Southington boys and girls went back to school last week to kick off the 2016-2017 school year. Students arrived on Thursday, Sept. 1. Some were returning to familiar halls, while others were attending school for the first time. A few were transitioning from elementary to middle school or into the high school. For Evan Radziwon, above, it was a sort of family reunion. The Thalberg kindergartener took some time on his first day to visit his grandmother, school secretary Jaci Belanger.

Photos by TAMMI NAUDUS

Students gather in the hall.

Students gather around BOE member Terry Lombardi at Strong school’s outdoor classroom.

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

Students, faculty, school administration, and PTO members gathered outside Strong Elementary School on Friday, Sept. 2 for the official opening of the outdoor classroom.

The project was started by the Strong PTO back in March, and after months of planning and proposals to the Board of Education, broke ground on Aug. 5.

PTO co-presidents Angelique Bilodeau and Jenn Kocse, along with PTO board member Lauren Marino, presented the final product to an enthusiastic crowd just before the school day began. Students held balloons and greeted incoming people with a smile.

The outdoor classroom contains four large tables under a shady tree that can hold up to 32 students. Officials from the PTO board said that Steve Bessette with Advantage Home Improvement did all of the work and was very easy to work with throughout the project.

The new space ties into the district mantra of “anytime, anywhere learning.” Superintendent Tim Connellan said that the classroom is “indicative of the support of parents in our community. It gives an emphasis on personalized learning.”

Principal Melissa Barbuto said that she thanks the PTO for their time and money, and thinks that it will be a great space for students. “It’s a different approach,” she said.

BOE member Terry Lombardi, who represents Strong Elementary on the Board of Education, was also present for the event. She sat at the tables with a handful of students and talked to them about the importance of learning, inside the classroom and out.

“I’ve seen the vision evolve to this,” Lombardi said about the project’s completion.

In her speech, Bilodeau said, “It is always nice to know that parents, teachers, and administrators can work together to build something for our children that will better their experiences in school and create lifelong memories.”

The PTO had been saving money for a project, and this fit their budget and the school’s needs. A plaque is positioned at the front of the outdoor space, with a dedication from the 2016 PTO, which reads, “May this outdoor classroom be a place for all to learn and work together without the limitations of walls and ceilings. Instead, may you be inspired by the beauty and creativity of nature.”

The classroom is available for use this school year.

To comment on this story or to contact staff writer Jen Cardines, email her at JCardines@SouthingtonObserver.com.

More than 130 colleges will be sending representatives to Southington High School on Wednesday, Sept. 14 to answer questions and provide information for Southington students and faculty. The day is being designated as “College Day” at Southington High School.

The event, hosted by the SHS guidance and school counseling department, will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Students and parents are encouraged to attend this event. Students, parents, and faculty are encouraged to wear apparel for their favorite college or college team.

For questions or more information, contact the SHS guidance department at (860) 628-3229, ext. 238.

St. Paul Catholic High School
www.spchs.com

It’s been almost one half century since the St. Paul Catholic High School yearbook championed their first graduating class.  “They conceived a school… in a breakthrough of thought…,” reads the 1970 Kaleidoscope, “minds opened as the ground broke… and spirit grew.”

This year marks the 50 years since that group’s freshman year (1966), and the school will kick-off their 50th anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 17 with a “Welcome Home Weekend” to kick off a year-long celebration. A pre-game picnic with music provided by Cajun Ray and the Steamers, a home football game against Holy Cross High School, and guided tours of the school’s campus will take place throughout the day.

On Sunday, Sept. 18, the weekend continues with a 50th anniversary opening mass and reception, at 1 p.m., at St. Gregory the Great Church at 235 Maltby St. in Bristol with an outdoor reception to follow. Archbishop Emeritus, Henry J. Mansell will be the principal celebrant.

