Northwest Catholic announces 2019 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

On May 30, 2019 Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford held its annual Academic and Service Awards. Seventy-five juniors and seniors were recognized for their outstanding achievements, from excellence in academic disciplines to community building in athletics to making the world a better place, both at school and beyond. At the end of this special event, the 2019 valedictorian and salutatorian were announced.

Michael Stamm of Newington and Matthew Villani of Avon were honored as the Class of 2019’s valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

Michael Stamm cleaned up Thursday night. Not only was he revealed as the class valedictorian, he walked away with the HILL Award (Honors Institute for Leadership and Life), Honors Latin IV Award, AP Computer Science Award, Excellence in Instrumental Music, and CIAC Scholar Athlete Award. He was also recognized as a Superintendent Summa Scholar.

During his years at Northwest Catholic, Stamm achieved First Honors every semester. He was designated an AP Scholar with Distinction by the College Board and a Governor’s Scholar Semi-Finalist. A member of National Honor Society, Class Vice President, Principle Chair in Wind Ensemble, Captain of Cross Country, and much, much more, Stamm could be found running from activity to activity, bringing his leadership skills and his warmth and kindness with him.

Now that Michael Stamm is ready to move on to his next scholarly pursuit, a degree in chemical engineering at Northeastern University, he is feeling grateful. Stamm said, “I am thankful for my experiences at Northwest and for all the people who helped me along the way.” He continued, “Through opportunities in music, athletics, the classroom, and service, Northwest has helped shape me into the person I am today.”

Like Michael Stamm, Matthew Villani is also spending these final days in high school reflecting on his experiences at Northwest Catholic. This year’s salutatorian said, “It is at Northwest that I discovered my passion for music and was able to fully explore it through Big Band, Jazz Choir, and the Dramateurs.” He continued, “For the first time, I was able to do something because I wanted to, not because someone told me to. At Northwest Catholic, I found what I loved, I found my people, and I found where I belong.”

During his time at NWC, Villani was named a National Merit Scholarship Commended Student, LEADS Ambassador, a member of National Honor Society, and was on stage in almost every school production. This year he played Jesus in Godspell. In years past he played the narrator in Into the Woods, Duke Orsino in Twelfth Night, and Grimsby in The Little Mermaid.

What’s next for Matthew Villani? Like his fiend Michael Stamm, Villani is heading to Northeastern University. As a member of Northeastern’s Honors College, Villani plans to study mechanical engineering and physics. He admitted, “If I’m lucky, I’ll work as a propulsion engineer for NASA, and maybe even as a mission specialist on flights to the International Space Station.”

Matthew Villani, we’re pretty sure it’s not luck that got you where you are or where you’re headed, but we’ll wish it for you nonetheless.

Northwest Catholic congratulates Michael Stamm and Matthew Villani. Thank you for living Northwest Catholic’s values of faith, respect, leadership, and service in our wonderfully diverse community that educates and celebrates the whole person.

Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford is a diverse, Catholic, co-ed, college preparatory community, educating the whole person — mind, body, spirit, and imagination since 1961. Learn more at northwestcatholic.org.