On Thursday morning, May 23, Wilton High School recognized several students for their academic achievements and community contributions during the annual Academic Awards Ceremony.
For the most part, the Academic Awards Ceremony focuses primarily on graduating seniors. There are juniors who win the first set of College Book Awards, but the majority of the ceremony recognizes seniors. Among the awards and scholarships are those bestowed by various Wilton businesses and service organizations, as well as those given in memory of Wilton individuals. There are also commendations for excellence in areas of study.
Eligibility for some of the awards often requires good grades and extracurricular participation as well as the submission of a well-written essay. The National Merit Finalists Scholarship winners are recognized for their high scores on the PSAT exams.
Among the award recipients were:
COLLEGE BOOK AWARDS Presented to juniors who show outstanding academic promise. (Presented by principal Bob O’Donnell)
Brandeis – outstanding student committed to social action and civic engagement – Solomon Wozniak Bendremer
Brown – combines academic excellence with clarity in written and spoken expression – Alexander Koutsoukos
Chicago, University of – outstanding student, visible in school and in community with a lively mind – Zachary Muraskin
Columbia – outstanding academic achievement (Presented by Linda Ciliberti, Kelly Holtz and David Wilock) Emma Babashak
Columbia University School of Engineering – outstanding scholarship in math and science – Navod Jayawardhane
Cornell – demonstrates the Cornell spirit by showing an awareness of cultural diversity while being an excellent student, good citizen and innovative thinker (Presented by Matt Hepfer) – Andrew Harris Patnaik
Dartmouth – outstanding academic scholarship, strong character and positive contributions to school community – Ashleigh Coltman
Eastman School of Music – outstanding accomplishment and contribution to the music department (Presented by Marty Meade) – Jubair Huq
George Washington – embodies the GW drive and spirit, specifically with their academic excellence, leadership outside of the classroom, diversity of thought, and ability to put knowledge into action – Olivia Vitarelli
Gettysburg – academic achievement in American history – Andrew Smith
Harvard – outstanding academic scholarship (Presented by Michelle Cota) – Rishabh Raniwala
Michigan, University of – outstanding achievement in creative writing (Presented by Cheryl Watson) – Niamh McCarthy
Mount Holyoke – outstanding academic scholarship (Presented by Ellen Ruberry) – Bianca Reuter
Princeton Alumni Association of Fairfield County – outstanding academic scholarship (Presented by Freda Boguchwal) – Larry Huang
Randolph – academic achievement and a leader outside of the classroom – Alexander Schestag
Sacred Heart – academic achievement while contributing to one’s community (Presented by Veronica Hernandez) – Khrystyna Barska
St. Lawrence – academic achievement and significant commitment to community service – Paul Martines
Saint Michael’s– academic achievement with a social conscience – Avi Sardana and Harrison Tucker
Smith – outstanding academic scholarship and commitment to making a difference – Lillian Casiraghi
Suffolk – exemplifies a commitment to education and school community – Sophie Peterson
Trinity – outstanding achievement in English (Presented by Steve Sobolewski) – Vignesh Subramanian
Tulane – embodies Tulane’s motto of “Not for one’s self, but for one’s own” and has a demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership and public service – Nishant Wangneo
Virginia, University of – well rounded student representing the Jeffersonian ideals of scholarship, leadership and citizenship – Dineth Karunamuni
Wellesley – exceptional academic scholarship and character while making significant contributions to school or community (Presented by Laura Schwemm) – Teagan Sullivan
Yale – outstanding academic scholarship – Jeffrey Huang
2019 CONNECTICUT GOVERNOR’S SCHOLAR Recognizes 22 academically talented high school juniors in the state of Connecticut. (Presented by Bob O’Donnell) Alexander Koutsoukos
APPOINTMENT TO THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY (Presented by Bob O’Donnell) Tyler Previte
2019 CARSON SCHOLARS Academic achievement and service to community makes the recipient stand out as a future leader. (Presented by Bob O’Donnell) Rishabh Raniwala
DELTA KAPPA GAMMA BOOK AWARD Presented to a junior looking toward pursuing a degree in education. (Presented by Don Schels) Amanda Heffernan
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS EDNA JONES MEMORIAL BOOK AWARD Recognizing a female member of the junior class who has demonstrated interest in government (Presented by Karen Birck) Hailey Downey