“In our 50th year, St. Paul is a vibrant, faith-based, college-preparatory, learning community serving 450 students from over 35 communities in central Connecticut and international countries,” officials said in a school press release. “We foster a culture defined by our five core values: faith, character, community, excellence, and service. We strive to achieve our vision to be a truly great Catholic high school every day. Convinced that greatness involves constant improvement, we consistently aim to reach new heights in academics, athletics, and the arts, while strengthening our fellowship, engaging in service to others, and cultivating our relationship with God. Our resiliency and growth along our journey is a living testament to those who genuinely care about this special place.”

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

The Southington Board of Education (BOE) kicked off the year with an upbeat meeting on Thursday, Sept. 8 after one of the town’s longest summer recesses. Superintendent Timothy Connellan greeted board members with a positive report for the start of the 2016-2017 school year.

With a long summer, custodial staff were able to achieve high marks during Connellan’s annual tour of the schools, but that wasn’t the only impressive factor in reports to the BOE.

Elementary teachers were more than satisfied with the students, especially kindergarteners, for their maturity and knowledge.

This year’s three BOE student representatives were announced, Samantha Martins, Samantha Steeves, and Joseph Martin, and the group made its report. Martins reported a considerably larger freshman class, containing about 580 students.

Upperclassmen were invited to the college fair on Sept. 14 where more than 100 colleges were present. Further, the high school’s open house was Sept. 15 for parents to walk through their children’s daily schedule.

Steeves said that sports and extracurricular activities began, noting football’s preseason win over Xavier, 42-7. Pizza night was scheduled for Sept. 13 at SHS, where all local pizza restaurants showed representation.

Southington’s director of summer programs, Dave DeStefano, spoke about the successful summer school and camp programs. Middle and elementary incentive programs started July 5, while the 18-day high school program began June 30. The programs have grown in enrollment over the years, and proved to be beneficial.

“Every student that attended was able to get a credit back,” DeStefano said.

Camp Invention met enrollment capacity by April 3, and Southington was the first district in Connecticut to meet the maximum. The one-week camp is a hands-on environment for young students to explore and show their creativity.

DeStefano said he believes the re-designed website aided in promotion and enrollment in both summer school programs and Camp Intensive. The special education department had new features to report this year.  For the first time in district history, all paraprofessionals were in one place at one time for professional development training which came from the new contract.

A new fifth-year program piloted this year for special education students ages 18-21 called Southington’s Transitional Education in Life Learning and Adult Responsibilities (STELLAR). Hosted by Lincoln College, the program is designed for students to be with people their own age, learning life skills through various learning mechanisms.

With just a few weeks under their belts, students already have many programs to take advantage of this year. The Board said they were pleased with the positive feedback they received upon schools’ start, and Connellan said it was a “really good and smooth opening all the way around.”

The Southington High School band unveiled their industrial-themed show, “The Rise of the Machine” on Friday, Sept. 16. The following night, the band earned its first win in competition.

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

It was hard to tell which was bigger—the  Southington High School (SHS) marching band or the fans crowded into the bleachers for their first look at this year’s competitive show. On Friday, Sept. 16, the Blue Knights band performed to an open house on the artificial turf as the 140 member band performed an annual preview show for fans to kick off their competitive season.

This year’s show, titled “The Rise of the Machine,” includes four movements, three of which were displayed at Friday night’s event. Band Director Sara Ossias told the audience that every time they see the show, it will be a little different.

“We add things every week to challenge the kids and get them working harder,” she said.

The fast-paced show was designed to “raise the bar,” Assistant Director Harrison Stupler said. This year, the band was moved up to Class 6, which calls for marching bands with 130 or more students, so their competition scene is different than previous seasons.

The Band Backers, consisting of parents, faculty, and SHS band alumni, are a crucial element to the Blue Knights’ success. They are on and off the field, moving equipment for each show. They are the support system for the musicians, and they work tirelessly to promote the band.

They recently created a legacy program so that when parents no longer have children in the school, they can continue to donate money to help fund the band. Because of their donations, the Backers were able to purchase a golf cart for use during shows.

