for tests and quizzes, and he has a strong desire to do his best every day. Gabe gets along well with his peers and his teachers and is an easygoing boy. He is a member of the homework club and plays first base on his baseball team in Meriden. Gabe does chores around the house and when he is not in school, he enjoys playing sports as well as being outside.

Seventh grade students of the month are Callan Angelo, Thomas Nardi, Ava Muir and Leah Zaslavsky.

Callan is a hardworking, intelligent and responsible young man. He possesses a maturity above that of his peers, and he consistently advocates for himself to continue to achieve academic success in all his classes. He is a member of the honor roll, the builders club. Minecraft, and the ski/snowboard club. Callan plays town baseball and basketball and volunteers for the YMCA’s leaders club. In his free time he plays Wiffle ball and hangs out with his friends.

Ava is forthright, motivated, patient, polite, mature and a self-advocate. Kindhearted, with a great smile, she has made much academic growth this year. She is a member of the ABC classroom, gingerbread house competition, Jr. Next Steps, NJHS, peer advocates, Unified Theater, the honor roll and the chorus. Ava volunteers at the food pantry, and over the summer she serves as a student teacher at her dance school. In her free time she enjoys dancing and drawing.

Thomas is positive young man who consistently gives his all. A leader among his peers and well-liked by all, he plays town football and hockey. Thomas also volunteers by helping his coach with the under 10 hockey team. Outside school he likes to do landscaping with his dad and brother.

Leah is the seventh grade World Language student of the month. A responsible student who volunteers in class, she comes prepared and asks for makeup work when absent. In addition, Leah shows enthusiasm, a desire to learn and to do well. An honor roll student, she is a member of the ABC classroom, the gingerbread house competition and the stage band. Outside school Leah enjoys her piano, art and dance lessons.

Eighth grade students of the month are Mackenzie Coppola, Anny Moquete-Volquez, Justin Taddeo and Hailey Vargo.

Mackenzie, a conscientious student, has made improvement in her learning throughout the year. She works well with others, helping them while always staying focused. She is an honor roll student and a member of the basketball and volleyball teams. Mackenzie plays travel basketball and volunteers at the Relay for Life and the Knights of Columbus pasta dinners. In her free time she plays sports and hangs out with her friends.

Anny is an extremely hardworking student who has worked diligently to learn English while keeping up with the demands of eighth grade. She shared her culture with fellow students both in class presentations and at JFK’s Taste of Culture Event. Anny swims with Meriden’s Seals team, and she likes to dance, walk, watch movies, and go places with her family.

Justin is one of the hardest working members of his team. Responsible, personable, and articulate, he demonstrates abilities above the levels of his peers. Justin is an honor roll student and a member of the ping pong club. He plays town basketball and enjoys playing sports with his friends.

Hailey is an eighth grade Unified Arts student of the month. She goes above and beyond in her assignments and always without any apparent sign that she will be rewarded for her hard work. With her excellent work habits, Hailey demonstrates her class leadership and engagement in learning, standing out among her peers. An honor roll student, she volunteers at her church and at school, babysits, and offers clerical help at Crossfit where she may soon start competing.