Newtown High School senior, Kaedince Danka, 17, led a small but hardy group of hikers on a “Community Dog Walk” at Fairfield Hills campus on Saturday, January 4.

The walk was a component of her senior year “Capstone Project,” which is a large-scale project every senior has to do that reflects their interests and leaves a lasting, positive impact on the community.

Danka said that the walk was designed to promote the human to animal bond, as well as provide an opportunity for like-minded individuals to meet and socialize around a common interest while exercising their dogs.

The wind was fierce, gusting at close to 40 mph at times, and the low temperatures made the walk a bit of a challenge. However, the participants said they enjoyed being in the bright sunshine and helping to support a student’s project.

Danka is planning on attending Naugatuck Valley Community College for her first two years of college and then she will “more than likely transfer to Western Connecticut State University” to finish her degree. Although she has not made up her mind as to what her area of concentration will be, she does plan on “pursuing a field related to the care and well-being of animals.”