Following the preview, the band had their first competition at Maloney High School on Saturday, Sept. 17, where they placed first amongst nine other competitors. Band Backer communications liaison Dave Pestillo said the Blue Knights “received special awards for best music overall effect and best visuals.”

The three drum majors leading the band are Victoria Duszak, Keagan Smith, and Ben Russman.

“The idea of being Class 6 makes it more challenging,” said Duszak.

In addition to the colorful arrangement of flags, rifles, and instruments, two characters are seen during the show, playing a scientist and a robot. “The Rise of the Machine” incorporates these characters to add to the theme, and the characters were auditioned for when rehearsals started.

The next competition will be held Saturday, Sept. 24 at New Milford High School.

Photos by TAMMI NAUDUS

Click to Enlarge

Junior Santos, above, plays the drums with Boogie Chillun’ during an artist showcase at DePaolo Middle School.

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

The lead singer from Boogie Chillun’ paused between songs and scanned the crowd for seventh grader Junior Santos.

On Friday, Sept. 23, the band was performing at  DePaolo Middle School, tracing the roots of American music from “This Land is Your Land” to Bruno Mars. It took some prodding from the crowd, but Santos joined the band on drums for an uptown funk jam session.

For the second year in a row, Santos and Boogie Chillun’ were rocking the house at an arts exposition run by Arts for Learning Connecticut (ALC). Over 45 artists filled various spaces in the building to bring a variety of entertainment and cultural education to the students.

Santos wasn’t the only one engaged by the artists, participants deconstructed their art for the students throughout the day.

“We are very fortunate to host this event,” DePaolo assistant principal Chris Palmieri said. “Our kids get to enjoy these performances and get exposure to the different arts.”

The arts expo was not exclusive to DePaolo students. Other schools from different towns and regions were welcomed in the building to take advantage of the great opportunity that ALC presented. Teachers and faculty from other districts came to get a glimpse at what they could bring back to their schools.

A Chinese cultural dancer performs for the students during the festival.

Palmieri noted that Southington’s central location in the state was beneficial for people to attend, and it was a great opportunity to showcase the town’s recent renovations and expansions done to improve the quality of education in the building and to better utilize the space.

Palmieri said that with the new amenities, it made sense to host the expo at DePaolo.

Throughout the day, students attended various 20 minute sessions between classes. The middle schoolers saw a wide range of performances, ranging from an actor dressed as Abe Lincoln describing his life as a Civil War President to Japanese storytelling through mime. There were contemporary a cappella music productions, Chinese cultural dancers, historical theatre, music and dance from Ghana, and much more.

ALC is the largest arts and education organization in the state, said executive director Eileen Carpinella. “We have over 45 different artists,” she said, “and we serve 86 percent of towns and cities in Connecticut.”

All of the performers bring an educational component to their act, whether it is learning about cultures around the world, elements of music, or important moments in history. The organization sees over 300,000 students every year.

For more information regarding performance offerings and schedules, visit www.aflct.org.

Photos by JEN CARDINES

Click to Enlarge

BOE chair Brian Goralski presents the 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year plaque to Christina McKirryher at the Sept. 22 meeting.

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

The Southington Board of Education (BOE) met for their regular session on Thursday, Sept. 22 with a positive agenda and a handful of public participants. Board members recognized a teacher, the DECA club, two fallen soldiers, and above average test scores at the high school.

The BOE opened the meeting with a celebration of excellence for Southington’s 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year, Christina McKirryher. Board members and residents were able to meet with the local teacher and honor her for her devotion to students and education.

During this time, BOE Chair Brian Goralski presented her with a plaque on behalf of the entire board.

The board then heard from Southington High School (SHS) DECA students and advisor Sandy Spinello about field trip requests to enhance DECA learning experiences. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

The two students—both officers for the SHS DECA program—told the board what last year’s field trips meant to them and how they benefitted their education. The BOE unanimously voted in favor of the out-of-state trips for the group to take if they advance in competition.

