Spotlight Focused On Nine Cousins In Eighth Grade

The spotlights one student every month but this month’s nomination went to a group students who are cousins, neighbors, classmates and teammates.

“I just thought it was interesting,” said guidance counselor Patty Pollin, who selected the group. “I learned they were cousins after a while of talking to them individually.”

Student spotlights feature a student who stands out in some way and not necessarily in academics. Principal Joseph Chella said the students are featured for something they do outside of school and for something schoolmates and teachers wouldn’t know otherwise.

Chella said in the past, students were chosen for their charity work, community service or a unique talent.

This month’s featured students are Roger Allen, Tannor Daggett, Aakyia Goodwin, Justin Carter, Dakota Kilgore, Kierra Sebastian, Chanel Thomas, Jordan Weum and Scott Whipple.

Pollin said they are all cousins and members of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. The group live within two blocks of each other “and have grown up knowing that they were part of something important.”

The students have participated in tribal customs like Pow Wow’s where they learned traditional dances and have taken part in dance contests. Pollin said some of the cousins have taken Algonquin language classes.

But, in general, the group does typical teenage activities while hanging out like, basketball, eating, and playing video games.

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Spotlight students and students of the month will be treated to french toast breakfast made by their principal, Joseph Chella. Chella said he reveals the secret recipe for his renowned French toast and "they've got the principal's ear," he said of the breakfast hour.

Chella said he has instituted some changes that came from the breakfasts, like allowing more time between class.