SOUTHERN CONFERENCE

2015 SCHOLAR LEADER BANQUET

March 23 – 6 p.m. Anthony’s Ocean View – New Haven

Member Schools Amity Regional • Branford • Hill Regional Career • Cheshire • East Haven • Fairfield Prep • Guilford • Hamden • Daniel Hand • Foran • Hillhouse • Jonathan Law • Lauralton Hall • Lyman Hall • Mercy • North Haven • Notre Dame of West Haven • Sacred Heart Academy • Sheehan • Shelton • West Haven • Wilbur Cross • Xavier Welcome

Welcome to the 2015 Southern Connecticut Conference Scholar Leader recognition banquet – the 21st hosted by the league. This evening, we will recognize forty-six truly impressive young people who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship and leadership in their respective school and external communities. On behalf of the SCC, congratulations to the recipients and their families and best of luck in their future endeavors. Enjoy the evening!

Al Carbone, Commissioner

2015 SCC Scholar Leaders

Amity Regional – Sricharan Kadimi, Naomi Caldwell Branford – Jessica Lohret, Charles Ahern Hill Regional Career – Tanaya Wade, Justin Campbell Cheshire – Marissa Cohen, Hudson Lee Daniel Hand – Connor Bondarchuk, Nikitha Reddy East Haven – Natalia Wiszniewski, Austin Lieto Fairfield Prep – John O’Connor, Grant Stone Joseph A. Foran – Shaina Arsenault, Stephen Longley Guilford – Rachel Glasser, Joe Iassogna Hamden – Jacob Zavatone-Veth, Julia Lynn Hillhouse – Janelle Cooper, Troy Walters Jonathan Law – Kelsey Kopazna, Patrick O’Brien Lauralton Hall – Devon Valera, Nadine Wagner Lyman Hall – Rachael Whitney, Jonathon Jacobs Mercy – Eleanor Frechette, Jill Stifano North Haven – David Wingate, Emma Dzialo Notre Dame – Alec Albright, Anthony Coss Sacred Heart Academy – Isabella Siegel, Ashley Heidtmann Mark T. Sheehan – Nimanthi Kumara, Michael Moscato Shelton – Gina Ciambrello, Erik Kocur West Haven – Kharl Reynado, Michael Tran Wilbur Cross – Shannon Foley, Sammy Rosofsky Xavier – Peter Drabinski, Gregory Pollard * Recipient bios information was compiled by each school’s Principal. www.SouthernConnecticutConference.org PAGE 3 – SCC Scholar Leader Banquet – March 23, 2015

Amity Regional Charles D. Britton Ed. D, Principal

Sricharan Kadimi Accomplishments: Sricharan is an exceptional young man who will undoubtedly make positive contributions to our world. Sricharan exhibits a love for learning and is hard- working in all he does. He is among the top students at Amity High School and has earned an impressive GPA of 3.98 while taking the most difficult courses. Most importantly, he is humble regarding his accomplishments, and never seeks to put himself in the spotlight. Sricharan is the type of person who leads by example. He is willing to put in the dedication required to be successful, whether that is for academic, athletic, or social activities.

Naomi Caldwell Accomplishments: Naomi is an exceptional young woman who is ready for any challenge. She is in the top 1% of her graduating class with an impressive 3.97 GPA. Naomi gives back to her school and community through many activities. Naomi is the co- editor in chief of the yearbook, co-President of the National Spanish Honor Society, and Vice-President of the National Art Honor Society. Naomi volunteers her time once a month mentoring students at an elementary school in Fairhaven, and is helping to organize a “Mugs for Mankind” fundraiser for a local soup kitchen. Naomi is also a Link Crew leader and member of Infinite Possibilities.

Branford Lee Panagoulias, Principal

Jessica Lohret Accomplishments: Jessica is a National Merit Finalist, Harvard Book Award Recipient and AP Scholar. She has earned recognition awards in AP Biology, AP Psychology, and English. Jess is member of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Foreign Language National Honor Society and a Model Congress President. She has volunteered at the Appalachia Service Project, Yale New Haven Hospital, and Interned at Yale Medical School Discovery to Cure Program. Jessica is an active member of the state Champion Cross Country and Track Team, serving as the team captain.

