Local students enjoy ‘Science Saturdays’ at CCSU

October 28, 2016, 4:00 am

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A Central Connecticut State University professor engages local middle school students during an ecology workshop that compares and contrasts leaves from different tree varieties.

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

While some people are hitting the snooze button on Saturday mornings, 25 students from DePaolo and Kennedy middle schools, along with a group of students from Meriden’s middle schools, rise and shine for science programs.

Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) hosted these students for four Saturdays in October through their Partners in Science program, where the middle school children got hands-on experience in the lab.

“We have done this program for 29 years, and we run sessions in the fall and spring for the four schools,” said CCSU’s biomolecular sciences chair Kathy Martin. She has been coordinating the program for the last 27 years, where CCSU faculty and graduate students teach the classes.

Partners in Science is a free program for the students because it is jointly funded by Southington, Meriden, and CCSU.

John Duffy is Southington’s PreK-12 science curriculum coordinator, and he works closely with the university to keep the program running. Duffy said that the Saturday sessions have a strong life science component, which falls under seventh grade curriculum standards.

“We mainly look at seventh graders for this,” said Duffy. “Teachers talk to their classes to make students aware of it, but it’s up to the students to pursue the program.”

The classes are held in Copernicus Hall, which houses the School of Engineering, Science and Technology and maintains all science classes on the CCSU campus. The Southington and Meriden students get exposure to higher level laboratories and learning facilities and are taught by the University professors.

“Chemistry of colors, astronomy, microbiology, and ecology are the workshops being offered this fall,” said Martin.

Two workshops run every Saturday, and the students attend four consecutive Saturdays, so they are able to rotate through each one. The three hour sessions go from 9 a.m. to noon.

“It’s nice that we’re taking advantage of this,” Duffy said. “The state doesn’t partner with higher education enough.”

The relationship stays alive throughout the year because the program runs spring and fall, and CCSU faculty and graduate students help judge the Southington science fairs that happen at the middle schools.

“We’d love to expand the partnership between the district and Central,” said Duffy. “It’s something we should be doing.”

Photos by JEN CARDINES

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SHS seniors earn superintendent award

October 28, 2016, 8:53 am

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Southington High School seniors Michael Loose and Laura Calandra have been selected as the 2016-2017 recipients of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) Superintendent-Student Recognition award for leadership service to the school, academic prowess relative to ability, and service to others in the community.

Loose is ranked third in his class and has been actively involved in the school’s concert, jazz, and marching bands, as well as Project Lead the Way, the student ambassadors program, and the tennis and outdoor track teams. He has been awarded the Rochester Institute of Technology scholarship. Loose has also participated in a number of community service and volunteer events.

“Michael Loose is a senior who has taken advantage of every opportunity available at Southington High School to distinguish himself as a hardworking, persistent and self-motivated young adult,” school officials said in a press release. “Furthermore, his diligence, work ethic and concern for others embodies Southington High School’s expectations for student behavior and academic performance.”

Calandra is ranked 10^th in her graduating class. She is actively involved in school-based activities and clubs, as well as five community organizations. She serves as president of the Southington chapter of the National Honor Society, co-president of the student council think tank, and secretary of the drama club. Calandra serves on the Southington Town Wide Effort to Promote Success (STEPS) and has been actively involved in community theatre and musical performances since early childhood. She is accomplished in five different types of dance, including ballet.

“Laura intends to pursue her passion for musical theatre in college,” school officials said in the release, “hoping to inspire the next generation of young performers.”

A special luncheon has been planned by the Farmington Valley Superintendents’ Association on Friday, Dec. 16, at noon, at the Farmington Country Club, 806 Farmington Ave., Farmington. The students will also be recognized by the Board of Education at the Dec. 8 meeting, at 7 p.m., at the Weichsel Municipal Center.

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Knights place 2nd at state competition

November 2, 2016, 9:04 am

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The Blue Knight marching band might have been competing in the smallest division at the New England States Championship at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium in New Britain, but they were pitted against the biggest programs in the state.

Southington kicked off their postseason last weekend, out-performing four top programs to finish second in the state for Class 6. The Blue Knights were edged by Trumbull (95.338) but posted their highest score of the year (95.025) to kick off the postseason.

Southington was awarded “Best Music” for their show, titled “Rise of the Machine.”

Up next, the Knights will take on the northeast on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the USBands New England Regional Championship in Bridgeport. The locals will get another shot at Trumbull, along with Norwalk High School and John P. Stevens High School from North Edison, N.J.

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Local author’s ‘Chalk’ talk sparks artists at Hatton

November 2, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Bill Thomson

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

A picture’s worth a thousand words, and local author and illustrator Bill Thomson offers hundreds of pictures in his children’s books.

The Southington artist paid a visit to Hatton Elementary School on Monday, Oct. 24 to give presentations on how he became a professional artist, his creative process, and the story behind his trilogy: “Chalk,” “Fossil,” and “The Typewriter.”

The entire event was sponsored by the Hatton School PTO, with support from Principal Robert Garry. PTO cultural arts chair and fourth grade teacher Rachael Evenski was a key player in the organization of “Chalk Day” where students and faculty got the chance to interact with Thomson.

The artist’s presentation focused on the wordless trilogy, where all three books contain only graphics.

“The book trilogy applies imagination to different elementary school subjects and is intended to be a teaching tool that promotes discussion,” he said. “Since the books have no words, the story is told strictly through my illustrations and requires the reader’s participation.”

After the presentations, students created class murals with chalk on the playground blacktop in honor of the book, “Chalk,” while some classes went on to pursue writing activities to coincide with the murals.

Hatton students explore their chalk drawings and murals during “Chalk Day.” More at www. SouthingtonObserver.com.

The playground blacktop was sectioned off for all students at Hatton to draw with chalk and create their own masterpieces. Principal Garry even went out and decorated a block that read “Hatton Heroes we got this.”

Rain fell over Southington the night before Thomson’s visit, but it cleared up in time for the young artists to make a statement on the pavement. Thomson said, “Some of the children excitedly told me that they drew the sun and then the sun suddenly came out.”

Students had the opportunity to purchase the author’s books, and he spent the better part of his day signing and drawing in them.

Thomson visits many elementary schools to educate and inspire young readers, but he is particularly fond of Hatton. All three of his sons attended the school, and when his youngest son was leaving, he donated one of the original paintings from “Chalk” that hangs in the office.

“The one constant is the warmth and enthusiasm of both the faculty and the kids,” said the artist.

An exhibition of the original artwork from his latest book, “The Typewriter,” will be at the Southington Community Cultural Arts (SoCCA) center, Dec. 1 to Dec. 31. A kids’ event will be on Sunday, Dec. 4.

For more information on the artist, visit www.BillThomson.com. For more info on the SoCCA event, visit www.Southingtonarts.org

Photos by JEN CARDINES and ROBERT GARRY

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Lewis High School Class of 1949 celebrates 67 years

November 4, 2016, 6:14 am

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Lewis High School’s Class of 1949 had their 67th reunion luncheon at Manor Inn on Tuesday, Sept. 20. Front, from left, Rita Simone Susco, Lucille Casale Tedesco, and Mary Snow Kowalczyk. Back, Nancy Bassett Gworek, Lorraine Wendt Laydon, Sue Adams Simone, Filomena DellaVecchia Schwartz, Lil Dudzik Costello, Elizabeth Welch Leigh, Kay Iannucci Evans, and Dick Smith.

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Tunxis offers accelerated courses for winter session

November 10, 2016, 8:41 am

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Tunxis Community College in Farmington is offering accelerated credit courses during a Winter Session which runs December 28-January 13.

Registration is currently under way and will be accepted through Dec. 28, prior to the student’s first scheduled class. Three-credit courses meet Monday through Friday during the three weeks at a very accelerated pace. There are no classes Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

New students can enroll by mail, fax, or in person. Records Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Dec. 25.

For information on how to apply and register, contact the Records Office at (860)773-1440 or tx-records@tunxis.edu.

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Kennedy announced October students of the month

November 18, 2016, 4:00 am

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John F. Kennedy Middle School in Plantsville announced the names of the October students of the month. Front, from left, Noah Castonguay, Elizabeth Beaulieu, Lilli Doran, Rhianna Marshall, Alida Fabiano and Peter Loban. Back, Ass. Principal Susanne Vitcavage, Samantha Casale, William Haberski, Alexis Falk, Jackson Rusiecki, Julianne Slesinski and Principal Richard Terino.

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

Sixth grade students of the month are Lilli Doran, Alexis Falk, William Haberski and Julianne Slesinski.