Spinello later said in an email, “Our students are working hard on projects and preparation to be able to successfully compete at the state level in early March and acquire spots to be able to compete at DECA’s International Career Development Conference (ICDC) being held this year in April in Anaheim, Calif.”

Another important vote was made at the meeting regarding two former SHS students that were killed in Vietnam. William Beard (Class of 1966) and Clement Dupuis (Class of 1967) left school to serve the country during the war, and never returned home.

American Legion Kiltonic Post 72’s commander, Steve McCarty, requested that the BOE acquire diplomas for the two fallen soldiers, which he plans to give to their family members.

Superintendent Timothy Connellan said, “The state law was in existence that allowed boards of education to grant diplomas to veterans who had left high school to serve their country for WWII or the Korean Conflict.  That was amended in Connecticut to add Vietnam-era Veterans.”

Earlier this year McCarty sent in applications for the diplomas, and the Southington BOE entertained the motion last Thursday evening. The two deceased veterans will be honored with their diplomas, and further, they are both being featured on the Wall of Honor this year.

The 10th annual Wall of Honor ceremony will be held Monday, Oct. 24 at 6pm in the SHS auditorium.

The meeting wrapped up as SHS principal Brian Stranieri gave an academic report regarding advanced placement (AP) classes and SAT scores. Two new AP courses are being offered this year, microeconomics and computer science principles.

Stranieri’s presentation showed that SAT scores from SHS students exceed the state average scores.

STELLAR students and teachers gather around a table in their classroom at Lincoln College of New England to go over the day’s lessons.

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

Southington High School (SHS) has created a new fifth year program for local special education students to better acclimate to real world experiences. Southington’s Transitional Education in Life Learning and Adult Responsibilities, better known as “STELLAR,” piloted on Sept. 1.

The program is a partnership between Southington Public Schools and Lincoln College of New England.

Beth Ozkan, coordinator of secondary special education for Southington schools, said that programs like these have been around, but it’s a unique program for Southington students.

“The program is designed for students with intellectual disabilities to work with people that are age appropriate,” Ozkan said.

A sign on the wall champions the new program.

In the past, special education students that need further assistance beyond the age of 18 remained in the high school until they turned 21. Now, STELLAR students meet at Lincoln College of New England every day, so that they are in a learning environment with students their own age.

The program is still staffed by SHS employees, but the college environment provides more opportunities for the fifth year students.

The seven enrolled students are taught by head teacher Jessica Monson, an SHS graduate and first-year teacher in the district. Monson worked with transitional students while getting her certification, and she said she was lucky to receive this job in her hometown.

“Having the opportunity at Lincoln College is wonderful,” she said.

Monson works alongside job coaches Susan King, Sherry Baum, Rhonda Meade, and John Myska. They work inside and out of the classroom with the students to give them hands-on experience with different volunteer outlets.

Also with them is Nancy Chiero, a recently retired SHS special education teacher who spends one full day each week with the class. Chiero helped Ozkan launch the program, and she signed on to work with the program after a long career in the district.

Southington’s STELLAR students are piloting a new fifth-year program at Lincoln College of New England.

Starting and ending their day at Lincoln, the class spends a lot of time in the community.  They exercise at the YMCA, volunteer with Bread For Life, Petco, and Shop Rite. They cook their own lunches twice a week in the kitchen at St. Paul’s Episcopal church.  They also learn valuable life skills such as finance when they go to Farmington Bank.

Lincoln occupational and physical therapy (OT/PT) students are required to log experience hours, and the STELLAR class is hoping to work with them to achieve that goal, while benefitting from the therapy.

Monson and the STELLAR staff said that they hope to connect with more programs on campus, even adding a “Best Pals” program, their own take on the international Best Buddies initiative.

“This is just the beginning,” Chiero said.  “We want to really immerse our kids there.”

Any local businesses interested in providing volunteer opportunities for the students can contact Jessica Monson at jmonson@southingtonschools.org.

