On Monday Morning, May 20, 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 win the first set of College Book Awards, but the majority of the ceremony recognizes graduating 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.

Often generating the most applause are the announcements of students who will be attending the United States Military Academy. This year two students were appointed: Dillon Bhutani and Emily Gregson.

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

COLLEGE BOOK AWARDS Presented to juniors who show outstanding academic promise. (Presented by Bob O’Donnell) 

  • Brandeis — outstanding student committed to social action and civic engagement: Tanner Schmauch 
  • Brown — combines academic excellence with clarity in written and spoken expression (Presented by Adam Laliberte): Laura Kowal 
  • University of Chicago — outstanding student, visible in school and in community with a lively mind: Mya Salvino 
  • Columbia — outstanding academic achievement (Presented by Linda Ciliberti): Annabelle Zheng 
  • Columbia University School of Engineering — outstanding scholarship in math and science (Presented by Kelly Holtz): Eric Ding 
  • Cornell — demonstrates the Cornell spirit by showing an awareness of cultural diversity while being an excellent student, good citizen and innovative thinker (Presented by Mat Hepfer): Alexis Shukovsky 
  • Dartmouth — outstanding academic scholarship, strong character and positive contributions to school community (Presented by Lorien Saumier): Madeline Shukovsky 
  • Endicott — exhibits strong leadership skills inside and outside the classroom; has a desire for hands-on learning through internships and experimental learning (Presented by Connor and Colin Prescott): Sky Zhang 
  • Gettysburg — academic achievement in American history: Daniel Babashak 
  • Harvard Club of Fairfield County —– outstanding academic scholarship (Presented by Michelle Cota): Aiden Sharp 
  • Harvard Club of Southern Connecticut — combines excellence in academics with significant achievement in extracurricular endeavor (Presented by Michelle Cota): Kinga Sigmond 
  • University of Michigan — outstanding achievement in creative writing (Presented by Cheryl Watson): Caitlyn Cronin 
  • Princeton Alumni Association of Fairfield County — outstanding academic scholarship (Presented by Freda Boguchwal): Caleb Sharp 
  • Sacred Heart — academic achievement while contributing to one’s community (Presented by Kevin Slater) Lia Lombardi 
  • St. Lawrence — academic achievement and significant commitment to community service: Stacia Dooley 
  • Saint Michael’s — academic achievement with a social conscience: Afroz Ali and Madeline Gimby 
  • Smith — outstanding academic scholarship and commitment to making a difference (Presented by Karen Birck): Courtney Allen 
  • Suffolk — exemplifies a commitment to education and school community: Olivia Cooper 
  • Trinity —– outstanding achievement in English (Presented by Steve Sobolewski): Amit Solomon 
  • 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: Abigail Phelan 
  • University of Virginia — well-rounded student representing the Jeffersonian ideals of scholarship, leadership and citizenship: Elle Hawthorne 
  • Yale — outstanding academic scholarship: Natalia Dluzniewska 

APPOINTMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY (Presented by Bob O’Donnell): Dillon Bhutani and Emily Gregson 

SERVICE TO AMERICA AWARD — The Drum Hill DAR Service Award is given to the few seniors who are committed to entering a service academy or an ROTC program at their university, following high school graduation. This dedication to serving the 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. (Presented by Nan Merolla): Dillon Bhutani and Emily Gregson 