Lilli is a polite young lady and a conscientious student. An enthusiastic learner, she is a positive influence in all her classes. By putting forth her best efforts, she is consistent in her academics. Lilli is a member of the Builders Club, the soccer team and the grade six band where she plays the flute. She plays town lacrosse, takes gymnastics lessons, and enjoys going outside and spending time with her family and friends.

Alexis is the sixth grade Unified Arts student of the month. A pleasure to have in class and a good worker, Alexis brings both energy and excitement to her team. She plays clarinet in the school band and softball in the town league. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing and swimming.

Will is a pleasant, polite boy who is an active participant in all of his classes. He also plays a leadership role when he works in cooperative groups. Will is a member of the ABC Classroom, the Stock Market Club and he plays the trombone in the band. He also plays town basketball and baseball and volunteers with the Boy Scouts and Masons for the Apple Harvest Festival, the canned food drive, and the recycling program. In addition, he is working on a community service project at Sleeping Giant. Will enjoys baseball, the Beatles, Disney and Myrtle Beach. A history buff, he recently toured the Connecticut State Capital with Senator Joe Markley.

Julianne always comes to class prepared and ready to participate. She is willing to ask for clarification to help ensure her success, and always conducts herself in the best light possible. She is a member of the Builders Club, the cross country team, and plays flute in the band. Julianne helps her neighbors when a need arises, and in her spare time she takes dance lessons, plays piano, goes shopping, and hangs out with friends.

Seventh grade students of the month are Samantha Casale, Alida Fabiano, Rhianna Marshall and Jackson Rusiecki.

Samantha, the seventh grade Unified Arts student of the month, is a warm, friendly person who always strives to expand her own efforts to everyone’s benefit. Her attitude is a model of positive energy, and her focus and work ethic encourage others to try harder. She is an honor roll student and member of the Color Guard, plays softball, takes art classes and she also plays flute in the band. Samantha volunteers at her uncle’s firehouse, and in her free time she enjoys cooking and playing outside with her sisters.

Alida is a bright spot on her team and a pleasure to teach. She possesses a constant positive disposition and serves as an aid to others in all her classes. She plays town flag football and softball and volunteers at her church, particularly at the summer vacation bible school. Outside school Alida likes to read, swim, and play with her brother.

Rhianna, a recent transfer student to Kennedy Middle School, is a polite young lady and a conscientious student who does excellent work. She is a member of the Bowling Club and the chorus, and she helps her grandparents at their home. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, riding her bike and scooter, and participating in various activities with her family and friends.

Jackson is a polite and respectful member of his team. Positive and responsible, he is a motivated student who always does his best. He is a member of the Stock Market Club, the Cross Country team, and the Ski/Snowboard Club, and he plays trombone in the band. Jackson plays travel baseball and volunteers at his church for its CCD program. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with his friends and playing football with his brother.

Eighth grade students of the month are Elizabeth Beaulieu, Noah Castonguay and Peter Loban.

Elizabeth is a kind and caring team member. Always prepared for class and willing to work hard, she has an inquisitive mind that reveals itself in her subject areas. An honor roll student, she is a member of the chorus, the swing choir, the Gingerbread House competition, Peer Advocates, and the NJHS. Elizabeth does town gymnastics and volunteers for projects at her church. She also helps clean up yards and provides vital services to people in need. In her spare time Elizabeth likes to rap, sing, bake, and both watch and play football.

Noah consistently demonstrates a positive attitude in all his classes. He completes his work to the best of his ability and assists his peers when tasks prove challenging. Noah plays drums/percussion in both the band and the stage band. He also plays town basketball and helps with his church’s food drives. Outside of school he enjoys riding his bike, hanging out with friends, and playing pickup basketball games.

A kind and polite young man, Peter is an asset to his team. He works extremely hard and advocates for himself in the classroom. He is a member of the band and the stage band, and outside school he participates in a golf program and plays his trumpet.

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DePaolo announced October students of the month

November 18, 2016, 4:00 am

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DePaolo Middle School in Southington announced the names of the October students of the month. Front, from left, Kate Cantillon, Maile Bourget, Allison Bradshaw, Scott Sandulli, Michael O’Sullivan, and Sophia LeBlanc. Back, Asst. Principal Chris Palmieri, Darius Mangiafico, Monika Kryzanski, Morgan Birdsey, Madison Zabel, Chayse Shamleffer, Amanda Boan, and Principal Frank Pepe.

Depaolo Middle School announced the names of its October students of the month.

In sixth grade, Sophia LeBlanc, Chayse Shamleffer, and Kate Cantillon were selected by their teams.

Sophia is the daughter of Michael and Karen LeBlanc, and is a member of the STEPS youth committee. Sophia was selected for a math Olympiad team for the last two years, and takes hip hop dance classes.

Chayse is the daughter of Mark and Suzanne Shamleffer, and is a part of the Leadership Program, the movie club and plays lacrosse and football.

Kate is the daughter of Kelly and John Cantillon, and ADA Tour de Cure, and Jump Rope for Heart.

In seventh grade, Monika Kryzanski, Allison Bradshaw, and Morgan Birdsey were selected by their teams.

Monika is the daughter of Halina and Michael Kryzanski, and is involved with STEPS, the Leadership Program, and plays on the school soccer team.

Allison is the daughter of Karen and Brian Bradshaw, and is an honor roll student. She sings in the concert choir, and is a Girl Scout, the drama club, movie club, and the Leadership Program.

Morgan is the daughter of Jeff and Hilary Birdsey, and is in the Leadership Program, and plays the flute in the school band.

In eighth grade, Amanda Boan, Scott Sandulli, and Darius Mangiafico were selected by their teams.

Amanda is the daughter of Jill Marshal and Clifford Boan, and is an honor roll student. She has volunteered at social services as well as at Hayes Equestrian Center.

Scott is the son of Amy and Matt Sandulli, and has consistently been an honor roll student, and is part of the Leadership Program, and on the school cross country team.

Darius is the son of Jennifer Danko-Mangiafico, and has consistently been an honor roll student, is part of the Leadership Program, and is on the cross country team, and plays lacrosse.

In Unified Arts, Michael O’Sullivan, Maile Bourget, and Madison Zabel were selected.

Michael is the son of Theresa and Michael O’Sullivan, and is a Boy Scout. Michael is a mentor to Cub Scout pack 72, and is in the Leadership Program. Michael volunteered at Alex’s Lemonade Stand at the Apple Harvest Festival.

Maile is the daughter of Dan and Teri Bourget, and was in the National Junior Honor Society at her previous school.

Madison is the daughter of Naomi LeBrun, and is an honor roll student. She runs on the school cross country team.

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SHS students get a hand-on lesson about government

November 23, 2016, 2:00 pm

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By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

Last week, many students were seen at the Town Council, Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC), and Board of Education (BOE) meetings. With pens scribbling across notebooks, they tried to make heads or tails out of the process.

This is because Southington High School teacher Daniel Hart found a creative way to educate his freshmen students about local government.

The ninth graders in his honors civics class were told to attend a government meeting and take notes that would be used for two separate writing pieces. The first was a factual piece about what happened at the meeting, what was discussed, any votes that were taken, etc. The second was an editorial with their opinion on the government officials they observed and the actions that occurred during the meeting.

“Students develop their own headlines and bylines, and create articles that look authentic,” Hart said.

Hart said that the project has been an immediate success. His purpose was to have students engage in the government and act like journalists.

“Since students learn about government and citizenship, what better way than to actually observe it or be a part of it,” said Hart.

The freshman civics course is a graduation requirement, but in future years it will be offered to only the juniors.

Leaders of the town meetings were very receptive to the student attendance and made them feel welcome. Town Council chair Michael Riccio welcomed Hart’s class at the meeting’s open, recognizing the number of kids in the audience.

PZC chair Mike DelSanto invited the students to introduce themselves and state why they were present, followed by having them lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

“Thank Mr. Hart,” DelSanto told the students. “This is important. You should know what’s going on in your town.”

BOE chair Brian Goralski recalled his days in the SHS civics class, when fellow BOE member Bob Brown was the teacher.

“You never know when a civics class is going to lead to your future,” Goralski said at the meeting. “The very class that prompts you all to be here—my teacher is four people away from me, and we sit up here serving our community together.”

When the project is finished, Hart’s class will discuss some of the town’s main initiatives, because most of the students choose local town meetings to attend. In recent years, he had officials come in and speak to the students.

“The project is authentic,” said Hart. “Civics students at Southington High School have been doing this for more than five years now.”

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

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Southington High released first semester honor roll

December 3, 2016, 9:00 am

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Southington High School has announced their honor roll for the first semester.

