New Canaan High School Recognizes Accomplishments of Students at Annual Assembly

Hundreds of New Canaan High School parents, students and faculty members on Wednesday morning gathered in the auditorium to honor more than 130 seniors and juniors at the annual Recognition Assembly.

A day to recognize the achievements of NCHS students—and to recall members of the school and wider community, some deceased, as several awards are named for them—the event marks “one of those days where these kids make us look very, very good,” said Vice Principal Ari Rothman, who emceed the ceremony.

“We are all very proud of their accomplishments,” he said.

This year marked the first-ever award named for beloved New Canaan Public Schools teacher Kelly Devine, who died suddenly April 7 at age 36. In a moment that earned a standing ovation from many of those in the crowd, her parents, Jay and Cathy, and two of her siblings, Kevin and Kim (she also is survived by brothers Robert and Daniel) handed out the award to recognize Kelly’s “work, her infectious spirit and her passion for literature and reading.”

What follows is a list of all awards, with descriptions where available, and recipients:

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 one 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.

• BRETT CAPONE
• CHRISTOPHER REIK
• CLAIRE MOYLE
• MILES TURPIN

National Hispanic Scholar: The National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP) identifies academically outstanding Hispanic/Latino high school students. Each year, the NHRP honors nearly 5,000 of the highest-scoring students from the approximately 235,000 Hispanic/Latino juniors who take the PSAT/NMSQT

• JOSH KLAPPER
• CARA MICHAEL

Fairfield County Association of Secondary Schools Principal’s Scholar Leader Awards

• ABIGAIL FARLEY
• MILES TURPIN

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.

• BRETT CAPONE
• MEREDITH LUCHS

AAUW Awards for Distinguished Academic Performance

• ETHAN GELLER
• ELIZABETH KALIFF

The Harold S. Kenney Awards (Scholar/Athlete)

• CLAIRE CONLEY
• DAVID STRUPP

Principal’s Leadership Award: Students are selected as recipients of this award who have a record of exemplary academic accomplishment and leadership to the school and/or the community.

• DANIEL KORSUN
• PETER TRAHANAS

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

• KATHERINE DONOVAN
• CHRISTOPHER REIK
• KAITLYN KARR
• ALEC SCHNAPP

Principal’s Service Award: Students are selected as recipients of this award who have a record of high academic achievement and exemplary service to the school and the community.

• SOPHIA BOZZELLA
• GWEN DAVIDSON
• GRETCHEN McCARTHY

Connecticut Association of Schools Fine Arts Scholar Awards

Performing Arts

• KATARINA MOOR

Visual Arts

• SARA BRINDISI

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.

• JASON CAMPE

 

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,” For her digital illustration, “The Best Question”

• EMMA CLAY

For her digital illustration, “New York Abstraction”

• HANNAH FOX

For her mixed-media collage, “Transition”

• JORDAN SMITH

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.

• SARA BRINDISI
• ISABEL POLLISH
• LAUREN WEINGARTEN

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.

• JESSICA DANTAS

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.

• INNES MacKENZIE

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.”

• ELEANOR HERSAM

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.

• KELSEY KROLIKOWSKI
• HAILEY WHEELER

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.

• CONNNOR DeMAYO
• JENNIFER LEVINE

 

BUSINESS EDUCATION AWARDS

Lions Club Award for the outstanding business student

• BENJAMIN DURKIN
• MICHAEL PELLI

New Canaan Board of Realtors Award for distinguished achievement in business

• MATTHEW KRUEGER

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 to support the firm’s belief in giving back to the communities they serve.

• ALEXANDER LAMBRINOS
• LAUREN MEYERS

 

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

• KATHRYN CALLAHAN
• CLAIRE PERRY

The Court Miller Award for Achievement in Acting JENNIFER DALY

• NICHOLAS RANIERI

The Court Miller Award for Musical Theatre

• JACOB FREEDGOOD
• AUDREY KIRKPATRICK

Outstanding Achievement in Dance

• MARGOT WEISS

 

ENGLISH AWARDS

The V. Donald Hersam, Sr. Memorial Award for Excellence in English

• PAIGE MEINTZER
• PETER TRAHANAS

The V. Donald Hersam, Sr. Memorial Award for Excellence in Journalism

• JENNIFER LEVINE
• KAITLYN SANDVIK
• EMILIA SAVINI

The Mary R. Smith Award for Literary Exploration

• MEREDITH LUCHS

Department Award for Excellence in the Study of American Literature

• BHASKAR ABHIRAMAN

The Spectator Award for the Literary Promise Reflected in Original Work Submitted to Spectator

• JULIA MEANS

 

FAMILY and CONSUMER SCIENCE AWARDS

Outstanding Achievement in Child Development

• JANE ISHERWOOD
• SARAH PANELLA

Shirley Frank Award for Outstanding Achievement in Family and Consumer Science

• SAMANTHA PENMAN

Outstanding Achievement in Culinary Arts

• ELLIE VonOEHSEN

Excellence in Family & Consumer Science Award

• JULIA KOLLER

 

MATHEMATICS AWARDS

Departmental Award in Mathematics: This award recognizes the individual who has made significant contributions to the study of mathematics at NCHS.