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): Kendra Ward 

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

  • English — (Presented by Heather Delude and Eric Mendelson): Yana Giannoutsos, Illeas Paschalidis and Saniya Shah 
  • Applied Arts/Family and Consumer Science — (presented by Maria Breece)
    • Child Development: Melissa Ongley 
    • Culinary: Avery Pettit 
  • Career and Technology Education — (Presented by Maria Breece):
    • Business: Alex Cohen
    • Media Production: Jacqueline DiCenzo, Thomas Rogozinski and David Unruh 
  • World Languages — (Presented by Christine Higgins and Lauren Kantor)
    • American Sign Language: Melissa Ongley
    • French: Piper Dean
    • German: Agni Tsirikou
    • Greek: Agni Tsirikou
    • Latin: George Huberty
    • Spanish: Yana Giannoutsos 
  • Mathematics — (Presented by Cindy Cherico): Jack Leventhal 
  • Theater Arts — (Presented by Heather DeLude): Thomas Fox 
  • School Counseling for Citizenship and Character — (Presented by Pamela Scott): Issy Kwei 
  • Public Speaking — (Presented by Kevin Slater): Jack Leventhal and Dagny MacDougall 
  • Science — (Presented by Matt Hoyt): Shawn Gregory 
  • Social Studies — (Presented by Dave Wilock): Thomas Fletcher and Saniya Shah 
  • Music — (Presented by Troy Williams)
    • Band: Thomas Stofega
    • Choir: Sarah Bennett
    • Orchestra: Eliza Fielden 
  • Art — (Presented by Sue Brandt)
    • Advertising: Addie Pennucci
    • Ceramics: Max Reznik
    • Computer Graphics: Elliott Stalls
    • Digital Media: Issy Kwei
    • Jewelry: Issy Kwei
    • Drawing: Ava Keogh
    • Fashion: Yana Giannoutsos
    • Painting: Julia DiLullo
    • Photography: Caden Wright 
  • Library Learning Commons — (Presented by Ken Dunaj): Maksym Podolyuk 
  • Physical Education/Health — (Presented by Kelly Holtz): Madeline O’Neill and Sophia O’Neill 
  • Support Services — (Presented by Joy Lawrence): Julia DiLullo and Terence O’Sullivan 

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

  • W. Gehret Kleinspehn Science Award — Presented to a senior showing strong interest, achievement and enthusiasm in all of the sciences and humanities: Nolan Medalla and Arjun Patel 
  • Society of Women Engineers Award — Presented to two seniors for academic achievement in science and mathematics with an interest in pursuing engineering: Sophia Gimby and Shayna Wilson-Spiro 
  • Legends of Science — Awarded to students that demonstrate a love for the sciences and humanity. The recipients display a scientific curiosity of how the world around them works, while maintaining a charismatic, caring and optimistic nature: Issy Kwei and Catherine Walsh 
  • Rensselaer Medal Award — Awarded to a promising junior who has distinguished themselves in mathematics and science: Aiden Sharp 
  • The Wilton Land Conservation Trust Scholarship in Memory of Dan Cappel — Presented to a senior who has demonstrated a commitment to the environment, extracurricular activities, community service and academics (Presented by David McCarthy): Anna Morello and Ethan Lipper 
  • The Wilton Land Conservation Trust Book Award — (Presented by David McCarthy): Afroz Ali 
  • 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 Sherry Johnson): Josephine Coleman 

MATHEMATICS AWARDS — (Presented by Melissa Giovanniello and Christian Willaum) 

  • Fairfield County Math League Award Honorees: Or Eisdorfer, Abbie Fang, Saaransh Khandelwal, Jack Leventhal, Arjun Patel, Arushi Patel, Arian Shah, Aiden Sharp and Harry Zhou 
  • Junior Top Scorer in Fairfield County Math League: Aiden Sharp 
  • Connecticut State Association of Math Leagues 
    • Wilton High School Class M State Champions 
    • Junior Top Scorer in Connecticut State Meet: Aiden Sharp 

