NMS Highlights Seventh And Eighth Grade Students

By Eliza Hallabeck

Seventh and eighth grade students were arranged on the front lawn of Newtown Middle School Tuesday, June 19, when NMS Principal Diane Sherlock walked up to the podium to welcome all of the students, teachers, and visiting parents to the school’s awards ceremony.

“We don’t get many chances to get the whole school together,” said Ms Sherlock, “and this is such a pleasure to see you all together.”

The annual awards ceremony, Ms Sherlock said, is also a great way to end the school year, celebrating success and accomplishments.

While Ms Sherlock said not every student would receive an award during the ceremony, she added, “Your teachers and I know that every single one of you is a winner in a really special way.”

In attendance for the event were First Selectman Pat Llodra, Superintendent of Schools Janet Robinson, and Assistant Superintendent of Schools Linda Gejda.

Connecticut Secretary of the State Denise Merrill was unable to attend the event on Tuesday, due to an illness, but Executive Assistant Kevin Bronson attended the midmorning event for her.

“Each year in our office we recognize students from each congressional district,” said Mr Bronson, “with the Excellence In Citizenship Award.”

From submissions from hundreds of schools across the state, Mr Bronson said Alexandra Lotko was chosen as one of the five middle school recipients this year.

Newtown Board of Realtors President Eileen Brooks also attended the event to award eighth grade students Clare Boyle, Sophie Kennen, Julia Preszler, and Haley Williams with a monetary award and recognition for their School of the Future Design Competition entry.

“On behalf of the Connecticut Association of Realtors and the Newtown Board of Realtors,” said Ms Brooks, “I’d like to present this check for $500 to the Newtown Middle School and thank the students for all their hard work.”

Many students were announced as award winners and recognized for achievements during the 2011-12 school year. To read a full list of the students who were recognized, see this story at www.newtownbee.com.

Adults were also recognized during the event, including retiring NMS Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Cultural Arts Committee Chair Andrea Spencer for her ten years in the position, and retiring teachers Nancy Maxwell and Linda Dale Mulholland.

Video highlights from the event are available with this story at www.newtownbee.com.