Students Honored At Superintendent’s Association Student Recognition Awards

By Larissa Lytwyn

The Western Connecticut Superintendent’s Association recently presented its annual student award winners across its 12 districts, including Newtown.

Each district recognized middle and high school-aged students who stood out for their community service and services to others, academic prowess relative to ability, and leadership service both in and outside the classroom.

“The students are nominated by their teachers,” noted Superintendent of Schools Evan Pitkoff.

The student awards program was originated by the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS), Public Information Committee, and formally approved by the CAPSS Board of Directors.

The program’s aim is to provide superintendents with a means to recognize students in their local communities.

“We recognized a range of students,” said Danuta Thibodeau, PhD, executive director of Education Connection, a regional nonprofit educational service organization. “Some of them have overcome unique challenges, and we recognize that.”

Education Connection hosted the awards ceremony at Fireside Inn on May 17.

“Each year we have a guest speaker,” Ms Thibodeau said. “Last year, we had Lt Gov M. Jodi Rell. This year, we had Attorney General Richard Blumenthal!”

Mr Blumenthal praised the students for their accomplishments.

But, he was quick to note during his speech, “Great people are impossible without great schools and great parents.”

Newtown Middle School recipient Lauren Busser was described in the program’s compilation of student biographies as a “talented writer” who has published one poem and written several novels. She is a member of the school’s literary magazine and student council. Her interests include dance and yoga.

Newtown Middle School’s second honoree, Matthew Kuruc, was described as “a very considerate young man with a great attitude.” He is active in the student council and the school community.

Newtown High School senior Sasha Mastrocinque was described as a “dedicated, determined, bright young woman.”

“I was totally surprised when I received this award,” she said. She noted her progression in Girl Scouts as a highlight of her high school experience.

Newtown High School’s second recipient, Edward Wolf, also a senior, was described as an “intelligent, hardworking young man who maintains a busy academic schedule while contributing countless hours of community service to Newtown High School and the community.”

He also is the recipient of a Boy Scouts of America Heroism Award for saving a peer’s life during a whitewater rafting trip.

In addition, Edward is the president of the school’s Technology Club, which was recently honored with a student award of excellence in technical achievement from the National Television Academy.

“Winning the [NTA] award has definitely been a highlight this year,” Edward said. “It’s been great.”