WCSA Superintendent Award Winners For Region 15

From Pomperaug Regional School District 15: Superintendent of Region 15 Schools, Joshua Smith, named six students as the award recipients of the Western Connecticut Superintendents Association (WCSA), an award originated by the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS).

The following students were selected from Region 15: Colin MacKellar and Caitlin Murphy from Pomperaug High School (PHS); Hazel Fitzpatrick and Daea Raidhi from Memorial Middle School (MMS); and Andrew Clark and Grace Kania from Rochambeau Middle School (RMS).

Students were selected for their demonstration of outstanding leadership, citizenship, academic performance, participation in community service and extracurricular activities. They joined other students from schools across Western Connecticut at a formal student recognition award ceremony held May 13th, 2019 in Danbury, CT.

Pomperaug High School (PHS):
Caitlin Murphy, a senior at PHS has been an excellent role model during her time at Pomperaug High School. She has been a standout student athlete who integrates herself into the fabric of many organizations and honor societies. Out of school she is very involved in service to her community and gives back to those around her. Next year she will be attending Central Connecticut State University where she plans to play soccer.

Colin MacKellar, a senior at PHS, has been a dedicated and committed student throughout his educational career. He has been a leader both in the classroom and as a member of the Boys Varsity High School Conference and State Championship swim team. Colin regularly helps those around him both in school and in local community organizations. We know that he will continue to be successful as he represents PHS at Brown University next year.

Memorial Middle School (MMS):
Daea Raidhi is one of the most diligent students at MMS. Her love of learning, cooperative attitude and attention to detail make her the student who enriches any classroom. Daea's leadership qualities are evident in her commitment to our school’s Yearbook Committee, Student Government, and Volleyball Club. In addition, she serves our Science Department as a Lab Tech. Daea's community involvement demonstrates a true commitment to others. She is active in the Albanian community, including dancing and volunteering at the Albanian Festival. In addition to being helpful & studious, Daea is a positive & kind student. She received the Amar Viswanath Award (an award given to those students who overcome adversity and do so with a positive attitude).

Hazel Fitzpatrick is a quiet leader who abounds in compassion, knowledge, and perseverance. She is actively involved in serving the school community through our SPARK club, tutoring in mathematics, and as an ALLY for the Anti-Defamation League. Additionally, during her time at MMS Hazel has participated in National History Day,and is currently a math tutor. She has also been an active member of the school’s cross country team. Outside of school, she has her own babysitting business and tutors students in mathematics. Hazel is a role model for her peers and is mature beyond her years. She will make her mark in this world and make it a better place for all.

Rochambeau Middle School:
Andrew Clark is a top student at Rochambeau Middle School, earning honors in all academic classes. Andrew's leadership in school activities is evident through his participation in chorale, as a member of the RMS Cross Country and Basketball teams, and as a peer tutor. Andrew's service to the community extends outward through multiple community service activities. He is a positive, personable and hardworking student who has been recognized by staff for his passion and enthusiasm for learning across subject areas. Andrew is actively involved in school activities and demonstrates tremendous leadership skills during Cross Country season to motivate other runners. Andrew has also demonstrated leadership through his role as a peer tutor as well as his participation in the “Becoming an Ally” peer leader training. Furthermore, he has received the #RMSPride Spotlight Student recognition for the positive character attributes of integrity and perseverance. Andrew's consistency as a positive, dedicated, and caring student throughout his middle school experience makes him a worthy representative for receiving this well-deserved and prestigious honor.

Grace Kania is a top student at Rochambeau Middle School, earning honors in all academic classes. Grace ran for the Cross Country team and has demonstrated leadership skills. She sets personal goals and perseveres to meet or exceed those targets. Grace is also a member of Student Council and has actively participated in supporting school socials and dances. Academically, she has consistently received honors and has proven to give her very best in every learning experience. Grace has been recognized by staff for her personal responsibility through the #RMSPride Spotlight Student award recognition program. Additionally she models positive character traits and participated in the “Becoming an Ally” Peer Leader Training.

Photo cutline for the WCSA Superintendent’s Award 2019: Joshua Smith, Superintendent of Region 15 Schools, named six students as the award recipients of the Western Connecticut Superintendents Association (WCSA), an award originated by the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS). Students were selected for their demonstration of outstanding leadership, citizenship, academic performance, participation in community service and extracurricular activities. They joined other students from schools across Western Connecticut at a formal student recognition award ceremony held May 13, 2019 in Danbury, CT. Pictured L-R: Joshua Smith, Superintendent of Region 15 Schools, Andrew Clark, Grace Kania, Michael Bernardi – Principal of Rochambeau Middle School, Hazel Fitzpatrick, Daea Raidhi, Caitlin Murphy, Colin MacKellar, and Paul Jones – Principal of Pomperaug High School.

Image Courtesy of Pomperaug Regional School District 15