Congratulations goes to Derby High School's Top 10 in Class of 2025

Wonderful achievement! Best of luck to you in your future endeavors. 

Top 10 graduates of Ansonia High School Class of 2023 win plaudits

 

Seymour High School's 2023 Top 10 graduates congratulated

 

Ansonia High School announces Top 10 graduates

Ansonia Public Schools photo

Congratulations!

Pictured from left: Louis Gripper, Jr., Valedictorian, Ariana Wang, Salutatorian, Emily Borona #3, Jackson Dong #4, Haylee Johnson #5, Jace Gifford #6, Kendall Evans #7, Kiley Grace Geoghan #8, Haley Labrecque #9, Patricia Kierjczyk #10

Top 10 Ansonia High School graduates honored at banquet

The top 10 graduates of Ansonia High were honored at a banquet o May 22. Pictured from left: Sarah Madar, Dain Padilla, Timmy Betancur, Bryan Nguy, Cali Brown, Lance Praseutsack, Julia Catale, Samantha Rowland, and Nikka Real. Missing from the photo is Michael Esposito./ Contributed photo

ANSONIA – Bryan Nguy is valedictorian of the Class of 2019 at Ansonia High School, Principal Paul Giansanti has announced. 
Bryan and the rest of the top 10 students of the class were honored at a banquet, hosted by the Ansonia Board of Education, May 22 at AHS. 
In addition, they led their classmates during the commencement exercises June 7 on Jarvis Field.
All of the top 10 students have earned numerous college credits by completing college-level courses offered by Ansonia High School, and most of the students are going to potentially earn many more for courses they recently completed. 
With each course ranging in value from $608 to $3,738 and higher, the top 10 graduates may potentially save more than $30,000, thanks to courses they successfully completed while at AHS.
The completed courses taken by the majority of the top 10 include the following: 
Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Language and Composition and U.S. History. Students have also taken advantage of numerous other courses, including Physics I and II, Calculus, Computer Science, Modern Western Traditions, and Digital Electronics. 
Many college-level courses are offered as a result of partnerships with UConn, the University of New Haven, and HCC (Housatonic Community College).

