Brookfield Student To Receive 'Young American' Honors

BROOKFIELD, CT — The Western Connecticut Military Officers Association, Quest Diagnostics and Patriot Bank, N.A., have announced their 45th annual Young American Awards.

Colin McLoone from Brookfield High School will be among the high school seniors honored this year. The pair was nominated from over 20 Fairfield County high schools who demonstrate outstanding leadership, academic success and community service. They will be honored at a "virtual" awards ceremony on June 7.

In a normal year, the Young American Awards recipients and their parents are honored guests at a formal military banquet held at scenic Fairfield County venue. This year the YAA winners will be honored at a virtual tribute on June 7, 2020. That evening, several candidates selected from among these nominees will be awarded scholarships totaling at least $15,000.

"We are proud of these exceptional young men and women who have endured so much during their Senior year," said Al Smith, First Lieutenant, US Army (retired), president of WCMOA. "As veterans, our members fully appreciate the 'can do' spirit that has driven these young adults to excel – and we are not going to let anything, including a pandemic, prevent us from honoring them and their families."

"Quest is honored to support these young adults who have demonstrated a passion for serving
others,” said Steve Rusckowski, chairman, CEO and president of Quest Diagnostics. "I wish them well as they begin the next chapter of their lives, and we thank WCMOA for giving us an opportunity to participate in this important program."

"Education is fundamental to ensuring successful futures and Patriot Bank is proud to work
hand-in-hand with the Western Connecticut Military Offices Association in awarding high schoolers an opportunity to help pave the path to their achievements,” said Patriot Bank EVP-Chief Administrative Officer Frederick Staudmyer. "Supporting the next generation of students is vital and these scholarships, which recognize students who demonstrate important values, will help them with some of the high costs of college tuition, leaving them better positioned, financially, when they graduate. Patriot Bank is truly proud to be part of this."

Western Connecticut Military Officers Association is a non-profit organization founded in November 1958, currently celebrating its 61st year. Its goals are to stimulate "love of country" as well as supporting and defending the US Constitution. Its membership consists of women and men who served as officers in all branches of the Armed Services in both peace time and war. The WCMOA Young American Awards program is in its 45th year of supporting the education of young Fairfield county patriots.