1st Pathfinder Award Recipients Announced By Guilford Rotary Club At Guilford High School

GUILFORD, CT — The Guilford Rotary Club and Guilford High School have announced the inaugural recipients of the Pathfinder Award, recognizing students who demonstrate leadership, service, resilience, and strong character.

“The first recipients are Tessa Antonakas and Lyra Monaco, selected from a competitive pool of peer nominations,” according to a news release from Guilford Public Schools. “Notably, the two students nominated one another, highlighting the mutual respect they have earned within the school community.”

Read more from the news release below:

Antonakas is recognized as a dedicated and compassionate leader. A captain of the Guilford High School fencing team, she mentors teammates, leads practices, and organizes clinics for younger students. She also serves as a summer camp counselor, volunteers at her church’s Greek Festival, and has been involved in both the Shoreline Fencing Club and the school’s robotics team.

“Tessa is one of the most dedicated and kind people I have had the honor of meeting,” Monaco said. “She truly exemplifies the spirit of the Pathfinder Award.”

Monaco is known for her leadership and commitment to service. A captain of the sailing team and its first female member, she also serves as Co-Chair of the Youth Advisory Group and Co-President of the Interact Club, helping to lead student retreats and service initiatives. She is also a peer minister and youth sailing instructor.

“Lyra has a unique ability to connect with those around her and make everyone feel valued,” Antonakas said. “She embodies the spirit of the Pathfinder through her commitment to others.”

Inspired by military pathfinders — those who prepare the way for others, the award honors students who lead through service and integrity, often without recognition.

“This award exemplifies the students doing the important work quietly in the background,” Principal Julia Chaffe said. “They are the unsung heroes.”

The program is a collaboration between the Guilford High School Climate Committee and the Rotary Club of Guilford, with recipients selected based on leadership, service, and character aligned with Rotary’s Four-Way Test.

“They are truly the cogs in the wheel that make the world go around,” Rotary member Pat Pasquale said.

“A lot of applications were received, and theirs were the two that rose to the top,” Rotary member Carl Cooper said. “They should be very proud.”

Each recipient receives a certificate and a $250 scholarship. The award will be presented twice each academic year.