NHS Recognizes Midyear Grads

By Laurie Borst

On the evening of January 31, the lecture hall at Newtown High School was adorned with blue and gold balloons and streamers celebrating 28 students who have completed requirements for graduation.

Assistant Principal Cathy Ostar began the recognition ceremony with opening remarks. She acknowledged the students’ hard work and the support of family and friends who helped them reach this milestone in their lives. She was followed by two of the graduates.

Sherry Galindo addressed the assembled with words of praise for their accomplishments and words of encouragement for the future. Charlie Ferris then spoke of the difficulties encountered entering a new school. His story of making friends and triumphing over doubts brought the audience to its feet.

The graduates were then called to the front where a receiving line, consisting of 17 faculty members, offered congratulations. At the end of the line, Board of Education members David Nanavaty and Lisa Schwartz handed each student a certificate and a yellow tulip. Last, but certainly not least, Superintendent Evan Pitkoff offered kudos to each student.

When the last graduate returned to her seat, Dr Pitkoff wrapped up the ceremony.

“You are the next generation,” he said. “It is the next generation that moves us forward.”

The midyear graduates are: Laura Brown, Mark Cinguegrana, Jessica DiVanno, Sara Edgerton, Joseph Feola, Charlie Ferris, Cory Fletcher, Sherry Galindo, Cailin Goldey, Jordan Haury, Lauren Jones, Matthew Leefers, Jessica Macey, Lamar Macisco, Katie Mantz, Justin McGrath, Cassandra Montanez, Jessica Orama, Steven Orrico, Sarah Palladino, Nicole Reymond, Mia Rossetti, Tanya Rotella, Antigua Samuelson, Amanda Seiling, Jessica Simonson, Allison Steinfeld, and Nicholas Szabo.