Here is a brief overview of each student and their accomplishments while attending AHS:
Bryan Nguy, valedictorian, is the son of Bruce Nguy and Quyen Lam. He is a member of the Junior Statesmen of America, the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society and the Audio and Visual Club. His volunteer work has included helping Prendergast School organize books for their library; guide runners in the Griffin Hospital 5K race; and assisting with the lights and backstage work for AHS concerts and talent shows. Bryan has earned 22 college credits by completing the following college-level courses: Statistics, Chemistry, Language and Composition and U.S. History. Bryan is awaiting the results of testing he completed for the following courses this year: Physics, Literature and Composition, Calculus, Computer Science and Modern Traditions. He could potentially earn an additional 26 credits for courses taken this past year. Bryan is majoring in computer science at UConn in the fall.
Timmy Betancur, son of Nguyen Betancur and Eugenio Betancur, is salutatorian. Timmy has been a member of the AHS Band, the AV Club and the National Honor Society. He has helped to organize books at a local elementary school; assisted in several community events; and guided runners in a local 5K road race. Timmy has earned 24 college credits for the following courses: ECE Statistics, AP Language and Composition, AP Chemistry and ECE U.S. History. He can potentially earn an additional 20 for college credit courses he recently completed, including ECE Physics, AP Computer Science, AP Literature and Composition and AP Calculus. He will be majoring in computer science at Northeastern University.
Samantha Rowland, the daughter of Keith and Christine Rowland, is ranked third. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, and the Global Scholars Club. Samantha is the recipient of the Yale Book Award. She has taken numerous college-credit courses at AHS, including AP/ECE Statistics, AP Language and Composition; ECE/AP Chemistry; AP US History; AP English Literature IV, AP Calculus, AP/ECE Physics and ECE Modern Western Traditions. She has earned 36 Early College Experience credits. Samantha will be attending Fairfield University in the fall.
Cali Brown, daughter of Randy and Maureen Tomlinson, is fourth in her class. Cali is a member of the National Honor Society and the Global Scholars Club. She has taken seven college-credit courses, including AP Biology, AP Language and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP English Literature IV, AP Statistics, AP Psychology and ECE Modern Western Traditions. Cali has earned 21 Early College Experience credits. This fall, she will be attending Clark University and will be taking on a double major course of study in English and Community, Youth and Education.
Julia Ashley Catale, daughter of Joe and Susan Catale, is fifth in her class. Julia is a member of the Girls’ Varsity Soccer team, the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, the Student Ambassadors Club, the Human Relations Club, and the Junior Statesmen of America. She has been honored as a CIAC Scholar Athlete. Julia has served as a sixth grade mentor; has been a member of the Binky Patrol, which makes blankets for children who are hospitalized; and has participated in a veteran’s games night. She recently completed an AP Calculus class. Julia will be majoring in chemistry at Central Connecticut State University.
Nikka Mae Real, daughter of Novie Real, is ranked sixth. Nikka is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, Junior Statesmen of America, the Gay-Straight Alliance, the Human Relations Club and the After School Chorus. She has taken five college-credit courses, including AP Biology, AP Statistics, AP English Literature IV, AP Calculus and AP Physics. Nikka has earned 28 Early College Experience credits. She will be majoring in mechanical engineering at Gateway to UConn.
Lance Praseutsack, son of Pon and Sokho Praseutsack, is ranked seventh. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Audio Visual Club. He has helped out backstage at talent shows and music concerts at AHS; has helped organize books at a local elementary school; has guided runners at a local 5K race; and has helped out at blood drives. Lance has taken numerous college-credit courses, including US History, Chemistry, Physics, Literature and Composition and AP Calculus. He may earn a total of 30 college credits for these courses. Lance will be majoring in mechanical engineering at Clarkson University.
Michael Esposito, son of Andrew and Danielle Esposito, is eighth in his class. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Yearbook Club, and the Spirit Club. Michael served as a student intern. He has taken five college credit courses, including AP/ECE Statistics, AP Biology, AP Language and Composition, ECE/AP History and AP English Literature IV. He has earned 18 Early College Experience credits. Michael will be majoring in business management at UConn.
Dain Padilla, son of Jennifer Walker and David Padilla, is ranked ninth. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Junior Statesmen of America and the Audio Visual Club. He represented AHS at Boys State last year. Dain has taken nine college-credit courses, including AP/ECE Statistics, AP Biology, AP Language and

Composition, ECE/AP Chemistry, ECE/AP History, AP English Literature IV, AP Calculus, AP/ECE Physics, and ECE Modern Western Traditions. He has earned 40 Early College Experience credits. Dain will major in engineering at UConn.
Sarah Madar, daughter of Eileen and David Madar, is ranked tenth in her class. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Audio Visual Club. Sarah volunteered at nearly every event involving members of the National Honor Society; has helped raise money for the Class of 2019; and assisted the teachers in her dance school. Sarah has taken several college credit courses, including ECE Modern Western Traditions, AP Calculus, AP Computer Science, AP/ECE English Literature and Composition and Digital Electronics. She will be majoring in Interactive Media and Game Arts at Becker College.

This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools.

Top 10 graduates in Ansonia High School Class of 2018 win plaudits

Ansonia High School's Top 10 students in Class of 2018. / Contributed photo

ANSONIA - Stephanie Umeugo is valedictorian of the Class of 2018 at Ansonia High School, Interim Principal Sara Crooks has announced. Stephanie and the rest of the Top 10 students of the class were honored June 6 at a banquet hosted by the Ansonia Board of Education at the high school. 
In addition, they led their classmates during the commencement exercises June 18 in the Thomas McQueeney Gymnasium at AHS.

Nearly all of the top 10 students have earned 20 or more college credits by completing several college-level courses offered by Ansonia High School, and most of the students are going to potentially earn up to 26 more college credits for courses they recently completed. 
With each course ranging in value from $608 to $3,738 and higher, many of the top 10 graduates may potentially save over $30,000 thanks to courses taken at AHS.

The completed courses taken by the majority of the Top 10 include these Advanced Placement courses: Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Language and Composition, and U.S. History. 

Students have also taken advantage of numerous other courses, including Physics I and II, Calculus, Computer Science, Modern Western Traditions, Digital Electronics, Art III, Accounting, and Psychology. 
Many college-level courses are offered as a result of a partnership with the University of New Haven, UConn, and HCC (Housatonic Community College).

