Hundreds of parents and students gathered in the auditorium at New Canaan High School for the NCHS Recognition Assembly on Friday morning. Emceed by Assistant Principal Ari Rothman, the awards ceremony recognized seniors and juniors at the high school. What follows is a list of those honored, with a brief description of the specific awards given, where available—congratulations to all.
Phyllis Landers Linden hugs Kevin Kurtzman during the 2015 New Canaan High School Recognition Assembly on May 29. Kurtzman won a Drama Award—for Outstanding Achievement in Technical Theatre—from the Kiwanis Club of New Canaan in memory of Peter B. Linden. Credit: Michael Dinan
Overall Achievement Awards
National Merit Finalist—Each year more than a million high school students participate in the National Merit Scholarship testing program. Of this group, only one-half of 1 percent in each state is recognized as “National Merit Finalists,” a designation that comes only as a result of a record of distinguished achievement and a high potential for continued academic accomplishment.
- Shaan Appel
- Carsten Berger
- Steven DiCarlo
- Patrick Hompe
- Charles Lenihan
- Veronica Ma
- Katherine Means
- Edward O’Rourke
- Sarah Owen
- Charles Sosnick
Principal’s Achievement Award—Students are selected as the recipient of this award who have, over their years at New Canaan High School, a demonstrated record of high academic achievement.
- Ann Balzer
- Carsten Berger
- Emma Kennelly
Principal’s Leadership Award—Students are selected as recipients of this award who have a record of exemplary service to the school and the community.
- Fiona Risom
Connecticut Association of Boards of Education Student Leadership Award—An ability to recognize the needs of others, a willingness to take on difficult challenges and a capacity for making difficult decisions, ability to work with and direct others, and the ability to honor commitments – these are the attributes for which this award was established.
- Charles Lenihan
- Isabel Taben
Connecticut Association of Schools Fine Arts Scholar Awards
- Hannah Kirkpatrick
- Jeremy Ryan
AAUW Awards for Distinguished Academic Performance
- Sarah Hardy
- Michael Popper
The Harold S. Kenney Awards (Scholar/Athlete)
- Edward O’Rourke
- Isabel Taben
Connecticut Association of Schools Governor’s Scholar of CT Award—The Governor’s Scholars Program recognizes academically talented high school juniors in schools throughout the state.
Jane Reed
Art Awards
Fritz Eager Memorial Purchase Awards—To establish and expand a permanent collection of high school student art that will inspire young artists, the Purchase Award recognizes excellence in the visual arts by acquiring the work of graduating seniors “from the whole range of media.”
- Alexandra Gottleib
- Kayleigh Pace
- Zachary Seger
Fritz Eager Merit Award—Given to student artists whose work embodies both quality and originality. This award acknowledges an outstanding body of work exhibited in the Annual Senior Art Show.
- Riley Durkin
- Eleanor Garrett
- Chloe Rippe
Jennifer Ann Zucco Award for Achievement in Visual Art—Recognizing the art of a graduating senior, this scholarship honors the essential traits of Jennifer: a brilliant vision, a curious mind, a generous and creative spirit.
- Hayden Hane
Arthur Szyk Award for Commitment to the Arts—Named for a distinguished New Canaan illustrator and artist whose work sought to advance social justice, this award recognizes a talented individual whose work in art addresses the school, community, or world.
- Osaze Wilson
Pennyweights Award for Achievement in Arts—The owners of Pennyweights in New Canaan have established a very generous award to be given annually to a senior who, in the judgment of the Art faculty, has displayed “learning, zeal and know-how which transcends the school and its classrooms and extends into real life.”
- Corinne Vietorisz
Caren Forbes Award for Achievement in Photography—This award is given to the student who has demonstrated excellence in the photographic medium, not only documenting the world around him/her with clarity and skill but also using the photographic process creatively to communicate personal voice.
- Hannah Kirkpatrick
Gregory Todd Memorial for Filmmaking—Greg Todd was a 1995 graduate of New Canaan High School who established a name for himself as a student at Boston University, where he developed a unique technique that incorporated computer imaging into his motion pictures. He lost his battle with cancer a few years ago and this memorial award is given in his name to the student artist who has excelled in the area of filmmaking.
- Georgia Connick
Peter Kingsbury Award for Film—This award is in honor of Peter Kingsbury, a dedicated teacher and filmmaker at New Canaan High School who inspired a generation of students in the art of storytelling through film. The recipient of this award is a film student who has an appreciation of the Arts and has excelled in creating original content through film.
- Lillian Engel
Business Education Awards—For distinguished achievement in business.
