Bethel Students Take On Challenges, Come Out On Top

In recent weeks, Bethel’s students have been facing challenges and coming out strong.  Here are some  highlights of students that have participated in events, including those who won prizes.  

Whether they won or not, many of those students gave their all and deserve to be recognized for taking on the challenges. Make sure to see the photos of all of Bethel’s Stars in the photo gallery!

On Thursday night, Luisa Kenausis, BHS Jr. and editor-in-chief of the Mirage Literacy Magazine, accepted the 2011 Award of Excellence in Educational Communication.

Congratulations to the following Bethel High School students who took the 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test(PSAT/NMSQT) and met requirements to enter the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program.  With a Selection Index score of 200 or above, each of these students is among the 50,000 highest-scoring participants of some 1.5 million program entrants. Sent in by Principal Patricia Cosentino. 

Aiden L. Ford

Rebecca E. Joseph

Luisa A. Kenausis

Maria C. Manolescu

Justin H. Quader

Harper A. Stevenson

 Congratulations to all Odyssey of the Mind participants! All three Johnson Teams did an amazing job representing Johnson School. The team working on the long term problem, You Make the Call, qualified for the World Finals! This team finished 2nd in the state. Bravo!  From the Superintendent’s newsletter.

Eloise Gagnon, freshman, Kent School, nominated for Athlete of the Week. 

In last week’s victory over local rival Canterbury, Eloise racked up a game high 9 goals and tallied 1 assist.  She was clutch in winning the draw controls for Kent and provided a much needed offensive spark.  Again, in the win over Ethel Walker she did a phenomenal job possessing the ball on attack and came up with several ground balls.  In our victory against Westover, Eloise notched both of the overtime goals.

  She has an excellent shot, sees the field well, and sets her teammates up for critical scoring opportunities.  As a freshman, she is currently leading the team in goals.  During practices, she plays with intensity and always gives 100% in each drill.  Her diligent work ethic and desire to compete have made her a key factor to this season’s great start with the team currently boasting a record of 3-1.  The fact that she is only a freshman with such potential is exciting for me as a coach and I look forward to helping her develop even more this season.  From Cortney Tetrault, head coach varsity girls lacrosse, Kent School. 

Sen. McLachlan, Union Savings Bank Honor Student Essay Writers

In an April 17 ceremony at Danbury City Hall, State Sen. Michael McLachlan and Union Savings Bank presented National Women’s History Month Essay Contest Awards to area students from the greater Danbury area who submitted an essay about a woman of influence.

“The research conducted by these students was excellent and their writing is top-notch,” McLachlan said. “We are very proud of them. Encouraging our young people to be effective communicators is a very important aspect of their education.  Many thanks to Union Savings Bank for donating the contest prizes. Without their generosity, this event would not have been possible.”

The winner of the contest was Bethel Middle School’s Christina Franzese and Catherine Galliford was a runner-up!

The Invention Convention inspired 27 of Bethel’s elementary school students to create or improve ways to make life easier.  The students had to create presentation boards, a prototype of their invention, and then demonstrate their invention to a panel of judges.  Besides the scientists, teachers and others who donated their time to judge,  the students were also judged by other participating students.   

Participants:

Scotty Davis – The Lego Knife

Jessica Astrologo – Watery Fan

Callie Poznan – The Look Out

Ashlynn Ehrhard – The White Boardinator

Jessica Olexy – The Nail Squeegie

Killian Mead – The Burglar Buzzer

Kaitlyn Mattera – Comfy Cushion

Audrey Keener – Pet Glove

Michael VanDeWater – Dog Feeder

Luke Briscoe – The Lazy Bottle Cap

Bennett LaBree – Floating Ball

Clara Morgenstern – Hat‘n Coat

Jack Cretacci – Grandma’s Helper

Aiden Maxwell – Drape Closer

Sara El Moustakim – Com-Wheeler (Comfortable Wheelchair)

Sonia Goyal – Organized Pencilbox

Dominico Sacchinelli – The Neat Net

Kiley McKale – Safe Bunny Travel

Jonathan Spear – The Cryless Onion

Lucas Vieira – Cat Feeder

Madison Meenan – The Keeper

Kristine Rudinas – The Desk Friend

Brianna Duffy – Liquid Cleaner

Bryce Wallace – x2 Helmet

Claire Rabjohn – Paper Catcher

Aidan Politizer – Fresh Garbage Can

Freddy Ginin – Car Airplane

Recognized Inventors: Michael VanDeWater, Callie Poznan, Killian Mead, Ashlynn Ehihard, Jess Astrologo, Audrey Keener, Jessica Olexy, Scotty Davis, Kaitlyn Mattera

Top Inventors: Michael VanDeWater, Kaitlyn Mattera, Audrey Keener

List from Superintendents Newsletter