Graduates of Griffin School of Allied Health Careers in Derby win plaudits

Hats off and congratulations to the Griffin School of Allied Health Careers Practical Nursing graduating class of 2025!

Your journey has been one of incredible resilience. Facing the unexpected closure of your previous school, you embraced the challenge, joined the Griffin PN School and excelled in our specialized teach-out program. You've proven that 'obstacles are just detours in the right direction.'

Now, go shine in your nursing careers and conquer the NCLEX-PN! We are incredibly proud of your determination.

Shared from Griffin Hospital's Facebook page.

'Turnback Tuesday' features Derby High School Class of 1943

Turnback Tuesday visits the Derby High School Class of 1943.

Graduation was held on the evening of June 24, 1943 at the Commodore Hull Theater. Superintendent of Schools at the time was Richard T. Tobin. The graduating class boasted 127 graduates.

This image was taken at the class's 50th reunion in 1993. If you recognize anyone in the photo, please help identify them.

This was a recent donation from the Brady family to the Library. Helen Brady is in the second row, second from the right. Thanks in advance.

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

Ansonia High School seniors visit Mead, Prendergast Schools

 

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

Congratulations to 103 Ansonia High School Class of 2021 graduates

Valedictorian Michael Szewscyk

ANSONIA - Diplomas were awarded June 12 by Principal Paul Giansanti to 103 members of the Class of 2021 from Ansonia High School during a commencement program on Jarvis Field.

        The event was live streamed and a video will be released soon and posted on the district’s website and Facebook pages. 

Here are the graduates; please note that those with asterisks after their name were awarded a Diploma of Distinction:

Ahsan Ahmad, Anastasia Alvarez, Jeremiah J. Andrews, Justice Tyler Antrum, Colin Arnold, Taniya Shanée Barnes, Mateo Sebastian Benavides Campouerde, Rodney A. Betances, Matthew J. Blackwell, Alandaisa E. Boyd, Alandrea Boyd, Alesia Marie Brown, De'Vonne Callands, Jonathan William Cibulsky, Angelina Collado, Tanea Coombs, Hailey Nicole Cook, Angel Cruz, Justin S. Davis, Mya Deprofio, Johnny A. Diaz, Anthony DiBlasi, Jaylyn Grace DiMauro, Nicholas DiPalma, Stephany Espinal Jimenez, Da'Siah Fagan, Dermaris Feliciano, Krystalee Fernandez, Alann S. Ferreira, Julia Katherine Fraulo.

Elani Thomas Garcia, Jamel Gause, James Gillison, Gabriella Gjoni, Christian Giovanni Gonzalez, Isra Hanaif, Moises Hernandez Jr., Elijah Kyree Holmes, Taina Jackson, Madison Elizabeth Jankauskas**, Jayden Jimenez, Shanelle Cheila Jimenez, Colby Labrecque, James David LaFrance Jr., Savanah Marie Lake, Linh Phuong Le**, Katherine Mishelle López Gálvez, Elizabeth Brianna Lopez Puruncajas, Fernanda Macias, Abigail Magarin, John Javon Maitland, Daries Javoughn Manigo, Ashley Ana Marquez, Laisha Martinez, Nicholas J. Martinez, Keivon Gregory McCoy, Katlyn P. Mehlinger, Eviana Mojica, Christopher J. Negron Lopez, Norris A. Nelson, Kylee Michelle Nimons**.

Axavier Pagan, Gabriella Gilda Palumbo, Tessa I. Peluso**, Jonathan Perez, Addison J. Phillips, Joshua Andrei Fuentes Pintacasi**, Giustino M. Pizzola, Kristo A. Praseutsack**, Tre' Antonio Ragin, Gabriel Rico, Kailanie Monique Rios, Genesis Rivera, Isabel Celeste Rivera, Juan Rivera, Chicago Rivers Jr., Lillian Paige Romanowski, Christopher Ruiz Colon, Joseph Rykowski**, Gesienna Jiaunna Lam-Singh Samuels, Jayda Rose Sanchez, Troy Sanders, Sheldon Schuler, Tyler Gabriel Shaw-Cousins, Lisa Marie Joseph Shehada**, Irini Shyti, Victoria Kamila Siwik, Jeremy Robert E Smith, Lindsey Stolze, Eldrick Stovall Jr., Kiara Marni Swilling, Michael P. Szewczyk**.