Stephanie C. Umeugo, valedictorian, is the daughter of Ikechukwu and Ijeoma Umeugo, and she is a leader in many academic and scholastic activities. She is president of the National Honor Society, vice president Student Ambassadors, and an executive board member with the Valley United Way School Volunteer Council. Stephanie is a member of Future Business Leaders of America, the Human Relations Club, the Yearbook committee, and the Cooperative International Studies Program. She has been a Julian Taylor Award recipient, is a PSAT Scholar and an SAT Scholar. She has volunteered in a mentoring program and was a volunteer at Yale-New Haven Hospital for two summers. Stephanie has helped at community events, such as planning book drives, promoting literacy with younger children, and helping to raise awareness for terminal illnesses. Stephanie has earned 26 college credits from numerous UConn and AP courses, and she is awaiting the results from several other courses that could add 21 more credits to her transcripts. 
She will be majoring as a Physician Assistant at Quinnipiac University in the fall.

Yao Dong son of Yu Hua Tiang and Hui Dong, is salutatorian. Yao is a member of the National Honor Society and the AV Club at AHS. He has earned 33 college credits and is awaiting the results from three courses that could add 15 more credits. He will major in Computer Science at the College of William and Mary in Virginia.

Victoria Ortega, the daughter of Jenny Ortega and Winston Ortega, is ranked third. 
She is the historian for the National Honor Society, president of the National Art Honor Society and captain of the volleyball team. Victoria is a member of the Global Scholars Club, is a Sikorsky Credit Union intern at AHS and is an SAT Scholar. In the community, she is a candy striper volunteer at Griffin Hospital and has volunteered for American Red Cross blood drives, Read Across America and Pennies for Cancer. She is a graduate of the University of New Haven Gen Cyber Agent Academy and is the logo contest winner for the CT Police Chief’s Association. Victoria has earned 21 college credits and has taken additional courses that could provide 16 more credits. She will be majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Robotics at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. 

Jesse Brookins, son of Frank Brookins and Barbara Brookins, is fourth in his class.
Jesse is a member of the National Honor Society and Global Scholars Club. He has earned 22 college credits and may earn an additional 26 from courses taken this year. Jesse will be majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in the fall.

Benjamin Jesulaitis, son of Frances Jesulaitis and Eric Jesulaitis, is fifth in his class. 
Ben is a member of the National Honor Society, the Human Relations Club, Student Government, the Drama Club and the AV Club. He is an SAT Scholar and recipient of the Spanish Excellence Award. 
In the community, Ben works at Rite Aid, has volunteered for the Ron Foley Run, and participated in Bright Light Musicals for four years. Ben has earned six college credits for AP courses and may earn four more. He will major in Mathematics and minor in Education at Stony Brook University in New York.

Katherine Wojcik, daughter of Malgorzata and Miroslaw Wojcik, is ranked sixth. 
Vice-President of her class, Katherine is also co-president of the Human Relations Club, vice president of the National Honor Society and treasurer of the Student Ambassadors club. She is a member of the Global Scholars Club, Future Business Leaders of America and the United Way High School Volunteer Council. She is an SAT Scholar. 
In the community, she has participated in the Valley United Way Youth Leadership Program, where she served as vice president, is a volunteer CCD teacher on Sundays at St. Joseph’s Parish and a lector on Sundays. She has volunteered in a mentoring program at John G. Prendergast School and at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Katherine has earned 26 college credits and may earn at least 20 more for courses completed this year. 
This fall, she will major in business at SCSU, in the honors college.

Joshua Rodrigues, son of Jazmin Benavides, is ranked seventh. 
Treasurer of the National Honor Society and vice president of the Global Scholars club, Josh is a Sikorsky Credit Union intern at AHS and a CAPT Scholar. In the community, he has completed more than 100 hours of volunteer service at Griffin Hospital and 50 additional hours at a variety of community programs. Joshua has earned 21 credits and can potentially earn another 20 for courses taken this year. He will be majoring in Chemical Engineering at Cornell University in the fall. 

Dr. Carol Merlone, Superintendent of Schools, conducted an interview with Joshua in early June. 
The interview can be viewed on YouTube, https://youtu.be/6Zl686EG-Wk.