Lion Club Award
- Brian Macari
- Chase Williams
New Canaan Board of Realtors Award
- Steve Anuszkiewicz
- Kane Curtin
- James Orphanos
Reynolds & Rowella Strength in Numbers Scholarship—The Reynolds & Rowella Strength in Numbers Scholarship awards $500 to two New Canaan High School graduating seniors who have a strong interest and aptitude in accounting or finance. The program was established 11 years ago and supports the firm’s belief in giving back to the communities they serve.
- Cheyenne Krueger
- Alex Minaglia
Drama Awards
The Kiwanis Club of New Canaan in Memory of Peter B. Linden—Peter Linden was a loved and respected member of the Kiwanis Club of New Canaan who left us too early after a long battle with cancer. His passions were art and the theatre and in recognition of this, the Kiwanis Club has established the following New Canaan High School award in Peter’s memory for the benefit of these promising drama students.
Outstanding Achievement in Technical Theatre
- Kevin Kurtzman
- Nina Larson
The Court Miller Award for Achievement in Acting
- Elizabeth Koennecke
- English Awards
The V. Donald Hersam, Sr. Memorial Award for Excellence in English
- Shaan Appel
- Charles Sosnick
The V. Donald Hersam, Sr. Memorial Award for Excellence in Journalism
- Casey Manzella
- Chloe Rippe
The Mary R. Smith Award for Literary Exploration
- Kenon Lysenko
- Samantha Santoni
Department Award for Excellence in the Study of American Literature
- Kaitlin Karr
- Claire Moyle
- Miles Turpin
The Spectator Award—For the Literary Promise reflected in original work submitted to Spectator.
- Sarah Owen
Family and Consumer Science Awards
Outstanding Achievement in Child Development
- Cassandra Pelli
Shirley Frank Award for Outstanding Achievement in Family and Consumer Science
- Erica Spacaccini
Outstanding Achievement in Culinary Arts
- Hannah Neeleman
Mathematics Awards
Department Award in Mathematics—This award recognizes the individual who has made significant contributions to the study of mathematics at NCHS.
- Steven DiCarlo
Norman Ricker Award—Norman Ricker graduated from and taught at New Canaan High School for over 37 years. For over 25 years, he served as Department Chairman. His love for teaching and learning along with his sense of humor and creative wit earned him the respect and admiration of many. The award recognizes creativity in the field of Mathematics.
- Charles Lenihan
The A.K. Littlefield Award—Established by the NCHS Class of 1938 to honor the memory of their advisor, Mr. Keith Littlefield, who served as chairman of the Mathematics Department for more than 35 years, the award is given to the senior who is outstanding in mathematics.
- Patrick Hompe
Performing Arts Awards
Instrumental Music Awards
Outstanding Contribution to the Band
- Braian Qela
Louis Armstrong Award for Excellence in Jazz
- Elias Litchman
Excellence in the Field of Music
- Jeremy Ryan
John Philip Sousa Band Award
- Kyle Street
Orchestral Awards
Outstanding Achievement in Orchestra
- Victor Lu
Leonard Bernstein Award for Excellence in Orchestral Artistry
- Tyler Edwards
Director’s Award
- Charles Lenihan
Vocal Music Awards
Outstanding Vocalist
- Nina Larson
- Nancy Leville
Outstanding Contribution to the Vocal Music Program
- Elizabeth Koennecke
Outstanding Student in Music Theory
- Jeremy Ryan
Music Technology Awards
Outstanding Achievement in Music Technology
- Brendan McManus
Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition
- Melissa Calabro
- Lauren Peet
The Richard Serbagi Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts—This award and scholarship, named for the great maestro and music educator, Richard Serbagi, recognizes the individual whose contributions to the study of music and the performing arts and commitment and concentration has brought about growth as a musician and performing artist.
- Emily Azzarito
Science Awards
Department Award for Excellence in Biology
- Edward O’Rourke
- Sarah Owen
Department Award for Excellence in Chemistry
- Abigail Farley
Department Award for Excellence in Physics
- Shaan Appel
- Steven DiCarlo
Bausch & Lomb Award for Outstanding Achievement in Science by a Junior
- Christopher Reik
Pennyweights Award for the Outstanding Student in Science—The owners of Pennyweights in New Canaan have established a very generous award to be given annually to a senior who, in the judgment of the Science faculty, has displayed “learning, zeal and know-how which transcends the school and its classrooms and extends into real life.”
- Charles Lenihan
Intellectual Curiosity in the Study of Science Award
- Luke Brand
- Spencer Loweth
Social Studies Award
The Robert Gardner Award—This departmental award is given to the senior who has exhibited passion and commitment to the study of History.
