Six Region 15 Students Named for Statewide Superintendent/Student Award

   Dr. Frank Sippy, Region 15 school superintendent, and the Pomperaug Regional School District 15 Board of Education named six students at the November 13, 2007 board meeting as this year’s recipients of the Superintendent/Student Award. These students were selected by their teachers based on leadership, citizenship, academics, community service, and participation in extra-curricular activities. 

  Those students named for the Superintendent/Student Recognition Program, and will receive a Certificate of Excellence, are: Memorial Middle School - Toby A. and Frank T.; Rochambeau Middle School - Caroline C. and Jackson B.; and Pomperaug High School - Lauren C. and Bryan W.. 

  The Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents and the Western Connecticut Superintendents Association sponsor the Superintendent/Student Award.

Toby A. has accomplished a great deal during his first two years in Memorial Middle School and is perceived as a true leader. He has been on the Honor Roll every marking term to-date, and he received academic recognition awards in every subject at the end of his seventh grade year. Toby has admirably served his school community, both as a Mustang Guidance Association tour guide for incoming sixth graders, as well as his earlier involvement as a fifth grade “Friendly Helper.”  Toby stays athletically active with his peers as a soccer and baseball player in the town leagues. As a Boy Scout, Toby is the troop scribe and volunteers his time on troop service projects, including bottle drives, pancake breakfasts, soup kitchens, and in public libraries. Toby also volunteers his time to support his church community.

Also from Memorial Middle School, Frank T. has demonstrated characteristics of leadership in both academics and athletics. His academic accomplishments led to his attaining membership in our Tri-M Music Honor Society as a seventh grader. After three years of playing the cello, Frank’s commitment to music and performance is evident in his membership of both the Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra groups. He also has played the piano for six years and he shares his talent at a local convalescent home several times a year. Frank has worked hard on the athletic fields, and in seventh grade he was selected as Captain of his town’s Lacrosse Team. He has also helped to teach first and second graders the basics of lacrosse. Service to the community is important to Frank, as evidenced by his volunteering time in support of the food shelter, being an altar server in his church, and participating in several local walks for charity, including walks for hunger and autism.

At Rochambeau Middle School, Caroline C. enjoys participating in physical activity including many sports. Some of her favorites are soccer, cross country, lacrosse and swimming. She also enjoys drawing and writing stories and was a Girl Scout. Her academic achievement in middle school is impressive as she has earned high honors throughout grades six and seven. Her favorite classes in school are history and math. She is also involved in band and art enrichment at Rochambeau. Caroline has a very supportive family and volunteers her time outside of school to her church and the Chapman House.   

Jackson B. is a very involved Rochambeau Middle School student. He is a peer tutor, participates in a band outside of school and has received an award for citizenship during seventh grade. During leisure time, Jackson enjoys running, biking, basketball, lacrosse, and spending time with his family. Jackson has been selected as a Captain of the middle school Cross-country Team. Academically, Jackson has earned high honors throughout his sixth and seventh grade years and has maintained an A average on each report card. Outside of school hours, Jackson volunteers his time supporting youth groups and his church. 

Lauren C. has left her mark on Pomperaug High School. Lauren has achieved academic honors, leads her class as its President, is an accomplished Lacrosse and Soccer player, is a member of Habitat for Humanity, and is an active member of her church community. These achievements point to hours of dedication and commitment, her stalwart work ethic, and motivation and an ability to relate to others. Lauren is a terrific young woman with all of the genuine ingredients needed to be successful. As Lauren enters the next phase of her education, she will be choosing between the education and medical fields. Either choice will one day enhance the lives of those she touches just as she has done here at Pomperaug High School.

            Bryan W. has been an involved and positive force at Pomperaug High School since his arrival three years ago. An excellent student, Brian has consistently challenged himself academically and done so successfully. In addition, he has distinguished himself on the athletic arena in football, basketball, and baseball. Brian was named to the all SWC academic teams in football and baseball and is this year’s Captain of both the Basketball and Baseball teams. Friendly and outgoing, Brian has been involved in many class and school activities and performed many community service activities including yearly mission trips that focus on helping those who are less fortunate. An unassuming young man with great promise, Brian has and continues to earn the respect of his teachers, peers and community.

   On November 14th, the students were honored at an awards ceremony at the Cornucopia Banquet Hall in Torrington, sponsored by the Litchfield County Superintendents Association

   The Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, the statewide school superintendents’ professional organization, now in its 22^nd year of operation, is based in West Hartford and provides professional development, personal support, statewide conferences, legislative information, and educational services to its membership.