WHS Presents 2025 Academic and Community Awards, with First-Ever Early Graduation for Four Students

On Monday Morning, May 19, Wilton High School recognized several students for their academic achievements and community contributions during the annual Academic and Community Awards Ceremony.

This year, in what Principal Robert O’Donnell said was a first for the school, four members of the Class of 2025 received their diplomas early during the ceremony. O’Donnell led a special graduation ceremony to honor Ella Carbonara, Anna Coppola, Charlotte Mickelborough and Langtian Sky Zhang, seniors who will be competing at the U.S. Rowing Youth National Championships from June 12-15 in Florida — which conflicts with WHS graduation on Saturday, June 14.

As the band played “Pomp and Circumstance,” the four graduates walked down the center aisle to the front in a mini-processional, and as their names were called, Board of Education Chair Ruth DeLuca and Superintendent Kevin Smith conferred their diplomas.

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 2025 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: Avner Wilson-Spiro
• Brown — combines academic excellence with clarity in written and spoken expression (presented by Adam Laliberte): Kieran Wiseman
• University of Chicago — an outstanding student, visible in school and in the community with a lively mind (presented by Taylor Feehley, Ph.D.): Arista Sullivan
• Colby Sawyer College — demonstrates critical thinking, creativity and active community involvement through volunteer work or leadership: Clara Lilly
• College of the Atlantic — an adventurous individual committed to learning, community engagement and creating positive change: Grant Stein
• Columbia — outstanding academic achievement (presented by Linda Ciliberti): Meredith Sullivan
• Columbia University School of Engineering — outstanding scholarship in math and science (presented by Kelly Holtz): Ava Migliaccio
• Cornell — embodies the Cornell spirit through cultural awareness, academic excellence, citizenship, and innovation (presented by Mat Hepfer): Keya Patel
• Dartmouth — outstanding academic scholarship, strong character and positive contributions to the school community (presented by Lorien Saumier): Lilah Gettler
• Endicott — demonstrates strong leadership skills inside and outside the classroom: Sophie Hall
• Harvard Club of Fairfield County — outstanding academic scholarship (presented by Michelle Cota): Abbie Fang
• Harvard Club of Southern Connecticut — combines excellence in academics with significant achievement in extracurricular endeavors (presented by Michelle Cota): Gianna Sutherland
• Hollins University
  • Creative Writing — demonstrates strong creative writing talent and consistent academic excellence: Biagio Nicchia
  • Mary Beth Hatten Award for Science — demonstrates interest and talent in the field of science and research: Ryan Katz
• James Madison University — pursued challenging coursework, gained leadership experience and actively fostered a sense of community at school: Ozzy Andrews
• Johns Hopkins University — demonstrates intellectual and moral growth, original scholarship, and the character to apply it for society’s benefit: William Olmstead
• Miami University of Ohio — great leader within their community and is looking to give back: Ellis Nichols
• University of Michigan — outstanding achievement in creative writing: Alina Kilchytska
• Princeton Alumni Association of Fairfield County — outstanding academic scholarship: Emma Roos
• Rhodes College — demonstrates exemplary community engagement and passion for their community: Grace Gordon
• University of Rochester (presented by Mike DiGennaro)
  • Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award — excellence and rigor in science and math, with positive contributions to both school and community: Arushi Patel
  • Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award — committed to addressing social issues with leadership and dedication to community action: Arden Hamilton
  • George Eastman Young Leaders Award — proven leadership at school and in the community, outstanding academic performance, and active involvement in extracurriculars : Riley Griffin
  • Xerox Award for Innovation and IT — passion for innovation and information technology, notable achievements in the field, hands-on experience through work in local labs or industry and ability to lead in developing new creative solutions to old problems: Logan Santisi
• Sacred Heart — academic achievement while contributing to one’s community (presented by Kevin Slater): Josie Silva
• Saint Anselm College — demonstrates academic success and exceptional leadership qualities in the area of civic engagement: Lainey Kovach
• Saint Michael’s — academic achievement with a social conscience: Kerry Dodman and Peter Swierczynski
• Springfield College — demonstrates an exemplary record of service to their high school community and the community at large (presented by Linda Ciliberti): Rory Kepner
• St. Lawrence — academic achievement and significant commitment to community service: Nicholas Marini
• Stonehill College — excels in the classroom and positively contributes to his school community: Curtis Jackson
• Suffolk — exemplifies a commitment to education and school community: Reed O’Neill
• Trinity — outstanding achievement in English (presented by Steve Sobolewski): Zach Mangino
• 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: Ryan Hough
• University of Virginia — a well-rounded student representing the Jeffersonian ideals of scholarship, leadership and citizenship: Isabella Kaoud
• William and Mary — a visible and dynamic leader in and outside the classroom (presented by Lauren Kantor): Maria Giannoutsos
• Yale — outstanding academic scholarship: Diya Vijit Nair