- Veronica Ma
- Edward O’Rourke
New Canaan Historical Society Award for Outstanding Achievement in United States History
- Jennifer Levine
Veterans of Foreign Wars for Excellence in United States History
- Katherine Donovan
World Affairs Forum Future Global Leader Award—This award is given to the junior at each participating high school for outstanding leadership on global issues including academic studies, extracurricular activities and/or community service. The recipient of this award is eligible to complete for the WAF $10,000 Merit Scholarship for college which will be awarded to Fairfield County’s most outstanding Future Global Leader.
- Daniel Korsun
League of Women Voters of New Canaan Award—Awarded to the student who has excelled in the study of Government and demonstrated a commitment to motivating other students to become responsible citizens.
- Casey Manzella
- Kyle Persky
Technology Education Awards
Outstanding Achievement in Engineering
- Steven Windas
Perannos Yearbook Design & Publication Award—For outstanding leadership, dedication and editorial integrity while producing a yearbook of the highest possible quality.
- Alexandra Orndahl
NCTV 78 Television Broadcasting Award—For their outstanding work and dedication to the broadcasting field.
- Kate Blasco
- Charles Hoffman
- Jack Morris
Outstanding Achievement in Graphic Design
- Hannah Kirkpatrick
Department Award in Career & Technical Education
- Kyle Levasseur
World Languages Awards
Excellence in Spanish
- Veronica Ma
Excellence in French
- Sophia Bozzella
Excellence in Chinese
- Ryan Rigione
The Carl Howard Memorial Scholarship
- Emma Patch
The Celine Berliet Memorial Award in Classics—The recipient of this award is distinguished by exceptional academic aptitudes and achievements, with a special interest in and commitment to the Classics. Céline Berliet, a New Canaan High School, class of 1996, graduated magna cum laude from Columbia University with a BA in Classics, taught Classics in Arizona and Maryland and pursued graduate studies in Classics at New York University.
- Cassandra Pelli
Special Awards
The Richard P. Bond Award—Dick Bond was New Canaan’s first selectman from 1996 to 2003. While controversial at times, there is no question that Dick had a significant impact on the town. Today is bears dozens of marks directly attributable to him and his administration. One is Dunning Stadium, the building of which would have been abandoned had Dick not personally stepped in and revitalized the project. A great friend of New Canaan education, Dick got started in town politics as a citizen fighting for a school budget that was under threat of deep cuts. He firmly believed that education was New Canaan’s “secret sauce.” The award we give today in his name is intended to recognize someone who, like Dick, has made a difference. It goes to the graduating student, who during his/her NCHS career has had the greatest positive impact on NCHS – the student who, more than most, has made what is already a wonderful institution even better. Additionally, the recipient will have demonstrated strength in academics and in one or more non-academic areas.
- Olivia Park
Bradley Fetchet 9/11 Memorial Award—Established by the Fetchet family and supported by their friends and community to honor the memory of their son, Brad, a NCHS graduate among those lost at the World Trade Cetner on Sept. 11, 2001, the award – presented annually – to both a male and female member of the graduating class who embody the spirit of Brad: his enthusiasm, compassion, love of life, commitment to family and community, and especially those in need.
- Grace Freyre
- Jake Morris
Team Jim Scholarship—Established in memory of Jim McKennan, the selected students are seniors who have played Varsity Soccer and embody Jim’s passion for the sport of soccer as well as his qualities of caring, kindness, humor, teamwork, sportsmanship and confidence to follow their own path in life.
- Marina Braccio
- Chase Williams
The John Leslie Award—John Leslie, a member of the Class of 2012, passed away in August 2007. To preserve his memory through the promotion of activities and organizations in which John had been active during his lifetime, his family and friends created the John A. Leslie Fund. John’s family continues to honor him by awarding a scholarship to a graduating boy and a graduating girl who have been active in interscholastic athletics embody John’s passion for athletics as well as the preservation of the ideals of good sportsmanship, community awareness, healthy families and educational excellence that were dear to John during his life.
- Sarah Klearman
- John McMahon
The Henry Coleman Memorial Award—Henry S. Coleman was a former Dean of Financial Aide, Director of Admissions, and Dean of Students at Columbia University. While living in New Canaan for over 50 years, he chaired the Board of Education and was one of the founders of the New Canaan High School Scholarship Fund, serving on its Grant and Aide committee until his death in 2006. His lifelong passion was to ensure that every student had access to a good education. This fund, set up in honor of his memory, gives the award in his name to the student or students who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to helping others, but who also possess the character and skills of leadership that make them role models among their peers.