Southington High School will be hosting its annual Financial Aid Night on Tuesday, Oct. 18. The event, targeted at students in grade 12 and their parents, will be held at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Parents and students of all grades are welcome.

John F. Pearson, CPA, CASL, a practicing financial advisor and financial services representative of the Barnum Financial Group’s Center for College Planning, will present the seminar.

The Barnum Financial Group was formed in response to the increasing affordability challenges of funding a college education. Pearson is a seasoned financial aid professional with over 30 years of industry experience. His focus is on the value of education and helping families find creative solutions for one of life’s largest and most necessary expenses—college education.

Pearson has hosted numerous financial aid workshops for parents and students.

South End elementary school kicked off their first annual “One School, One Book” club on Oct. 5.  The program is in place at schools around the country, providing the opportunity for all families at the school to experience the same book at the same time.  The fundamental purpose of the program is to build a “community” of readers.

“The students were excited to learn our first book will be Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White,” Principal Erin Nattrass said in the press release.  “Reading aloud at home is valuable, as it better prepares your child to be an effective reader.”

Every South End family will receive a copy of the book and are invited to read it at home over the next eight weeks.   They will also receive a bookmark, reading schedule, and reading log.  “While you are reading with your family, the South End staff and community will also be reading,” said Nattrass in the press release.

The school intends to integrate components of the book into the school day, including trivia activities and “dress as a character day.”

More information about the “One School, One Book” program can be found at readtothem.org/programs/one-school-one-book.

The Blue Knights were featured in the Apple Harvest Parade on Sunday, Oct. 2, and their “Rise of the Machine” competition show can be seen during halftime at the SHS football games this season.

After moving up to the largest division level, Class 6, the 140 member Southington High School (SHS) Blue Knights Marching Band has swept the competition thus far, placing first among numerous bands during competitions at Maloney, New Milford, and Sheehan high schools, giving them an undefeated record.

The band will compete on Saturday, Oct. 8 in Cheshire against 15 other high school bands.

Photos by JOHN GORALSKI

Click to Enlarge

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

Though it is still early in the 2016-2017 school year, the Board of Education (BOE) is already hard at work on next year’s budget. Last year’s process was a longer process than anticipated, and Connecticut’s financial state is causing concern for the board.

An early start seemed to be a logical approach.

“This year, the state of Connecticut didn’t commit to the money, and that’s never happened before,” said BOE chair Brian Goralski. “Typically, the budget reaches completion in the spring prior to the school year it affects because legally, it must be approved by July 1. The 2016-2017 budget was not finalized until June because the state announced significant budget reductions at the last minute.”

Currently, the board is right on schedule with next year’s plan, which they started last month. During the Sept. 22 meeting, BOE member Terry Lombardi reported updates to the board.

“We do know that there’s no new money that we can expect from the state,” Lombardi said about the speculations. “We, as districts, expressed our disappointment with the state Department of Education, continuing the mandates, reducing the funds and not giving us any leeway in terms of choices.”

Superintendent Timothy Connellan said that he doesn’t expect the state to offer any new money for next year. “The question is, ‘Will we be receiving less?’ and that is what’s causing concern.”

The current school budget is under the second year of the General Assembly’s bi-annual budget, which means that the new budget in process will depend on events that occur when they convene in January 2017.

This is an election year for the General Assembly, giving new faces to represent the districts and make decisions about the budget for next school year and the following. Connellan said that this could affect the budget process, but spoke highly of the Southington community officials that manage this process.

“Our community is in a good position right now,” he said.  “We have good leadership and a good and thorough bid process.”

The BOE will continue to work on their budget request, which will be discussed during public workshops in January before it is presented to the Town Council.

“We’re trying to be as conservative as possible,” said Connellan. “We owe it to the students to always improve what we do.”

The Blue Knight marching band scored 87.375 points in Cheshire on Saturday, Oct. 8 to keep their winning streak alive. Southington earned “Best Color Guard,” “Best Music,” “Best Overall Effect,” and “Best Visual.” The Knights edged Norwalk (86.55) for the top spot. Norwalk won “Best Percussion.”