Elizabeth Cavanaugh, daughter of Melissa and Steve Cavanaugh, is eighth in her class. 
She is a member of the After School Chorus, Drama Club and the National Honor Society. An SAT Scholar, she was selected as a winner of the CT Association of Public School Superintendent’s Award this year. In the community, Elizabeth is active in the Reclaim Christian Church, where she has volunteered in the church nursery, as a member of the church praise team, and with the sports camp. Elizabeth will major in Chemical Engineering at the University of New Haven.

Tamarrah Haynes, daughter of Yvonne Gonzalez, is ranked ninth. 
She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. In the community, Tamarrah has been a volunteer for Hope for the Warriors and is an Ansonia Pop Warner Cheerleading coach and co-coordinator. She has earned 18 credits and may earn an additional 12 from courses taken this year. 
Tamarrah will be attending St. John’s University in the fall.

Kelly Zarka, daughter of Kenneth and Martha Zarka, is ranked 10th. 
She is a president of the Class of 2018 and captain of the Softball and Volleyball teams. She is co-president of the Human Relations Club and a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and the Global Scholars Club. In the community, Kelly volunteers at the Church of the Assumption and works at Rita’s Italian Ice. Kelly has earned 10 college credits and may earn another 12 this year. 
She will major in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Rhode Island.


This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools.  

Congratulations and best wishes!

Newsletter honors volunteer, Ansonia High School's Top 10

Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice newsletter highlights a story that originally appeared in Global Post Latino about Ansonia resident Telma Nieves,  who is a dedicated volunteer in the community.

Thanks for reading!


Patti

Ansonia High School honors Top 10 students of Class of '18

ANSONIA - Ansonia High School honored the Top 10 students of the Class of 2018 at a reception Thursday for students and families. 

Pictured with Mrs. Sara Crooks are: Stephanie Umeugo, Benjamin Jesulaitis, Yao Dong, Joshua Rodrigues, Katherine Wojcik, Victoria Ortega, Elizabeth Cavanaugh, Tamarrah Haynes, Kelly Zarka. 
Missing from picture: Jesse Brookins. 

Congratulations!

*Information shared from the Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page. 

Congratulations to Seymour High School's Top 10 graduates

Congratulations to the Seymour Class of 2018 Top Ten, who were honored June 4 at the Board of Education Awards Presentation.

Pictured from left: 10. Stephanie Tabaka, 9. Camryn Avery, 8. Kaitlyn Esposito, 7. Paulina Karwowski, 6. Danielle Campbell, 5. Grace Brangwynne, 4. Martyna Galas, 3. Daniel Zygadio, 2. Anna Peel, and 1. Molly Schiffer. 101%!

*Shared from the Office of the First Selectman of Seymour's Facebook page.

Congratulations to Ansonia High School's Top 10 graduates

Top 10 graduates of the Ansonia High School Class of 2017. / Contributed photo

ANSONIA – Jamie Karas is valedictorian of the Class of 2017 at Ansonia High School, Principal Terri Goldson has announced. 

Jamie and the other top 10 students of the class were honored June 6 at a banquet hosted by the Ansonia Board of Education at AHS. 
They led their classmates during commencement exercises June 12 at the Nolan Field complex.

All top 10 students have earned 20 or more college credits by completing several college-level courses offered by Ansonia High School, and all 10 are currently completing two or three additional college-level classes, which may add up to six more credits for their post-secondary education. 
The completed courses taken by the majority of the top 10 include these Advanced Placement courses: Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Language and Composition and U.S. History. 
All 10 have also successfully completed HCC (Housatonic Community College) Algebra II and HCC Pre-Calculus. For their senior year, the top 10 enrolled in two, three, or four AP courses, including AP English Literature, AP Calculus, AP Psychology and/or Early College Experience Modern Western Traditions. 
Several students also took advantage of taking the new on-line learning modules through the business department.

Jamie Karas, valedictorian, is the daughter of Gregory and Priscilla Karas, and she is a leader in many academic and scholastic activities. She is president of the National Honor Society, secretary of the Student Ambassadors Club, and a member of DECA, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and the Garden Club. 
She is a Governor’s Scholar finalist, a recipient of the Yale Book Award, and the Silver Award with the Girl Scouts of America. Jamie has been a figure skater for nine years and is a member of the Laurel Ridge Skating Club. She will be majoring in nursing at Salve Regina University in the fall.

