Rotary Honors Reed School Students

Two Reed Intermediate School students were honored by the Newtown Rotary, not only for their success in school, but for their volunteer work in community activities. Rotarian Tony Salvatore, assistant principal of Reed School, introduced Taylor Ansbro and Jenna Ruddock.

Taylor Ansbro, a member of cluster 6-G was selected by her teachers for her honesty, kindness, fairness, and for being a respectful young lady who has demonstrated exemplary character throughout her sixth grade experience and before that.

Taylor is a model student who sets high standards for herself and produces quality work. She gives 100 percent effort to her assignments and frequently seeks extra math help to keep her high standards.

Recently she found $20 on the floor of the girl’s gym and without hesitation turned it in so the owner could recover it. Many visits have been made to Ashlar where she helps to cheer up the residents. She also helps tutor a friend in schoolwork, which results in a more productive student who now does well on tests. On weekends she volunteers to baby sit a 1- and 4-year-old as she feels this teaches her responsibility and kindness. Her remaining time is spent playing softball and basketball and being a good Girl Scout for the past five years.

Her teachers say it best: “Taylor is definitely an assert to our cluster and we are very fortunate to have her! Congratulations, Taylor –– this award is well deserved.”

Jenna Ruddock, grade 6-F, is recognized by her teachers not only for her outstanding scholastic record, but also for her proven accomplishments as an involved and caring member of the Newtown community.

Jenna is best described as a self-directed student and individual. She independently organized and implemented a successful drive to raise $750 for the Defenders of Wildlife Organization, and has been homeroom representative for both the yearbook and student council at two schools.

 Jenna is president of the Rotary-sponsored Interact Club and was recently reelected president of the Reed Interact Club by her peers. Jenna was a leader of the very successful blood drive on April 5, which resulted in meeting 108 percent of the goal that had been set and was one of the 19 Interact students who voluntarily participated on Saturday and who received a letter of commendation from the American Red Cross.

In her spare time, Jenna plays basketball and softball for Newtown Park and Recreation and has been a Girl Scout for seven years.

The Student of the Month Program is Rotary’s way to honor those students doing exemplary work in school and in helping fellow citizens in the community, not only in Newtown but in the world with international projects and who never get recognized for their efforts.