PTSA BOOK AWARDS Presented to seniors who have demonstrated the highest quality of performance in specific subject areas (Presented by PTSA president Savet Constantine, Don Schels and the Instructional Leaders)
English – Nancy Healy and Chloe Mandel
Business & Tech Ed – Business/Alexander Eustace and Video Production/Maxwell von Bartheld
Family & Consumer Science – Child Development/Emily Paradis and Culinary Arts/Julianna Russo
Reading – Lindsey Hand
World Languages – French/Sylvia Zhao; Spanish/Nicholas Koenigsberger; German/Delia Freliech; Latin/Emma Driver; and Greek/Andreas Tsantilas
Mathematics – Alexander Eustace and Taylor White
Theatre Arts & Public Speaking – Theatre Arts/Dylan Pojano and Public Speaking/Grace Bracken and Connor Wright
Science – Eleanor Christman, Lily Kepner, Juliana Musilli and Tyler Zengo
Social Studies – Purab Angreji, Ava Kaplan, Griffin Lesica and Lily Motyka
Music – Band/Hannah Taylor; Choral/Audrey Elsberry; and Orchestra/Maxton Santos and Anthony Wilcox
Art – Drawing/Zareen Reza; Photography/Yashika Nana; Ceramics/Emmanuel Bazile; Painting/Phoebe Satterwhite; and Fashion/Flynn Crowther
Library Learning Commons – Karli Williams
Physical Education/Health – Physical Education/Clayton Latone and Health/Juliana Musilli
Support Services – Nyah Foster
School Counseling for Citizenship & Character – Kimberly Castano and August Theoharides
SCIENCE AWARDS Presented for distinguished contributions and accomplishments in the field of science. (Presented by Jim Lucey)
Gehret Kleinspehn Science Award Presented to a senior showing strong interest, achievement and enthusiasm in all of the sciences and humanities – Madeline Burke
Society of Women Engineers Presented for academic achievement in science and mathematics with an interest in pursuing engineering – Ryan Gehrlein and Shikha Shah
The Wilton Land Conservation Trust Scholarship in memory of Dan Cappel Presented to two seniors that have demonstrated a commitment to the environment, extracurricular activities, community service and academics (Presented by Donna Merrill) – Kimberly Castano and Jack Ferguson
The Wilton Land Conservation Trust Book Award (Presented by Donna Merrill) Brett Gilman
The Renewable Energy Environmental Science Scholarship Award Awarded to two seniors who through their class work have studied and communicated the benefits of renewable energy generation as an alternative to today’s carbon emitting energy sources and their adverse environmental impact (Presented by Ron French) – Dilshad Dinshaw and Elizabeth Scaperotta
Wilton Garden Club Marybeth Wheeler Memorial Scholarship Award Presented to a senior who has shown an interest and achievement in nature, horticulture, botany or ecology (Presented by Linda Koch) – Emma Rothkopf
MATHEMATICS AWARDS (Presented by Melissa Giovanniello and Christian Willaum)
Math Contest Honorees – AMC Honor Roll and AIME Qualifiers – Jeffrey Huang, Larry Huang and Rishabh Raniwala
Fairfield County Math League Top Performers – Alexander Eustace, Jeffrey Huang, Larry Huang, Alexander Koutsoukos, Rishabh Raniwala, Anjo Therattil and Adarsh Varghese
Fairfield County Math League Top Scorer – Larry Huang
WORLD LANGUAGE AWARDS (Presented by Scott Webster)
World Language Scholar Award To a senior who has studied and gained proficiency in three languages at Wilton High School, understands and appreciates cultural differences, demonstrates a sincere passion for languages and cultures of the world and plans to utilize several languages on a professional level – Hallie Chabrier
International Club Award For outstanding service to the International Club and for helping to bring cultural diversity and understanding to the students of WHS – Anna Iorfino
Northeast Conference Awards For excellence in the study of a World Language – French/Chloe Mandel; Spanish/John Cromwell; German/Leah Moore; Latin/Christopher Porricelli; and Greek/Sylvia Zhao
CT COLT Poetry Contest Gold Medal – Greek/Alexander Koutsoukos
Association of American Teachers of French For outstanding senior in French – Kiana Nobumoto
National German Exam Gold Medals – Nicholas Ivanov, Sinead Roche and Lukas Witzke
National Latin Examination Gold Medals –Latin I/Ryan McElroy (with a perfect score); and Latin III/Anthony Cascello and Nicholas Lin
National Greek Examination – Introduction to Attic Greek – Perfect Score/Bronwyn Walsh; High Honors/Adarsh Varghese and Mickey Wilcox; and Beginning Attic Greek – Highest Honors/Thomas Czick
CAREER PRACTICUM AWARD To a senior who has shown outstanding achievement in Career Practicum (Presented by Lorraine Morlath) – Isabella Segall
BUSINESS – CSCPA AWARD Presented to a senior who has excelled in accounting (Presented by Michael Adam) – Rebekah Sherwood