- Daniela Villa-Shahaguian
The Edwin Bennett Dixon Memorial Award—Ed Dixon was a 1971 graduate of NCHS who returned home after college as the Audio Visual and Technical Theatre Director. He loved teaching and sharing his talents with his students for over 12 years before losing his battle with cancer. This award, given in his name, recognizes a student’s achievement in communication, technical and audio-visual crafts.
- Matthew DeMattia
New Canaan Community Foundation Community Impact Award—A student with a history of volunteerism on behalf of non-profit organizations whose volunteer service to the community has made a significant difference in the lives of others; a student who believes that community service can be a means to improve our community for all residents. NCCF will present the recipient with a plaque and the student will recommend a nonprofit organization to receive a grant in his/her name.
- Sarah Maddox
Leo E. Karl Sr. Community Service Award—In 1927, Leo E. Karl Sr. opened a Chevrolet auto dealership on Railroad Avenue (now Elm Street) here in New Canaan. One of the company’s hallmarks is Community Service. This memorial award is presented to the student who has demonstrated a commitment to make his/her community a better place to live and work.
- Grace Rochlin
Jack Jacobs Congregational Medal of Honor Award for Citizenship—The selected student has demonstrated selfless leadership and service to others during his/her four years of high school in an area where his/her contributions made a significant difference to others, the town or the United States.
- Kyle Wenning
The James Michael (Mikey) Czech Memorial Scholarship—The James Michael (Mikey) Czech Memorial Scholarship has been established to honor the memory of Mikey Czech, who passed away in 2008 at age 11 from an inoperable and rare pediatric brain tumor known as a Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, or DIPG. Mikey would have been a senior this year, graduating with the class of 2015. To honor Mikey’s memory, this one-time $10,000 scholarship will be awarded to each of two (2) New Canaan High School students – one female and one male – who exemplify Mikey’s passion for life, positive disposition, irresponsible determination and his willingness to be a friend to everyone. Given directly to the college of the student’s choice.
- Riley O’Neill
- Grace Stryker
Western Connecticut Military Officer Association Young American Leadership Award—Awarded to a member of the senior class who is strongly supportive of the United States and has a demonstrated love of country, the Young American Leadership Award recognizes outstanding leadership potential and a keen interest in spreading the concepts of democracy through service to the community and others.
- Erik Eason
The Pheidippides Award—Pheidippides was an Athenian courier sent to Sparta to request help when the Persians landed at Marathon. He ran 150 miles in two days and, when the battle was over, ran 22 miles back to Athens shouting along the way: “Rejoice! We conquer!” In selecting the recipient of this award, we look for a graduating student who always brings a distinctive effort to everything he/she does and perseverance to his/her high school career.
- Kayla Greco
Melanie Weeks Sammarco Memorial Award—This is in loving memory of Melanie Weeks Sammarco, a woman who followed her dreams by continuing her own education beyond all expectations. The recipient personifies Melanie’s values: “love, heal, realize, inspire and evolve” and it is hoped that he/she will follow his/her dreams.
- Elizabeth Nikolla
- Erica Spacaccini
Jack Dempsey Award—This award was established by the Ceresa family and has been supported by The Marine Corps Foundation, as well as friends and classmates, in honor of Kevin “Jack” Dempsey. Jack transferred to New Canaan High School n the fall of 1997 as a member of the Class of 1999. After overcoming many stumbling blocks, Jack graduated with the class of 2000 and attended the University of Connecticut. The tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001 fueled his lifelong determination to join the U.S. Marine Corps. Jack was killed in action during the battle for Fallujah (Iraq) on Nov. 13, 2004. His actions on that day saved the lives of several Marines on this mission. The award is presented annually to the student who most exemplifies the qualities of heroism, loyalty and sacrifice in the face of adversity.
- Malaki Holan
The Kay Timmis Award—“She was everyone’s grandmother” – Kay Timmis or “Mrs. Timmis” as she was called, was a beloved substitute teacher at both the high school and Saxe Middle School. She began working as a substitute teacher in the district in the late-1970s. She touched hundreds of young lives with her rare, unflagging kindness, smile and generosity of spirit. The Miss Timmis Award is given each year to a graduating senior of New Canaan High School who embodies Mrs. Timms’s legacy of kindness, warmth, generosity of spirit, loving acceptance of others and unwavering support for fellow students.
- Charlotte Risom
The Suzanne Farrell Memorial Award—Given by members of the Class of 1980 in recognition of the characteristics that define their late friend and classmate—leadership, character and service.
- Erin Bucci
The Daughters of the American Revolution Award—For Outstanding Citizenship and Patriotism, as nominated by the school and selected by the Local Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
- Justine Jorgensen
Richard Frisbee Memorial Award—From a Gift of the Class of 1992, awarded to a student who has set out goals for himself or herself and shown an outstanding initiative in pursuing those goals without losing sight of humanity and sincere compassion for others.
