PHOTOS: Awards Night at LHS

There was a big awards and recognition night at Ledyard High School Wednesday, and that was in addition to the annual soccer banquet that was taking place in the cafeteria to honor the boys’ 14-5 season.

At a Board of Education organizational meeting in the media center, four departing school board members were recognized by board Chairwoman Sharon Hightower and schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Graner for their outstanding contributions and service.

State Rep. Tom Reynolds, D-42nd, presented proclamations to departing members Barbara Kil, John Phetteplace, Stephanie Calhoun and Paul Kunkemoeller. Calhoun was appointed to the board in early June to replace Kunkemoeller after he and his family moved to Groton.

Three new members – Robert Beaver, Joan Disco and Rebecca Graebner – joined members Hightower, Gordon Strickland, Michelle Hinton, Julia Cronin and Mimi Peck-Llewellyn in taking the oath of office, administered by Assistant Town Clerk Elaine Henschel.

Four outstanding students – two from the high school and two from the middle school – were presented with CASSP awards. The acronym stands for Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, and the award is given for scholarship, leadership and community service.

Eighth-graders Cheyanne Holliday and Gianni Jennke-DeMuzzio, and high school seniors Victoria Jones and Porter Reim were the recipients. All are top students who give generously of their time and energy toward helping others, both in school and in the community. The awards were presented by guidance counselors Patty Pollin, Christy Toppa and Josie Finlayson.

Watch for more on these students.

Finally, Graner recognized departing Town Councilor Jim Diaz, whose four years on the council followed four years on the school board. As a member of the council, Diaz has served as liaison to the Board of Education.

Graner said he was saddened four years ago to hear that Diaz was leaving the board. “Little did I know the extent to which we would be sending an advocate and true friend to the Town Council,” he said.

Although Patch didn't make it over to the soccer banquet, our hearty congratulations to the boys' varsity soccer team on a tremendous season that extended into the second round of the state playoffs. The team's turn-around from last year was nothing short of spectacular.