Newtown Rotary Honors Students From Middle And Reed Schools

Newtown Rotary held the first awards night for the beginning of the new school year. The purpose of the awards is to recognize and honor those students who are doing their best in their studies and in taking part in various service projects that help make their community and the world a better place.

Rotarian Tony Salvatore, assistant principal of Reed school, introduced the first four students from the Middle and Reed schools.

Leah Pinckney (fifth grade, Reed school) spent the first nine months of her amazing life in the Children’s Institute Orphanage in China before she was adopted by her loving parents; she moved from Danbury to Newtown at age 3. These adjustments were difficult for her, but her glowing personality and willingness to succeed made this transition easier. Leah also wants everyone to know that she treasures her parents very much, and she enjoys the time she spends with her younger sister, Anna.

Leah Pinckney is one of the most focused girls you could ever meet. She spends three hours every Saturday attending Chinese School, where she learns about her heritage. Two hours are spent learning to read and write Chinese, and one hour is spent on the culture including dance, drawing, and games.

Leah is an accomplished musician. She has been studying the violin for more than three years; her violin teacher felt that she was so talented that she encouraged Leah’s parents to let her try the piano as well. She has now been playing the piano for more than two years. She considers orchestra her favorite class, and she thinks it is fun to watch her peers learning their instruments. Leah says that she always tries her best; she tries so hard because she dreams of playing her instrument in a large symphony one day. If this dream does not come true, Leah is still prepared to become a success. She plans on dedicating herself to school and eventually becoming a veterinarian. She loves and respects animals, especially her little cock-a-poo, Domino.

Madison Ghent (sixth grade, Reed school) is the nominee for the “Personal Achievement Award.” Madison truly exemplifies someone who has made many personal achievements in her life. Although Madison has encountered several challenges, she maintains an upbeat, positive attitude and a zest for learning. Madison loves writing and finds it to be a creative outlet for her to share her insights and observations. She is at ease in the classroom where her love of learning is evident. She is a kind and caring member of the class who is respected by all. She has volunteered her time at school to be a helper by working in the library.

Outside of school, Madison is interested in pursuing modeling. She was part of the cross-country running team last year and hopes to join again this year. Last year she participated in “Girls on the Run” and culminated the season by running in the Rooster Run. Madison came in first of all the girls that ran from “Girls on the Run.”

At home Madison is a loving daughter and sister, helping out wherever she can.

Audra Sarna (seventh grade, middle school) resides in Sandy Hook with her parents, Ian and Diane, and younger sister, Lauren. Audra is an honor roll student from the Purple Cluster. She loves language arts, math, and enjoys NMS because she loves meeting new friends.

Her teachers comment, “Audra is an exceptional young lady. She puts forth 100 percent effort into her academics, is helpful to her peers, and maintains a positive attitude regardless of the task. In addition to her school successes, she has developed a strong sense of community and compassion for others. Her altruistic demeanor is apparent in her interaction with peers and in her many public service activities. Her accomplishments are outstanding and her modesty endearing.”

In Hebrew School Audra and her dad participated in a five-mile walk with the Ability Beyond Disability group. In addition, she regularly donates her personal belongings to Goodwill and makes food baskets for the needy out of donations given to her temple. Audra participated in Relay For Life and worked as a counselor in mentoring young children. In her spare time she enjoys playing soccer, babysitting in the neighborhood, and reading fantasy — one accomplishment was reading the entire Harry Potter series.

Her teachers, Mrs Leone, Mrs McGivern, Mrs Oliver, and Miss Stevens, are proud to recognize Audra as their Rotary Student of the Month.

Molly Day is an eighth grade honor roll student from Cluster Purple. She resides in Sandy Hook with her parents, Lee and Diane, two siblings, Casey and Liam, two cats, Muffin and Tyger, and two dogs, Bo and Evie. Her teachers, Miss Papalia, Miss Lang, Mrs Musco, and Mr Shupenis, state, “Molly is a busy young lady who takes both her academics and her life seriously, and she finds time to give to others as well. Molly is committed to helping others and is committed to her studies.”

Last year Molly and her sister saw a need within the community and fulfilled it. They founded “The Group,” a club for autistic adolescents. Fourteen members meet every other Saturday for various activities such as enjoying a movie together or having a party. Molly and Casey have been recognized by the Danbury News-Times for their efforts and have been awarded a “Best Citizen” award.

Dancing is Molly’s passion. Jazz is her favorite type of dance, and for the past 11 years she has participated in a variety of dance classes each week. Her dance team at the Dancing Center in Newtown competes four times a year at various competitions in New England. It is Molly’s hope to pursue dance professionally in the future,

It is with pleasure that the Cluster 8 Purple teachers select Molly for their Rotary Student of the Month.

Gabriela Tejade from St Rose School was introduced by teacher Eileen Kirk. Gabriela exemplifies service to others, both inside and outside the school. She has always put other students both big and little ahead of her own needs. She is an alter server for St Rose Church, helps out in the Religious Education office and serves on the yearbook staff club in St Rose School. She also assures that each child is safely dismissed from school on a daily basis. She is a role model for all the other students at St Rose School.