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): Samantha McDonnell

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

• Applied Arts/Family & Consumer Science (presented by Maria
  Breece)
  • Child Development: Lauren Ring
  • Culinary: Robert Berry
• Career & Technology Education (presented by Maria Breece)
  • Business: Tyler Jackson
  • Media Production: Daniel Lai, Henry Mangum, Quinn Minozzi, Adam Raniolo and Finn Ryder
• Art (presented by Sue Brandt)
  • Advertising: Jamilah Santos
  • Ceramics: Mackenzie Northway
  • Computer Graphics: Piper Bittner
  • Digital Media: Zachary Coleman
  • Drawing: Anthony Vaccaro
  • Fashion: Kaitlyn Vallerie
  • Jewelry: Anna Coppola
  • Painting: Liliia Kryvoruchko;
  • Photography: Thomas Lusignan
• English (presented by Heather DeLude and Eric Mendelson): Courtney Allen, Daisy Beach and Elle Hawthorne
• Theater Arts (presented by Heather DeLude): Ellie Meyer and Grace Todd
• Public Speaking (presented by Kevin Slater): Ella Carbanaro and Jake Schlack
• Library Learning Commons (presented by Ken Dunaj and Tara Peterson): Kate MacDonald
• Mathematics (presented by Chris Shpak): Aiden Sharp
• Music (presented by Troy Williams)
  • Band — Mya Kessleman and Erin Robins
  • Choir — Shae Farago and Finn Ryder
  • Orchestra — Isaac Downs
• Physical Education/Health (presented by Kelly Holtz): Campbell MacDonald and Tanner Schmauch
• School Counseling for Citizenship and Character (presented by Pamela Scott): JoAnna Therency
• Science (presented by Matt Hoyt): Saanvi Kakarlapudi
• Social Studies (presented by Dave Wilock): Courtney Allen and Danny Babashak
• Support Services (presented by Joy Lawrence): Kelly O’Malley and Nicolas Quintero
• World Languages (presented by Christine Higgins and Lauren Kantor)
  • American Sign Language: Lauren Minor
  • French: Courtney Allen
  • German: Matthew Barymow
  • Greek: Caleb Sharp
  • Latin: Aiden Sharp
  • Spanish: Mya Salvino

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

• W. Gehret Kleinspehn Science Award — a senior who shows strong interest, achievement and enthusiasm in both the sciences and humanities: Caleb Sharp
• Society of Women Engineers Award — seniors who demonstrate academic achievement in science and mathematics with an interest in pursuing engineering: Matthew Barymow and Kinga Sigmond
• Rensselaer Medal Award — a junior who has distinguished themselves in mathematics and science: Abbie Fang
• The Wilton Land Conservation Trust Scholarship in Memory of E. Dan Cappel — a senior who has demonstrated a commitment to the environment, extracurricular activities, community service and academics (presented by Brett Amero): Afroz Ali
• The Wilton Land Conservation Trust Book Award (presented by Brett Amero): Brody Fusco and Isla Ritchie
• Wilton Garden Club Marybeth Wheeler Memorial Scholarship Award — a senior who has shown an interest and achievement in nature, horticulture, botany or ecology (presented by Janer Belson): Savona Bocchino