Charles Ahern Accomplishments: Charles is a member of the National Honors Society and Foreign Language Honor Society. He holds leadership positions at Branford High School as the Varsity Team Captain and President of the Model Congress Club. Charles has received the Senate Award for Academic Excellence. He finds time to give back to the larger community, volunteering for children with cancer every summer at Camp Rising Sun. PAGE 4 – SCC Scholar Leader Banquet – March 23, 2015 Hill Regional Career Dr. Madeline Negron, Principal

Tanaya Wade Accomplishments: Tanaya is a conscientious student and a collaborative learner with an impressive academic record. She has pursued education outside the classroom through our Cooperative International Studies Program and Peer Health Ambassadors program. She currently takes an English course at Gateway Community College in addition to her other courses. Tanaya consistently volunteers at the West Haven Public Library as well. Tanaya has participated in indoor and outdoor track as well as cross country for all four years of high school. She has also run track with New Haven Age Group Track Club. During this time Tanaya has brought her team to the State Open as well as the New England Conference every year she has run.

Justin Campbell Accomplishments: Justin is distinguished by his patience, integrity and resiliency. He has grown to be an excellent student, taking pride in his academics and passing on the value of education to young children through tutoring. Justin has also played varsity all four years and serves as captain this year. His team just won the Orenoke Division as well as the SCC Championship in 2012 and 2015, and the Class L State Championship in 2012. Justin was named one of the Top 25 players to watch in the state this year and just made the All Orenoke First Team. He also enjoys sharing his basketball skills with younger players when arriving early to practice for his AAU team. Recently, he organized a free throw fundraiser to benefit the American Heart Association. Justin plans to study mathematics and business in college. Cheshire Jeffrey Solan, Principal

Marissa Cohen Accomplishments: Marissa is a bright, highly motivated student and a caring, generous, dedicated young woman who goes above and beyond in all her endeavors. Marissa is devoted to learning and never settles for less than her best. In addition, Marissa is a student who thrives on serving her school and community. She is a tutor, youth mentor, religious education teacher, blood drive coordinator, manager of the varsity field hockey team, Link Crew President, Junior State of America Chapter Vice President, Managing Editor of the School Newspaper, Relay for Life Team Captain and President and Co-Founder of the Anti-Bullying Awareness club. Marissa’s dynamic personality and true leadership potential shine through in all that she does.

Hudson Lee Accomplishments: Hudson is an intelligent, articulate, ambitious and empathetic young man who has an infectious smile. By the time he graduates he will have completed twelve Advanced Placement courses. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, English Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and earned metals in the National Latin Honor Exam. He attended the American Legion Boys’ State Leadership Conference and received the Citizenship award. He is a peer tutor, Link Crew Leader and a member of the Principal’s Advisory Council. Outside of school he dedicates numerous hours to various volunteer activities, the Korean Catholic Church and he teaches taekwondo to junior martial arts students. PAGE 5 – SCC Scholar Leader Banquet – March 23, 2015 . Daniel Hand Anthony R. Salutari, Jr., Principal

Connor Bondarchuk Accomplishments: It would be difficult to find a more studious and disciplined individual than Connor. He is a brilliant scholar enrolled in our most rigorous program of study due to his ambition, inquisitive nature, and eagerness to learn. Connor’s interests outside of the classroom are varied and diverse. He is a member of the fencing team, plays in the orchestra, is a member of the Geography Club, is a Class Officer, and a member of the Student Leadership Team. Connor is a class leader with incredible integrity and character who demonstrates an ideal example for all students to follow

Nikitha Reddy Accomplishments: Nikitha possesses a brilliant mind. She is both academically and musically gifted consistently contributing to the success of others. She is a member of our Student Council, leads our schools Diversity Club, is the editor of the Yearbook Club, is an active member of our Youth Interact Club. She is a member of several other clubs and has received recognition of excellence based on her academic performance. Her passion for helping others is also seen through her membership in our peer mentoring, Perspectives, and the Peer Advocates Clubs. Nikitha is a leader in the classroom and a leader in our school community. East Haven Vincent DeNuzzo, Principal