Grade 9

The following students earned first honors:

Abigail Abram, Betul Agirman, Joseph Albanese, Lexi Almeida, Emma Angelillo, Alyssa Aulbach, Faith Auletta, Christian Baba, Katherine Barner, Jessica Bartsch, Hailey Becquey, Mischelle Beerbaum, Nashita Begum, Cameron Beidler, Alexander Belanger, Marianna Belanger, Kelly Bergland, Sarina Blaise, Samuel Bouchard, Tara Brock, Emma Brush, Olivia Calandra, Trinity Cardillo, William Carr, Ryan Catlin, Alexa Chaltas, Nathan Chamberland, Christopher Chaplinsky, Maxwell Chubet, Amy Chudy, Jonathan Cocchiola, Rielley Coles, Brooke Cooney, Avery Cowen, Christian Cox, Katherine Crouse, Ashlyn Curtis, Theresa Cusson, Victor Czernecki Anair, Katherine D’Agostino, Kimberly Delfino, Jacob DelMonte, Madison Derynioski, Emma Doran, Brian Egan, Delaney Farr, Zachary Florian, Gabriella Flynn, Natalie Foligno, Jack Francis, Daniel Fritz, Nicole Gianni, Jacob Gius, Victoria Godlewski, Jordin Gonzalez, Allison Gordon, Nathan Gorr, Chloe Grabowski, Katherine Gundersen, Michael Gurzenda, Anna Haberski, Kathryn Hardy, Vanessa Heigel, Kelsey Henderson, Maya Hennessey, Leah Hinckley, Abigail Howard, Emily Hubeny, Kailey Hurlburt, Justin Ierardi, Alexis Izzo, Amanda Kaczor, Adel Khan, Jordan Knibbs, Zachary Kohli, Avery Korp, Adam Kosko, Erida Koxha, Carlie Kubisek, Kathryn Kubisek, Andrew Kudla, Matthew Lee, Olivia Liberti, Skylar Longley, Jennifer Ludholtz, Brooke Lynch, Juliet Lyon, Joshua Maccione, Ahmad Mahmoud, Jenna Mariani, Kayla Markette, Rachel Martins, Hailey Marziarz, Kasey Mason, Ashlynn McGrail, Lili McKinstry, Shawn McKnerney, Jake McPhail, Olivia McPherson, Sarah Meade, Derek Melanson, Trevor Messina, Christian Mohr, Anny Moquete Volquez, Jake Napoli, Jake Neuman, Jeanes Nguyen, Emily Nivison, Rebecca Nunn, Emma Panarella, Andrew Paradis, Natalie Pare’, Era Pasha, Chetan Patel, Kush Patel, Vanshitaben Patel, Anthony Penta, Daniel Perez, Gianna Perugini, Karissa Pfeiffer, Kaylee Phen, Haley Picard, Emma Plourde, Nicole Popowicz, Caprina Pugliese, Kathryn Purushotham, Benjamin Ragozzine, Lauryn Reinhardt, Caleb Richert, Vivein Rizzuto, Alexandra Rogers, Kristin Rose, Kelly Rose, Hailey Ryder, Sawera Saeed, Nebeeka Saha, Christine Sargent, Sophia Sarlo, Francesca Scavone, Bridget Scricca, Ella Shamus-Udicious, Jenna Sheehan, Manal Sheikh, Meghan Sheline, Vatsa Sheth, Ryan Shurkus, John Simard, Audrey Sliker, Emily Solomon, Vincent Spizzoucco, Stephen Statkevich, Lee Stomsky, Joelle Stublarec, David Sullivan, Mia Sullivan, Ethan Sutton, Autumn Swain, Chase Swain, Emily Swanson, Justin Taddeo, Caitlin Taylor, Christopher Taylor, Anjali Thakkar, Jackson Thibeault, Natalie Thomas, Anh Tran, Jacob Vecchio, Joshua Vitti, Stefania Votino, Kiralyn Wadman, William Wadolowski, Gianna Wadowski, Jordan Wagner, Julia Wakefield, Olivia Walling, Nicole Wang, Alyssa Watrous, Matthew Weir, Shane Witkoski, Brandon Wolff, Madeline Wright, and Daniel Yu.

The following students earned second honors:

Morgan Barnum, Ryan Barretta, Brody Barrows, Samantha Barrows, Jacob Barry, Dion Beerbaum, Kristine Beerbaum, Patrick Bennett, Kayley Benson, Bryson Bernier, Lauren Boucher, Nicholas Breutzmann, Jacob Brooks, Camden Brown, Katherine Brush, Kyle Buchanan, Alexander Bush, Christian Cahill, Caelen Cain, Zoë Campos, Kallie Candelaria, John Carreiro, Austin Carta, Francesca Casale, Aaron Case, Max Casella, Kaylee Cianchetti, Anissa Concepcion, Mackenzie Coppola, Noah Crafts, Sydney Cusson, Gabriel Czajkowski, Ryan Daddona, Kiyan Dadras, Jessica Dammling, Gianna Dangelo, Heaven Davis, Ariana DeFrancesco, Kaitlyn DeLorenzo, Richard Delvecchia, Evan DeSandre, Morgan Desiderio, Sophia DiBattista, Daniel DiCorpo, Anthony Donato, Tyler DosSantos, Jillian Dow, Kelsie Downey, Karson Doyle, Katherine Drechsler, Morgan Duling, Nina Fabrycki, Sarah Falcetti, Yumnah Fatimah, Kelsey Fernandez, Bianca Ferreri, Danielle Flynn, Nathaniel Fortin, Bryce Fournier, Hunter Fox, Matthew Frechette, Jesse Freeman, Sydney Garrison, Ryley Gianni, Ryan Giguere, Kristen Gorham, Emily Goulet, Austin Greenslate, Riley Hall, Glenn Halliday, Abbey Halloran, Brianna Harris, Tyler Heidgerd, Nyasia Hernandez, Riley Herrick, Javon Hicks, Kiara Hourigan, Kade Huang-Savino, Madison Hulten, Isabel Iovanna, Kyle Johnson, Myah Joiner, Ayanna Jones, Grace Kausyla, Jared Kelly, Troy Kieras, Ryan Klinzmann, Dillon Kohl, Julia Kolesnik, Marek Kryzanski, Daniel Kuziora, Evan Kwok, Jolene Lacasse, Melody Lacombe, Anthony Lagana, Katelyn Lipsky, Justin Lockhart, Mackenzie Longley, William Loose, Haley Ludecke, Matthew Maciejewski, Isabella Maindon, Nicholas Makles, Noon Mamoon, Michael Martin, Daniel Mauro, Matthew Mauro, Connor McAteer, Sarah McAuliffe, Ethan McDonough, Andrew McGinnis, Christopher McIntyre, Kevin McIntyre, Alexander McPartland, Jack Meade, Isabela Miani, Megan Mikosz, Anthony Monti, Abigail Murphy, Stephen Murray, Ifrat Nabo, Avielle Nanfito, Kara Nardi, Jessica Nguyen, Samuel Nichols, Audrey Norton, Alexandria Novak, Selena Nugent, Nicholas Obuekwe, Riannon Oddo, Erik Olson, Sean Olson, Ujas Patel, Matthew Penna, Lexi Pepe, Noah Pierce, Ryan Posadas, Katelyn Przybylski, Daniel Ragozzine, Jack Reilly, Lucca Riccio, Justen Roberts, Jio Rodriguez, Zachary Rogalski, Henry Roper, Nicholas Sabino, Nicolas Salinas, Aqsa Saqab, Lily Scalise, Mark Secondo, Lauren Seitz, Evan Sheen, Zachary Silvaggio, Brenna Smith, Hannah Sousa, Chloe Stanish, Taylor Starr, Olivia Stich, Rachel Strillacci, Aryan Suri, Jacob Sutton, Megan Tedeschi, Joseph Tellerico, Samuel Terry, Nerysbeth Torres, John Tracy, Hailey Vargo, Madalin Verderame-Malachowski, Cody Wankerl, Andrew Wong, Lawrence Woods, Jacob Wroblewski, Zachary Zembrzuski, Skye Zettervall, Amanda Ziegler, and Jillian Zitofsky.

