Maloney's a Leader Inside and Outside of the Classroom

If people who know Kaitllin Maloney best were to make a list of her many accomplishments, they might start off with student leader and anti-bullying advocate. They might also add poet, or perhaps add her interest in the dramatic arts.

And as of last year, they could also add grant writer to the list.

On Tuesday, Oct. 4, members of the Connecticut Association of Schools presented Illing Middle School with the for fostering a culture of giving through the school's various clubs and organizations. The award is named for philanthropist Arthur Director, the founder of Connecticut Lighting Centers and includes a plaque and a $250 grant award.

"Last January our Student Council attended the Connecticut Association of Schools Leadership Conference," said Maloney, who was then an eighth-grader and Student Council President at Illing Middle School. "At the conference they gave everyone the opportunity to apply for the grant, which was due in June. The theme of the essay was 'What is your school doing to build a climate of acceptance,' and Mrs. Bombria, the Student Council Advisor, asked me if I would be willing to write it."

Maloney readily agreed, adding that she brainstormed ideas with Student Council Vice President Teagan Welch. Once settled on what ideas to incorporate, Maloney said the writing came easy.

"There are so many opportunities at Illing to build a climate of acceptance, and I always find it easier when you are writing about what you know," she said.

Fifty schools, including Illing, attended the leadership conference and based on Maloney's exceptional essay in the grant application, IMS was selected as the sole recipient of the award.

"I think Kaitlin is an outstanding example of the types of student leaders our community has to offer. I have always been impressed with her leadership skills and positive influence on her peers," said Illing Middle School Principal Troy Monroe. "It should be noted that we have many students like Kaitlin who are examples of how student level advocacy influences a school community positively."

Maloney said her essay focussed on several opportunities for students at IMS including the poetry club, which she had been deeply involved in, as well as the Future Educators of America where students are encouraged to show appreciation for their teachers, the Multi-cultural Club, the Art Club and the Chinese Culture Club.

"[The poetry club fosters] an environment where you can share with others what's on your mind in a creative way," said Maloney.

She said she also wrote about IMS's bully buster pledge where students sign a contract to stop bullying and/or to step in and stop bullying where they can as well as report it to an adult. Maloney was particularly proud that over 90 percent of the student body signed the pledge.

Other items incorporated into her essay included the opportunities IMS offers students to make a difference outside the school's walls, such as an annual food drive led by Student Council that benefits the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford.

Additionally, aware that the school had approved the wearing of uniforms for the 2011-2012 school year, Maloney noted in her essay that when students come to school dressed to learn rather than to impress, it creates a better environment for everyone.

Now a freshman at Manchester High School, Kaitlin Maloney is no less of a leader and involved student than she was at Illing, said Jim Farrell, MHS's freshman Assistant Principal who taught at Illing Middle School last year.

"At my request, she and a few friends that she recruited came in during the summer to decorate two bulletin boards in the freshmen center to make things more attractive on opening day. She has since been selected as a freshmen class officer and is serving as stage manager of our drama club's fall production," said Farrell.

"In my more than 15 years in education, Kaitlin is among the finest, nicest students I've come across," said Farrell. "She's a gem, and we're very lucky to have her."