• ROBERT FUSEK
• CHARLES PITTEWAY

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.

• MILES TURPIN

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.

• JANE REED

 

PERFORMING ARTS AWARDS

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC AWARDS

Outstanding Contribution to the Band

• JACQUELINE MONZON

Louis Armstrong Award for Excellence in Jazz

• JOHN BEMIS

Excellence in the Field of Music

• ALEXIS GELSTON

John Philip Sousa Band Award

• CLAIRE CONLEY

ORCHESTRAL AWARDS

Outstanding Achievement in Orchestra

• ETHAN GELLER

Director’s Award

• GRAYSON KANE

VOCAL MUSIC AWARDS

Outstanding Vocalists

• GRIFFIN HALL
• KATARINA MOOR

Outstanding Contribution to the Vocal Music Program

• JACOB FREEDGOOD

Outstanding Student in Music Theory

• SAM KLEARMAN

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY AWARDS

Outstanding Achievement in Music Technology

• CAROLINE BUSCH

Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition

• MILES TURPIN

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.

• AUDREY KIRKPATRICK

 

SCIENCE AWARDS

Department Award for Excellence in Biology

• DAVID CARRATU

Department Award for Excellence in Chemistry

• DANIEL KORSUN

Department Award for Excellence in Physics

• BHASKAR ABHIRAMAN
• CHLOE ROSENBERG

Bausch & Lomb Award for Outstanding Achievement in Science by a Junior

• DANA LURIE

Intellectual Curiosity in the Study of Science Award

• IAN McPEAKE
• WILLIAM SANTORA

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.”

• JANE REED

 

SOCIAL STUDIES AWARDS

The Robert Gardner Award: This departmental award is given to the senior who has exhibited passion and commitment to the study of History during his/her years at NCHS.

• JENNIFER LEVINE

New Canaan Historical Society Award for Outstanding Achievement in United States History

• MADELEINE CULPEPPER

Veterans of Foreign Wars for Excellence in United States History

• EDWARD DAHILL

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 compete for the WAF $10,000 Merit Scholarship for college which will be awarded to Fairfield County’s most outstanding Future Global Leader.

• DANA LURIE

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

• DAVID CARRATU
• CHLOE ROSENBERG

 

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION AWARDS

Outstanding Achievement in Woodworking

• JOHN MAHONEY

Outstanding Achievement in Engineering

• DAVID CARRATU

Perannos Yearbook Design & Publication Award: For outstanding leadership, dedication and editorial integrity while producing a yearbook of the highest possible quality

• JULIA DeNEY

NCTV 78 Television Broadcasting Award: For their outstanding work and dedication to the broadcasting field

• ZOE JENSEN
• BENJAMIN WELLS

Outstanding Achievement in Graphic Design

• INNES MacKENZIE

Departmental Award in Career & Technical Education

• HUNTER COLLINS

 

WORLD LANGUAGES AWARDS

Excellence in Spanish

• PHILIPPA PRIOR

Excellence in French

• KATHARINE KUCHINSKI

Excellence in Chinese

• RYAN McGOUGH

The Carl Howard Memorial Scholarship: Given in honor of the beloved Department Chair in World Languages in the 1970s to a senior continuing the study of a world language in college

• PETER LAVIERI

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, 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.

• CARA MICHAEL

 

SPECIAL AWARDS

The Richard P. Bond Award: Dick Bond was New Canaan’s First Selectman from 1996 – 2003. While controversial at times, there is no question that Dick had a significant impact on the town. Today it bears dozens of marks directly attributable to him and his administration. One is our own 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.

• MILES TURPIN

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.

• JENNIFER LEVINE

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, an NCHS graduate among those lost at the World Trade Center on September 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.

• BRETT CAPONE
• AMELIA CARROLL

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.

• JACK DINNIE
• CAROLINE GORDON

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 and 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.

• KATHERINE McMAHON
• KYLE SMITH

The Kelly Devine Award: Given by the faculty of NCHS in memory of our friend, Kelly Devine, English teacher and Reading Specialist who was respected and admired by her colleagues and adored by her students. Kelly was always there for all students and has had a most profound impact and influence on the growth and success of many. She is also singularly responsible for several in this class making it to graduation. To honor Kelly, her work, her infectious spirit and her passion for literature and reading, we would like to recognize

• MATTHEW DONALDSON
• DAVID FERM

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 non-profit organization to receive a grant in his/her name.