NATIONAL ECONOMICS CHALLENGE (Presented by Freda Boguchwal) Adam Smith Division (AP), Individual Scores of High Distinction – John Cromwell and Alex Li; Adam Smith Division (AP), Individual Scores of Distinction – Purab Angreji, Benjamin Grass, Taylor White and Brandt Williams
REYNOLDS & ROWELLA “STRENGTH IN NUMBERS” SCHOLARSHIP For excellence in the study of accounting (Presented by Gregory Pepin) – Alexander Eustace and Rebekah Sherwood
CAPTAIN SAM POLIS AMERICAN LEGION POST 86 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP In recognition of academic achievement by a senior pursuing a business or technical career (Presented by Post Commander Post 86 Bing Ventres) – Joseph Seaman
THE JAMES B. WHIPPLE AMERICAN LEGION POST 86 STUDENT AWARDS In recognition of the possession of those high qualities of Courage, Honor, Leadership, Patriotism, Scholarship and Service and a willingness to help others on their own initiative (Presented by Post 86 Adjutant Thomas Moore) – Alexis Kiss and Kace Stewart
FAIRFIELD COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP Presented to a senior who exemplifies excellence in education, demonstrates leadership and is involved in extracurricular activities, including community service (Presented by Don Schels) – Nancy Healy
WILTON YOUTH COUNCIL AWARDS (Presented by Genevieve Eason)
Peer Outreach Leadership Award Presented to two outstanding seniors whose efforts in peer outreach have made a significant impact on making the high school a more caring environment – Hannah Belanger and Devon Dooley
Wilton Youth Council Award Presented to a graduating senior who has demonstrated a genuine respect and sensitivity for others that reaches above and beyond the norm – Kace Stewart
HUGH O’BRIEN FOUNDATION AWARD Presented to a sophomore demonstrating leadership and scholarship potential (Presented by Don Schels) – Alexander Cameron
“YOUNG AMERICAN” LEADERSHIP AWARD Presented to a senior for outstanding citizenship and academic excellence (Presented by Capt. William Glass, US Navy Reserve (ret)) – Tyler Previte
DAR GOOD CITIZEN AWARD Presented to a senior for exemplary citizenship and service to school and community (Presented by Don Schels) – Yanni Garcia
WALTER R.T. SMITH STUDENT HISTORIAN AWARD given by The Wilton Historical Society Presented to a senior for outstanding achievement and interest in history and a record of community service (Presented by Laurie Walker) – Anthony Calderone
FAIRFIELD COUNTY BANK SCHOLARSHIP AWARD Presented to a senior whose good character is exemplified by service to the community (Presented by Carol Johnson) – Benjamin Grass
WILTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD Presented to a senior who demonstrates academic achievement and community service (Presented by Carol Johnson) – John Cromwell
GREGORY AND ADAMS AWARD Presented to a senior who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, character and achievement in the WHS Mock Trial Club (Presented by Matthew Mason) – Anthony Wilcox
ROTARY CLUB OF WILTON “SERVICE ABOVE SELF” AWARDS Presented to two seniors who have reached out to help other students or the greater community (Presented by William Glass) – Emma Driver and Kace Stewart
KIWANIS CLUB OF WILTON COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Presented to the graduating WHS Key Club member who best exemplifies the core values, mission and character of the Kiwanis and Key Club International organizations, as a leader and example of selfless service to their school and broader Wilton community (Presented by Jeff Turner) – Nancy Healy
GEORGETOWN LIONS CLUB FRANK A. CLARK SCHOLARSHIP Presented to a senior who will attend a college or university in Connecticut and is engaged in community service (Presented by Bob Mecozzi) – Alessia Scaturchio
WILTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT JOHN J. CAHILL AWARD Presented for outstanding community service (Presented by Bob O’Donnell) – Alexandra Myers
WILTON WOMAN’S CLUB ELIZABETH STERNAD SCHOLARSHIP Presented for outstanding community service, strong character and leadership (Presented by Andrea Bates) – Dilshad Dinshaw
THE WILTON FAMILY YMCA AWARD Presented to seniors who have demonstrated values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility to young people. (Presented by Bob McDowell) – Liela Hastings, Samantha Huffman, Alyssa Jarrett, Madeline Jelilian, Alex Li, Abigail Mejia, Sonali Nagpal, William Ronk, Ryan Schriber and Margaret Wingertzahn
THE CANNONDALE CAMPUS SCHOLARSHIP AWARD For a senior who plans to pursue an advanced degree in nursing and who possesses an innate passion for serving others, particularly senior adults (Presented by Ronald Bucci) – Erika Stang
AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP AWARD Recognizes seniors who participate in school and community service, show a positive attitude, possess strength of character and promote citizenship through school and community activities (Presented by Don Schels) – Katherine DeAngelis, Alexandra Edwards, Katherine Johnson, Meryl Kaduboski, Julianna Musilli, Jessica Olin, Dylan Pojano, Kaitlin Reif, Madison Schattenfield, Christian Weber, Emily Welch, Taylor White, Jasmine Whittaker and Sylvia Zhao
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD Presented to a senior who celebrates the spirit of volunteerism both in school and in the community (Presented by Bob O’Donnell) – August Theoharides
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS HERFF JONES LEADERSHIP AWARD Presented to a senior who demonstrates outstanding leadership skills (Presented by Bob O’Donnell) – Julianna Hume
CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS “LEADERSHIP AWARD” Presented to two seniors for outstanding leadership at Wilton High School (Presented by Bob O’Donnell) – Lily Kepner and August Theoharides
THE FAIRFIELD COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS “SCHOLAR-LEADER AWARD” Presented to two seniors who demonstrate excellent scholarship and leadership (Presented by Bob O’Donnell) – Ava Kaplan and George Murphy
CAPSS/SUPERINTENDENT’S AWARD Presented to two seniors for community service, academic ability and leadership services to the school and community. (Presented by Kevin Smith) – Nicholas Koenigsberger and Elizabeth Yoon
CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF BOARDS OF EDUCATION “STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD” Presented to two seniors who are recognized leaders at Wilton High School (Presented by Christine Finkelstein) – Madeline Burke and Kace Stewart
THE PAM COLE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Presented by Realty Seven in loving memory of our dear friend and colleague, to a deserving senior who demonstrates a creative passion in fashion/art design and who plans to further their creative education with a constructive post-graduate plan (Presented by Lorraine Winsor) – Flynn Crowther
NICK D. ZINICOLA SCHOLARSHIP Awarded to a senior who captures the essence of Nick’s spirit and values (Presented by Nisia Todd and Mr. and Mrs. John Zinicola) – Nicholas Benalcaza
ROBERT J. JACOBS MEMORIAL AWARD In appreciation of students who “left their mark” for others to see (Presented by Bob O’Donnell)
Socks for Soldiers – Kace Stewart, Connor Burke, Jake Zeyher, Jack Savarese, Patrick Burke, Brian Hartz, Dominick Polito, Roen Crameri, Elijah Ackerman and Tyler Casey
Red Cross Club – Rebecca Jeon, Leah Moore, Yashika Nana, Alessia Scaturchio, Rachel Wilson, Melissa Arenas, Lauren Beneventano, Alexandra Breakey, Elizabeth Butler, Emma Cassell, Drew Clune, Ashleigh Coltman, David Cox, Isabel Cronin, Lily Fanwick, Alexandra Fordsman, Alexandra Giller, Edwin Gregory, Taite Innes, Morgan Lebek, Ashley Merkle, Maya Mhatre, Manvitha Mullapudi, Krithika Natarajan, Thomas Petrillo, Rhea Raghavan, Blaze Ricco, Hayley Sayewitz, Trevor Silvia, Gwynn Sullivan, Teagan Sullivan, Julia Swierczynska, Isabelle Szabo, Lauren Travers, Elizabeth Vermeulen and Nadia Voravolya
THE “JACK” AWARD Given in memory of John A. Sussenguth to a graduating young man and woman who combine scholarship with leadership, who give of self with warmth and friendship, who are accomplished in the arts or athletics and who fulfill these ideals with a joy and zest for life (Presented by Don Schels) – Madeline Burke and Kyle Phillips
THE MELISSA McFADDEN MEMORIAL FUND SCHOLARSHIP Presented to a senior who has successfully worked with children with disabilities and intends to pursue this field in the future (Presented by Kim Murphy, Christina Foley and Jack and Deborah McFadden) – Madeline Jelilian
WHITNEY SHERMAN MEMORIAL AWARD Presented to a senior who has faced extraordinary challenges with courage and determination, yet maintained a positive outlook and is an inspiration to all (Presented by the Sherman Family) – Isabella King
MATTHEW M. SHAW MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Awarded to a senior who has demonstrated the highest levels of integrity, selflessness and empathy combined with a positive attitude and sincere desire to be helpful to his or her peers (Presented by Wallace and Christie Shaw) – Kace Stewart
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (Presented by Bob O’Donnell and Don Schels)
National Merit Commended Students – Stephen Batter, Madeline Burke, Hallie Chabrier, Alexander Eustace, Benjamin Grass, Nancy Healy, Robert Alexander Killian, Nicholas Koenigsberger, Griffin Lesica, Amber Li, Alexandra Myers, Daniel Ottavi and Zareen Reza
National Merit Finalists – Alex Li and Sylvia Zhao