Meet SHS Class of 2023's Top Class Members

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Southington's Class of 2023 will officially say goodbye to their high school careers and public education experience in town Wednesday night.

And when the annual commencement ceremony is over at SHS (or on Thursday, June 15, if it rains), three of their best can exit school with kudos from the Southington Board of Education.

Last week, Southington's school board honored the class' top three students in the form of Valedictorian Noah Richert, Salutatorian Ethan Giordano and Essayist Sophia LeBlanc.

All three received plaques of honor from the school board, two of them receiving theirs at the board of education meeting June 8.

Richert was unavailable that night, so the only attendees present were the salutatorian and essayist, with the valedictorian getting his honor at school later.

Southington Board of Education Chairperson Colleen Clark said she was in awe of not only the Class of 2023's top three, but of all graduates.

"Speaking back to my high school days, I wasn't even close," Clark said. "But to know that we are graduating students who already have this drive, this determination, this gift, and are moving forward to colleges with dreams that, when I was your age, didn't exist ... we are truly honored to have you here tonight."

Giordano was a track and cross-country star, was a member of the SHS Chapter of the National Honor Society and was part of the school's "Project Lead the Way," pre-engineering program.

He will attend the University of Connecticut and major in chemical engineering.

"He is an exemplary student and athlete," said Southington Superintendent of Schools Steven Madancy. "He has a strong work ethic and a determination to succeed."

LeBlanc, according to Madancy, is an award-winning student who has served on various clubs, organizations and community groups.

She, too, was part of "Project Lead the Way" and was a member of the National Honor Society, Southington STEPS and the Governor's Prevention Partnership, among other groups, he said.

"She is a quintessential student, highly inquisitive and passionate about learning," Madancy said.