• BENJAMIN DURKIN

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.

• KATHERINE GERVASE

Jack Jacobs Congressional 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 contribution made a significant difference to others, the town or the United States.

• CONNOR DeMAYO

Young Philanthropist Award: This award is presented to a graduating senior who has participated for multiple years in the New Canaan Community Foundation young philanthropist program and has demonstrated commitment and leadership in this student group. The winner shows true dedication to learning about philanthropy and shows compassion for others in our community.

• QUENTIN GRESS

The Edwin Bennett Dixon Memorial Award given by the Gridiron Club of New Canaan: 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.

• JOHN MAHONEY

Western Connecticut Military Officers 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.

• BENNETT LINK

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.

• CHRISTIAN NEWLOVE

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 hoped that he/she follow his/her dreams.

• KATELYN CONNER
• MICHAELA O’HARA

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 in 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 September 11, 2001, fueled his life-long determination to join the U.S. Marine Corps. Jack was killed in action during the battle for Fallujah (Iraq) on November 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.

• CASS KNOX

The Kay Timmis Award: “She was everyone’s grandmother” – Kay Timmis or “Miss 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 1970’s. 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 Miss Timmis’ legacy of kindness, warmth, generosity of spirit, loving acceptance of others and unwavering support for fellow students.”

• MARY WISE

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.

• CLAIRE MOYLE

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.

• JANE REDDAN

Richard Frisbee Memorial Award: From a Gift of the Class of 1992, awarded to a student who has set out goals for him- or herself and shown outstanding initiative in pursuing those goals without losing sight of humanity and sincere compassion for others.

• KAITLYN SANDVIK

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.

• CAROLINE BUSCH
• KATHERINE McMAHON

Gary Field Coalition Award for Outstanding Service

• JORDAN SMITH

Outstanding Leadership by a Junior Member of the Student Coalition

• EDWARD DAHILL

NCHS Parents and Faculty Association Award for Outstanding Service and Loyalty

• KRISHEN ADALJA
• LEANNE MACAIONE
• ALIEJANDRA DEAMBROSIO
• BRIAN MACCALLA
• CAMERON DEVITT
• DAVID WILSON

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 the NCHS culture as one who nurtures growth, personal integrity and mutual respect.

• KATHERINE McMAHON

The CIAC Achievement Award: This award is presented to 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 integrity.

• MICHAEL COLLINS
• LUCAS NIANG
• MEGHAN EGAN
• SAMANTHA STEWART

Bob’s Sports – The Don Guenin Award (Outstanding Athletes}

• CATHERINE GRANITO
• PETER SWINDELL

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.

• EMILY WALSHIN

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.

• DARRELL JARRETT VALENTI

 

JUNIOR BOOK AWARDS

The Yale Club of Lower Fairfield County For Outstanding Personal Character and Intellectual Promise

JACKSON APPELT

College of William and Mary Leadership Award: For leadership in the school and classroom and for personal leadership qualities

• CAMERON RHIND

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

• EMMA DAHILL

University of Virginia Jefferson Book Award: For the outstanding, well-rounded junior who possesses the Jeffersonian ideals of scholarship, leadership and citizenship

• JAMES CROVATTO

Vassar College: For excellence in the Humanities

• SHANNON BUCCI

Trinity College For Scholarship, Dedication and Service to the School

• CAMAREN DAYTON

Smith College: For Academic Excellence, Leadership, and Concern for Others

• ANNE GREER

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: For outstanding achievement in Mathematics and Science

• JASON CAMPE

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

• BHASKAR ABHIRAMAN

Oberlin Club of Westchester and Southern Connecticut: To a junior who demonstrates excellence in English

• CAROLYN VALENTI

Mount Holyoke Club of Fairfield Villages: For an outstanding academic record and qualities of leadership and service in the school and/or community

• GRACE MANGES

University of Michigan For Excellence in English

• SHEA DELEHAUNTY

College of the Holy Cross: For Exceptional Academic Achievement and Sincere Concern for others

• AMY CHU

Harvard Club of Fairfield County: For an outstanding junior

• MICHAEL ST. GEORGE

Gettysburg College: For excellence in the study of United States history

• TREVOR DeGHENGHI

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

• MOLLY KESHIN

Cornell Club of Fairfield County: For Academic Excellence, Innovative Thinking, and Leadership

• FAUSTINO CORTINA

Columbia University Club of Fairfield County: For outstanding academic achievement

• PATRICK SONG

Brown University: For an Outstanding Junior in English

• ELLEN LUDTKE