Rotary Honors Students Of The Month

Newtown Rotary honored June Students of the Month Gabrielle Milano, Nicole Escoda, Kelly Sullivan, Natalie Clavette, Patricia Culligan, and Karrilynne Dolan at its recent meeting.

Gabrielle Milano, an upcoming sixth grader at Reed Intermediate School, was said to have “really come out of her shell” during her year as a fifth grader at Reed. According to teachers, Gabrielle’s confidence increased with her involvement in the Rotary-sponsored Interact Club, a community service organization.

One teacher noted that Gabrielle “embodies community involvement through the many Interact Club events she has participated in.”

Through Interact Club, Gabrielle became involved in Operation Stuffed Toys last fall, collecting stuffed animals for foster home children. She also sold pencils to raise money for “Pencils for Peace” and worked at a recent Interact Club fundraising raffle. Gabrielle has also been involved in soccer and jazz dancing. A violin and saxophone player, she plans to join the chorus this fall.

Nicole Escoda, who will be joining Newtown Middle School’s seventh grade class this fall, is described by teachers as well-rounded, comprising a mix of scholastic ability, positive social attitude, sports involvement, and community consciousness.

Nicole is an active student council member and has also served as treasurer of the Interact Club. She has assisted in Discovery Science Workshops and has volunteered both at the C.H. Booth Library and Meals on Wheels.

Most recently, Nicole captained a team for Newtown’s Relay For Life, personally advocating for a $300 sponsorship by the Interact Club.

In her spare time, Nicole enjoys boating, jet skiing, and water skiing. She was once recognized as “Camper for the Day” at a basketball camp for her generous, helpful nature.

Teachers describe Kelly Sullivan, a rising eighth grader at Newtown Middle School, as an “outstanding student” who is well liked by peers and teachers alike. One teacher noted, “She is a pleasure to have as a student and has been a positive addition to our cluster!”

Kelly, an honor roll student, is a member of the school’s cross country and basketball teams. She has played the violin for five years and said she has enjoyed her participation in the school orchestra.

Outside of school, Kelly is actively involved in Girl Scouts and her church youth group. She also plays basketball, volleyball, and soccer through the town’s Parks and Recreation department. Kelly is interested in pursuing a career in fourth grade education, marine biology, or membership on a professional soccer team.

Natalie Clavette, who will begin her freshman year at Newtown High School this fall, is an honor roll student and active community volunteer.

Among her many charitable endeavors, Natalie has assisted in cooking and serving meals at area homeless shelters, wrapped holiday gifts for children with AIDS living in Bridgeport, and volunteered at the Dorothy Day House in Danbury. She loves playing field hockey and placed 17th in the New England Irish dancing championship last November. During her eighth grade year at Newtown Middle School, Natalie also served as a member of the yearbook staff.

Patricia Culligan recently graduated from St Rose’s eighth grade class. An outstanding young scholar, Patricia was a member of the St Rose National Junior Honor Society. She recently served as co-president of the Student Council with peer Nick Kallivrousis. In addition to her academic and school community achievements, Patricia is a dedicated pianist and ballet dancer.

She recently was selected as a spokesperson for the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation. She has been an active member of the foundation since being diagnosed with diabetes at age 8. Patricia is admired by her peers and teachers for her “extraordinarily positive demeanor” as well as her love for others and love for God.

Educators once labeled Newtown High School 2004 graduate Karrilynne Dolan as an “at-risk” student, one who struggles academically and socially. But, according to teacher Pat Walsh, Karrilynne “is not much different from many around her or from the person who stands before you right now.”

Ms Walsh said she saw herself in Karrilynne. “Not all of us — even teachers — are predestined to be successful,” Ms Walsh said during the Rotary meeting. “Some of have to learn in spite of various situations. Some of us learn by knowing and accepting what we do not want to become. I did, and so did Karrilynne — by making a conscious decision to turn her life around.”

Karrilynne, who made High Honors during her last year at Newtown High School, was recently accepted to college and wants to become a teacher, specializing in education for the hearing impaired. Ms Walsh encouraged “Kerry” to continue following her dreams.

“You’ve come such a long way and the best is yet to be,” Ms Walsh said, quoting, “Shoot for the moon! Even if you miss it, you will land among the stars.”