Southington will return home on Oct. 22 for the “Music of the Knight.” Band performances begin at 1:45 p.m. More info at www.SHSbands.com

Southington schools were presented a check from the NE Dairy and Food Council for a recent grant. From left, Southington schools nutrition director Nya Welinsky, a member of NE Dairy and Food Council, Southington schools business and finance director Sherri DiNello, and Superintendent Timothy Connellan.

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

Southington Public Schools received a $4,541 grant from the New England Dairy and Food Council to be used for kitchen equipment to enhance school nutrition. Sherri DiNello, Southington schools’ business and finance director,  championed the grant at the Oct. 6 BOE meeting.

“The grant is written to specifically benefit the alternative education program,” DiNello said, “so that food could be safely transported from Derynoski school to the program with insulated carriers to keep hot food hot, and cold food cold.”

The grant was part of the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, and the BOE will be using the funds to purchase a new refrigerator, a blender that will allow smoothies to be offered, and insulated cooler bags for transportation of food to Southington’s alternative education program.  Some money will go to Southington High School to add a new refrigerator to their food services.

The town is one of many districts nationwide to receive funds made available by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Dairy Council.  The program is designed to initiate healthy and active lifestyles, providing nutritious foods and having students remain active at least 60 minutes a day.

“These grants are part of our ongoing commitment to give states and schools the additional resources they need,” Kurt Messner, the Northeast Regional Administrator for the Food and Nutrition Service said in a press release. “Locally, these grants will ensure students in Hartford County have access to nutritious meals.”

“These funds will enable our district to provide our students with access to a variety of school breakfast options including milk, yogurt and fruit smoothies,” said Nya Welinsky, Southington Public Schools’ nutrition director in the release.  “We are thrilled to have been chosen.”

School Superintendent Timothy Connellan, DiNello, and Welinsky met with a member of NE Dairy and Food Council and were presented with the check.

Football had no game on Friday, but the band didn’t take a break. On Saturday, Oct. 15, the Blue Knight marching band scored 90.85 points at Lyman Hall High School in Wallingford to keep their streak alive. This weekend, the band will perform during The Music of the Knight band competition on the SHS field. The event begins at 1:45 p.m. and will feature performances from over 20 marching bands.

Children look on and listen to Board of Education chair Brian Goralski speak at the Southington Red Ribbon day on the Southington green.

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

“We’re standing at the biggest pep rally in town!” town councilor Tom Lombardi yelled to an enthusiastic crowd. “But this isn’t a game, it’s real life.”

Lombardi was one of many speakers that addressed nearly a thousand people at the 26th annual Red Ribbon Rally on Oct. 13.

Town officials, sports teams, and school organizations all spoke at the rally, taking a pledge not to do drugs. Rev. Victoria Triano, also a Town Councilor, served as the master of ceremonies for the rally.

The Southington Drug Task Force (DTF), led by DePaolo Middle School social studies teacher Trish Kenefick, holds this annual event for middle and high school students. It’s an opportunity for the community to gather and take steps to improve health and safety.

During Board of Education chair Brian Goralski’s speech, he mentioned that Southington High School (SHS) will be implementing breathalyzers at their events such as school dances and proms to ensure that no student enters the event intoxicated.

Town Manager Garry Brumback recognized the students in attendance as those who steer away from drugs, but noted that those feeling alone or hurt may not.

“Find somebody who isn’t here, and be their diversion,” he said. “Nothing is as important as your safety and well-being.”

DTF member Sandy VanValkenburgh said that the students sign a red ribbon that will be presented to the Town Council at their next meeting. “By signing it, they are saying, ‘I elect not to do drugs’,” she said.

Students on the stage from each organization described activities they would rather do than drugs. The SHS football and baseball teams threw balls into the crowd that had messages on them about abstaining from drug use.

