Region 15 Students Recognized for Community Service, Scholastic Progress, and Leadership Abilities

 Six students were recognized at the November 13, 2006 Region 15 Board of Education meeting as serving their schools and communities while maintaining good scholastic progress and by exhibiting leadership qualities.

 The Connecticut Association of Public Schools Superintendents (CAPSS) and Litchfield County Superintendent’s Association (LCSA) sponsor the Superintendent/Student Recognition Program. 

 “Every November, I look forward to honoring students who have made the community proud through their academic, volunteer, or leadership skills,” said Dr. Frank Sippy, Region 15 school superintendent.

 The award recipients and their families were also honored this week at a dinner at the Cornucopia Restaurant in Torrington.

Memorial Middle School:

            Seventh grader Courtney L. has accomplished a great deal in her first two years in at Memorial Middle School.  She has maintained all A’s in her classes, received High Honors every marking term, and also received special awards in Art and Art Technology.  She is an active member of the Band and Chorus.  Courtney has participated in a unique Virtual High School program, the Great Books Reading Camp, and the People to People World Leadership program.  As a Girl Scout, Courtney enjoys service projects in her community including reading to an elderly blind woman, stacking books in the local library, and serving tea at a senior center. 

            Kaitlyn N. has demonstrated leadership in both academics and athletics at Memorial Middle School. Her accomplishments in school include attaining High Honors in every marking term and being an active member of the school newspaper staff for two years.  Kaitlyn has also worked hard on the athletic fields, as she was selected as Manager of the Softball Team in sixth grade, played three sports in seventh grade, and has been chosen as a Co-captain for the Soccer Team in eighth grade. Kaitlyn works to benefit our community through her membership in Girl Scouts, involving her in many community service projects and activities from helping families in need to working with seniors. 

Rochambeau Middle School:

            Andrew O. has always attained high honors at Rochambeau Middle School.  During the 2005-06 school year, he was chosen as the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest winner for both the Local and District levels.  In February 2006, Andrew represented both RMS and VFW Post 1607 at the State competition in Yalesville.  He has been a guest on Region 15’s television program, “Inside the District” on Channel 17.   Andrew also is an altar server and mentor at his church.  He is a member of the Cross Country and Basketball Teams and also serves on the RMS Student Council.

             Macie P. participates in RMS Cross Country.  She is a member of the RMS cheerleading team as well as helping out with Pomperaug Pop Warner.  Last year, Macie was chosen for the Citizenship Award and was also a RMS finalist for the Patriot Pen Essay.   Macie is a member of the Student Council as well as a peer mediator.

Pomperaug High School:

            Bridget S. is an outstanding young woman who has excelled academically and athletically while continuing to contribute to her school and community.  She has performed very well in some challenging academic classes and is Captain of this year’s Field Hockey and Lacrosse Teams.  She also participates in the Harvard Model United Nations, Spanish Honor Society, Pomperaug Guidance Association, and the Interact Club.  An avid participant in Irish Dance Class since childhood, she has taught classes to children in the community for the last three years.  She is also an active member of her church, worked six hours a week during the last school year, and worked full-time this past summer.  Bridget’s notes this quote from Gandhi as one of her favorites, “…you must be the change you wish to see in the world.”  She certainly is well on the way to making a very positive change.

            Dan T. has a multitude of talents that he has honed over the last three years of high school as a runner, track star, swimmer, musician, and student.  The overwhelming theme of all of these is determination and hard work.  Quiet and unassuming, Dan simply does whatever needs to be done, regardless of the time or difficulty; he does not give up until he meets his goal.  Dan has also been a dedicated member of our band.  He plays the trumpet and participates in the marching band.   He has competed in three varsity sports throughout the school year and was named Captain of all three sports his senior year.  His tenacity has earned him the respect of his teachers and peers alike.