Grade 10

The following students earned first honors:

Amal Al-Hidami, Sarah Anderson, Tyler Bade, Joshua Badgley, Samantha Baleshiski, Joseph Bethencourt, Abhiram Bhamidipati, Seth Bogoslofski, Taylor Borla, Owen Bouchard, Sydney Bradshaw, Jason Brault, Chiara Burgio, Matthew Carragher, Asami Castellano, Valente Castillo, Madelyn Chasse, Mikayla Costello, Krystal Cruz, Abigail Czerepuszko, Lynsey Danko, Rebecca Dorzens, Kelly Doyle, Julie Duszak, Isabella Feest, Logan Fischer, Victoria Flynn, Justin Fontano, Mitchell Geary, Chantelle Gimenez, Jessica Griffin, Maxwell Heath, Ryan Henderson, Benjamin Hoffman, Hannah Hubeny, Julia Jackman, Katherine Jez, Kate Kemnitz, Erica Klem, Karolina Kurzatkowska, Lauren Laius, Mia Langston, Haley Larrabee, Kyle Leifert, Abigail Lo Presti, Juliette Lord, Ryan Loring, Nicholas Mangene, Chrissy Marotto, Heather Martin, Jenna Martin, Daria McCabe, Michael McLaughlin, Craig McPherson, Julia Michnowicz, Amara O’Donnell, James Olender, Benjamin Palladino, Catherine Pawlaczyk, Amanda Perkowski, Lidia Prusak, Natalie Pyle, Alessia Ricigliano, Natalia Rivera, Marissa Robarge, Sandra Robel, Tyler Salzillo, Aliya Sarris, Erica Schmidt, Julia Semmel, Olivia Sherwood, Alina Shkuryna, Robert Sisto, Ryan Slesinski, Allison Stanton, Connor Stifel, Tyler Strong, Luke Tedeschi, Melissa Tracy, Joseph Verderame, Natalie Verderame, Jillian Watson, Emma Wojcicki, and Colby Zegzdryn.

The following students earned second honors:

Nadja Abaza, David Ackerman, Natalia Adamczyk, Robert Adamo, Emma Agli, Ethan Agli, Yahya Al-Hidami, John Aligata, Kristen Angeli, David Armstrong, Aparna Athreya, Dylan Aylward, Reilly Baker, Matthew Joe Balaoing, Abigail Barbour, Kylie Benton, Mary Bilodeau, Karla Blake, Emily Blaszko, Nathan Borkowski, McKayla Bowker, Fatmir Bregu, Jillian Bryan, Daniel Butlien, Samantha Callaghan, Paul Calo, Danielle Cammuso, Desiree Cammuso, Olivia Carpenter, Matthew Chevalier, Zachary Christensen, Caitlin Cochran, Alex Crawford, Jenna Curley, Vanessa Cyr, Silvio D’Agostino, Artenisa Dautllari, Maryselys De Jesus-Ocasio, Alexander Dearborn, Kevin Dlugos, Shane Domian, Zachary Doty, Hailey Dow, William Downes, Jacob Drechsler, Jacob Drena, Carrie Drew, Megan Drivdahl, Joshua Dziob, Brianna Elmer, Elena Famiglietti, Kaitlyn Feeney, Ian Fisher, Jacob Flynn, Christopher Gambardella, Kalli Gianacopolos, Matthew Godfrey, Megan Graff, Kate Gray, Adam Green, Derek Guida, Calvin Gumprecht, Taylor Hamlin, Morgan Hedges, Lily Heidgerd, Cory Hemsen, Emma Higley, Russell Hotchkiss, Michaela Hughes, Adam Hunter, Brett Hunter, Haram Jamil, Brendan Kavanagh, Jessica Kerchis, William Krom, Justin Kupcho, Alyssa Landrie, Tanner LaRosa, Noah Lee, Emma Liersemann, Kristen Longley, Kiana Lowrey, Emily Lysiak, Ethan Maddalena, Sarah Mafale, Jared Martin, Sarah Mathew, Megan Matthews, Ayanna McDaniel, Logan McInnis, Lillyanna Miceli, Ryan Monte, Hailey Morelli, Matthew Morelli, Sabrina Morelli, Jehvanni Morgan, Zachary Morgan, Hayden Nadeau, Caroline Natelli, Kate Olsen, Kaylanie Pabon, Corin Paskov, Nicholas Perkins, Daniel Pestillo, Hieu Phan, Arianna Polacheck, Trevor Porter, Rocco Possidento, Samantha Przybylski, Ashley Pulvermacher, Marissa Ramirez, Colin Reynolds, Elaina Rivers, Erin Robinson, Timothy Robinson, Madison Rocha, Kolby Rogers, Jacob Romano, Hailey Root, Keishla Rosario, Kailey Schmarr, Bethany Schmidt, Jeremiah Segrue, Casey Selinske, Mallie Selinske, Matthew Semmel, Kian Siadat, Gursahajpreet Singh, Samantha Steele, Madison Sylvester, Daniel Taurinski, Julia Theriault, Benjamin Therrien, Sydney Trask, Nicholas Truncali, Alijah Vega, Gabriella Verderame-Malachowski, Timothy Walsh, Alyssa West, Diane Williams, Stephen Witte, and Jianella Zegarra.

Grade 11

The following students earned first honors:

Syed Ahmed, Rosanna Airo, Nolyn Allen, Cora Altomari, Jacob Anderson, Meadow Asal, Katarina Aulbach, Jessica Baillargeon, Cicily Balachandar, Andrew Bauer, Emma Becotte, Chloe Becquey, Evan Bender, William Blaise, Allison Blaszko, Logan Brayfield, Julia Brilla, Collin Burbank, Hayden Burbank, Marissa Calandra, Carolyn Callahan, Jacqueline Carbone, Nicole Carter, Sophia Chaltas, Kevin Chudy, Kaitlyne Clark, Jacqueline Coley, Abigail Connolly, Jared Curtis, Carlie DeFelice, Kaitlyn DeMaio, Rachel DePonte, Sarah Dill, Kathryn Dondero, Melissa Drexler, Trevor Dufresne, Francesca Ferrante, Ryan Flynn, Lauren Foligno, Ariana Gazaferi, Julia Groll, Adam Gwara, Heather Hannigan, Taylor Harton, Jacob Hayes, Jack Herms, Amanda Howe, Taylor Hubert, Aisha Hussain, Katelyn Ierardi, Alexa Imme, Katie Judge, Mikaela June, Julia Kahl, Ashley Kane, Rea Kelolli, Jake Kubisek, Alex Le, Abigail Legere, Ariana Llabani, Claire Macioce, Teresa Maffiolini, Jacob Manente, Joseph Martin, Nicole Martocchio, Marissa Mastroianni, Alyssa McDonald, Donna McNeill, Julia McPherson, Hartlee Meier, Ryan Middendorf, Daniel Minton, Jacob Mohr, Zachary Monti, Joshua Moravsky, Kayleigh Moses, Sarah Myrick, Kathleen O’Reilly, Erin Palinkos, Thomas Palko, Samuel Pappas, Britni Pastyrnak, Safiyah Pathan, Amisha Paul, Amy Paul, Spencer Perry, Tyler Peruta, Jessica Pesce, Emma Reney, Andrew Robel, Rachel Roberts, Holly Ross, Katarina Rothstein, Sylvia Rutkowski, Christina Sack, Morgan Santos, Brittney Sao, Ashley Shafran, Saipriya Sharma, Anna Shugrue, Keegan Smith, Faith Sporbert, Caitlyn St. Jarre, James Straub, Bethany Synott, Robert Taylor, John Terray, John Terry, Amit Thakkar, Zachary Thomas, Vanessa Tischofer, Coral Tommervik, Daniel Topper, Thomas Tsangarides, Sarah Tynan, Christian Vargas, David Wadman, Janette Wadolowski, Victoria Waiksnoris, Benjamin Wakefield, Madina Welcome, Julia Wells, Rachel Williams, Molly Wright, Sean Young, Lydia Yu, Kateryna Yurkevych, Kara Zazzaro, and Stephanie Zera.