Natalia Wiszniewski Accomplishments: Natalia is an incredibly focused and academically gifted young woman. Ranked at the top of her class, she has distinguished herself as both a scholar and a leader. Her many accolades include receiving the Yale Club Book Award and the Gettysburg College Book Award, being named a Rotary Youth of the Month, a CAPT Scholar, as well as being named a Connecticut Governor’s Scholar. Natalia is a member of our National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions (S.A.D.D.), Library Student Advisory Board, and is co-president of Books and Brownies and the Math League. She also plays for our team. In addition, Natalia volunteers numerous hours for the Hagaman Library Teen Advisory Group and Our Lady of Pompeii Church.

Austin Lieto Accomplishments: Austin Lieto is one of the most accomplished students at . As an athlete, Austin has participated in three varsity sports: Cross Country, Indoor Track and Field, and Outdoor Track and Field. In addition to his athletic involvement, Austin has taken 18 Honors and Advanced Placement courses. He has earned a 4.5 GPA, which puts him in the top 3% of his class. A member of the Creative/ Media Club, Austin is the recipient of the Princeton Book Award and is a State of Connecticut CAPT Scholar. He has also completed over 90 hours of community service within the greater East Haven community. PAGE 6 – SCC Scholar Leader Banquet – March 23, 2015 Fairfield Prep Dr. Robert A. Perrotta, Principal

John P. O’Connor Accomplishments: Jack is a dedicated student and athlete who is a true school leader. He is a Summa Cum laude student who was nominated as a Governor’s Scholar. Jack spends time as a tutor and mentor at the Boys and Girls Club of Stamford in addition to coaching a youth lacrosse team. He was leader of the Freshman Retreat and the Kairos program. He also received all-state and all-SCC honors on the lacrosse field.

Grant H. Stone Accomplishments: Grant is a summa cum laude student in Prep’s most demanding curriculum. He is a varsity letterman in baseball, and co-chair of the Fantasy Sports Club. He peer tutors his fellow students at Prep, and serves as a tutor and mentor at the Stamford Boys and Girls Club, and volunteers as a coach to middle schoolers in the Stamford Peace Basketball League. Grant is also a Freshman Retreat Leader. Joseph A. Foran Max Berkowitz, Principal

Shaina Arsenault Accomplishments: Shaina is Secretary of the National Honor Society & Senior Class, President of the DECA club and Interact Club, a Natural Helper officer, and a member of the Foran Innovative Thinkers leadership group. She is a soloist in the New England Ballet Company and is the founder of the Milford Merry Musical Theatre, a program which mentors, instructs and choreographs performances for children with special needs. She also is the Director of Marketing & Vice President for the New Paradigm Theatre Youth Board-an organization which raises funds for local area non-profits. She is a three-time State DECA Convention champion, earning first place for the Professional Selling for Hospitality & Tourism and was a top 10 medalist at the 2014 International DECA Convention for Professional Selling for Hospitality & Tourism. She attended Cornell University’s Hotel Operations Management Summer Program and earned an A+ and three college credits.

Stephen Longley Accomplishments:Stephen is a member of the National Honor Society, a CAPT Scholar, and a recipient of the St. Michael’s College Book Award, which is given to students who have outstanding scholarship and possess strong social consciousness. A natural yet modest leader, Stephen is the Captain of the Foran Football & Outdoor Track Teams. In addition, he is the President of the AP Euro Club and a charter member of the Foran Innovative Thinkers leadership group. In 2014, due to his academic excellence & strong character, Stephen was selected to participate in the Summer Leadership experience at West Point. He has also given back to his community as a Youth Volunteer Coordinator for the Milford Youth Basketball League and in a vast array of other community service activities. PAGE 7 – SCC Scholar Leader Banquet – March 23, 2015

