Chambers Honor Local Scholars At Annual Breakfast

It is a cliché this time of year that graduating high school seniors will go out and conquer and/or change the world.

But based on the group of seniors gathered Wednesday morning for the local chambers of commerce annual Education Breakfast, these students might actually get it done.

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut and the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce sponsor the breakfast, which honors southeastern Connecticut scholars. It has been going on for more than a decade, and each senior honored receives a $500 savings bond from People’s United Bank and assorted gifts from the other sponsors, Groton Utilities, Perkins & Murphy and Your Ticket to College. It was held at .

Nine seniors were recognized and each gave a speech explaining “the importance of community interaction with educational institutions.” While the topic sounds lofty, each student spoke of their immense involvement in their communities, whether it is Relay for Life or volunteering at a nursing home or tutoring at-risk students.

“The caliber of these kids is unbelievable,” said Tricia Cunningham, president of the Greater Mystic Chamber. “Our schools are doing wonderful work with the kids. The schools and the parents deserve tremendous credit. We do a lot of events, and this is always one of my favorites.”

Tony Sheridan, president of the eastern Connecticut chamber, said he finds the event “uplifting” every year. “This is a smart group of young people who will be successful in life. They are clearly talented people.”

Sheridan said the students’ community involvement speaks to one of the chamber’s basic principles, which is to give back.

Joshua Giambra, a senior at and the , will study engineering at the University of Connecticut in the fall.

Michelle Devoe, a senior at , will attend Bates College in the fall.

Roberto Casanova Crespo was named a Junior Community Leader for New London High and Annie Otfinoski was named a Junior Community Leader for The Williams School.