Amy Elizabeth DeStefano, daughter of Frank and Kim DeStefano, is salutatorian. Amy is president of the Student Ambassadors Club, co-president of the Garden Club, parliamentarian of the National Honor Society and secretary of DECA. 
She is also a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, the Hiking-Biking Club, and served as a peer mentor at Prendergast School during her junior year. Amy will major in nutrition and dietetics at the University of New Haven, where she will study to become a Registered Dietititian.

Kaitlyn Sengphilom, the daughter of Sanorack and Ge Sengphilom, is ranked third. She is vice president of the National Honor Society, a member of the new National Art Honor Society, a Student Government representative and a member of FBLA. 
Kaitlyn is a CAS Scholar Athlete, one of the captains of the Girls Varsity Soccer team and a member of the All NVL, All New Haven Register and All-State Girls Soccer teams. She is a recipient of the Harvard Book Award and is an AP Scholar. She will major in computer engineering at the University of Rhode Island.

Emma Jane Rosa, daughter of Jane Liscio and Paul Rosa, is fourth in her class. Vice President of the Class of 2017 and Yearbook editor, Emma is also a member of Student Governance, the United Way Youth Leadership Class 2016-17 and the PTSO. She is also one of the captains of the Girls Varsity Soccer team. 
In the community, Emma is a volunteer at the Seymour Evangelical Baptist Church. She will be attending UConn at Storrs in the fall.

Carly Toth, daughter of William and Denise Toth, is fifth in her class. She is vice president of DECA and a member of the National Honor Society, FBLA, the PTSO, and the Girls Varsity Soccer team. 
In the community, she is a member of the Boy Scouts of America Venturing Crew and has been a member of the Girl Scouts of America for 13 years and the International Order of the Rainbow in Ansonia for seven. She has won the Girl Scouts Bronze and Silver Award. Carly will be majoring in engineering at Quinnipiac University in the fall.

Joseph Forleo, son of Vincent and Carol Forleo, is ranked sixth. Editor in Chief of the Yearbook, Joseph is also treasurer of the National Honor Society. He is captain of the Boys Varsity Soccer team and a member of FBLA, DECA, the PTSO, Hiking-Biking club, the Garden Club, Spirit Club, and Student Ambassadors. 
In the community, Joseph has participated in the clean-up day at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center. He is majoring in biology at the University of New Haven in the fall.

Leila R. Saleh, daughter of Sahed and RoseMarie Saleh, is ranked seventh. Secretary of the National Honor Society and a Student Government Class Representative since sophomore year, Leila is also a six-year member of the Human Relations Club, serving as the elementary education coordinator this year. She is also a yearbook editor and a member of the Junior Achievement Titan Business Challenge team. 
In the community, she is a volunteer at Holy Rosary Church. Leila will major in elementary education at Mount Saint Mary College.

Brianna Hurd, daughter of Robert and Cheryl Hurd, is eighth in her class. Vice President of the AHS Band, she is a member of the National Honor Society, the Audio Visual Club and the Video Game Club. 
She is a member of the Global Scholars Club, which toured Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland this year. During her junior year, she was a member of the Drama Club. For the past five years, she has helped out with photography at a Pre-K program in Seymour. 
For the past 10 years, she has taken lessons at Danz Magic in Derby and is a member of the dance team. Brianna will major in film and photography at Ithaca College in the fall.

Rebecca Cafaro, daughter of Christopher and Carole Cafaro, is ranked ninth. Historian of the National Honor Society, she is also a member of the PTSO. 
Rebecca is a recipient of the CAPSS Superintendent’s Award this year, the St. Michael’s Book Award, and the Girl Scouts Bronze and Silver Award. Rebecca is involved in several community organizations. She has been a Girl Scout for 13 years and is a member of Troop 60500 in Ansonia. She is also member of the Venturing Crew 77, which is sponsored by the Holy Rosary Men’s Club. 
At Holy Rosary Church, she has been a member of the Youth Group for four years and a teacher for religious education for two years. Rebecca is also a junior docent for the Derby Historical Society. She will major in marine biology at the University of New Haven in the fall.

