WHS Presents 2026 Academic and Community Awards

On Monday Morning, May 18, Wilton High School recognized several students for their academic achievements and community contributions during the annual Academic and Community Awards Ceremony.

For the most part, the awards ceremony focuses primarily on graduating seniors. There are juniors who receive the first set of College Book Awards, but the majority of the ceremony recognizes graduating Class of 2026 students. 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.

The following is a complete list of awards presented at Monday’s ceremony.

COLLEGE BOOK AWARDS — These awards are presented to juniors who show outstanding academic promise. (presented by Bob O’Donnell)

• Brandeis — an outstanding student committed to social action and civic engagement: James Ryan
• Brown — combines academic excellence with clarity in written and spoken expression (presented by Adam Laliberte): Hannah Sheehy
• University of Chicago — an outstanding student, visible in school and in the community with a lively mind: Brendan Smyth
• Colby Sawyer College — demonstrates critical thinking and creativity as well as someone who is actively involved in serving their community through volunteer service and/or leadership projects: Holly Bonomo
• College of the Atlantic — an adventurous individual who is interested in creating positive change in the world and is engaged in their learning and their community: Thomas Mickelborough
• Columbia University — outstanding academic achievement (Presented by Linda Ciliberti and Kelly Holtz): Heather Rushton
• Columbia University School of Engineering — outstanding scholarship in math and science (Presented by Kelly Holtz): Varsha Arun
• Cornell University — demonstrates the Cornell spirit by showing an awareness of cultural diversity while being an excellent student, good citizen and innovative thinker: Gregory Bocchino
• Dartmouth University — outstanding academic scholarship, strong character and positive contributions to school community (Presented by Lorien Saumier): Allison Phelan
• Endicott — exhibits strong leadership skills inside and outside the classroom: Kate Wickersham
• Harvard Club of Fairfield County — outstanding academic scholarship (Presented by Michelle Cota): Samantha Yan
• Harvard Club of Southern Connecticut — combines excellence in academics with significant achievement in extracurricular endeavors. Supported by a generous donation from alumnus Jerald Dana Cole ’75 (Presented by Michelle Cota): Anshika Saagi
• Hollins University
  • Creative Writing — have a demonstrated interest and talent in creative writing, as well as sustained excellence in academic performance: Ella Misita
  • Mary Beth Hatten Award for Science — have a demonstrated interest and talents in the field of science and in scientific research: Charlotte Krupa
• James Madison University — a student who has gone the extra mile with challenging coursework, while also taking strides to obtain leadership experiences, and efforts in building a sense of community at school: John Ray
• John Hopkins University — a demonstrated desire for intellectual and moral growth; an uncommon interest in, and capacity for, independent and original scholarship; and the strength of character necessary to employ the results of their scholarship for the betterment of society: Sabina Sharfuddin
• Miami of Ohio University — a great leader within their community and is looking to give back: Emmett Sommer
• University of Michigan — outstanding achievement in creative writing (Presented by Cheryl Watson): Harper Crawford
• Princeton Alumni Association of Fairfield County — outstanding academic scholarship: Abigail Savage
• University of Rochester 
  • Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award — high achievement and rigor in science and math classes (Presented by Mike DiGennaro): Angela Varghese
  • Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award — demonstrated commitment to understanding and addressing difficult social issues (Presented by Mike DiGennaro) Ashley Pencu
  • George Eastman Young Leaders Award — strong leadership experience at school and in the community (Presented by Mike DiGennaro): Allen Baumel
  • Xerox Award for Innovation and IT — strong interest in innovation and/or information technology and a high level of achievement in this area (Presented by Mike DiGennaro): Achintya Srinivasan
• Sacred Heart University — academic achievement while contributing to one’s community (Presented by Kevin Slater): Vedha Kongettira
• Saint Anselm College — demonstrates academic success and exceptional leadership qualities in the area of civic engagement and aspirations for continued education: Natalia Henkin
• Saint Michael’s — academic achievement with a social conscience: Owen Roos and Hayden Zapotosky
• Springfield College — demonstrates an exemplary record of service to their high school community and community at large (Presented by Linda Ciliberti and Tim Eagen): Mateo Lennon
• St. Lawrence — academic achievement and significant commitment to community service: Valentina Stambuk
• Stonehill College — excels in the classroom and positively contributes to his/her school community: Gabriela Torres
• Suffolk — exemplifies a commitment to education and school community: Riley Scanlon
• Trinity — outstanding achievement in English (Presented by Steve Sobolewski): Sydney Fields
• 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: Amy Hagerty
• University of Virginia — a well-rounded student representing the Jeffersonian ideals of scholarship, leadership and citizenship: Olivia Durden
• William and Mary — a visible and dynamic leader within the school community. Students considered for this award should demonstrate leadership in and outside the classroom (Presented by Lauren Kantor): Ishaan Bherwani
• Yale — outstanding academic scholarship: Ishanvi Jaiswal

APPOINTMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY (Presented by Bob O’Donnell): Charles Calabrese

DRUM HILL D.A.R. AWARDS (Presented by Kelle Ruden)

• SERVICE TO AMERICA AWARD — given to the few seniors who are committed to enter a service academy or an ROTC program at their university, or are enlisting following high school graduation. This dedication to serving our country through college and a commitment afterward is an outstanding example of the focus on education, history and its preservation, citizenship and patriotism for which the DAR stands: Charles Calabrese, Caiden Crossen, Arden Hamilton, Ryan Miller and William Stofega
• D.A.R. GOOD CITIZEN AWARD — Presented to a senior for exemplary citizenship and service to school and community: Nicole Allers

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 Barli Nugent and Jennifer Stivrins): Kendall Kazan

PTSA BOOK AWARDS — presented to seniors who have demonstrated the highest quality of performance in specific subject areas (Presented by PTSA President Kim Biltoft, Brian Keating and the Instructional Leaders)

• Art (Presented by Susana Estes and Greg Theriault)
  • Advertising: Isla Ritchie 
  • Ceramics: Samuel Jacobson 
  • Digital Illustration: Alessia Saponara 
  • Digital Media: Piper Dean
  • Drawing: Matylda Mascianica-Chojnacka 
  • Fashion: Katie Masonson 
  • Jewelry: Kate Harrell 
  • Painting: Chloe DuBrock
  • Photography: Gabriel Rutkowski 
  • Sculpture: Tessa Kowski
• Career and Technology Education (Presented by Maria Breece)
  • Business: Biagio Nicchia 
  • Child Development: Patrick Angerame 
  • Culinary: Maxfield Steckel 
  • Media Production: William DeBernardis and Trevor Galligan
• English (Presented by Eric Mendelson): Joseph Aversano and Samuel Stapkowski
• Public Speaking (Presented by Kevin Slater): Lindsay Ferguson and Nicholas Marini
• Theater Arts (Presented by Kevin Slater: Nicole Allers and Gianna Sutherland
• Library Learning Commons (Presented by Tara Peterson): Phillip Reed
• Mathematics (Presented by Christian Willaum: Abbie Fang and Lilah Gettler
• Music (Presented by Malcolm Karlan)
  • Band: Arden Hamilton and Arushi Patel 
  • Choir: Alexander Piazza and Gianna Sutherland 
  • Orchestra: Gayathri Sarath and Noah Sherrick
• Physical Education/Health (Presented by Kelly Holtz): Joshua Meltzer and Alessia Saponara
• School Counseling for Citizenship and Character (Presented by Pamela Scott): Kyle Lapreziosa
• Science (Presented by Matt Hoyt): Charlotte DiNapoli
• Social Studies (Presented by Dave Wilock: Biagio Nicchia
• Support Services (Presented by Joy Lawrence): Phillip Reed
• World Languages (Presented by Christine Higgins and Lauren Kantor) 
  • American Sign Language: Olivia Bisson
  • French: Meredith Sullivan 
  • German: Rory Kepner
  • Latin: Albert Furman 
  • Spanish: Diya Vijit Nair

SCIENCE AWARDS — Presented for distinguished contributions and accomplishments in the field of science (Presented by Matt Hoyt)

