In recognition of their exemplary achievements, seven NHS seniors recently received awards from the Weller Foundation, Inc.

The recipient of the $15,000 Barton L. Weller Scholarship is Taegan Smith, daughter of Chris and Heather Smith of Newtown. The Barton L. Weller Scholarship was established in 1978 and is presented to a senior for a five-month original independent study or research project. Taegan’s project was titled “Movements: An Exploration of Impactful Women in History Told Through Dance.” Taegan will be attending the Alvin Ailey Dance School at Fordham University in the fall to study dance and history.

The recipient of the $6,000 Weller Computer Sciences/Technology Scholarship is Arav Dave, son of Deepak and Jagruti Dave of Sandy Hook. This scholarship was established in 2008 to encourage and financially assist a student to pursue a career in computer science. Arav plans to pursue a degree in software systems development in the fall.

The recipient of the Robert Swart Engineering Scholarship is Collin Hoffman, son of Steven and Donna Hoffman of Sandy Hook. This scholarship was established in 2015 as the Weller Engineering Scholarship and renamed in 2018 to honor former trustee Robert Swart. It was established to encourage and financially assist a student to pursue a career in engineering. Collin will be attending Purdue University this fall to pursue aerospace engineering.

The recipient of the $500 Eleanor F. Moore Business Award is Nidhi Mukka, daughter of Srikanth and Sunitha Mukka of Sandy Hook. This award was established in 1973 to honor an outstanding senior who has demonstrated the ability to achieve recognition in business. Nidhi will be attending the University of Connecticut to major in finance.

The recipient of the $500 Paul W. Broggi Communications Award is Shea Murphy, daughter of Matthew and Deidre Murphy of Sandy Hook. This award was established in 1986 to honor an outstanding senior who has demonstrated the ability to achieve recognition in communications. Shea will be attending Kennesaw State University to study journalism and communications.

The recipient of the $500 Senior Science Award is Victoria Stevenson, daughter of Gregory and Susan Stevenson of Newtown. This award was established in 1962 to honor an outstanding senior who has demonstrated the ability to achieve recognition in science. Victoria plans to study mechanical engineering at University of Florida in the fall.

The recipient of the $3,000 Vincent A. Voccia Vocational Award is Christopher Shaker, the son of Brian and Erica Shaker of Newtown. This award was established in 1983 to be presented to a senior to assist in preparation for a vocational or technical career. Christopher will be attending Central Connecticut State University to study construction management: design and building.

The Weller Foundation, Incorporated, is a nonprofit organization established in 1962 to provide financial assistance to educational, charitable, and civic organizations.