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: Alyson Tupper
    • French: Arjun Patel
    • German: Avery Phillips
    • Greek: Nicholas Huberty 
    • Latin: Nicholas Huberty
    • Spanish: Grace DiBuono-Krafick 
  • 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: Nicholas Huberty 
  • AATF Outstanding Senior in French: Piper Dean 
  • German Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany Award — For outstanding achievement in the study of German language and literature: Thomas Fletcher 
  • National German Exam Medalists: Iana Agoev, Matthew Barymow, Norah Corrigan, Jack Crossen, Matthew DeFeo, Natalia Dluzniewska, Liliia Kryvoruchko, Madeline Shukovsky and Evan Wadyka 
  • CT State Latin Exam Gold Medalists (summa cum laude)
    • Latin I: Blake Baumel, John Frisbee, Wyatt Hoffstatter, Caitlyn Lentner, Pieper Markowski, William Rowley and Melina Tsirikou
    • Latin II: Quint Furman
    • Latin III: Aiden Sharp and Caleb Sharp
    • Latin IV: Sydney Gow
    • Latin V: George Huberty and Nicholas Huberty 
  • National Latin Exam Gold Medalists (summa cum laude)
    • Latin I: Blake Baumel, John Frisbee, Caitlyn Lentner, Pieper Markowski and Henry Snow
    • Latin II: Quint Furman, Riley Griffin and Adrian Monin 
  • National Greek Exam 
    • Homeric Iliad — Highest Honors: Caleb Sharp
    • Homeric Iliad — High Honors: Agni Tsirikou 
    • Homeric Odyssey — High Honors: Caleb Sharp and Agni Tsirikou 
    • Attic Greek — Highest Honors: George Huberty
    • Attic Greek — High Honors: Abbie Fang 

G. EVANS HUBBARD HISTORY ESSAY AWARD — Presented by the Wilton Historical Society to two WHS students to recognize excellence in historical scholarship and writing. Named for one of Wilton’s preeminent early historians, the award honors the students whose essays best demonstrate the use of original research and promote the relevance of historical study. (Presented by Nick Foster): Greta Engel and Jamilah Santos 

NATIONAL ECONOMICS CHALLENGE (AP Division) Sponsored by the Council of Economic Education (Presented by Freda Boguchwal):

  • Individual scores of high distinction, Connecticut: Sophia Gimby, Hannah Looney, Adi Mital, Eric Lu and Charlotte Stapkowski 
  • Team honorable mention, Connecticut: Aarushi Agrawal, Grace DiBuono-Krafick, Saniya Shah and Charlotte Stapkowski 

2024 FEDERAL RESERVE BANK of NEW YORK HIGH SCHOOL FED CHALLENGE competition — The Economics of Work, Recognition award to the Wilton High School Team: Aarushi Agrawal, Jonathan Andriuk, Alex Cohen, Ryan Cohen, Jack Leventhal, Adi Mital, Sienna Kauh and Anant Srinivasan 

CAPTAIN SAM POLIS AMERICAN LEGION POST 86 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP — In recognition of academic achievement by a senior pursuing a technical career. (Presented by Post 86 Commander Paul Niche): Francesco Tomas 

THE JAMES B. WHIPPLE AMERICAN LEGION POST 86 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. (Presented by Post 86 Commander Paul Niche): Dillon Bhutani and Emily Gregson 

“YOUNG AMERICAN” LEADERSHIP AWARD — Presented to a senior for outstanding citizenship and academic excellence. (Presented by Paul Niche on behalf of the Western Connecticut Military Officers Association): Ryan Cohen 

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): Jack Leventhal 

WILTON YOUTH COUNCIL AWARDS — (Presented by Carolyn Lyon and Deborah List) 

  • 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: Carter Stephenson 
  • 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: Griffin Casey 

HUGH O’BRIAN (HOBY) FOUNDATION AWARD — Presented to a sophomore demonstrating leadership and scholarship potential. (Presented by Brian Keating): Lilah Gettler 

DAR GOOD CITIZEN AWARD — Presented to a senior for exemplary citizenship and service to school and community. (Presented by Nan Merolla): Sayuki Layne 

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): Shayna Wilson-Spiro 

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): Mario Cavone and Marianna Ramirez 