• Legends of Science — awarded to a student that demonstrates a love for the sciences and humanity. The recipient displays a scientific curiosity of how the world around them works, while maintaining a charismatic, caring optimistic nature: Sophie Gibboney and Quinn Mitchell
• W. Gehret Kleinspehn Science Award — presented to a senior showing strong interest, achievement and enthusiasm in all of the sciences and humanities: Abbie Fang
• Society of Women Engineers Award — presented to two seniors for academic achievement in science and mathematics with an interest in pursuing engineering: Lainey Kovach and Preethi Vijay
• Rensselaer Medal Award — awarded to a promising junior who has distinguished themselves in mathematics and science: Ishaan Bherwani
• The Wilton Land Conservation Trust (Presented by Brett Amero and Whitney Beaman)
  • Scholarship in Memory of E. Dan Cappel — presented to a senior who has demonstrated a commitment to the environment, extracurricular activities, community service and academics: Isla Ritchie
  • Book Award: Saunder Anastasia, Enzo Calo and Chloe White
• 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 Mary Otocka): Liam Boatwalla

MATHEMATICS AWARDS (Presented by Melissa Giovanniello and Christian Willaum)

• Fairfield County Math League Award Honorees: Varsha Arun, Abbie Fang, Daniel Hickey, Shruti Kothandaraman, Kaitlin Mak, Arushi Patel, Achintya Srinivasan and Sophie Zhang
• Fairfield County Math League Top Scorer: Varsha Arun
• AMC 10 Wilton Top Scorer: Gloria Liao
• AMC 12 Wilton Top Scorer: Varsha Arun
• Connecticut State Association of Math Leagues, Wilton High School Class M 3rd Place: Varsha Arun, Abbie Fang, Daniel Hickey, Arushi Patel, Achintya Srinivasan and Sophie Zhang

WORLD LANGUAGE AWARDS (Presented by Christine Higgins and Lauren Kantor)

• Northeast Conference Award — The Northeast Conference of Teachers of Foreign Language Award honors excellence in world language learning 
  • ASL: Sophia Desiderio 
  • French: Sophie Hall
  • German: Grant Stein 
  • Latin: Riley Griffin
  • Spanish: Keya Patel
• Laurent Clerc Medal — awarded to ASL seniors with three years of study, GPA (3.7 in ASL, 3.5 overall), and 10 hours of service to the deaf community per year: Olivia Bisson
• Alice Cogswell Medal — available for high school students with at least two years of ASL study, a 3.5 ASL GPA, 3.2 overall GPA, and five service hours annually: Sophia Desiderio, Emily Durkee, Ekaterina Falina, Avery Fischer, Kate Harrell, Benjamin Kidd, Andrew Mims, Jeslin Prince, Robert Puorro and Lilliana Todd
• AATF Outstanding Senior in French: Arista Sullivan
• AATF Excellence in French: Gabrielle Charhon
• Spanish Honor Society (SHH) Premio de Honor: Arushi Patel
• German Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany Award — for outstanding achievement in the study of German language and literature: Phillip Reed, Josie Silva, Caroline Worst and Ellery Worst
• National German Exam Medalists: August Furman, Brynn Grosso, Marta Grzywacz, David Kuszyk, YiHao Qian, Keira Rafferty, Mason Sherman and Mark Whitman
• AATF Sandi Van Ausdal Prize — Honors Connecticut students of French who embody a passion and enthusiasm for French: Grace Gordon, Ava Rose Herbstreith, Shruti Kothandaraman, Polina Popova, Gabriela Torres and Grant Vogelmann
• CT State Latin Exam Gold Medalists (summa cum laude)
  • Latin I: Arav Gupta and Gopika Kaimal
  • Latin III: Melitini Tsirikou
  • Latin IV Poetry: Albert Furman and Riley Griffin (highest score in CT)
• National Latin Exam Gold Medalists (summa cum laude)
  • Latin II: Gopika Kaimal
• National Greek Exam
  • Introductory Greek — Highest Honors: Pieper Markowski
  • Beginning Greek — Highest Honors: Arav Gupta
  • Homeric Greek — Odyssey — High Honors: Arav Gupta
• Seal of Biliteracy — recognizes public high school graduates who have attained a level of proficiency in another language. Students earn this by receiving the appropriate score on the AAPPL, STAMP, ALIRA, and/or AP Exams. Some students have earned the Seal of Biliteracy in more than one language. (School officials did not provide names of awardees.)
• World Language Scholar Award: Charlotte Murphy