The evening closed with a silent tribute to those who have lost their lives to this serious epidemic, as everyone stood, encircling the town green, holding a lit candle.

The rising heroin and opiate epidemic has been a topic of interest at many local functions. At the Southington political candidate forum last week, the first question addressed to the candidates regarded the drug epidemic. Wheeler Clinic and Bristol Hospital are also holding an event at the Southington Public Library on Oct. 26, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., to provide the community with resources and support.

The Red Ribbon Rally was another example of people coming together to face this epidemic and encourage people of all ages to “say no” to drugs.

Photos by AIREN MILLER

Clement Dupuis’ siblings accept a posthumous diploma from Wall of Honor founder Bob Brown and Board of Education member David Derynoski. Two soldiers were awarded posthumous diplomas at the 2016 Wall of Honor ceremony.

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

There weren’t enough chairs to accommodate the growing crowd at the Southington High School (SHS) Wall of Honor ceremony on Oct. 24, which celebrated a decade of honoring the school’s alumni.

Clement Dupuis

Former SHS history teacher and current Board of Education (BOE) member Bob Brown started the wall 10 years ago with the intent to recognize former SHS students that have made a significant impact on their communities. The annual ceremony held outside of the SHS auditorium honored six new inductees.

Each year, nominees are selected to receive a place on the Wall of Honor where they are recognized for one of the following categories: Lifetime achievement, community service, major career accomplishments, and humanitarian work.

William Beard

“There are two cases that are special,” said Brown, referring to Clement Dupuis and William Beard who left high school in 1968 to serve during the Vietnam War and never returned home. “The state allowed us, and the BOE voted, to give high school diplomas to Clement and William,” Brown said.

BOE member Dave Derynoski went to school with Dupuis and Beard, so he presented their families with the diplomas at the ceremony.

Inductees must be SHS graduates, but this year the committee decided to make exceptions for servicemen that left school to serve the country. Next year’s honorees will include the other Southington natives that lost their lives in battle.

Andrew Gutauskas

Following the fallen soldiers, Andrew Gutauskas, class of 2000, was honored for his career awards and performances as a musician. After graduating from SHS and Juilliard, he appeared on various musical albums, talk shows, and radio stations.

Gutauskas is the first musician on the wall, and is currently a New York City based saxophonist.

Kathleen M. Hopko, Esq.

The Wall of Honor committee then selected two women who have excelled in their careers following their SHS graduation as Valedictorians. Kathleen Hopko, class of 1978, held a distinguished 30-year career as an attorney for United Technologies Corporation (UTC). She also served as UTC Vice President, Secretary, and Associate General Counsel. She is currently UTC’s Vice President and managing attorney.

Alexandra Smith, class of 1999 and Miss Southington 2001, holds an extensive medical background in pediatric and neonatal care. She received many awards in her career, and served communities in Nigeria and Uganda. Smith currently works at the Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center in Boston as a pediatric doctor.

Alexandra Smith

Philip Thibodeau graduated as Valedictorian in 1989 and went on to study Classics at Yale and Brown.

After receiving his PhD in 1999, he became a professor of Classics. Thibodeau taught at the University of Georgia, DePauw University, and currently teaches at Brooklyn College. In his career he published two books and more than 20 scholarly articles.

Philip Thibodeau

Brown coordinates the event each year with the help of his committee, but they are hoping to expand the wall. Plans to file for a non-profit license are being drawn up so that funds can be raised.

The high school does not pay for the plaques or the maintenance of the wall, and with expansion plans they need the funding. Brown hopes to see a mobile wall that is placed in businesses around town, as well as TV screens in the high school that showcase the years of recipients.

“I’m so proud to have taught in this town and know these people,” Brown said.

Superintendent Timothy Connellan said that the committee has great ideas to expand, and that he’s glad to see the passion that goes into the wall. “Too often we hear about the negatives going on,” said Connellan. “Now we can see all of these positives.”