Guilford Rick Misenti, Principal

Rachel Glasser Accomplishments: Rachel is an incredibly talented young lady who has made a positive impact in every way in our high school. Rachel has excelled both in and outside the classroom in such an unassuming way, and this kind of leadership has contributed powerfully to student life. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society, where she serves as historian. She is the recipient of our school’s grading period’s highest honors, and Rachel had the distinction of being recognized as the top student in 4 academic classes, with three of the classes being accelerated or Advanced Placement. Her acceptance and successful participation in Brown University’s summer biochemistry course demonstrated the high academic standard that Rachel possesses and others have acknowledged. Rachel is also a highly skilled member of our high school’s music and theater arts programs, where she serves as section leader and quartet leader in our chorus and has held numerous major acting roles. Her singing and acting skills have been recognized by her selection to All State Chorus and her selection to participate in Adelphi University’s summer musical theater program. Both selections are powerful reminders of her talents.

Joe Iassogna Accomplishments: Impeccable, strong, resilient, and flawless are adjectives which best describe Joe Iassogna’s character and leadership. His participation and leadership in activities, and his tremendous contributions to them, have been exemplary. Joe’s consistent selection to our highest honors list mirrors Joe’s level of achievement in the classroom. Joe has received numerous commendations for academic excellence in multiple advanced placement courses and his selection into our National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society, in which he serves as Parliamentarian and Vice President respectively, mirror this. Joe has also excelled outside the classroom. His participation with our high school’s varsity football and track and field teams and his distinction of being designated a Scholar Athlete are admirable! As well, Joe’s selection as our high school’s student representative to the Board of Education demonstrates the admiration and respect that our school community and his peers have for him.

Hamden Gary Highsmith, Principal

Jacob Zavatone-Veth Accomplishments: In addition to earning a cumulative GPA of 4.0, Jake scored a 5 on the Advanced Placement Biology, US Government and Politics, Calculus BC, US History, Physics C Mechanics and Physics C Electricity and Magnetism exams respectively, making him an AP Scholar with Distinction. Jake is President of the Science Team, Drum Major and Brass Quintet Principal Trumpet for Hamden High School’s Concert Band. A National Merit Scholarship Finalist, Jake is also a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society, and was a Gold Medalist in Astronomy in the Connecticut Science Olympiad. PAGE 8 – SCC Scholar Leader Banquet – March 23, 2015

Julia Lynn Accomplishments: A world-class scholar and 3-season athlete, Julia is a National Merit Finalist, member of the National Honor Society and an AP Scholar with Distinction. Julia is also Hamden High School’s 2015 CIAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, President of Bridge Builders, an officer in the Human Relations Club, President of the Chinese Club, and a member of our House Leadership Council and Model UN Teams. She volunteers as an Assistant Swim Coach for the Special Olympics and interns each summer as a costumed historical interpreter at Old Sturbridge Village. She was also summer exchange student to Chengdu, China.

James Hillhouse Kermit Carolina, Principal

Janelle Cooper Accomplishments: Janelle has worked very hard this year, earning a place not only on the honor roll, but in the top 10 of her class. Janelle’s GPA is a 3.83. In addition to taking classes at Hillhouse this year, Janelle has been taking classes at Southern Connecticut State University. In her time at High School, Janelle has been a member of the Volleyball, Basketball and Tennis Teams. She was a captain of Volleyball and currently Tennis. Janelle will be attending Tuskegee University on a full scholarship, majoring in Engineering.

Troy Walters Accomplishments: Troy served as one of our senior captains this past season for the Boy’s Basketball Team and earned SCC All-Hammonasset Division accolades. Troy carries himself highly on and off the court as he currently holds a GPA over 3.0. Troy also takes time to serves his community as well, he has committed over 100 hours of community service in the past four years. He serves as a mentor to young student-athletes in the building.