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

WILTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD — Presented to a senior who demonstrates academic achievement and community service. (Presented by Carol Johnson): Grace DiBuono-Krafick 

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): Vivian Eckert and Yana Giannoutsos 

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 Jack McFadden): Cora Huff 

WILTON WOMAN’S CLUB ELIZABETH STERNAD SCHOLARSHIP — Presented for outstanding community service, strong character and leadership. (Presented by Maria Wilcox): Caroline Hage 

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 and Carol Johnson): Grace Biondo, Ryan Cohen and Nina Torres 

WILTON REPUBLICAN TOWN COMMITTEE LINCOLN SCHOLARSHIP in memory of Henry “Bud” Boucher — To the graduating senior who wrote the most compelling essay in response to this year’s essay challenge, “To defend free speech, now under attack by many who want to ban speech that makes others uncomfortable.” (Presented by Toni Boucher and Peter Wrampe): Madeline Phelan 

WILTON DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE CIVIC LEADERSHIP AWARD — Awarded based on their passion and dedication to participate in civic issues that improve the quality of life in their chosen communities. (Presented by Tom Dubin and Jane Rinard): Hannah McCall 

WILTON LEAGUE OF WOMAN VOTERS AWARD — Presented to a seniors who demonstrate political awareness and an understanding of the importance of a representative democracy for our nation’s future. (Presented by Virginia Gunther and Barli Nugent): Courtney Giles, Shawn Gregory, Cora Huff and Jason Sherrick 

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 Tina Duncan): Shawn Gregory 

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): Grace Biondo, Lauren Buchanan, Sofia DeStefano, Madeline Dineen, Christopher Du, Skyler Espinoza, Madison Gillespie, Sydney Gow, Bernie Huang, Ava Keogh, Flynn Shipman, Quin Silva and Carter Stephenson 

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 Quin Silva): Cora Huff and Adi Mital 

CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS “LEADERSHIP AWARD” — Presented to two seniors for outstanding leadership at Wilton High School. (Presented by Bob O’Donnell): Cora Huff and Illeas Paschalidis 

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

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): Sayuki Layne and Quin Silva 

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): Shawn Gregory and Caroline Luce 

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): Aarushi Agrawal and Griffin Casey 

DR. ROBERT J. JACOBS MEMORIAL AWARD — In appreciation of students who “left their mark” for others to see. (Presented by Bob O’Donnell): The Festival – World Language: Apoorva Diviti, Laura Kowal, Alexis Shukovsky, Madeline Shukovsky and Kinga Sigmond 

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): Shayna Wilson-Spiro 

THE CESAR JIMENEZ PTSA SCHOLARSHIP AWARD — Presented to two seniors who have shown leadership in improving the community at WHS and are willing to make personal sacrifices to achieve success for the greater good. (Presented by PTSA President Sue Robins): Brody Hess and Eli Meltzer 

THE MELISSA McFADDEN MEMORIAL FUND SCHOLARSHIP — Presented to a senior who has compassionately worked with people with disabilities and may intend to pursue this field in the future. (Presented by The McFadden Family): Riley Doran 

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): William Fischer 

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 Robin Sanson): Issy Kwei 

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): Ella Dempster 

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

  • National Merit Commended Students: Jonathan Andriuk, Anderson Campbell, Alex Cohen, Piper Dean, Grace DiBuono-Krafick, Yana Giannoutsos, George Huberty, Nicholas Huberty, Rohil Jain, Arsh Khan, Saaransh Khandelwal, Jack Leventhal, Ethan Lipper, Eric Lu, Nolan Medalla, Eli Patania, Anup Pilla, Brivic Sato, Jason Sherrick, Anant Srinivasan and Aadi Vohra 
  • National Merit Finalists: Christopher Du, Shawn Gregory, Illeas Paschalidis, Arjun Patel, Kate Rusin, Arian Shah, Saniya Shah, Sid Suneja, Shayna Wilson-Spiro and Daniel Zoubarev