Gifted Berlin HS Seniors Earn Prestigious Arts Awards

Berlin Public Schools

BERLIN, CT — Two Berlin High School seniors were awarded a prestigious arts award for their performing or visual arts excellence.

The Connecticut Association of Schools Arts Awards annually honor two seniors from each member school.

While excelling in artistic endeavors is important, scholarship and leadership are also supporting criteria.

These students were honored at a banquet at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville (Southington) on Tuesday.

BHS senior Madelyn Lazzara, representing excellence in visual arts; and Glenn Fearn, representing excellence in performing arts, were honored.

Madelyn Lazzara

Lazzara is a multifaceted student who has earned numerous awards in a variety of areas including academics, dance, and athletics, according to school officials.

She has been inducted into the Berlin High School chapters of the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society and the National Honor Society.

Lazzara — also known as "Maddie" — is currently president in the Interact Club, is house leader in the Upbeat peer leader program, and is currently vice president of the DECA business club.

She has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, has achieved High Honors status consistently while in high school, and earned AP Scholar with Honors distinction.

Lazzara is a member of the WERB school radio club, photographer in the Broadcast Club, and serves as a tutor with the BHS Writing Center.

"Maddie has given back to her community, completing over 200 hours of community service. She is also an athlete, participating in the Weightlifting Club, captain of the indoor track team, member of the outdoor track team, and is an accomplished dancer," wrote the school system.

Manwhile, Lazzara has earned several artistic awards including the Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mention for photography; the Rochester Institute of Technology Art and Design award; and was a finalist in the Amplifier National Photography Contest and ASAP photography competition of Connecticut.

After graduation from Berlin High School, she plans to attend the College of the Holy Cross with a double major in classics and English.

Glenn Fearn.

Fearn's scholastic resume includes countless examples of what made him an honoree, according to school officials

In addition to his achievements in the classroom and extracurricular activities, he is known for his "exceptional character."

"He is a kind, respectful, and compassionate young man who always goes out of his way to help others," wrote the school system in an announcement.

"In addition to challenging himself academically, including remaining on the high honor roll every quarter, Glenn is involved in several Berlin High teams and clubs."

As a programming lead on the robotics team, he is a role model to younger students and helps lead team spirit with his friendly demeanor.

Fearn has been inducted into the BHS chapter of the National Honor Society based on academic achievements and hours of community service.

In addition, he is an AP Scholar with Honors, and was awarded the David Ritter Award as a sophomore and the RIT Computing Award as a junior.

Fearn, meanwhile, is a three-season athlete, participating in cross country, swimming, and outdoor track and field.

In additoin, he is a member of the Upbeat peer leadership program, the Mock Trial Team, and the DECA Business Club.

On top of that, Fearn is "a gifted musician," having been an active member of the BHS Music and Theatre Arts Department since his freshman year of high school.

He has participated in the band program all four years, including serving as saxophone section leader in the Redcoat Marching Band.

Fearn joined the choral program in his sophomore year and quickly developed a newfound joy of singing and, even, created the first BHS Barbershop Quartet in his junior year.

He continues to stay active as a member of the jazz band and Madrigal Singers.

After graduating high school, Fearn plans to major in computer programming.