Jonathan Law Frances Thompson, Principal

Kelsey Kopazna Accomplishments: Kelsey is ranked 4th in her class and will complete eight AP courses during her high school tenure. Kelsey is the recipient of numerous academic accolades. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has been Class Senator for four years. Kelsey’s athletic prowess and leadership qualities have earned her the position of Captain in all three of her Varsity sports: Swimming/Diving, Gymnastics, and Track. Kelsey is secretary of Interact, a school club which focuses on volunteering in the community. She is heavily involved with giving her time to various local organizations. Kelsey is also our student liaison to the Milford Board of Education. PAGE 9 – SCC Scholar Leader Banquet – March 23, 2015

Patrick O’Brien Accomplishments: Pat is well prepared and ready to meet the requirements of his next academic challenge. A combination of AP and honors classes has prepared Pat for the college experience. In the classroom, Pat is dedicated and a hard worker. His work ethic is evident in his transcript. What makes Pat such an integral part of the Jonathan Law community is how he leads by example. Pat is involved in so many facets of our school – academically, sports, clubs and community activities – and he demonstrates leadership in all these areas. He is a genuine and honest young man and an exceptional role model for all our students.

Lauralton Hall Cynthia Gallant, Principal

Devon Valera Accomplishments: Devon has been president of Lauralton Hall’s Chapter of the National Honor Society for her senior year. Through the society she has organized donations for important causes such as the Mercy Learning Center. For the past four years she has also been an active part of Lauralton’s Peer Mentors program, Environmental club and Spanish club. During the summer she volunteers for “Summer at Lauralton,” teaching art to children in the community. During her junior year she interned with the nonprofit organization Peace of Mind Brain Injury Services, which lends support to families of American veterans suffering with debilitating brain damage.

Nadine Wagner Accomplishments: On top of studying hard and being the president of Key Club at her school, Nadine has actively been studying acting, filmmaking, playing four instruments, and singing. She is trilingual and speaks fluent German and Spanish. Her previous honors include winning first place in the ZFA New England Regional German Poetry Contest at the Goethe Institute in New York City and second place in a national video contest for Geico. In the coming years, Nadine plans to pursue her passion in the arts professionally and to make a true difference in the world as she attends Columbia University in the fall.

Lyman Hall David Bryant, Principal

Rachael Whitney Accomplishments: Rachael is a Girl Scout Ambassador - the highest level attainable within the Girl Scouts. Rachael has completed 70 hours of community service at the Wallingford Public Library and the Girl Scouts. She is part of the Vo-ag program and has completed 500 hours of supervised agricultural experience in outdoor recreation as a counselor at a Girl Scout camp. She won the 2014 Outdoor Recreation Proficiency award and she was honored with the Silver and Bronze SAE award. Rachael has also volunteered for the Fidelco guide dog foundation where she worked as a counselor for their summer program. She is a member of The National Society of High School Scholars as well as the National Honor Society and she volunteers her time as a National Honors Society tutor. She is a member of the food science committee this year and she won the civics award. She is consistently on the high honor roll at Lyman Hall. PAGE 10 – SCC Scholar Leader Banquet – March 23, 2015

Jonathon Jacobs Accomplishments: Last spring, Jonathon worked under Habitat for Humanity, rebuilding houses in Oklahoma. In June, he was awarded the Xerox Award for Innovation/ Information Technology, as well as Excellence in Mathematics and Natural Sciences by the Society of Women Engineers. He completed his junior year with a 4.29 GPA. He is a National Honor Society member. His soccer team, Wallingford Warriors, became the first Connecticut team to win the Regionals Presidents Cup. As captain, Jonathon led the Trojans to an undefeated record in the regular season and earned numerous awards such as All-Housatonic Division, SCC Player of The Year, All-Area and All-State. He was also named a SCC Scholar Athlete of the Month during the fall.

Mercy Sister Mary McCarthy, R.S.M., President Melissa Bullock, Principal

Eleanor Frechette Accomplishments:A member of the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society, Ellie is an outgoing, enthusiastic and conscientious student. Ellie is dedicated to a number of school and community organizations, acting as team co-captain for Relay for Life, serving on the Youth in Government board for Middletown and Congressman Larson’s Congressional Youth Cabinet. An accomplished dancer and musician, Ellie has dedicated hours to practice and performance at the University of Hartford’s Studio to Stage II, the Bushnell and Joffrey Ballet School.