MATHEMATICS AWARDS (presented by Melissa Giovanniello and Christian Willaum)

• Fairfield County Math League Award Honorees: Varsha Arun, Abbie Fang, Arushi Patel, Aiden Sharp, Caleb Sharp, Achintya Srinivasan and Harry Zhou
• Fairfield County Math League Senior Top Scorer: Aiden Sharp
• American Invitational Mathematics Exam Qualification: Aiden Sharp
• Connecticut State Association of Math Leagues, Wilton High School Class M State Champions: Varsha Arun, Arushi Patel, Aiden Sharp, Caleb Sharp, Achintya Srinivasan and Harry Zhou

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

• Northeast Conference Award — honors excellence in world language learning
  • ASL: Shae Farago
  • French: Daniel Allam
  • German: Madeline Shukovsky
  • Greek: Aiden Sharp
  • Latin: Aiden Sharp
  • Spanish: Danny Babashak
• AATF Outstanding Senior in French: Charlotte Mickelborough and Annabelle Zheng
• German Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany Award — for outstanding achievement in the study of German language and literature: Natalia Dluzniewska
• National German Exam Medalists: Iana Agoev, Liliia Kryvoruchko and Olaf Wegter
• AATF Sandi Van Ausdal Prize — honors Connecticut students of French who embody a passion and enthusiasm for French: Apoorva Diviti, Laura Kowal, Alexis Shukovsky, Madeline Shukovsky, Arista Sullivan and Meredith Sullivan
• Goethe Institut Ehrenurkunde — for students who show enthusiasm for German: Ananya Peddinti and Erin Robins
• CT State Latin Exam Gold Medalists (summa cum laude)
  • Latin II: Blake Baumel, Kendall Kazan, Pieper Markowski, William Rowley and Henry Snow
  • Latin III: Quint Furman
  • Latin IV: Aiden Sharp and Caleb Sharp
• National Latin Exam Gold Medalists (summa cum laude)
  • Latin I: Arav Gupta and Gopika Kaimal
  • Latin II: Pieper Markowski, Henry Snow and Melitini Tsirikou
  • Latin IV: Aiden Sharp and Caleb Sharp
• National Greek Exam
  • Homeric Greek (Iliad), High Honors: Caleb Sharp
  • Introductory Greek, 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 (presented by Lauren Kantor): School officials did not provide names of awardees.

BUSINESS AWARDS

• CSCPA Award — presented to a senior who has excelled in accounting (presented by Amy Korn): Kate Warren
• 2025 Federal Reserve Bank of New York High School Fed Challenge Competition: “The Economics of Food” Recognition award to the Wilton High School Team (presented by Amy Korn): William Byrnes, Trevien Goldman, Curtis Jackson, Sam Jacobson and Ray Slough
• Career Practicum Award — presented to a senior who has shown outstanding achievement in Career Practicum (presented by Jen Vonella): Iana Agoev

AMERICAN LEGION POST 86 AWARDS (presented by Post 86 Commander Paul Niche)

• CAPTAIN SAM POLIS AMERICAN LEGION POST 86 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP — in recognition of academic achievement by a senior pursuing military service via an officer program: Robert Berry
• 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: Ainsley Smyth and Langtian Sky Zhang
• 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): Danny Babashak

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): Kinga Sigmond

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: Gabriella Luciano
• 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: Camryn Czarnecki

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

DRUM HILL D.A.R. AWARDS (presented by Mary Bendix)

• SERVICE TO AMERICA AWARD — given to seniors who are committed to entering a service academy or a ROTC program at their university after 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: Robert Berry
• DAR GOOD CITIZEN AWARD presented to a senior for exemplary citizenship and service to school and community: Danny Babashak