BUSINESS

• CSCPA AWARD — Presented to a senior who has excelled in accounting (Presented by Bianca Diiorio): Courtney Caldaroni
• DECA EMERGING LEADER AWARD — Recognizes a current senior who is studying marketing, finance, hospitality and management for being an academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible and experienced leader through participation in DECA (Presented by Bianca Diiorio): Biagio Nicchia
• 2026 FEDERAL RESERVE BANK of NEW YORK HIGH SCHOOL FED CHALLENGE COMPETITION: The Economics of Music, Recognition Award to the Wilton High School Team (Presented by Lee Schroder): Trevien Goldman, Curtis Jackson, Samuel Jacobson, Maimuna Jallow and Ray Slough

AMERICAN LEGION POST 86  (Presented by Post 86 Commander Paul Niche)

• CAPTAIN SAM POLIS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP — in recognition of academic achievement by a senior pursuing military service via an officer program: Caiden Crossen
• THE JAMES B. WHIPPLE STUDENT AWARD — Presented to two seniors who possess those high qualities of Courage, Honor, Leadership, Patriotism, Scholarship and Service along with a willingness to help others on their own initiative: Isabella Kaoud and Peter Swierczynski
• “YOUNG AMERICAN” LEADERSHIP AWARD — Presented to a senior for outstanding citizenship and academic excellence (presented on behalf of the Western Connecticut Military Officers Association): Charles Calabrese

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 Brian Keating): Ava Migliaccio

WILTON YOUTH COUNCIL AWARDS (Presented by Carolyn Lyon)

• Peer Outreach Leadership Award — Presented to an outstanding senior whose efforts in peer outreach have made a significant impact on making the high school a more caring environment: Alan Osta
• 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: Curtis Jackson

HUGH O’BRIAN (HOBY) FOUNDATION AWARD — presented to a sophomore demonstrating leadership and scholarship potential (Presented by Brian Keating): Eliana Vonella

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 Nick Foster): Meredith Sullivan

GREGORY AND ADAMS AWARD — presented to seniors who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, character and achievement in the WHS Mock Trial Club (Presented by Carol Johnson): Lilah Gettler and Meredith Sullivan

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BANK SCHOLARSHIP AWARD — presented to a senior whose good character is exemplified by service to the community (Presented by Carol Johnson): Kerry Dodman

WILTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD — presented to a senior who demonstrates academic achievement and community service (Presented by Carol Johnson): Clara Lilly

THE WILTON ROTARY CLUB BUD BOUCHER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP — presented to two seniors who have best exemplified “service above self” as demonstrated by their commitment to volunteerism for their school and for the Wilton community (Presented by Carol Johnson): William Olmstead and Polina Popova

WILTON WOMAN’S CLUB ELIZABETH STERNAD SCHOLARSHIP — presented for outstanding community service, strong character and leadership (Presented by Liz Salguero): Ava Ray and Arista Sullivan

THE WILTON FAMILY YMCA AWARD — presented to seniors who have demonstrated values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility to young people (Presented by Christene Freedman): Lainey Kovach, Lilliana Todd and Jack Yeager

WILTON DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE CIVIC LEADERSHIP AWARD — awarded based on a student’s passion and dedication to participate in civic issues that improve the quality of life in their chosen communities (Presented by Tom Dubin and Alison Mark): Lilah Gettler

WILTON REPUBLICAN TOWN COMMITTEE LINCOLN SCHOLARSHIP in memory of Henry “Bud” Boucher — awarded to the graduating senior who wrote the most compelling essay in response to this year’s essay challenge: the Importance of Civic Engagement at the Local Level (Presented by Chris Boucher and Peter Wrampe): Hirsh Iyer

WILTON LEAGUE OF WOMAN VOTERS AWARD — presented to a senior who demonstrates political awareness and an understanding of the importance of a representative democracy for our nation’s future (Presented by Barli Nugent and Jennifer Stivrins): Meredith Sullivan

WILTON GO GREEN SCHOLARSHIP AWARD — presented to a senior who has demonstrated their passion for the environment and taken action to foster sustainable behaviors in their daily lives (Presented by Nicola Davies): Ellis Nichols