Jill Stifano Accomplishments: Jill is a highly motivated, well-rounded, talented young woman with a strong commitment to excellence and the Mercy High School Community. A National Merit Commended Scholar, Jill serves as the secretary for the National Honor Society and has been recognized as an outstanding delegate at the Fairfield University Model UN Conference. Jill is actively involved in her school, community and church, taking on leadership roles such as being an officer for the Mercy Life Club as well as a board member for Peer Ministry. Jill is an accomplished Irish Step Dancer and competes at the national level. She willingly shares her gift of dance with her school community at various times throughout the school year. PAGE 11 – SCC Scholar Leader Banquet – March 23, 2015

North Haven Dr. Russell J. Dallai, Principal

David Wingate Accomplishments: David is the extraordinary valedictorian of ’s Class of 2015. In addition to this singular accomplishment, he has earned accolades for his varied successes. To name a few, these include being the NHHS Harvard Book Award recipient, NHHS Fencing Team Captain, North Haven Ultimate Frisbee Club Founder and Captain, NHHS National Honor Society Vice President, NHHS Science National Honor Society President, Sons of the American Revolution Good Citizenship Award recipient, and Camp Becket (the Berkshires) counselor. In addition, David has contributed almost 400 community service volunteer hours to worthy organizations.

Emma Dzialo Accomplishments: Emma is simply outstanding. Ranked fifth in the NHHS senior class, she has earned the position of captain of the girls’ swim and tennis teams. Outside of athletics, Emma plays the flute in the school band. Throughout high school she has volunteered over 130 hours to our community, most of which she contributed to the Connecticut Food Bank. She is a member of the French Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and Science Honor Society. Emma received the Wellesley Book Award, earned Super CAPT Scholar status, and was honored as a Rotary Club Student of the Month.

Notre Dame Patrick Clifford, Principal

Alec Albright Accomplishments: Vice President of the National Honor Society; Spanish Honor Society; Tri-M Music Honor Society; Senior Class President; Vice President of Concert Chorus; Civil Air Patrol Squadron Commander; Christian Student Mission Club Leadership Team; Peer Counselor; chosen to attend the National Holy Cross Leadership Conference; Captain of Cross Country Team; Track and Field Team; Student Ambassador Club; Spanish Club; Prudential Spirit of Community Award; President’s Volunteerism Award; Milford Mayor’s Youth Award; volunteer at Karate Camp and collected Halloween costumes for underprivileged children; in a political campaign; and is working on his private pilot’s license.

Anthony R. Coss Accomplishments: National Honor Society; Italian Honor Society; Peer Counselor; chosen to attend the National Holy Cross Leadership Conference; Student Ambassador Club; Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference; President and founding member of Interact Club; Faculty-Student Advancement Advisory Committee; Rotary Youth Leadership Award where he was selected to be a Director, Facilitator, Moderator; Lector, Religious Education Teacher, and Altar Server at St. Vincent de Paul Church; Track and Cross Country Athlete; Italian Club; Christian Student Mission Club; Peer Role Model for Social Communication Foundation; actor in musical productions; and volunteer Connecticut Food Bank and in a local political campaign. PAGE 12 – SCC Scholar Leader Banquet – March 23, 2015

Sacred Heart Academy Sr. Maureen Flynn, Principal

Isabella Siegel Accomplishments: Isabella is a phenomenal young woman who has a variety of interests. She has dedicated two summers to researching cellular biology at . In addition to her research Isabella is President of National Honor Society, Key Club President, and an officer of the Art Club. She has earned the University of Rochester Xerox Award, the Harvard Book Award , Governor Scholar Nominee, and is a Science Fair award winner. In addition to her strong academic ability Isabella is also an accomplished artist.

Ashley Heidtmann Accomplishments: Ashley has taken on leadership positions at Sacred Heart since her freshman year. She is presently Student Council President. She maintains high academic achievement as well as participates in several clubs and competes in varsity athletics. Her work ethic is surpassed by none. Whether she is on a team or in a classroom she works tirelessly to do her best. She is a varsity swimmer. In addition to academics Ashley has worked as a translator and Case researcher at Apostle Immigration Services in New Haven. She is a member of the National Honor Society, STUCO and SADD.