The following students earned second honors:

Nandani Adhyapak, Brianna Albanese, Jacob Albert, Victoria Aldieri, Sarah Allard, Samantha Appelle, Matthew Babicz, William Barmore, Gabriella Bassi-Belanger, Madison Beaudoin, Jordan Beaupre , Mackenzie Beaupre, Megan Biscoglio, Christopher Bonomi, Jordan Brayfield, Brandy Brinton, Cole Brock, Amanda Brocki, Allison Brown, Erica Bruno, Samantha Bunting, Zachary Burleigh, Shalyn Butkiewicz, Gina Calo, Jacob Cammuso, Kaitlyn Carrubba, Allison Carta, Ryan Case, Elizabeth Cassan, Lorenzo Cavallo, Gabrielle Cerra, William Ceruti, Carson Chesanow, Chelsea Cocozza, Steven Cova, Madison Cox, Evan Daddona, Mark D’Agostino, Amber Daley, Natasha Davis, Noah De Jesus, Jacob DeLorenzo, Kira Dethlefsen, Julia Dietz, Molly Dobratz, Zachary Domian, Ashleigh Doyle, Brendon Egan, James Feltz, April Fenn, Mario Ferreri, Katherine Foley, Olivia Fournier, Gage Gagnon, Anthony Gandolfo, Brianna Gee, Erica Gerrish, Casandra Govoni, Lauren Graef, Haylee Green, Deborah Hannigan, Jeffrey Hannigan, Jacob Holbrook, Nathaniel Huff, Megan Humphrey, Medina Iljazi, Kristian Izydorczak, Keegan Jarvis, Brandon Jurkowski, Joshua Kerchis, Felicity Keyworth, Quintin Kimmel, Taylor Klein, Brandon Kohl, Radoslaw Konopka, Joshua Krenke, Jonathan Kryzanski, Alexander Kuhr, Nathan Kulas, Megan LaMontagne, Shane Leone, Conner Leone, Andrew Lohneiss, Tanthalas Lowrey, Zachary MacDonald, Faryn Malley, Sydney Marecki, Lindsay Marziarz, Ariella Matarazzo, Sydney Mauro, Anthony Mazzucco, Ashley McMeans, Mahima Mehta, Jeremy Mercier, Sarah Minkiewicz, Jake Monson, Jessica Monte, Kyle M’Sadoques, Emily Nadile, Delaney Nadwairski, Katthy Nguyen, Milleny Niang, Michelle Nogaj, Katherine Oshana, Timothy O’Shea, Lukas Palmieri, Madison Penna, Tiana Perez-Toro, William Pfanzelt, Katryna Pfeiffer, Nicholas Picone, Andre Plourde, Kathy Ponce, Megan Posadas, Kayla Powers, Nicholas Ragozzine, Ethan Rathbun, Christina Renzi, Victoria-Elizabeth Reynolds, Tayler Riddick, Julia Rodman, Alex Rodriguez, Brett Rycki, Dorian Sa, Timothy Sadlowski, Isabella Salazar, Isabella Scalise, Lauren Schiffer, Sarah Schneider, Luke Secondo, Corey Smith, Ashley Son, Niko Sophroniou, Morgan St. Jarre, James Starr, James Stepien, Jack Storm, Garrett Susi, Kendall Suski, Cade Testa, Jacquelyn Theriault, Samuel Thomson, Kieran Tindall, Emily Tinyszin, Emma Topper, Amanda Travers, Phuong Trinh, Lissette Urena, Anthony Vecchio, Vincent Viturale, Nicolina Votino, Shivali Vyas, Ester Vynar, Matthew Wallach, Stephanie Wang, Rosalese Waskowicz, Rosalie Whitehead, Brandon Willis, Brett Wolff, Patrycja Zajac, Emily Zakrzewski, Cameron Zegzdryn, Hannah Zelina, and Nicholas Zollo.

Grade 12

The following students earned first honors:

Amir Agoora, Madison Aldieri, Abigail Alfieri, Deep Aluria, Kelly Angeli, Ariana Audi, Martha Barry, Katherine Bauer, Katerina Belales, Jake Bertola, Kayla Birmingham, Skylar Blumetti, Colton Brown, Laura Calandra, Xaria Callender, Kyle Chinigo, Haley Chmura, Meghan Cichon, Riley Colasanto, Dominic Coppola, Kayla Coppola, Kaitlynn Cordonier, Christian Crowley, Annelise D’Abramo, Anthony D’Abramo, Erica Daigle, Megan Delorme, Julia DeSimone, Cassandra Dethlefsen, Nickolina Doran, Brian Durocher, Victoria Duszak, Jasmyne Engman, Kata Erdei, Noah Falcetti, Jared Fernandez, Juliana Ferreri, Michael Freeman, Laura Furtak, Andrew Gallagher, Matteo Gaudio, Louis Gianacopolos, Emily Gibney, Lyndsey Giudice, Justin Giumelli, Samantha Greenslate, Liam Guthrie, Andrew Hall, Diana Halla, Kyle Hermann, Rachel Huff, Hannah Jackman, Lauren Jones, Samantha Jones, Jessica Karwowski, Katie Kelley, Kelly Kritz, Sydney Kroll, Erik Kryzanski, Samantha Lamkins, Lauren Levensaler, Lexie Lewis, Jamie Lindsay, Rebecca Lo Presti, Michael Loose, Morgan Maccione, Alexa Maddalena, Megan Mahon, Maegan Mariani, Christopher Martin, Marissa Matarazzo, Kristen Mathew, Emily Matukaitis, Michael Mauro, Jasmine McCahill, Matthew McLaughlin, Jordan McMeans, Margaret Meehan, Taryn Meenan, Ryan Meneo, Natalie Messner, Sarah Mirisola, Katlin Misiorski, Andrew Monteleone, Amanda Morach, Mark Murdy, Thomas Murdy, Catherine Myers, Samantha Nardi, Ashley Nelson, Bao-Anh Nguyen, Jillian Noli, Tianna Oliva, Hannah Olsen, Elysse Page, David Pastor, Anjali Patel, Chinkal Patel, Ariel Perry, Timothy Perry, Lia Pizzitola, Andrew Premus, Samantha Purushotham, Jesse Rasten, Morgan Raymond, Michael Ricciardone, Turner Rodman, Abigail Roy, Benjamin Russman, Joseph Savage, Joseph Savarese, Paul Schweiger, Matthew Sciota, Kaitlin Semmel, Kyle Semmel, Kristen Shubert, Kayla Sica, Nathan Simard, Julia Skarzynski, Jeremy Spooner, Kimberly Stafko, Samantha Steeves, Michael Steminsky, Brandon Stone, Grace Strillacci, Brett Swanson, Monique Szabo, Caitlin Taddeo, Brendan Taylor, Bianca Taylor-Soriano, Noah Tedeschi, John Testa, Alison Theriault, Olivia Thomas, Gabrielle Veilleux, Stephen Vollaro, Oksana Voronchak, Megan Walsh, Natiya Washer, James Weil, Hannah Weir, and Madison Whillock.

The following students earned second honors:

Michael Allen, Seth Almeida, Hallie Altwies, Alexandra Amoroso, Alissa Anglis, Jake Aparo, Jake Babon, Owen Bajrami, Lily Baker, Rachel Baldick, Alivia Barbour, Ashley Barry, McKenna Belury, Zachary Blake, Jenna Boccio, Emma Bolduc-Patterson, Alyssa Boucher, Sydney Brault, Kerry Buchanan, Makenna Calabrese, William Carbone, Andrew Chavez, Nicole Chuchro, Alex Ciaffaglione, Samantha Cocchiola, Kamryn Cochrane, Megan Colleran, Brayden Cooney, Payton Courtmanche, Kristen Craven, Tyler Cyr, Evan D’Agostino, Bianca D’Amore, Dante DeCesare, Michael DeFeo, Amanda Delorme, Casey Devin, Matthew Dominello, Victoria Donovan, Katherine Estell, Carol Fannon, Hunter Forrest, Sarah Gallo, Vraja Gandhi, Shamus Geel, Erin Gibney, Andrew Gorham, Sarah Goulet, Thomas Goutzos, Kelly Graff, Matthew Gundersen, Rachael Haberski, Daniel Hackerman, Allison Hair, Mohamed Hashim, Kylie Helton, Joshua Hilliard, Kailey Hinckley, Patrick Hoffman, Evelyn Holbrook, James Iovanna, Michael Jagos, Emma Jaworowski, Kornelia Jez, Lance Johnston, Norbert Karon, Caroline Kemnitz, Jacob Keroack, H. Dustin Kilgore, Lucas Kohli, Allison Krampitz, Nickolis Lada, Jordan Lamkins, Amanda Lavoie, Kimberly Lebel, Austin Leland, Michael Listro, Luke Lombardi, Saige Lopez, Andrew Luczak, Samantha Martins, Connor McDonough, Kaitlyn McNamara, Mark Meade, Alexander Meister, Johnathan Mikosz, Joshua Miller, Rachel Miller, John Mindek, Sage Misluck, Peyton Mitchell, Ashlee Montefalco, Fanny Moquete Trinidad, Tyler Moquin, Morgan Mueller, Julia Mularczyk, Gabrielle Mulholland, Madelyn Nichols, Madison Osakowicz, Vasoula Papageorge, Brianna Pellerin, Benjamin Pestillo, Alyssa Peyre, Justin Phen, Delaney Picard, Jessica Piotrowski, Abiose Reid, Joshua Richardson, Bailey Robarge, Tyler Ruoff, Francesca Russo, Stephen Rutkowski, Joseph Shilinga, Joel Spinelli, Carson Stifel, Mallory Terry, Sean Terry, Mark Testa, Leann Tonnotti, Lauren Torino, Connor Trzcinski, Rylee Van Epps, Joseph Vitali, Jake Was, and Michelle Woodruff.

