Newtown High School’s Top Students

By Laurie Borst

As another school year winds to a close, Newtown’s top students share future plans and look back on their experiences at Newtown High School. As the top ten students, a common theme emerges in their advice to younger students. Always do your best and take advantage of opportunities that present themselves while finding a balance between studying, sports, clubs, and friends.

These ten scholars had a hard time selecting one teacher who influenced their high school careers. The students found Newtown High School teachers as a group to be supportive, encouraging, and inspiring.

Valedictorian Brian Pennarola will be attending Tufts University in Medford, Mass., in the fall. He is planning on going pre-med, but is not sure about a major yet, perhaps biology.

Not only has Brian made his mark academically, but he has been busy with extracurricular activities. He played freshman and jv baseball, indoor and outdoor track, and on Senior League Basketball. Brian was a member of JSA and the National Honor Society, serving as its president.

During the past three summers, he acted as an intern at the SMART Camp (Summer Music and Art) in Newtown. Interns help the children at the camp with their activities. The camp is run through Continuing Education.

Brian offers this advice to students, “Try to become the best people you can be. No one can ask for more than one’s best effort.”

Speaking of bests, Brian’s best memory of his high school career was the surprise birthday party his friends held for his 18th birthday. “I was completely clueless and there are pictures which prove that,” he shared.

The last book Brian read was River of Doubt, a book about President Teddy Roosevelt.

And which teacher made the biggest impression on him?

“I have greatly appreciated many of my teachers, but I feel that Mr McHugh has most influenced me. Mr McHugh is simply an incredible person; he is an outstanding teacher and a great man. I know everyone at Newtown High School will miss him next year.”

Salutatorian Darcy Fiscella is planning to study engineering at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, this fall.

Darcy played varsity soccer and varsity basketball for years, serving as captain of both team. She spent two years on the varsity track and field squad.

Her soccer experience led to the best memory she holds of high school.

“My high point was winning the Girls’ Soccer Class LL State Championship in 2004. It was a feat that our team could have never imagined we would accomplish,” Darcy said.

“You should always try your hardest and do your best academically, but the most important thing is to have balance,” offered the salutatorian. “While your studies should be a priority, they should not force you to give up the other things that you love. The people in your life and the things that make you most happy are most important.”

Darcy credits Kim Lowell, her science teacher, with having most influenced her. “In fact, she is the reason why I want to pursue engineering in college,” Darcy explained. “She made physics a fun and interactive class that has greatly influenced me and my interests.”

Dave Wilkins will attend Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He is deciding between majoring in humanities or political economy.

During high school, Dave played jv and varsity tennis, serving as co-captain his senior year. He was a member of the National Honor Society, holding the position of secretary. Dave is also an accomplished musician, playing in the Newtown High School Symphony Orchestra and serving as concertmaster, as well as playing first violin with the Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestras. Dave also participated in summer work camps doing construction on houses.

“Two of the best school-related things that have happened to me were the orchestra’s trip to Italy, and my participation in the All-State music festival,” Dave stated. “Going to Italy was great from a performance perspective, but I also got to spend a lot of time with my friends in a new and exotic location. All-State was great, because all of the other participants were excellent musicians, but they were also committed to creating a successful ensemble. The product was an outstanding concert.”

Dave offers to underclassmen, “Be confident enough in yourself to understand what you want to be doing, and proactive enough to try to accomplish it. There are all sorts of opportunities close at hand, that just require a first step on your part in order to realize them.”

The last book Dave read was Atonement, by Ian McEwan. “I really enjoyed it,” Dave said. “It was a little slow-moving, but the characters and the events were complex and very real. None of the people involved are particularly admirable, but it makes them that much more fascinating.

“I think that all of my teachers in AP classes have influenced me the most, because those are the classes that require the most collaboration with teachers and the most effort,” Dave related. “In order to be successful, it’s essential to have a really quality teacher to help students with the material and the concepts required. Even though they were my toughest classes, they were often my most enjoyable.”

Tilly Philbrick will study biochemistry at Tufts University, Medford, Mass., this fall. The last book she read for pleasure was A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.

In describing her best memory of high school, she injects a bit of humor, “I love AP psychology with Mr McHugh, especially the intricacies of cults,” she began. “In US history, my friend and I were assigned a few questions on the US Constitution. We flipped through the pages many times, and couldn’t seem to find anything useful, yet everyone around us were scribbling down answers, one after the other. Then we realized we were reading the Bill of Rights...just further reinforcing my notion that history was not one of my strengths.”

Tilly dedicated a lot of time to competitive Irish dancing. She was an inductee of the National Honors Society and the Spanish National Honors Society as well as a member of Global Voice and Guidance Honor Association. She also tutored after school.

Her advice to students, “Don’t overstress! Find a balance between school work and your outside life. Don’t force yourself into an unnatural position. You’ll miss out on some fun times!”

 And the teacher who most influenced her?