Taryn Eileen O’Neill, daughter of Geoffrey and Laura O’Neill, is ranked 10th in her class. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the new National Art Honor Society, the Audio Visual Club, the Global Scholars Club, Guitar Club and the Drama Club. 
Taryn also plays bass guitar and has taken lessons at Banko’s in Ansonia for five years. She will major in marine biology at the University of New Haven next year. 


This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools.

Ansonia High School's Top 10 graduates congratulated

Sharing this post from Ansonia High School Principal Terri D. Goldson, Sr.'s Facebook page. He is pictured with his Top Ten students.

Goldson wrote:
"Ansonia High School's TOP TEN were honored last night. All are heading to college, we wish them luck and expect nothing but great things in the future. Congratulations to the families, teachers, community and all who inspired them to be high achievers."

Congratulations to Ansonia High's Top 10 graduates

The top 10 graduates of Ansonia High School Class of 2015 are, from left,
Justin Auger (ranked 3rd), Sanjida Shamim (tied for 4th), Samantha Belenchia (ranked 8th), Amanda Diurno (ranked 7th), Ryan Cafaro (Salutatorian), Brittany Dainiak (ranked 6th), Allison Hronec (ranked 10th), Kimberly Robayo (tied for 4th), Jeffrey Glazer (ranked 9th) and Pablo Suarez, Valedictorian./ Contributed photo

ANSONIA – Pablo Suarez is valedictorian of the Class of 2015 at Ansonia High School, Principal Joseph Dobbins has announced. 
Pablo and the other top 10 students of the class were honored June 8 at a banquet hosted by the Ansonia Board of Education at AHS, and they will lead their classmates during the commencement exercises scheduled at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Nolan Field complex.

The son of Elina Puruncajas, Pablo is a leader in many academic and scholastic activities. He is president of the AHS Class of 2015 and editor-in-chief of the AHS yearbook. Pablo is a member of the National Honor Society, was vice president of the Spanish Honor Society during his junior year, is a member of DECA, the Hiking Club, the Art Club and is a Student Ambassador. He has volunteered as the manager of the Ansonia Girls’ Soccer team. Pablo has won several awards, including the Rensselaer Medal for Excellence in Math and Science and the Yale Book Award.  

In the community, Pablo is a member of the Valley United Way Youth Leadership Council, participating in several events this year with Spooner House, TEAM, and the 2015 Special Bowling Olympics. During the summer of 2014, Pablo also completed the program, “Developing Tomorrow’s Professionals,” which provides mentoring and academic skill set training for students in grades 9-11.

Pablo has earned college credit by taking and successfully passing the following AP classes and tests: Biology, Statistics, Chemistry, Language and Composition, Physics, Calculus, Psychology, and Literature and Composition. He has also taken HCC Pre-Calculus. Pablo will be majoring in molecular, cellular and developmental biology at Yale University this fall.

Ryan Cafaro, son of Carole and Chris Cafaro, is salutatorian. Ryan is co-president of the National Honor Society, business editor of the AHS yearbook, and a member of the Cooperative International Studies program. Earlier this year, he was selected for the CT Association of Public School Superintendents Award.  
In the community, Ryan has been involved with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) for most of his life. He is an Eagle Scout and is president of Venturing Crew 77 of Ansonia, a BSA youth development club. Ryan also volunteers at the Derby Historical Society as a junior docent and is an altar server at Holy Rosary Church.  

Ryan has earned college credit by taking the following AP courses: Biology, Statistics, Language and Composition, Chemistry, Literature and Composition, Calculus and Physics; as well as UConn Physics and Chemistry and HCC Pre-calculus. He will major in history with a certification in secondary education at Southern Connecticut State University.

Justin Auger, the son of Jeff and Clotilde Auger, is third in his class. He is president of the Student Ambassadors Club, a member of the National and Spanish Honor Societies, and student government. Justin is a member of the AHS boys varsity soccer team and the city’s U19 soccer team. He has won the Fairfield University/Sikorsky Engineering Award and was a member of the AHS team that took third place in the Junior Achievement Titan Business Challenge this year.

He has also taken numerous courses, in which he earned college credit, including AP Biology, Statistics, Chemistry, Physics, English Language, English Literature, Calculus and Psychology. Justin will major in computer science and business at UConn this fall.