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Kennedy announced November students of the month

December 5, 2016, 4:00 am

≫ Next: DePaolo announced November students of the month

≪ Previous: Southington High released first semester honor roll

Kennedy announced November students of the month. Front, from left, Matthew Whitaker, Sofia Davino, Alyssa Polverari, and Tyler Hubeny. Back, asst. principal Susanne Vitcavage, Jack Barnum, Brynn Godbout, Ava Hur, Madeleine Silano, Taylor Hall, and principal Richard Terino. Missing is Kajetan Naworol.

Kennedy announced November students of the month. Teachers nominated these students based on their academic performance, exemplary citizenship, and/or participation in extracurricular activities.

Sixth grade students of the month are Sofia Davino, Tyler Hubeny, Alyssa “Iyss” Polverari, and Matt Whitaker.

Sofia is the sixth grade Unified Arts student of the month. A hardworking young lady who always looks for ways to improve her work, she is helpful around the classroom. Sofia works aptly with others and always offers appropriate advice and suggestions. She sings in the school chorus, plays town basketball and softball, and participates in her church’s community activities. Away from school, Sofia enjoys running, swimming, dancing, cycling, drawing, cooking, and baking.

Tyler is a responsible student who puts extra effort into his work. He is willing to help everyone and is always prepared for class. Well-liked and respected by both his teachers and peers, Tyler impresses his team. He is a member of the JFK cross country team and the town’s soccer league. Tyler helps with household chores and with the washing of boats at the shipyard where his grandfather works. Outside school he enjoys reading, constructing works with Legos, boating, and learning about boating safety with his grandfather and cousin.

Alyssa is a pleasure to have on her team. A classroom leader, she is always prepared and ready to participate in class activities. Alyssa is a conscientious student who is ever ready to go out of her way to help others. She is a member of the church swing choir, the cross country team, and the Lego League. She volunteers as an apple bagger through her church at the Apple Harvest Festival. Outside school Alyssa enjoys playing with her brother Josh, golf, Harry Potter, art, and sushi.

Matt is a polite and respectful student who comes to school each day with a positive attitude and a readiness to work. Daily he puts forth his best efforts and prides himself on being successful. Matt is on the soccer team, and he plays trumpet in the sixth grade band. He also plays travel soccer and swims on the YMCA swim team. Away from school he likes to ride his bike and spend time with his family and friends.

Seventh grade students of the month are Jack Barnum, Taylor Hall, and Ava (Seungeun) Hur.

Jack is a role model student. A hard worker, he is outgoing and pleasant, someone who gets along well with both staff and students. An honor roll student, he is a member of the soccer team, the chorus, and Peer Advocates. He plays town football, baseball, soccer, and travel AAU basketball. Jack volunteers as a tour guide for incoming sixth grade students, and in his free time enjoys being outside and riding his bike.

Taylor is a hardworking, conscientious student who challenges herself daily. Mature and consistent, she is well-organized and helpful to others. An honor roll student, she plays violin in the seventh grade orchestra. Taylor plays FSA Premier soccer, and during the summer she helps her grandparents. Her interests include baking and running.

Ava is a positive, encouraging, and friendly student who continually strives to complete her work with the highest level of quality. An honor roll student, she is a member of Con Brio, the homework club, and the seventh grade orchestra where she plays violin. At her church, Ava sings in the choir and travels with fellow members to nursing homes to perform for their residents. She enjoys crafting, drawing, and taking piano lessons.

Eighth grade students of the month are Brynn Godbout, Kajetan Naworol, and Madeleine Silano.

Brynn demonstrates a strong dedication to her studies in all academic areas while her positive disposition radiates to her peers. An honor roll student, she is a member of the chorus. Brynn plays town volleyball and softball, helps family members with various chores, and enjoys reading and being with her friends.

Kajetan is an engaged, hardworking student who is active in class discussions and serves as a role model for other to follow. He is an honor roll student and a member of Con Brio, the NJHS, and the grade eight orchestra where he plays the violin. Kajetan plays town soccer, tennis, and baseball, and is an alter server at his church. He enjoys sports in his free time.

Maddie is an asset to her team. Kind and respectful to all, she is a conscientious student who actively participates in class. She also exhibits leadership skills and school spirit through her participation in JFK soccer. An honor roll student, she is a member of the builders club, the drama club, the NJHS, Relay for Life, the stage band, the band where she plays French horn, and the soccer team of which she is captain. Maddie plays premier soccer at FSA and volunteers at a Cheshire school where she assists with filing and bulletin board setup. She also has an interest in art and drawing.

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DePaolo announced November students of the month

December 5, 2016, 4:00 am

≫ Next: SHS winter concert on Dec. 21

≪ Previous: Kennedy announced November students of the month

DePaolo Middle School in Southington announced the names of the November students of the month. Front, from left, Aryan Saha, Justin Zitofsky, Abigail LeBarron, Amanda Thompson, Logan Lada, and Bradley Eng. Back, asst. principal Chris Palmieri, Tracy Lam, Olivia Teixeira, Alex Carabetta, Christian Carrero, Christian Watson, Jaedyn Drayton, and principal Frank Pepe.

DePaolo Middle School in Southington announced the names of the November students of the month.

In sixth grade Christian Watson, Aryan Saha, and Bradley Eng were selected by their teams.

Christian is the son of Christian and Kara Watson and received the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence in fifth grade. He has volunteered for Bread for Life and is an elementary school helper in the DePaolo leadership program. Christian is in the school band and ran on the school cross country team.

Aryan is the son of Krishna Saha and Nargis Akhter and was the school spelling bee winner in fifth grade. He plays violin in the school orchestra and volunteered at Alex’s Lemonade Stand at the Apple Harvest Festival.

Bradley is the son of Andrea Eng and was selected for the math Olympiad. He volunteered at Alex’s Lemonade Stand at the Apple Harvest Festival and is in the school leadership program. Bradley was a leader at the open house for Villari’s Karate.

In seventh grade Jaedyn Drayton, Justin Zitofsky, and Olivia Teixeira were selected by their teams.

Jaedyn is the son of Sarah and Clifton Drayton and is an honor roll student. Jaedyn plays football for the Chargers and wrestles for Southington Youth Wrestling.

Justin is the son of Janice and Jeremy Zitofsky and is a high honors student. He helped his church, Zion Lutheran, prepare for the Apple Harvest Festival and has assisted at the food pantry. Justin plays football and basketball.

Olivia is the daughter of Danielle and Eduardo Teixeira and consistently earned the honor roll last year. She is in concert choir and the DePaolo leadership program. Olivia is a junior helper for St. Dominic’s vacation bible school and is an altar server at St. Dominic’s.

In eighth grade Christian Carrero, Logan Lada, and Tracy Lam were selected by their teams.

Christian is the son of Charissa Frappier and is an honor roll student. He has participated in a marathon in Waterbury. Christian plays football and basketball.

Logan is the daughter of Emily and Stan Lada and was recognized twice at principal’s breakfasts. She volunteered at Alex’s Lemonade Stand at the Apple Harvest Festival, is a peer mediator, and is a Calendar House volunteer. Logan plays in the school band and plays ice hockey for the Cromwell Whalers travel team.

Tracy is the daughter of Tam Bui and Nghi Lam and is an honor roll student. She volunteered at Alex’s Lemonade Stand at the Apple Harvest Festival and is in the Junior Next Steps. Tracy is in the drama club, jazz band, and leadership program.

In Unified Arts Amanda Thompson, Abigail LeBarron, and Alexandra Carabetta were selected.

Amanda is the daughter of Bobby and Nichole Thompson and received the Presidential Achievement Award in elementary school. She volunteers at the Summit and volunteered at Alex’s Lemonade Stand at the Apple Harvest Festival. Amanda is a red belt in karate, is in the leadership program, and plays in the Con Brio select orchestra group.

Abigail is the daughter of Allison and Matt LeBarron and was selected for the Mathcounts program. She assisted painting the chapel at First Congregational Church, is a peer advocate, and is in the leadership program. Abigail plays travel soccer, travel lacrosse, and swims for the YMCA.

Alexandra is the daughter of David Carabetta and Kate Kupstis and was recognized at a principal’s breakfast. She volunteers at the Calendar House every Friday afternoon and plays in the Con Brio select orchestra. Alexandra is part of the Patriot Press, stock market club, and Mathcounts.