WILTON PRIDE PATHWAY TO INCLUSIVITY SCHOLARSHIP — recipient has contributed significantly to creating a more inclusive and diverse school community. Honors a student who has been an advocate for change, embracing diversity and actively promoting an environment of respect and acceptance within their school (Presented by Caroline Ainsworth Hughes and Shawn Frendt): Sofie Gibboney

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 Brian Keating): Oswald Andrews, Bar Eisdorfer, Trevor Galligan, Maria Giannoutsos, Riley Griffin, Arden Hamilton, Kyle Lapreziosa, Sydney Leinberger, Keira Rafferty, Logan Santisi, Nicholas Somma, Matthew Weiss and Kieran Wiseman

EXCELLENCE IN EXTRACURRICULARS (EXEC) SCHOLARSHIP — presented to two seniors for their outstanding impact on extracurricular clubs at Wilton High School with their leadership, achievement and mentorship in their clubs (Presented by Grant Stein): Lilah Gettler and Meredith Sullivan

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS HERFF JONES LEADERSHIP AWARD — presented to a senior who demonstrates outstanding leadership skills (Presented by Bob O’Donnell): Lilah Gettler

CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS LEADERSHIP AWARD — Presented to two seniors for outstanding leadership at Wilton High School (Presented by Bob O’Donnell): Maia Andjelkovic and Kokona Layne

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): Grace Johnson and Grant Stein

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): Zachary Mangino and Josie Silva

CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF BOARDS OF EDUCATION STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD — presented to two seniors who are recognized leaders at Wilton High School (Presented by Ruth DeLuca): Mason Behar and Taylor Halfacre

FCIAC SCHOLAR-LEADER AWARD — two unique students with positive personalities who have demonstrated leadership qualities, but may not get a lot of attention. A solid academic performance is important, but not the only factor (Presented by Bob O’Donnell): Reed O’Neill and Emma Roos

DR. ROBERT J. JACOBS MEMORIAL AWARD — in appreciation of students who “left their mark” for others to see (Presented by Bob O’Donnell): Music Department

THE “JACK” AWARD — given in memory of John A. Sussenguth to a senior who combines scholarship with leadership, who gives of self with warmth and friendship, who is accomplished in the arts or athletics and who fulfills these ideals with a joy and zest for life (Presented by Brian Keating): Grant Stein

THE CESAR JIMENEZ PTSA SCHOLARSHIP AWARD — presented to two seniors who, like Cesar, have shown leadership in improving the community at WHS. They are each a friend to all, lending a hand to peers and faculty, not with the intention of shining the spotlight on themselves. They are willing to make personal sacrifices to achieve success for the greater good (Presented by PTSA President Kim Biltoft): Chloe DuBrock and Josie Silva

THE MELISSA McFADDEN MEMORIAL FUND SCHOLARSHIP — presented to seniors who have compassionately worked with people with disabilities and may intend to pursue this field in the future (Presented by Eric Lindahl): Audrey Andrews and Lilliana Todd

THE ROB MAHER SCHOLARSHIP — presented to a quiet friend, kind and well-rounded; someone who willingly tries new activities, especially in the arts, and who just as enthusiastically shows up for others (Presented by Tom Dubin): Gianna Sutherland

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 Robin Sanson): Lyla Theoharides

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): Curtis Jackson

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (Presented by Bob O’Donnell and Brian Keating)

• National Merit Commended Students: Liam Boatwalla, Abbie Fang, Albert Furman, Trevor Galligan, Derek Huang, Samuel Jacobson, Katherine Johnson, William Joy, Lainey Kovach, Zachary Mangino, Ava Migliaccio, William Olmstead, Reed O’Neill, Arushi Patel, Melinda Pettit, Rhea Saini, Logan Santisi, Arista Sullivan, Diya Vijit Nair, Arlo Wimsatt and Zirun Zhang

• National Merit Finalists: Lilah Gettler, Arden Hamilton, Ryan Katz, Adrian Monin, Keya Patel, Polina Popova, Noah Sherrick, Meredith Sullivan, Miles Umerley and Avner Wilson-Spiro

• National Merit Scholars: Avner Wilson-Spiro, Keya Patel and Meredith Sullivan