2 NCHS Seniors Honored With Leadership Awards

NEW CANAAN, CT — Olivia Buckley and Will Dooley, two New Canaan High School seniors, recently received the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) award for 2018, announced New Canaan Public Schools.

The awards, which were announced by Schools Superintendent Dr. Bryan Luizzi at the June 4 Board of Education meeting, recognize two seniors at the high school "who exhibit exemplary leadership skills, show concern for others and have the dedication to honor commitment."

From the school district release:

Olivia Buckley is a leader in the NCHS Caring Crew Club, an after-school program for students with special needs, where the “crew” members provide friendship, encouragement, and support to students while participating in a variety of sports, cooking, and recreational activities. Olivia is also president of the Autism Awareness Club, she works with the YMCA with special needs children, and spends summers as a camp counselor. Olivia was a member of the US Team in Synchronized Swimming and competed in the Junior Olympics in this event. “Self-possessed, generous, committed, and driven, Olivia has the ability to make all people, regardless of their own strengths and abilities, feel comfortable, accepted, and successful,” said Dr. Bryan Luizzi. “She is quite an impressive young adult, and as she heads off to Dickinson in the fall she brings
with her such knowledge, experience, wisdom, and kindness, that I have no doubt she will continue to excel in all that’s ahead.”

Will Dooley sets the tone of the day – literally - each morning at New Canaan High School, when he hosts the daily announcements and selects the song that will be playing school-wide. Through the years, Will has been recognized and nominated for various awards for his outstanding performances and collective contribution to NCHS theater productions. He is very dedicated to the theater, and he has filled his summers with per-college musical theater programs such as the prestigious CAPT 21 at NYU and MPulse and the University of Michigan. He also assisted with storm relief efforts by enhancing a homeless shelter and has participated in other mission trips. “Without a doubt, Will is a star in the making,” said Dr. Luizzi. “When you see Will on stage, his energy and charisma just shine through. He is strong in all academic areas, is an analytic thinker, and seeks deep understanding of concepts. Speaking to him about his experiences, it’s impossible not to come away inspired.”

Olivia Buckley plans on attending Dickenson in the Fall. Will Dooley will be attending Boston College.

Photo: From left, New Canaan Public Schools Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bryan Luizzi; Board of Education chair Dionna Carlson; Kevin Buckly; his daughter CABE Award winner Olivia Buckley; CABE Award winner Will Dooley; and his parents Jessica Finck-Dooley and Christopher Dooley. Photo credit: New Canaan Public Schools

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