“I can’t narrow it down to one, and every teacher has improved me in some way. But, I really appreciate the support from Dr Toby, Ms Hughes, and Mrs Mendoza.”

Tara Cereta will attend Stony Brook University on Long Island, where she has been awarded a four-year, full-tuition scholarship.

“As of right now my major is undecided,” she said, “though ultimately I plan to become a psychiatrist.

 “My best memory was a recent one,” she stated. “One day late in March, I came home to find in my mailbox three large envelopes — one from New York University, one from Fordham University, and one from Stony Brook. It was a dream come true to find scholarships offered from all three of my top-choice schools. The euphoria turned sour pretty quickly, though, when I realized I suddenly had a very tough decision to make!”

 Tara has also kept herself busy during high school. Clubs and activities she participated in include Junior State of America, Global Voice where she served as secretary, Guidance Honor Association, Peer Leadership, National Language Honor Society for French, National Honor Society, and tap and jazz dance.

“The best advice I could offer would be simply to do what’s right for you,” Tara offered. “While it’s natural to want to pick classes, clubs, and even colleges based on what your friends are doing, the most rewarding decisions are the ones made of your own volition.”

The last book Tara read for pleasure was Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut.

“I read it in the beginning of the school year and again after he died,” she related. “I loved it both times but I think I got a lot more out of it the second.

“I owe my achievements in high school to all of my amazing teachers,” she concluded. “After four years of learning from them, I could never choose just one to name as the most influential; I would end up naming them all.”

Erica Federman will attend Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., this fall, where she will major in business.

“Dancing with the Markettes at this year’s fall pep rally was one of my more memorable moments at Newtown High School,” Erica said. “I was incredibly nervous, yet invigorated at the same time. The school spirit was overwhelming and I couldn’t believe the general excitement of the NHS students.”

Erica is also a well-rounded student, joining Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and serving as school chapter president and secretary at the state level, Markettes Dance team, Student Government president, Leo Club president, Newtown Youth Creating AIDS Awareness for Peers President, and National Honor Society. She also served as a member of the town’s Wellness Committee Meetings and played piano.

“While the workload in high school can seem stressful and frustrating, everything will ultimately pay off,” Erica tells underclassmen. “Find the right balance of fun and work, take advantage of all the opportunities that come to you, and don’t let four years pass without stopping to appreciate everything.”

The last book Erica read for pleasure was My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult.

“Since there were a multitude of teachers who influenced me at NHS, I can’t really choose one who was the most influential,” Erica said. “Mrs Wolfson was an amazing teacher who showed care for her students both inside and outside the classroom. Mr O’Sullivan was remarkably intelligent and treated his students like adults. Dr Toby and Mr McHugh were always entertaining and in general, down to earth people. My FBLA advisor, Mrs Walsh, also guided me through my business studies.”

Linda Chamiec-Case will be attending the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. She is currently considering a major in either mathematics or economics.

Asked “What was the high point or best memory of your school career?” Linda responded, “I pondered this question for a long time, but in the end I couldn’t come up with one highest point of my school career. Rather, it seems that my educational career was an accumulation of wonderful memories that together make up my composite high school experience.”

Linda has been riding horses for 13 years. She has been very involved at Trinity Church, undertaking such activities as head chorister of the youth choir, second grade church school teacher, involvement in the youth group and charity outreach initiatives.

She also works in a secretarial position for a nonprofit organization and, on top of that, babysits. She has served as student representative on the Newtown School District Math Curriculum Board and is a member of National Honor Society and Guidance Honors Association.

“High school offers a multitude of opportunities for anyone motivated enough to seek them out,” Linda said. “I would advise people to seriously discern their interests and then to pursue them vigorously so as to further their happiness as best as possible. It’s very important to remember that such happiness comes from a balanced combination of academics, extra curriculars, and recreation. All three are equally important and should be treated as such.

“This past semester I’ve been enjoying the more relaxed academic pace, and consequently have had found some time to read books that are refreshingly devoid of educational importance, though I have continued pursuing my serious literary interests as well,” she explained. “I’m currently reading a nonfiction book that discusses the philosophical and religious implications of forgiveness. It was a recommendation from my father and is entitled Free of Charge by Miroslav Volf.

“I’ve found my experiences with NHS teachers to be extremely positive,” Linda said. “All of my teachers are unique and influence me in a multitude of wonderful ways. I’ve been most influenced by teachers that profoundly engage me in the material they are teaching. Mrs Parvis, who taught both modern European history and world religions, has an admirable depth of knowledge for her subjects [which] coupled with her passion creates a very stimulating academic environment. Mrs Leone, my calculus teacher, has an outstanding understanding of math and calculus. She uses this knowledge to fully convey the vast wonderful complexities of calculus and in doing so really cultivated my love for the subject. I also really enjoyed her teaching methods.”

Nikia McFadden will attend Duke University in Durham, N.C., “hoping to major in mathematics,” as she puts it.

