Tony Kmetetz Awarded

Newcomer’s And Neighbors Scholarship

The Newtown Newcomers and Neighbors Club has awarded its second annual $500 scholarship to Tony Kmetetz. Laura Terry, club president, and Margie Mayers, secretary, made the formal presentation to Tony at the Monday, June 6, meeting of the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire Department, where he is a full-time member.

Tony Kmetetz and his family moved to Newtown in August 2003 from Vermont, where he was involved with the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department. He said his desire to become a firefighter was a direct response to the events of September 11, 2001.

 On moving to Newtown, he immediately joined the Sandy Hook Fire Department as a way to become part of his new community. During his time here, he has completed Fire Fighter I, Fire Fighter II, and MRT training. He is on call 24/7 and responds to as many calls as possible.

 In September, Tony will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology, where he will major in mechanical engineering. His long-term plans include designing fire trucks and fire fighting equipment. And he will still be a full-time member of the Sandy Hook VFD, responding to calls during summers and other school breaks.

The Newcomers and Neighbors Scholarship is awarded each year to a graduating senior who moved to Newtown during his or her junior or senior years of high school and who has demonstrated an impact on the school and/or community during their time here. Applicants submit a short essay about their contributions, and a panel of club members reads these essays and chooses the recipient.

Anyone who is a resident of Newtown may become a member of the Newcomers and Neighbors Club. For more information about the club’s activities, visit the organization’s website at www.newtownnewcomers.com.