Middlebury Elementary School, fourth grade student, Megan C. enjoys being a girl, and Girls Incorporated of South Western CT , has selected her as the winner of the Celebrate Girls Award in the category of science, math and technology. 

The award will be presented at the Celebrate Girls Award Event on May 5 at the Mattatuck Museum.  In addition to her parents, Megan will be seated alongside her fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Ellen Shugrue, who nominated her for the award.

“When I read the nomination form, and saw they were looking for young girls who excelled in math and science as well as the extra curricular activities they pursue,” explained Mrs. Shugrue, “I immediately thought of Megan who is a true role model.

Megan challenges herself every day and I can always count on her,” said Mrs. Shugrue.  “She is very responsible and is always willing to assist anyone who needs help with any subject or anything.  She goes above and beyond in the classroom as well as being a talented dancer and soccer player outside of school,” she said.

Girls Inc. nomination forms are sent to school principals in the greater Waterbury area and are then distributed to teachers.  Out of a field of sixty nominees, Megan was one of five winners in various categories for girls in grades one through twelve.

“This is such a great honor and I’m very excited about it,” said Miss C. of her award.  “I think it was really nice of Mrs. Shugrue to take the time to nominate me.”

 The poised and petite, ten year old, says she loves math and science and enjoys any thought provoking problem or challenging project that go along with the subjects. 

 Outside of the classroom, Megan plays soccer with Middlebury Parks and Recreation and studies jazz and lyrical dance, a fusion of modern dance, jazz and ballet, at Lights Camera Dance in Middlebury.  She has received honors for solo performances in various dance competitions.

 “My mom cried when she heard the news and both my parents are really proud of me,” said Miss C. who credits her drive and accomplishments to her mother.  “My mom taught me to never give up and to keep trying when faced with a problem,” she said.

 “We have a motto in the classroom,” said Mrs. Shugrue.  “Each one of us doing our best, equals one amazing team.  That’s what Megan does every day, she gives her best.”

 The oldest Girls Incorporated affiliate was formed in 1864 in Waterbury, CT and was the first girls’ club established in the United States.  In 1990, the non profit organization changed their name from the Girls Clubs of America to Girls Inc.

 According to Pam Laliberte, Program Development Director for the local chapter, Girls Inc. serves 900,000 girls with nationally researched and field-tested programs.  The Operation SMART program is designed to builds girls’ skills and interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

 “Girls tend to lose interest in these fields of study at an early age,” said Ms. Laliberte.  “We hope to heighten the excitement for girls who have an interest in these academic areas and hopefully encourage them to pursue a dream in that field,” she explained.