Mark T. Sheehan Rosemary Duthie, Principal

Nimanthi Kumara Accomplishments: President of Wallingford Chapter of Health Occupations Students of America, Student Council, Class of 2015 Secretary, Spanish Club Treasurer, Community Revitalization Efforts of Wallingford, National Honor Society, Mock Trial, Powderpuff Football, Sri Lankan Cultural Shows, Wallingford Girls’ Softball League, Tutor, Intern at Yale’s Neurosurgery Department, Health Careers Institute at Dartmouth, Volunteer at Masonicare, Job Shadowed at UCONN Medical Center, CAPT Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Science Award, Rotary Club High School Citizen of the Year Award, Town of Wallingford and State of Connecticut Volunteer Awards, Placed second at HOSA Conference for career health display

Michael Moscato Accomplishments: Varsity Football Captain, Junior Varsity Football Captain, Freshmen Football Captain, Junior Varsity Baseball, Varsity Baseball, Football Unsung Hero Award, Football Lineman of the Year, Football MVP Award, Casey/O’Brien New Haven County Chapter of the National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete, Weightlifting Club, Ski Club, Spanish Club, SCC All Conference All Academic Football and Baseball, High Honors Grades 9-12, CAPT Scholar, Town of Wallingford Peer Advocate, Pop Warner Youth Football Camp Mentor, Alzheimer’s Walk, Relay for Life, Holiday for Giving. PAGE 13 – SCC Scholar Leader Banquet – March 23, 2015

Shelton Dr. Beth Smith, Headmaster

Gina Ciambrello Accomplishments: Gina has proven successful in all four years in an honors/Advanced Placement/UCONN ECE program. She is a member of our National Honor Society and President of the Spanish National Honor Society. An Advanced CAPT and Advanced Placement Scholar, she has been a recipient of numerous academic awards. Gina is a captain of the softball team and active in many clubs. Gina volunteers with St. Margaret Mary’s Church’s Youth Group. She serves as an intern at UCONN Health Center Pathology/Cytology Department. Gina is currently ranked 1 of 384 graduating seniors. Her academic achievements, extra-curricular activities and community service make her stand out from her peers.

Erik Kocur Accomplishments: Erik Kocur is an outstanding individual who fully embraces being a part of the Shelton High School and local athletic community. His favorite sport has been Shelton Boys Volleyball for the past four years. He is currently serving as Captain, earned MVP grades 10 and 11, and is a CT High School All-State Player. Erik has proven successful in all four years in an honors/Advanced Placement/UCONN ECE program. He is also an outstanding National Honor Society and Honor Roll student. Erik is currently ranked 3 of 384 graduating seniors. His academic achievements and athletic talent make him stand out from his peers.

West Haven Pamela B. Gardner, Principal

Kharl Reynado Accomplishments: Kharl has distinguished herself as an accomplished scholar who has also displayed her leadership through her involvement in so many aspects of the Community. Kharl is Co-Captain of the Mock Trial Team, President of the National Honor Society, Chief Editor of West Whims (literary magazine) and is Co-Captain of the Girls’ Tennis Team. She is the recipient of both the Harvard and Princeton Book Awards. Kharl is active in the Varsity Math Team, the Rostrum (newspaper), and the Asian American Club. Additionally, Kharl is a First Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Michael Tran Accomplishments: Michael’s outstanding leadership has emerged throughout his time at WHHS. Michael is Captain of the Math Team, President of the Science Club, Captain of the Tennis Team, Section Leader, Assistant Field Leader and Jazz Band Manager of the Blue Devil Marching Band, and a member of the Asian Club. He also has perfect attendance for his high school career. Michael finds time outside of school to give piano lessons and to volunteer as a helper at the VA Hospital. PAGE 14 – SCC Scholar Leader Banquet – March 23, 2015

Wilbur Cross Edith Johnson, Principal

Shannon Foley Accomplishments: Shannon is an outstanding student; she has maintained a GPA of 4.6 ranking 3rd in her class. She is currently enrolled in four AP classes. Shannon has also been a member of Student council, and is Treasurer of the “Leo Club’. Shannon has received numerous accolades including high honor roll throughout her high school career including “Top Junior”, Yale University book award, and Coaches award. Additionally she was a member of the junior varsity team for track and soccer and is currently the Captain of the the soccer team. Shannon is also a civic-minded student who has volunteered for Special Olympics, a local nursery school and volunteers for the Community Garden club.