Jacob Ryan Tackach, Bryanna Angel Tindall, Alivia Toth**, Alicia Toth-Weaver, Ashley Nicole Velez, Torriepage Walfall, Tywan B. Ward, Sonkaly Weamie, Monica Wojcik, Destine Daron Jeremiah Young, Andrew R. Zinko.

This is a press release received today from Ansonia Public Schools.

Derby Class of 2021 yard signs now available for purchase

 

This is shared from the Derby High School PTO Facebook page.

Ansonia High School to hold commencement ceremony June 12 at Nolan Field

 This is shared from the Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page. 

'Turnback Tuesday' features photo of Derby High School Class of '29

Turnback Tuesday takes another step back in time to Derby High School with the graduating class of 1929.

There were a total of 59 graduates that year, with 56 pictured here.

These graduates saw many things happen in 1929:

Popeye's debut; the St. Valentine’s Day massacre in Chicago, first car radio, public phone booths appeared in London, Grand Teton National Park established, 7-Up invented, San Francisco's longest bridge in the world opened and the devastating Stock Market Crash of Oct. 24-29. Anne Frank and Martin Luther King Jr. were born and Wyatt Earp passed.

Thanks goes to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

'Turnback Tuesday' features Class of '39 at St. Mary's School in Derby

Turnback Tuesday looks at another graduating class of 1939, St. Mary’s School, Derby.

These young students are sitting in front of the grand steps of St. Mary’s Church, a structure that still stands as grand today.

The two priests sitting in front are Fr. Andrew J. Plunket on the left and we believe the priest on the right is Fr. John J. Barney.

This photo is a recent donation to the Library, but again we need your help to identify those in the photo. One of these students could be your grandparent, aunt, or uncle.

Thank you in advance for your help in "Hunting for History."

Thanks go to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week!

Best wishes to Ansonia High Class of 2020 members as they continue their education

 Congratulations!

This is shared from Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page today. 

Ansonia Rotary Club awards scholarships to 2 Ansonia High graduates

Maliqa Mosley-Williams and Tyler Cafaro.

 ANSONIA - The Ansonia Rotary Club Tuesday  presented $500 checks to city scholars Maliqa Mosley-Williams and Tyler Cafaro. 

Both young adults graduated with distinction from Ansonia High School in June and will be attending college in the fall.

The scholarships were awarded based on their academic and social accomplishments. They and their family members were guests of the Club for lunch at CRAVE Restaurant.

Mayor David S. Cassetti was on hand to offer his congratulations. The meeting was the Club’s first in-person meeting since March, and meetings will be held bi-weekly going forward.

Ansonia Rotary Club would normally meet at noon every other Tuesday at CRAVE, 102 Main St. For membership information contact Joe Pinto at 203-623-1105 or visit www.ansoniarotary.org.

This is a press release from the Ansonia Rotary Club.


Congratulations and best wishes to Maliqa and Tyler! 

Ansonia High School slates yearbook distribution

Yearbook Distribution For Ansonia High School Students ONLY
Wednesday, July 8
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
To keep distribution as safe and efficient as possible,
please follow these guidelines.
1. Drive up to the main entrance.
2. Remain in your vehicle.
3. Your yearbook will be brought to your car door.
4. Bring CASH for any balance due. (You will receive an individual email if a balance is due.)
5. Place payment in an envelope with your full name on the outside of the envelope.
There are a limited number of yearbooks still available.
If interested, you must reserve one by emailing Ms. Mudry @ pmudry@ansoniaps.org prior to July 8.

Graduation Video Link:
https://www.d1photosct.com/live-streams

*This is shared from the Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page.