Kimberly Robayo, daughter of Jorge and Gloria Robayo, is tied for fourth in her class. President of the Spanish Club, Kim is also treasurer of student government, senior section editor of the yearbook club, and a member of the National Honor and Spanish Honor Societies. She belongs to several other clubs, including FBLA, DECA, after school chorus, Spanish Club, hiking club and the Cooperative International Studies Program. Kim has won the St. Michaels College Book Award and took first place in the AHS Financial Literacy Challenge this year.

In the community, Kim is a volunteer at Griffin Hospital and has mentored students at John G. Prendergast School. She has taken numerous AP classes, including Biology, Statistics, Language, Literature, Chemistry and Physics. Kim will be an accounting major at UConn this fall.

Sanjida Hassan Shamim, daughter of Shahina Shamim and the late Mohammed Shamim, is tied for fourth. She is co-president of the National Honor Society, a class officer with student government, academic editor of the yearbook, and a member of the Student Ambassadors, Cooperative International Studies Program, the Spanish Honor Society, the art club, and the ECMC Scholars Program. She is also a life coach assistant with the Ansonia High Life Skills program. Sanjida has won the Harvard Book Award and the CAS Leadership Award.

In the community, Sanjida is a volunteer at Griffin Hospital as a baker and candy striper and is a member of the Valley United Way Youth Leadership Council. While at AHS, Sanjida has received college credit for AP/ECE Chemistry and AP Language and Composition. She is currently completing ECE Modern Western Traditions, AP/ECE Physics, AP Calculus and AP Literature and Composition. Sanjida will major in nursing at Southern Connecticut State University.

Brittany Dainiak, daughter of Cheryl and Michael Dainiak, is ranked sixth. Captain of the AHS girls soccer team, Brittany is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and the Student Ambassadors Club. She has taken several college level classes while at AHS, including AP Biology, Statistics, Language and Composition, Calculus, and Literature and Composition, and has earned college credit in AP Chemistry and AP Physics. 
In the community, Brittany is a Youth Soccer referee, is involved in church activities, including serving as an assistant teacher for Sunday school, and serving meals to the homeless. She will major in exercise science at Sacred Heart University.

Amanda R. Diurno, daughter of Maria and Lorenzo Diurno, is ranked seventh. Secretary of the National Honor Society, Amanda is the general staff manager of yearbook and a member of the Spanish Honor Society, DECA, the hiking club, Cooperative International Studies Program and Spanish Club. 
In the community, she is a volunteer at Griffin Hospital and with her church. While at AHS, she took several college level courses, including AP Physics, AP Biology, and AP English Literature and Composition, and she earned college credit for AP Language and Composition. Amanda will major in forensic biology at the University of New Haven.

Samantha Belenchia, daughter of Dawn and Victor Belenchia, is eighth in her class. She is secretary of the Class of 2015, captain of the varsity volleyball and softball teams, and a CIAC scholar athlete. She is member of the yearbook staff, student ambassador’s club, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and student government. In the community, Samantha is a member of the Valley Vipers, a summer travel softball team, and in addition to volunteering for the high school, she volunteers at a local horse farm.

Samantha has taken numerous college level classes, including AP Physics, Literature and Composition, Chemistry, Statistics and Biology. She has earned college credit for AP Language and Composition. In the fall, Samantha will attend Becker College in Massachusetts, majoring in pre-veterinary sciences.

Jeffrey Glazer, son of Lisa and Scott Glazer, is ranked ninth. Captain of the varsity baseball team, Jeff also participates in the American Legion Baseball League. In the community, he has volunteered for a nursing home, Children’s Hospital, children’s library, youth baseball clinic and the Ansonia Recreation Department. 

Jeff has taken the following college level classes while at AHS: AP Biology, Statistics, Chemistry, English Language, Physics, Calculus, and English Literature; ECE Western History; and HCC Pre-Calculus. He will major in sports management at UConn this fall.

Allison Hronec, daughter of Darlene and Michael Hronec, is ranked 10th in her class. She is a member of the National Honor Society, After School Chorus and the AHS Book Club. Allison has volunteered at the school-sponsored blood drive and state Sen. Joseph Crisco’s Senior Fair. At AHS, Allison has taken AP Statistics and is currently taking AP Literature and Composition. She has earned college credit for AP Biology and AP Chemistry. Allison will be majoring in culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University this fall.

This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools.

Congratulations to all the graduating seniors on their achievements!