Sammy Rosofsky Accomplishments: Sammy is a dedicated, hard-working student who consistently strives to challenge himself and exceed expectations. Sammy has the important ability to maintain his composure and calm demeanor in the face of his rigorous academic schedule and his extra-curricular endeavors. He puts everything in perspective, achieves his goals and remain a happy and viable young man. A well-rounded young man, he participates on the Wilbur Cross lacrosse team and is an accomplished musician in our school band, holds a part-time position at Yale University and holds the number 2 ranking in his senior class. We are very proud of his accomplishments.

“Bill O’Brien Community Service Scholarship”

Bill O’Brien served as Commissioner of the SCC for 10 years (1994-2004) and remains active with the conference. A retired banking executive, Bill is well-known for his passionate and unselfish community service efforts throughout the greater New Haven area. At the conclusion of tonight’s awards banquet, two $500 scholarships will be awarded in Bill’s honor. Worthy recipients have a healthy balance of school and community activities that are value-added and embody the “spirit and passion” of Bill O’Brien. To “fairly” identify the recipients, the league requested for those interested scholar-leaders to contribute a writing piece in addition to their resume of activities/achievements. This is the seventh year the SCC has presented this scholarship. Here are the past recipients: 2014 – Amanda Royka (North Haven), Carl Verch (Sheehan) 2013 – Elise Tomasello (East Haven), Christopher Mazzacane (West Hav en) 2012 – Yuning Zhang (Guilford) and Jacob Thomas (Daniel Hand) 2011 – Benjamin Donarum (Notre Dame), Alicia Gansley (Sheehan) 2010 – Caitlin Axtmayer (Sacred Heart Academy), Claire Crouch (Mercy) 2009 – Matthew Schell (Branford), Sharon Hwang (East Haven) PAGE 15 – SCC Scholar Leader Banquet – March 23, 2015

Xavier Br. Brian Davis, C.F.X., Headmaster Brendan Donohue, Principal

Peter Drabinski Accomplishments: Peter is an exceptional young man. Peter challenges himself academically and has earned a rank in the top 10% of a competitive class. Outside of the classroom, Peter is Vice President of the National Honor Society, a member of the Spanish and Science Honor Societies, and a member of the Lacrosse and Cross Country teams. A quiet and humble young man, Peter values service to his community. Not only is he Vice President of Xavier’s Ryken Service Society, but Peter also makes yearly mission trips to Appalachia, and he is a longtime altar server in his home parish.

Gregory Pollard Accomplishments: An extremely talented and hardworking student, Greg exemplifies leadership. He is President of both the National and Spanish Honor Societies, and also a member of the Science and Math Honor Societies. Greg is a Peer Minister and participates in Model U.N., Cultural Diversity Club, Ambassadors Club, and Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field. Greg also spends several afternoons tutoring fellow students. A recipient of the Brother Celestine Medal for Academic Excellence, Greg has earned a cumulative 3.93 GPA. Beyond the classroom, what makes Greg special is his positive attitude, quiet confidence, ethics and values, and willingness to help anyone.

www.SouthernConnecticutConference.org CORPORATE SPONSORS The SCC recognizes the following corporate sponsors who help support the league’s various athletic and non-athletic events and programs.

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What is the SCC?

Founded in 1994, the Southern Connecticut Conference is celebrating its 21st year in 2014–15 with 23 memberschools and nearly 23,000 students. Lauralton Hall of Milford is the league’s newest member, having joined the league July 1, 2014. Recognized as the premier athletic league in the state of Connecticut, SCC member schools have captured nearly 400 state championships since the league’s inception. More importantly, the SCC is recognized for its outstanding non-athletic programs and events, which attempt to breakdown barriers and build bridges of understanding to its students. For more information on the SCC, visit www.SouthernConnecticutConference.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter @SCCcommissioner