The Weller Foundation, Inc, presented awards in recognition of their exemplary achievements to Newtown High School seniors during the foundation's Annual Awards Banquet, April 27, in the Dolan School of Business Dining Room at Fairfield University.

Newtown resident and Superintendent of Easton, Redding, and Region 9 School Districts Thomas McMorran spoke during the banquet.

One of the five finalists competing for the $14,000 Barton L. Weller Scholarship is Christopher Lafky, son of Mary Ann Jacob and Bruce Lafky of Sandy Hook. The Barten L. Weller Scholarship was established in 1978 by the foundation and is presented to a senior for a five-month independent study or research project. Chris's project was "Elimination of Harmful Excess Algae in the Housatonic River." The objective of his project was "to decrease the levels of harmful cellular algae, mainly cyanobacterias, in the Housatonic River, thereby increasing the health of the river ecosystem and decreasing human risk of injury when exposed to the river's water." Chris was awarded $500 for his project, and he will be attending Bucknell University in the fall to study electrical engineering.

Another finalist for the Barton L. Weller Scholarship was Alisha Aggarwal, the daughter of Bindu and Karun Aggarwal of Newtown. Alisha's project was "Photojournalistic Blog Pulse Points, Displaying the Extraordinary in the Seemingly Ordinary." The objective of her project was "to share the stories of ordinary individuals around us, to capture experiences and short stories from the lives of people in the community. Pulse Points is targeted at finding the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary around us and breaking the barriers of communication through real life experiences, stories, and social issues that can help generate awareness, positivity, and inspiration for the community." Alisha will be attending New York University this fall to study global health.

Ryan Argraves, son of Cheri and Bradley Argraves of Sandy Hook, was the recipient of the $3,000 Vincent A. Voccia Vocational Award. The award was established in 1983 by the foundation and is presented to a senior to assist in preparation for a vocational or technical career. Ryan will attend Lincoln Technical Institute in the fall to study in its automotive program.

Josefina Mendez, daughter of Ana Eliza Canavelli and Jose Luis Mendez of Newtown, was the recipient of the $500 Senior Science Award, established by the foundation in 1962. The award honors an outstanding senior who demonstrates the ability to achieve recognition in science. Josefina will attend Yale University in the fall to study cellular, molecular, and developmental biology.

Anna Biondi, daughter of Sagrario and Frederick Biondi of Newtown, was the recipient of the $500 Eleanor F. Moore Business Award, established by the foundation in 1973. The award honors an outstanding senior who demonstrated the ability to achieve recognition in business. Anna will attend the University of Delaware in the fall to study finance and international business.

Jessica Petersen, daughter of Sandra Cortopassi and Michael Petersen of Newtown, was the recipient of the $500 Paul W. Broggi Communications Award, established by the foundation in 1986. The award honors an outstanding senior who has demonstrated the ability to achieve recognition in communications. Jessica will be attending Naugatuck Valley Community College in the fall to pursue an associate's degree, before transferring to Roger Williams University for her bachelor's degree in marketing and communications.

The Woodbury-based Weller Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to educational, charitable, and civic organizations.