Decorating contest slated for Seymour High School Class of 2020

Ansonia High School Class of 2020 to have modified commencement program

Wesley Village in Shelton honors student workers on their graduation

Wesley Village residents, staff celebrate student workers' high school graduations./ Contributed photo 

SHELTON – Wesley Village recently celebrated 12 student workers who have graduated from local high schools.  

Residents and staff gathered to honor the graduates at an afternoon party with cake and refreshments. 

CEO David Lawlor gave each student a special achievement certificate and congratulatory card. 

“I’m excited for the new chapter,” said Alaina Gaudet, 18, a graduate of Ansonia High School. “I’m going to school at Central Connecticut State University and I’m going to study radiology,” she said. 

With a long history of employing high school students, Wesley Village ensures their dining staff has a healthy balance between school work and job responsibilities. 

“I can come to work in a bad mood, but seeing the residents and talking with them makes me happy. I love what I do,” Gaudet said. 

The intergenerational experience means a lot to the staff and to the residents.  

“These kids are very good, I can’t find fault with any of them. I give them a lot of credit for what they do,” said Ken Steeves, 91, resident at Crosby Commons. 

The residents receive three well-balanced meals a day in the dining room and the strong service is impressionable on those who live in the community. 

The kitchen morale has a lot to do with the quality of service. “We tease, we laugh, we joke,” said Mike Franco, a cook at Crosby Commons. “The kids are good with the residents. They’re energetic and high-spirited,” he said.

The high school graduates who were celebrated are: Luca Belenchia, Kimoya Brown, Sreynin Chhoeun, Alaina Gaudet, Kaylin Guillaume, Anna Kichar, Anyssa Lopez, Autumn Ries, Larissa Rodriguez, Amanda Schafenburg, Ruth Sanon and Nicole Whalley. 

The Wesley Village Campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and includes Crosby Commons Independent/Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Independent/Assisted Living Community, Lifestyle Transitions Assisted Living/Memory Support Community, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

The campus is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization. 

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

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.

St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby to honor alumni, friends

DERBY - St. Mary-St. Michael Elementary School will recognize six school alumni and friends for their service to the school and their community.

Derby residents Arlene Jachyra, Carla Lombardo, Eugene Skowronski, Carol Bacchiocchi, and Donna Doherty, and Sister Clare Millea, A.S.C.J., of New Britain, will receive awards at the 2019 Annual Recognition Ceremony March 23 from 6-9 p.m. at Great River Golf Club in Milford.

Jachyra and Lombardo will receive the Guardian Angel Award which is given to individuals who have made an impact through service in their community, or for other humanitarian efforts that reflect the mission of St. Mary-St. Michael School.

Jachyra is a graduate of St. Michael School in 1960. Throughout her 46-year professional career, she had always been commended for her organizational skills, ability to compose grammatically correct business letters and her penmanship. A solid foundation for these skills was instilled at St. Michael School. 

She gives credit to her education for her ability to accomplish serve as president of St. Michael’s Ladies Guild, chairman of Sponsor Acquirement and Chairman of Refreshments Booth at the church’s annual picnic.

Lombardo is a graduate of St. Mary School in 1986. For more than 23 years she has worked for Environmental Data Resources Inc. in Shelton where she is currently a staff accountant. She is very active in coaching her daughter's cheerleading team and watching her boys play baseball, basketball, and football in Derby. 

Lombardo has followed in her family’s footsteps through volunteering her time, love and energy into her Catholic faith. She is the youngest of the Carloni family of whom all are parishioners of our church. Serving at the schools’ monthly dinners is just part of her family tradition. Her father started the monthly dinner fundraisers for the school and her brother Christopher and his wife Donna have continued the tradition.

Skowronski and Sr. Millea will receive the  Spirit of St. Mary-St. Michael School Award, which is given to alumni who have made a significant positive impact in their field or profession, in the community in which they reside.

Skowronski was born and raised in Derby, and is a graduate of St. Michael’s School. Following graduation from Harvard, Gene served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Uruguay and, thereafter, as a college recruiter for the Peace Corps. 