During her years at Newtown High, she played varsity tennis, participated in school and community theater, was a volunteer at Danbury Hospital, studied ballet, took voice lessons, and served as vice president of the National Honor Society.

Sports provided the high point of her school career, as she explained, “Last year, girls’ varsity tennis won SWC’s for the first time in our high school history. I, with my partner Lauren DeFelice, won the SWC individual championships in the second doubles spot this year. That was quite exciting as well.

“Do not let your academic career consume your life,” Nikia tells underclassmen. “Make sure that you keep doing things that are important to you. I definitely struggled with balancing everything at times throughout my high school career, but I cannot stress enough how wonderful it is to come out of all this not only with good grades, but great relationships, and cool hobbies that I’m super-passionate about.

“I’m really into the Harry Potter that came out in 2005 — I’ve been so busy these past two years that I haven’t had a chance to read it!” she said. “Now, I finally have some spare time to see what the wizard is up to now.”

Nikia credits Denise Mendoza, AP chemistry teacher, and Kim Lowell, AP physics teacher, with influencing her the most.

Jennifer Iassogna will attend Tufts University, Medford, Mass., where she will study child development and psychology.

Extracurricular activities included varsity swim team for four years, serving as captain last fall, Western Connecticut YMCA Makos Senior 1 Team, Peer Leadership, Guidance Honor Association, and National Honors Society. Jennifer was on the staff of the school newspaper, The Hawkeye, serving as editor-in-chief this year. She was Class Council, Class of 2007 Treasurer for four years. On top of all this, she worked as a lifeguard/swim instructor at the Western Connecticut YMCA and birthday party leader at Playtime Village in Monroe.

“The girls’ swim and dive team won the Class L State Championship my junior year, SWCs in 2004 and 2005 and went undefeated for 34 straight duel meets, which was pretty cool,” Jennifer said of high points in her school career. “I also played at Carnegie Hall and traveled through Italy with the orchestra. I play the cello.”

The last book she read for pleasure was Ian McEwan’s Saturday.

She offers this advice to students, “You have to love what you do. It’s a lot easier to be successful when you’re passionate.

“All of my teachers have really pushed me to be the best I can be inside the classroom and out,” Jennifer stated. “They have all taken personal interest in my and my classmates’ success and I think that’s a really special part of Newtown High School. I’d have to say that the teacher that influenced me the most out of all of them, though, is David Kimball, my journalism teacher. He is a great teacher, but more importantly, he’s also a mentor and friend. He’s not only taught me a lot of about writing and the business side of journalism, but also about life in general. He is one of the most grounded, well-rounded and interesting because his life is a collection of eclectic experiences. I have a lot to thank him for.”

Sean Ryan will attend Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y., in the fall. He intends to major in English literature, and possibly adding a double major in government or history.

“The high point of my school career was the whole of my sophomore year,” Sean said. “I was in Ms Strand’s English class, and I was discovering for the first time how much I enjoyed reading and writing. It was an enlightening time for me because I was beginning to figure out what excited me academically and creatively. I was also playing music with very talented people who inspired me to delve into jazz wholeheartedly, which is an influence that remains strong in me as I plan to continue playing and studying music forever. I also got to spend a lot of time with my closest friends that year, and I solidified friendships that I know I will keep forever. All in all, I discovered a lot about myself that year.”

Sean participated in the marching band for four years, which he calls the biggest single commitment he made in high school, citing opportunities to play in incredible places, like the Carrier Dome in Syracuse and the St Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City. He also participated in the Jazz Band his freshman and sophomore years.

“We got to open for the late Maynard Ferguson when he played at NHS, which is a name drop sure to make any jazz musician envious,” Sean said. “I played music for many miscellaneous events around school like the fall drama productions of A Thurber Carnival and A Streetcar Named Desire, and I also played in a few jazz combos which performed at events around town as a community service.

“For younger students, the best advice I can offer is to be sure to surround yourself with genuine friends who will motivate and challenge you,” he offered. “Your friends are without a doubt the most important part of high school, and if they serve as a positive influence everything else will fall into place. You will learn more from your friends than you will in any classroom.”

Lately, he has been revisiting one of his favorite authors, Kurt Vonnegut. “The most recent book I read for pleasure was his Breakfast of Champions,” he said. “I admire the way he fearlessly force feeds his view of humanity to his readers. His language is blunt and uncompromising, and I admire that a great deal.

“There are a lot of tremendously talented and dedicated teachers at Newtown High whom I have had the pleasure of learning from, but if I were to cite one as being the most influential I would have to say that this was Cari Strand,” Sean stated. “I had the pleasure of having her for two years at both the honors and AP level. She was constantly emanating her passion for language and its artistic applications, and she challenged us to use it in ways we had never thought possible. I have always loved reading for pleasure, but Ms Strand showed me how to read on a much higher level for interpretation, and to appreciate the idiosyncrasies of rhetoric. Her class molded me into a much more effective writer and speaker, and I’m very grateful for her enthusiasm.”