Photos by JOHN GORALSKI (Except for headshots)

Click to Enlarge

Rain couldn’t dampen the spirit of the Blue Knights as they braved the weather all day during the Music of the Knight competition. From left, SHS color guard members Rachel Roberts, Jordan Hilton, and Kristen Craven huddle together in the cold before escorting one of the competing bands onto the field.

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

Southington High School’s band members shuffled teams on and off the field between bursts of rain. They redirected them around puddles and held umbrellas while visiting bands scrambled to beat the rain at the annual Music of the Knight competition.

On Saturday, Oct. 22, members of the SHS marching band gracefully endured the weather all day, waiting for their chance to take the stage. Usually, it’s their easiest performance of the year at a USBands competition. The host team performance is typically just for show.

But this year, Southington officials decided to up the ante.

Color guard members string red lights into their hair to add to the spectacle of their show.

“This year, because we are the only division six here, I decided to compete,” said band director Sara Ossias. “The staff and I decided that it would be a good idea to put us in a good place for states next week.”

As it turned out, the Knights rose to the challenge, and Southington officials pulled out all the stops.

As it turned out, Mother Nature helped. By the time the Knights took the field, the lines were long and the rains were gone. Even the crowds began to turn out.

The color guard braided red lights through their hair to cast a mechanical aura on their ever-evolving routine, “Rise of the Machines,” and Southington came away with their best score of their undefeated season (93.45)

The competition was the one bright spot of the day as the event trudged through delays, rain showers, and competitions. The Knights had no control over the schedule; that was left up to officials from USBands. They pulled one of the breaks from the schedule, kept the competition moving between showers, and everyone got to compete.

“Cancelling is the worst case,” said USBands’ assistant event coordinator Chuck Williams.

Band Backer Joanne Kelleher said that there was no indoor contingency plan, so if the event couldn’t be held outside, it couldn’t happen at all. So, the Blue Knights rolled with the punches.

The Band Backers had over 150 volunteers working at the event to make it run smoothly, serving food at the concession stand, selling tickets and program books, hosting the visiting teams’ staff, guiding parking, and much more. They used the freshman cafeteria to serve all judges and band directors, totaling 213 people. Manor Inn donated the food, and the Band Backers made all of the desserts.

Rains kept the crowds away for most of the day.

The annual competition serves as the biggest fundraiser for the band’s budget, which usually runs six figures. Costs accumulate throughout the season with uniforms, trucks to transport the equipment to competitions, travel expenses, and more.

Alongside ticket and concession sales, one of the biggest sources of income at the competition is the program guide. It is over 200 pages long and includes ads, pictures, a page for each competing band’s program, a complete roster for that day’s events, and USBands information.

Stephanie Vollaro is serving her seventh and final year on the program guide committee. She said that the books, which are only $3 to purchase, usually sell out every year and the money made from producing and selling them makes up one third of the band budget. It also serves a greater purpose for the students as well.

“It’s like a band yearbook for the kids, with all their photos in the front, and the different band sections,” Vollaro said. “It’s the only book produced that honors all of the kids that work really hard in the marching band.”

SHS hosted 23 bands during their home competition, which also featured DePaolo and Kennedy middle school bands during exhibition. During the competition, each band was allotted 15 minutes to get on the field, perform, and get off.

Southington band members and color guard escorted each team.

Despite the forecast, MOTK marched on as scheduled, which was a relief for everyone that took the time to plan it. Band Backer president Erik Semmel said that they prepare for this event for months.

“We have a bit of a system,” he said. “We’ve been doing it for 24 years.”

Now, the Knights will turn their attention back to competition as they march on to the state championship at Willowbrook Park in New Britain on Saturday, Oct. 29.

The band backers are already scheduling the trip to nationals at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 12.

The Board of Education took a moment before the Oct. 20 meeting to celebrate everyone that retired from Southington Public Schools in 2016. The group, which represented teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, and staff, received commendations from the board. Their years serving Southington students ranged from 4 to 39.

Photo by JEN CARDINES