Skowronski was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 1975 and he and his brother, Ted, started the firm of Skowronski and Skowronski in Derby in 1979. Since 1997, he has been a sole practitioner with offices in Derby and Ansonia.

He was a member and then, President of the Derby Board of Aldermen and, thereafter, served three terms in the Connecticut state Senate representing the 17th District. 

He served as Senate Chairman of the Environment Committee for six years and was also a member of the Judiciary and Public Safety Committees. Skowronski is a former President of the Friends of the Derby Public Library, served for many years as a member of the Board of Directors of TEAM Inc. in Derby, and is an associate fellow at Timothy Dwight College at Yale. 

He is a member of the Polish Falcons of America, and the Adriatic Marchegian Club of Derby.

Sr. Millea, was born in Derby and attended St. Mary School. She served as a special education teacher and school psychologist at Clelian Heights School for Exceptional Children in Greensburg, Pa. from 1970 to 1977. From 1978 to 1980, she served as principal of St. Michael School in New Haven, before returning to Clelian Heights as executive director until 1986.

As a member of the Congregation of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Hamden, Sr. Millea served on its General Council in Rome, Italy from 1986 to 2004. In this role, Sr. Clare was responsible for the initial and ongoing formation programs and restructuring of apostolates at the congregational level. 

After almost two decades in this position, she was appointed Superior General of the congregation. In 2017, the Archdiocese of Hartford appointed Sr. Millea the Director of the Office of Faith and Culture, an office which was created to minister to the many cultures and ethnic groups that reside in Hartford, New Haven, and Litchfield Counties. On March 1, Archbishop Leonard Blair appointed Sr. Clare assistant Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Hartford. 

Bacchiocchi and Doherty will receive the Christian Compassion Award, which is given to individuals or groups who have served the community and school in countless ways, embodying the spirit of generosity, kindness, and good will.

Bacchiocchi was born in Derby and attended St. Mary School, Hawthorne School, Lincoln School, and Irving School and graduated from Derby High School in 1942. 
Her three sons attended St. Mary School, Robert (class of 1965), Jackie (class of 1967) and David (class of 1979).  During those years, Bacchiocchi volunteered in St. Mary’s Mother’s Club. Two of her sons graduated from Notre Dame High School and throughout that time, Bacchiocchi was actively involved with the Notre Dame Mother’s Club, chairing the annual Harvest Dinner. 

She is a lifelong member of St. Mary Church, and Bacchiocchi and her late husband, Arthur, were volunteers for the Summer Festival since its inception in 1978. They initiated the watermelon booth, and she still works the festival with the Family Club. She has been a member of the church choir for more than 30 years, is a member of the St. Mary’s Ladies Guild and volunteers for the Connecticut Food Bank.

Doherty grew up in Derby, attended public elementary schools and graduated from Derby High School. 

Due to the positive experiences she had throughout her academic life, Doherty was passionate about working with children and supporting them academically as well as socially.  

She graduated the Southern Connecticut State College teaching program, and began her teaching profession in the Derby Public Schools System before becoming a member of St. Mary School faculty in 1978 as an 8th grade teacher. She taught the first computer classes in the school and established the first active ski club. In 1998, she advanced to Assistant Principal and served as Principal from 2007-2010.

The St. Mary Church Parish was a big part of her life. Doherty and her husband, Ed, were part of the church team which organized the first Parish family festival in 1978, and continued to be a part of this event for many years. She has been a Lector and a Commissioned Eucharistic Minister at the church, she serves as a Derby poll worker, and is a member of the Derby Public Library Board of Directors.

Tickets for the Recognition Ceremony are $45 per person with tables of 10 available for $400. Contact Grace Torres at gtorres@stmarystmichael.org or 203-735-6471 for reservations. 

There is also space available in the ceremony’s program book for advertisements, congratulatory and in memoriam messages.

For more information about St. Mary-St. Michael School, visit stmarystmichaelct.eduk12.net.

This is a press release from the school.

*Congratulations to all the awardees!

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!