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SHS winter concert on Dec. 21

December 14, 2016, 9:40 am

≫ Next: SHS earns Unified Sports award at leadership summit

≪ Previous: DePaolo announced November students of the month

The Southington High School music department is holding its annual winter concert on Wednesday, Dec. 21 in the SHS auditorium.

“There are actually two concerts happening that evening,” said band director Sara Ossias. At 6 p.m. the evening will open with performances from the jazz band, concert choir, and orchestra. Following that, the concert band, symphonic band, and wind ensemble will take the stage at 7:30 p.m.

Many of the songs will be geared toward the holiday theme, but not all. “It’s a diverse program,” said Ossias.

Admission is free and open to the public. The snow date is Thursday, Dec. 22 with the same times and performance order.

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SHS earns Unified Sports award at leadership summit

December 14, 2016, 12:00 pm

≫ Next: BOE honors policeman and students for excellence

≪ Previous: SHS winter concert on Dec. 21

Students, teachers, and school administrators display their Unified Sports Banner, which will be hung alongside the other sports banners in the gym.

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

Southington High School was one of 31 schools across the state to be named a Unified Champion School at the Youth Leadership Summit on Friday, Dec. 9. This national award, formerly known as “Project UNIFY,” is given by the Special Olympics Unified Sports.

Unified Sports, which started in Connecticut, is a combination of mainstream students (partners) and special education students (athletes) who form bonds and friendships.

“We’re like the blueprint that other states are using to spread Unified Sports throughout the United States,” said Southington head coach Marguerite Maddalena.

The Unified Sports coaches and faculty at the award ceremony in Hartford, hosted by Aetna.

A Banner Unified Champion School must have a Unified Sports program with inclusive youth leadership and school-wide engagement. The program must also demonstrate that they are self-sustainable in their activities. SHS exemplified these criteria in many outlets.

Maddalena said that the team promotes inclusion by running the R-word campaign: Spread the word to stop the word. They also participate in the school-wide pep rallies, play in the blue and white halftime games, and are self supporting, thanks to Southington UNICO, which pays for everything.

“We would not have this program if it weren’t for UNICO,” Maddalena said. The SHS Unified team runs four sport seasons, with about 55-60 kids throughout the different seasons.

Selected students from this year’s team were chosen to attend the conference, hosted by Aetna in Hartford, on behalf of SHS.

“We bring three partners and one athlete to the convention,” said Maddalena. “The kids all learn skills to bring inclusion to our school, acceptance, and change their attitudes towards being a good leader.”

The Southington team was honored at a ceremony in Ha
rtford presented by Aetna.

Nicole Popowicz, Emma Agli, Josh Krenke, and Matt Delorenzo, accompanied Maddalena at the award ceremony, along with her coaches Denise Ingriselli and Andrew Larkin. The group attended the event to bring home the banner.

The students also get a varsity letter at the end of the school year at the banquet that UNICO sponsors.

“The greatest athletes in the building are our Unified Sports athletes,” said SHS principal Brain Stranieri, “I think the people that would really agree with that statement would be our student body.”

In between their fall, winter, and spring seasons, the team stays active by going to bowling alley on the weekends, or the archery range.

“They have dual seasons. It’s multifaceted during one season,” Stranieri said. “They put their heart and soul into the program. All of them are outstanding.”

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

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BOE honors policeman and students for excellence

December 14, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: SEF recognizes accomplishments of grant winners

≪ Previous: SHS earns Unified Sports award at leadership summit

The Board of Education recognized two students for the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintnedentts recognition award. From left, BOE member Terri Carmody, award winners Laura Calandra and Michael Loose, SHS principal Brian Stranieri, and BOE chair Brian Goralski.

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

The Southington Board of Education (BOE) started their Dec. 8 meeting with a celebration of excellence to honor the achievements of a retiring police captain and two high school students.

Captain Lowell DePalma was recognized for his 26 year partnership with Southington Public Schools from December 1990 to December 2016.

“The relationship with the police department means a great deal to us,” said BOE chair Brian Goralski, “and you were always the face of that connection.”

In his early years on the force, DePalma served as a D.A.R.E officer, educating students about the risks of drugs, and encouraging prevention.

“I’ve certainly enjoyed working with Captain DePalma,” said Superintendent Tim Connellan. “He’s been a wonderful partner and a wonderful friend to not only Southington Public Schools, but to everyone in the community.”

Retired Capt. Lowell DePalma was recognized for his 26 year partnership with Southington schools.

Next, the Board honored two outstanding students from this year’s graduating class, who received the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) recognition award. The program was designed by school administrators to recognize students who have served their schools and communities while maintaining exceptional academic progress. Southington High School (SHS) principal Brian Stranieri introduced the two award recipients to the BOE.

“Academic achievement is always something that is looked at through schools, but I think a couple of things that have really stood out are their character, their citizenship, and the work that they do for the school beyond the classroom,” Stranieri said. “What you have in front of you are two students in the top 10 of their 451-member class.”

Michael Loose is third in his class at SHS and is actively involved in the concert, marching, and jazz bands, Project Lead the Way, the Student Ambassadors program, tennis, and outdoor track. He has been involved in numerous community service and volunteer opportunities as well.

Loose was awarded the Rochester Institute of Technology scholarship, and plans to pursue a career in engineering.

Laura Calandra is in the top ten ranking in the class and is president of the National Honor Society, co-president of the student council think tank, and secretary of the drama club. She also serves on the Southington Town-wide Effort to Promote Success (STEPS) and is actively involved in theatre and musical performances, where she is accomplished in five different styles of dance.

She plans to pursue her passion for musical theatre in college.

The two seniors will be honored at the Farmington Valley Superintendents’ Association luncheon on Friday, Dec. 16.

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SEF recognizes accomplishments of grant winners

December 14, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Putting the ‘fun’ in fundraising

≪ Previous: BOE honors policeman and students for excellence

Members of the Southington Education Foundation recognized the accomplishments of last year’s grant winners during a ceremony at the Orchards.

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

The Southington Education Foundation (SEF) held a recognition ceremony for the eight mini-grant recipients from the 2015-2016 school year on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at The Orchards.

Since 2010, the mini-grants have been awarded to educators in the community to benefit learning based programs from a variety of subjects. The ceremony gave the recipients an opportunity to share how the money was implemented and talk about the causes.

“These grants have been given to educators and community leaders that have been able to put into action some very special experiences for our Southington students,” said SEF grants coordinator Jan Galati.

Southington High School teacher Kari Peschel-Luise kicked off the presentations by sharing how she used the grant to fund a “columns in architectural history” project for her students. She explained that all pieces of architecture have a story, and how the class relates that to the pillars of their lives. Luise integrated the arts into STEM, as the history of each column comes to life when it is built.

“We want to bring the world into the students…we are turning our own columns and actually creating the story,” she said.

Next was Joann Grant from DePaolo Middle School, who works with future business leaders students to create t-shirts.

“The grant entails a vinyl cutter which cuts out the imprint and the design,” Grant said. The shirt production is a fun learning tool for the business leaders because while they make designs and sell the clothing, they learn about surface area, formatting, customer relations, and how to adequately price the merchandise.

The Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington (ECCS) utilized the money for “Arithmatricks” math skills kits. These math conceptual development kits have been purchased for every family day care provider, nursery school and child care center in Southington to better prepare young learners for kindergarten. ECCS director Joanne Kelleher said that the YMCA, library, and home providers also received kits.

“To get that many people involved is awesome,” said Dale Riedinger. “It not only helps so many members of our community, but it will continue on as those children come to public schools in Southington.”

YMCA Camp Sloper benefits from SEF grants as well. They recently constructed an indoor, multi-seasonal library for campers to use, including books, puzzles, and board games. The Meade Family Library encourages reading for pleasure, which is asset number 25 of the 45 developmental assets.

“We wanted to take a new approach at reading,” said YMCA operations director Mark Pooler. “We tried to change the attitudes of our campers and staff that reading can be just as fun as arts and crafts, archery, and nature.”

Denise Feltz is one of three women that worked together on a project called Camp RISE to benefit children with significant disabilities. Her son is 17, and while his peers are learning to drive, attending summer programs, and working at jobs, children with disabilities aren’t able to do those things. The camp was designed to transition the students from their extended school year (ESY) to a program that could benefit them outdoors in the community.

“Now speaking as a parent, I went to pick up my son and I saw a whole lot of happy kids,” Feltz said. “We are thrilled that the camp came into being, it will be self-sustaining, and we’re hoping to make it a four-week instead of a two-week.”