WALTER R.T. SMITH STUDENT HISTORIAN AWARD — given by the Wilton Historical Society and presented to a senior for outstanding achievement and interest in history and a record of community service (presented by Nick Foster): Alexis Shukovsky

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): Alexis Shukovsky and Madeline Shukovsky

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

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

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): Lia Lombardi and Julia Nanos

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 Club and Key Club International organizations, as a leader and example of selfless service to their school and broader Wilton community (presented by Jeff Turner): Courtney Allen and Abigail Byrnes

WILTON WOMAN’S CLUB ELIZABETH STERNAD SCHOLARSHIP — presented for outstanding community service, strong character and leadership (presented by Maria Wilcox): Mya Salvino

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): Kate Lane, Kianna Opont, Teagan Stengrim and Zephyr Yeager

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): Warren Hamilton

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 Elizabeth O’Connell): Kendra Ward

WILTON LEAGUE OF WOMAN VOTERS AWARD — presented to 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): Alexis Shukovsky and Madeline Shukovsky

THE JEANNE SMITH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP — awarded by the Ridgefield chapter of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) to a female senior who demonstrates strong drive, takes initiative and makes the world a better place. This student has similar traits as Jeanne Smith, including caring for others and having a thirst for learning (presented by Bob O’Donnell): Mia Sommer

WILTON GO GREEN SCHOLARSHIP AWARD — presented to seniors who have demonstrated their passion for the environment and taken action to foster sustainable behaviors in their daily lives (presented by Tina Duncan): Danny Babashak and Savona Bocchino

WILTON PRIDE PATHWAY TO INCLUSIVITY SCHOLARSHIP — given to students who have contributed significantly to creating a more inclusive and diverse school community, are advocates for change, embracing diversity, and actively promoting an environment of respect and acceptance within their school (presented by Caroline Ainsworth Hughes and Lisa Gibboney): Elle Hawthorne and Lucy Shultz

AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP AWARD — recognizes seniors who show a positive attitude, possess strength of character and promote citizenship through school and community activities (presented by Brian Keating): Sarah Albanese, Sahana Bhagavatula, Caitlyn Cronin, Robert Eskenazi, Grace Guglielmo, Hannah Hsu, Abigail Phelan, Erin Robins, Sofia Samai, Eliana Soccio, Amit Solomon, Mary Sylvester and Annabelle Zheng

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 Skyler Reading): Daniel Allam and Mya Salvino

CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS LEADERSHIP AWARD — presented to two seniors for outstanding leadership at Wilton High School (presented by Bob O’Donnell): Aiden Sharp and Alexis Shukovsky

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

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): Danny Babashak and Skyler Reading

FCIAC SCHOLAR-LEADER AWARD — presented to two seniors with positive personalities who have demonstrated academic achievement and leadership qualities (presented by Bob O’Donnell): Or Eisdorfer and Caileigh Smith

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): Mya Salvino and Caleb Sharp

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): Courtney Allen and Tanner Schmauch

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

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): Finn Ryder

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 Tara Kovach): Abigail Byrnes and Olivia Cooper

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 Jack and Deborah McFadden and Eric Lindahl): Kate Lane and Teagan Stengrim

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 and Senator Ceci Maher): Connor Buchichio

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): Gael Santos Lugo

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): Kianna Opont

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

• National Merit Commended Students: Afroz Ali, Daniel Allam, Courtney Allen, Danny Babashak, Kaamil Badami, Eric Ding, Elle Hawthorne, Juhayer Huq, Alyssa Karim, Laura Kowal, Milan Petrosyan, Abigail Phelan, Nathan Raman, Eitan Ramos, Mya Salvino, Grewa Sato, Aiden Sharp, Aniket Shetty and Langtian Sky Zhang
• National Merit Semifinalists: Isaac Downs, Robert Eskenazi, Hannah Hsu, Caleb Sharp and Annabelle Zheng