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 10th 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.