Hatton Elementary School PTO used their money for theatre productions. Todd Cutler told the room that the cost to acquire the play rights alone is significant, let alone set building and costumes. The drama and arts club is using the SEF grant to put on their spring production of Shrek Jr.

Jennifer Paul and Stacey Simpson recalled the SHS book club that they spearheaded. The reading specialists read statements from former club members, which said why Book Club was so valuable to them. What started as the Urban Book Club six years ago has now become a growing group of students from various backgrounds.

“Since that time, the book club program has just evolved and it has become more and more inclusive and more about empathy and getting more people to read,” Paul said.

Southington Public Schools technology analyst Debbie Miller concluded the evening with her presentation of SMILE: STEM Mobile Integrated Learning Experience. Designed for elementary students, SMILE gives hands on learning about science and mathematics. Students at Thalberg operate robotics from iPads and computers at skill levels compatible with their age.

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Putting the ‘fun’ in fundraising

December 16, 2016, 4:00 am

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≪ Previous: SEF recognizes accomplishments of grant winners

Thalberg Students were literally “climbing the walls” during last week’s shortened schedule. About 30 students from grades 3-5 spent two hours on Tuesday at the climbing wall at Foresi’s Individualized Training on Spring Street. The following day, students spent the afternoon at Crystal Bees. The events were part of a fundraising project for the school.

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

Thalberg Elementary PTO used the early release days last week as an opportunity to raise money for the school.

PTO fundraising vice presidents Lori Francis and Rose Fox arranged for students and families to attend local businesses where they could do physical activity and interact with each other.

On Tuesday, Dec. 6, about 40 Thalberg students from grades 3-5 went to Foresi’s Individualized Training (FIT) on Spring Street for two hours of hands-on play.

Thalberg students enjoy bowling at Crystal Bees during a Wednesday fundraiser.

“This place is perfect for kids to come in, run around, and burn off energy,” said owner Stephanie Foresi. The gym and wide open turf space made it easy for everyone to play and 50 percent of the revenue from the afternoon went back to the PTO. The children took part in large group games like dodgeball so that everyone could be included. “If this goes well, I’m going to reach out to other schools in the district to help them out,” Foresi said.

The following day, Crystal Bees on Spring Street welcomed the Thalberg students for yet another afternoon of fun. The entertainment center offered Thalberg families a discounted set rate for the afternoon that included two games of bowling and arcade power hour.

A large portion of the proceeds went to the PTO.

“The money raised from these two afternoons goes toward assignment books and folders, cultural arts, field trips, fifth grade events and yearbooks, kindergarten orientation, popsicles on the playground, summer reading, special persons day, support for Thalberg cares, and movie licensing,” Francis said.

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Training for Tomorrow links students to local businesses

December 22, 2016, 7:00 am

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≪ Previous: Putting the ‘fun’ in fundraising

Lincoln College admissions officer Shauna Judd addresses students during a Training for Tomorrow seminar at the high school.

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

The Southington Chamber of Commerce gave its annual presentation at Southington High School (SHS) for the Training for Tomorrow (T4T) program on Tuesday, Dec. 13. The program is a partnership between the chamber and the high school where students have a chance to job shadow or intern with a local business.

Being connected to the businesses in town allows the chamber to network with them to provide a hands-on experience free of cost. The alliance is called “Training for Tomorrow” because it trains sophomores and juniors to build a resume, make business connections, and get work experience.

With the help of SHS faculty Lisa Carmody and Candace Patten, along with Southington chamber members, students get a jump start on their career and college planning while learning valuable skills in the field.

Chamber board chair Dave Pestillo told the students that it’s the same concept as test driving a car before you buy it.

“You wouldn’t want to just start something and not know what you’re getting in to, and that’s what this program is about,” he said.

The program was designed to give high school students a sampling of different careers, so that they can save time and money in the future. By shadowing professionals and asking questions, students can gauge whether or not they see it as a fit.

Along with Pestillo, Shirene Hazel represented the chamber board at the presentation. She emphasized the importance of volunteer and internship experience in the competitive workforce and college application process.

“Understand that colleges are going to ask you, ‘what have you done,’” said Hazel, “and attending high school is what everyone has done.”

Lincoln College admissions officer Shauna Judd attended the lecture as well to give students perspective from someone that reviews applications. She explained that resumes with internships on them are beneficial to admissions counselors so they know how to direct a student to the proper major.

“Having an idea will help not only you, but the school and an admissions representative,” Judd said.

The internship programs can be as little as one day or as long as a nine week experience, depending on the business. It is available to the sophomore and junior classes as they begin to look into college programs and is completely free.

Students receive no monetary compensation for their time, but they learn priceless values.

“If you do really well in this internship it could lead to a really good reference that you could use later on,” Carmody said. “No you don’t get paid, but there are more things in it than just money.”

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

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Southington officer goes back to school

December 22, 2016, 10:00 am

≫ Next: Celebrating twin day at JFK

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Southington’s Student Resource Officer Kevin Naranjo, above, helps keep the hallways safe at SHS. The former student is the first to serve a four-year term.

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

Officer Kevin Naranjo spends his days roaming the hallways of Southington High School (SHS) actively involved in all aspects of the institution. He is part counselor, friend, parent, police officer, and teacher. He’s the doorway to so many different routes that students can take. He is the Student Resource Officer (SRO).

An SHS graduate himself, Naranjo has been with the Southington Police Department for five years following his four and a half year run with the Farmington squad. This is his first year as a resource officer, and the first time that the contract spans four years.

In the past, SROs were assigned for two or three years, but beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, the contracts run for four, allowing the officer to see a graduating class all the way through.

The program was spearheaded in the fall of 1997 from the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant, which paid for 75 percent of the officer’s salary. SPD Deputy Chief Palmieri said that the first Southington SRO was Gerry Triano, and there have been seven more since then. “It’s a phenomenal program,” Palmieri said. “It’s allowed us to bring law enforcement and develop a positive relationship in the school. The SRO is very visible.”

Naranjo walks through the school between each class period, stops in the cafeteria during lunch waves, stands outside for bus duty, and always has his door open for students.

“The more they get to see me, the more comfortable they’ll feel with me, and the more comfortable they’ll feel when they have to come to me with a problem,” he said. “I’m not here just for problems. I have a candy jar, but it’s empty right now, which tells you how many kids pop in here to just to say hello and have a candy.”

SHS is the eighth largest high school in Connecticut with approximately 2,100 students in the building. That can sometimes stretch the SRO pretty thin.

“There’s only one of me,” Naranjo said with a laugh. “It’s such a big building. There are so many doors and hallways you’ve got to spend a portion of your day walking, so that you know it.”

Naranjo said he enjoys the time he spends visiting every nook and cranny of the school.

On special occasions, he gets in front of a class to teach different subjects. The civics class benefitted from his law enforcement expertise when he spoke about officers wearing body cams and the legality of it. He’s given lectures to classes about what being an officer entails, and the different steps it takes to get there.

Naranjo even stops into the Spanish classes because he is bilingual. “I went to the Spanish class and actually talked them in Spanish. I showed them the importance of being bilingual.”

While he sees many positive elements in the school, there are times when Naranjo has to take action as a law enforcer. As one of the largest high schools in the state, SHS is “a little community in and of itself,” SPD Chief John Daly said.

“The SRO is there to de-escalate situations, which is much faster than if they’d have to call someone in,” said Daly.

When conflict breaks out between class periods, when an accident happens in the parking lot, when a legal issue arises, Naranjo is on the scene. His office even overlooks the entire property front, enabling him to monitor the premises for suspicious entries or loitering students.

“My office is pretty fully stocked,” the SRO said. “I have all the equipment I need.”

The computer is directly connected to the PD with all of the applications so he can do everything he needs right from his high school desk.

“It’s almost like a substation,” Naranjo said. “Some officers will even stop in to either look something up or grab something, so they can kind of utilize this as a substation even when there’s no school. They can always stop in here and stay active on the radio.”

While his full-time job is being a resource officer, his work doesn’t stop when school is out of session. Naranjo will be on the road back on patrol during the upcoming holiday break, and the same goes for summer vacations.

“It’s nice because I can see the kids inside, and if there’s issues with them outside I’ll know them,” he said. “And I can talk to them.”

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Celebrating twin day at JFK

December 22, 2016, 11:00 am

≫ Next: Toy drive at SHS raises donations for Community Services

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No, you’re not seeing double. On Friday, Dec. 16, Kennedy Middle School celebrated “twin day” to recognize more than 20 sets of twins at the school.

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