Several Southington Students Honored By School Board For Achievements

SOUTHINGTON — There's a lot of student achievement going on in Southington schools, with the school board's last meeting earlier this month showing just that.

The Southington Board of Education recognized several student achievements during its April 16 meeting, highlighting accomplishments in public speaking, civic engagement, and fire safety education.

Board Chairperson Zaya Oshana called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at the John Weichsel Municipal Center. Board members Joseph Baczewski, Robert Brown, Lisa Cammuso, Terri Carmody and Dawn Derynoski-Anastasio were present. Sean Carson, Colleen Clark and Mr. Whitehead were absent.

American Legion Contest

The board honored Devon Jasulavic, winner of the 2025–26 American Legion High School Oratorical Contest.

Southington Superintendent of Schools Steven Madancy described the annual competition as a public speaking event in which students deliver an 8- to 10-minute prepared speech on the Constitution, followed by a five-minute impromptu speech on a selected constitutional topic.

Board chairman Zaya Oshana congratulated Jasulavic and noted the difficulty of the competition before presenting a Certificate of Excellence.

Jasulavic thanked the board, his teachers, and the American Legion for their support.

Kid Governor Hopefuls

In addition, six fifth-grade students were also recognized as 2026 Connecticut Kid Governor candidates out of Southington: Mia Beshiri, Keegan Hill, Luca Luciani, Bryant Masi, Jayden Rozas, and Arabella Testa.

Southington Assistant Superintendent Stephanie Lawlor said the program is part of the social studies curriculum and teaches students about state government, elections, and civic responsibility.

Each student developed a campaign around a specific issue:

• Luca Luciani (Derynoski Elementary School) focused on littering.
• Jayden Rozas (South End Elementary School) promoted increased exercise.
• Bryant Masi (Thalberg Elementary School) advocated for healthy food alternatives.
• Arabella Testa (Hatton Elementary School) raised awareness about hunger and homelessness.
• Keegan Hill (Oshana Elementary School) emphasized support for first responders.
• Mia Beshiri (Flanders Elementary School) focused on physical education and exercise.

Each student received a Certificate of Excellence.

Fire Prevention Poster Contest

The board also recognized Chatham Formeister (Grade 4) and Mackenzie Spahic (Grade 5), both of South End Elementary School, as local winners in the 2025–26 Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Recognition Program.

Director of Facilities and Operations Anthony Colantonio said the contest is funded by the local fire department and was formally integrated into the elementary health curriculum for the first time this year.

The program teaches students to identify safe behaviors and prevent injury.

Oshana thanked the students “for keeping the community safe” and presented both winners with Certificates of Excellence.

For the minutes of the April 16 Southington Board of Education meeting, click on this link.