- Sean Davidson
The Young Women’s League Award for Community Service
- Madison Flagg
The NCHS Buddies Award—These students are recognized for their commitment to fostering friendships between typical high school and special needs students with intellectual disabilities.
- Grace Stryker
Gary Field Coalition Award for Outstanding Service
- Fiona Risom
Outstanding Leadership by a Junior Member of the Student Coalition
- Claire Conley
NCHS Parents and Faculty Association Award for Outstanding Service and Loyalty
- Deven Appel
- Alexander LaPolice
- Brian Macari
- John Tierney
- Jayne Wixtead
- Riley Woodroof
Student Advocates Award—Honoring a single upperclassman that has demonstrated a commitment to the mission of the Student Advocates by demonstrating self respect, respect for others, respect for differences, and an active commitment to ethical, responsible behavior, this award represents an understanding of the components of community and citizenship as evidenced by the recipient’s interactions with and on behalf of others. As both peer and mentor, this student is dedicated to NCHS culture as one who nurtures growth, personal integrity and mutual respect.
- Charles Lenihan
The CIAC Achievement Award—The award is presented to the New Canaan High School athletes who have achieved at a very high level in their chosen sport. The recipients of this award have devoted countless hours of training, striving to elevate their game to the highest levels attainable. More importantly, these are individuals who are exemplary in sportsmanship, ethics and intregrity.
- Zachary Allen
- Maxwell Begoon
- Zachary Edwards
- Mackenzie Lewis
- Kyla Persky
- Kylie Towbin
Friends of New Canaan Library Service Award—For exceptional volunteer service by a student or community group in New Canaan.
- Emily Meyer
New Canaan Library Student Volunteer Award—For exceptional performance as a student employee or volunteer at the New Canaan Library.
- Mallory Sheibley
The Waveny Care Center Volunteer Award
- Jamie Schlim
Bob’s Sports – The Don Guenin Award (Outstanding Athletes)
- Emily DeTour
- Michael Kraus
The Silver Hill Hospital Health Care Scholarship—This award is provided annually by the hospital in support of a New Canaan High School student who is pursuing their education in the health care field.
- Abigail Morley
The TechXpert Service Award—The TechXpert Service Award is given to the senior who most demonstrates superior problem-solving and technical skills while practicing the qualities necessary for excellent customer service, such as initiative, approachability, perseverance and patience.
- Shelby Haydu
Junior Book Awards
The Yale Club of Lower Fairfield County—“For outstanding personal character and intellectual promise.”
- Elizabeth Kaliff
College of William and Mary Leadership Award—“For leadership in the school and classroom and for personal leadership qualities.”
- Ethan Geller
Wellesley College—Presented by the Southern Connecticut Wellesley Club to a female student whose academic record and character are exceptional and who has also made a significant contribution to her school and/or community.
- Claire Conley
University of Virginia Jefferson Book Award—“For the outstanding, well-rounded junior who possesses the Jeffersonian ideals of scholarship, leadership and citizenship.”
- Daniel Korsun
Vassar College—For excellence in the Humanities.
- Meghan Egan
Trinity College—“For scholarship, dedication and service to the school.”
- Robert Fusek
Smith College—“For academic excellence, leadership and concern for others.”
- Katharine Donovan
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute—“For outstanding achievement in Mathematics and Science.”
- Jane Reed
Princeton Alumni Association of Fairfield County—“To a junior who, in the faculty’s judgment, most clearly demonstrates creativity of mind and vitality of spirit.”
- Miles Turpin
Oberlin Club of Westchester and Southern Connecticut—To a junior who demonstrates excellence in English.
- Peter Tranhanas
Mount Holyoke Club of Fairfield Villagers—For an outstanding academic record and qualities of leadership and service in the school and/or community.
- Jordan Smith
University of Michigan—For excellence in English.
- Jennifer Levine
College of the Holy Cross—“For exceptional academic achievement and sincere concern for others.”
- Kaitlin Karr
Harvard Club of Fairfield County—“For an outstanding junior.”
- Chloe Rosenberg
Gettysburg College—For excellence in the study of United States history.
- Peter Tranhanas
Dartmouth Club of Fairfield County—To a junior who has excelled both academically and in his/her extracurricular activities, making a positive contribution to the school community.
- Brett Capone
Columbia University Club of Fairfield County—For outstanding academic achievement.
- Charles Pitteway
Brown University—For an outstanding junior in English.
- Paige Meintzer