Joshua Smith, Superintendent of Region 15 Schools, named six students as the recipients of the 2022 Litchfield County Superintendent’s Association (LCSA) Award, sponsored by the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents. 

Students were selected for their demonstration of outstanding leadership, citizenship, academic performance, participation in community service and extracurricular activities. Students from each member school across Litchfield County were selected to represent their district. 

The following students were selected from Region 15 as the LCSA Award Recipients: Adam Ma and Ava Messina from Pomperaug High School (PHS); Grayson Mengold and Emma Sander from Memorial Middle School (MMS); and Samantha Fig and Caitlyn Bellesheim from Rochambeau Middle School (RMS).

Pomperaug High School

Adam Ma has achieved great academic success at Pomperaug High School, where he has always taken the most rigorous course load offered.  Adam’s approach to peers and staff is humble and he is grateful for the opportunities ahead of him.  His overall dedication in all areas of life have allowed him to find success and grow into a great example of all that Pomperaug offers.  We know that he will take these lessons and translate them to continued growth and compassion in his future. 

Ava Messina is a student who goes out of her way to be a leader in our school community.  On the field her teammates go to her for advice and inspiration. This leadership has shown in the classroom as well as she is recognized by her teachers as a role model.  Ava’s academic abilities and prowess will make her a success in the future, but it is her inner personality that will continue to make our world a better place.  

Memorial Middle School

Grayson Mengold is a young man with outstanding leadership capabilities in addition to be an outstanding and compassionate young man.  In school, he is involved in Debate Club, Student Government, both our Ally and Wingman Programs, Cross Country, and is a Spanish Peer Tutor.  In the greater community, he was one of the recent winners of the VFW 1706 Patriot Pen Essay contest, he swims competitively, has been actively involved in youth basketball and tennis, as well as competing in 5K running since 3rd grade.  While doing all of this, he is also a Junior Committee Member for the Logan Murphy Mengold Foundation and has made sandwiches for those in need through his church for the last few years.  He is a young man worthy of recognition.

Emma Sander is a caring and kind young woman who is involved in not only her school, but also the community at large.  Emma is a section editor for our school newspaper, is a member of the Yearbook Committee, and is actively involved in chorus and our select choral group Exit 17.  Outside of school, she volunteers at the Middlebury Public Library, is involved with her church youth group, participates in gymnastics, karate, and figure skating.  Additionally, she teaches Sunday School and volunteers to assist with the Southbury Women’s Club in their activities.  Emma does all of this while maintaining high academic standards while also being a welcoming and engaging young woman. 

Rochambeau Middle School

Samantha Fig is a talented student at Rochambeau Middle School. She is proactive, responsible and a positive role model. Samantha has taken a leadership role in many areas. Not only does she excel at academics, but she also contributes to the school community as a member of the Cross-Country team, Math Counts, and our Chorale music group. Samantha is committed to helping the school community to be a positive place for all students. Her positive attitude has been recognized by teachers; she was nominated for the #RMSPride Spotlight student award for her –. Additionally, Samantha has participated in and embodies the characteristics necessary to be a Peer Leader and Ally. 

Caitlyn Bellesheim is an excellent student at Rochambeau Middle School. She is an active participant and demonstrates leadership across many settings. Caitlyn positively contributes to our school community as a leader of the RMS Girls’ Soccer team. Caitlyn has a love for music and is a member of our school chorus. Caitlyn also devotes her time to the Southbury community. She is actively involved in many town organizations. She has volunteered her time to prepare and distribute food for the needy and raise money for various charities. She is actively involved in her church youth group, Girl Scouts, and supports local dog rescues. 

Picture L-R: Emma Sandor, Adam Ma, Ava Messina, Samantha Fig, Caitlyn Bellesheim, Grayson Mengold and Joshua Smith, Superintendent of Region 15 Schools.