Redding GOP Names Matthew L. Berry Scholarship Winners

**News release submitted by the Redding Republican Town Committee**

Two members of the Joel Barlow High School Class of 2022, Carter Janki, son of Philip and Amanda Janki of Redding, and Ian O’Reilly, son of Brien and Sandi O’Reilly of Redding, were awarded the Redding Republicans’ Matthew L. Berry Memorial Scholarship, given at the school’s Award Night ceremony on June 1st.

The scholarship, which is sponsored by the Redding Republican Town Committee and funded by the Berry family, is given annually to a graduating high school senior(s) who demonstrates a commitment to using his/her higher education for the purpose of becoming an enlightened citizen who will make a difference in the world. The scholarship is in memory of Matthew L. Berry, a 2009 graduate of Joel Barlow High School and a graduate of Tulane University. Carter Janki and Ian O’Reilly were both high honors students throughout their four years at Joel Barlow and are both among a select group of students to be graduating with a Diploma With Distinction, honoring those with exceptional academic achievements and personal integrity in all aspects of scholarship. Mr. Janki played on the varsity football, basketball and volleyball teams and, as a senior, was elected captain of all three teams. He received the Youth Mental Health First Aid Award and led the Joel Barlow Football Fundraiser for Wounded Warriors. In the fall, he will be attending the University of Pennsylvania.

Mr. O’Reilly played on the baseball team and was a member of both the Chess Club and the Debate Team. He was a 2-time Connecticut State Debate Champion and ranked 10 th out of 114 speakers in the World Individual Debate and Public Speaking Championship. He was a recipient of the Peter Burton Hanson Award for Humanity, the John G. Atwood Good Government Prize and the Mark Twain Library Wit and Wisdom Award. He will be attending Hamilton College in the fall.

Of the award, Leonard Berry, Matthew’s father, said, “We are very pleased to have two so very talented and accomplished students in Carter and Ian as the 2022 winners of the Matthew L Berry Scholarship and wish them continued success in the future.” Jill Cilo, Chairman of the Republican Town Committee added, “It’s an honor for us to co-sponsor this award, together with the Berry family, and pay tribute to such outstanding young members of our community.” Three other awards sponsored by the Republican Town Committee were given out to members of the Joel Barlow junior class at the Award Ceremony. They were: The Ronald Reagan Award for excellence in history/government presented to Adam Hoeing, son of Laura and Mark Hoeing of Redding.

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for excellence in science/math presented to Matthias Galban, son of Leandro and Carol-Ann Galban of Redding.

The David Sanford Award for excellence in service to the Redding EMS presented to Bruna Pomazi, daughter of Stephen and Ilarina Pomazi of Redding.

**News release submitted by the Redding Republican Town Committee**