Ansonia High School pops concert, senior recognition slated Thursday

 

Presentation teaches Ansonia High School students about robotic surgery

A Presentation in Surgical Precision

Griffin Faculty Physicians surgeon Dr. Leeland Soto recently provided Ansonia High School students the opportunity to learn about advances in robotic surgery, including providing them with a hands-on opportunity to operate the state-of-the-art da Vinci Robotic Surgical System used at Griffin Hospital.

The Robotic-Assisted Surgery Program at Griffin Hospital is a multidisciplinary surgical team of specially trained and credentialed surgeons along with a highly experienced team of anesthesiologists, nurses, assistants, and surgical techs who are trained to support each surgeon’s needs during robotic-assisted surgery. 

Griffin's da Vinci Robotic-Assisted Surgery Service Lines include: Bariatric Surgery; Cardiac Surgery; Colorectal Surgery; General Surgery; Gynecologic Surgery; and Head & Neck Surgery.

For more information, visit https://www.griffinhealth.org/treatments/robotic-surgery.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Cereal box collection challenge to benefit Seymour Oxford Food Bank

 

Salvation Army in Ansonia to hold community garden day Saturday

 

Ansonia Police recognize School Resource Officer Michael Barry

Officer Michael Barry

Today is School Resource Officer Appreciation Day and we would like to recognize Officer Michael Barry, the best SRO there is, for his dedication and commitment to the students of Ansonia.

Shared from the Ansonia PD Facebook page.

Winter band, chorus concert slated tonight at Derby High School

From Derby High School Principal Jennifer Olson:

We hope you can join us for a festive evening of music at the DHS Winter Band and Chorus Concert tonight Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m.!

Mr. Ruel is excited to showcase the hard work, creativity, and holiday spirit our students have put into preparing for this event!

We hope you’ll join us in person or tune in from home using the live link below.

You will enjoy performances by our talented band, choir, and jazz ensemble. It’s sure to be a highlight of the winter season!

Use this link for the livestream performance: https://youtube.com/live/C6pRyEyZeSM?feature=share

Shared from the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Pancake breakfast at Derby Middle School to benefit Irving School field trips

 

Mineral show at Emmett O'Brien Tech in Ansonia to benefit Skills USA

 

Griffin School of Allied Health Careers in Naugatuck slates open houses

NAUGATUCK - The Griffin Hospital School of

Allied Health Careers will host a Fall Festival Student Appreciation Day and Open House on Oct. 11 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at 1186 New Haven Road.

Individuals interested in the school’s Practical Nursing (PN) program are invited to bring their families to this free celebration, featuring free games, activities, and fall-themed fun.

The open house will highlight the school’s 14-month PN Program that offers an exceptional teaching experience as the only hospital-based program in the state of Connecticut. With knowledgeable and experienced teachers who are nationally certified or master’s prepared nurses and real-world clinical rotations at Griffin Hospital, Stamford Hospital, Masonicare and Gaylord Hospital, the PN program prepares new nurses to thrive in a multitude of complex clinical practice settings.

In addition to the Fall Festival, the school will hold a series of virtual and in-person open houses. The virtual open houses will be Sept. 29 and Oct. 9 from 12-1 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. There will be an in-person open house at 1186 New Haven Road  Nov. 5 from 5-7 p.m.

Reservations are required by calling 203-732-1276 (press option 1 for the PN Program) or by emailing PNprogram@griffinhealth.org.

The school’s 6,000-square foot Naugatuck campus is designed to provide PN students with an experiential learning environment featuring state-of-the-art simulation technology that is incorporated in realistic laboratories for nursing students to practice as if they are in actual clinical situations. 

The experience enables a smooth transition from classroom to the practice setting, and from student to proficient caregiver.

The PN program is approved by the State of CT Board of Examiners for Nursing and has a 100% licensure test pass rate, leading many graduates to immediate job placement. The school can also connect students with several academic funding opportunities upon request.

About the School of Allied Health Careers

Approved by the Connecticut Office of Higher of Education and the State of Connecticut Department of Health, the Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers offers advanced hands-on training and personalized teaching in its Practical Nursing (PN), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Patient Care Technician (PCT), Medical Assistant (MA), and Phlebotomy programs. The school has helped graduates achieve a high rate of success on national certification exams and has a strong job placement rate with most graduates quickly finding positions at area hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and medical practices.

Anyone 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED may apply for admission. Early application is encouraged for all courses, as space is limited. 

For more information or to apply, call 203-732-1276 (option 1 for the PN Program, option 2 for CNA, PCT, MA, and Phlebotomy programs) or visit griffinhealth.org/school.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Cast of play at St. Mary's School

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a photo of the cast of the play "Spider Island," performed by students of St. Mary's School in March of 1946.

[First posted on this date in 2017.]

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

Griffin Health, Safe Kids share back to school safety tips

School bells are ringing, and it’s time to get back into the swing of things! 

As your kids head out the door, Griffin Health and Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley offer these simple reminders to help keep them safe:

Crosswalk Caution: Remind kids to look both ways before crossing the street—and always use crosswalks or school patrols.

Backpack Check: Keep backpacks light and properly fitted to avoid strain and injury.

Bus Safety: Teach children to wait safely away from the curb and to follow the driver’s instructions at all times.

Limit Distractions: No texting while walking! Teach kids to keep their heads up and phones down, especially near traffic.

Stranger Awareness: Practice safe boundaries and have a plan if someone unfamiliar approaches.

Let’s make this school year a safe, strong start for every student! 

Find more back to school safety tips, visit https://www.nsc.org/.../school-safety/school-safety-home.

Shared from Griffin Hospital's Facebook page.

Back to School BBQ Party slated for Derby High School students, staff

 

Back to School event on tap today at Nolan Field parking lot in Ansonia

Please note the address has been changed to the Nolan Field parking lot, 467 Wakelee Ave. 

Liberty Bible Church in Seymour to give away book bags Aug. 23

 

All-Star Transportation in Seymour to host 'Back to School' event

 

Corporate Volunteer Council in Shelton to host 'Fill-The-Bus' with school supplies

Ansonia High School slates Freshman Academy Aug. 12, 13

 

Ansonia High School music department to present pops concert Thursday

 

Griffin Hospital in Derby honors volunteers, awards scholarships to 4 students

Griffin Hospital Volunteer Program and Guest Relations Supervisor Kathy Browne, far right, poses with this year’s Griffin Hospital Volunteer Scholarship winners. 

From left, Pairin Sangkachand of the University of Bridgeport, Karlissa Philemy of Derby High School, and Iyanna Eaddy and Ezel Arslan, both of Ansonia High School./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital honored its volunteers for selflessly giving their time and talents to the hospital at its 2025 Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner held recently at Sage in Derby.

A total of 144 hospital volunteers logged more than 22,590 hours last year while serving as ambassadors, candy stripers, bakers, shuttle drivers, soft touch therapy providers, writers of vital patient stories and many more roles that benefited hospital patients, visitors and staff.

“Tonight's recognition not only highlights the volume of hours selflessly given by volunteers throughout this past year but acknowledges the true value of their work which touches the lives of patients, their families and hospital staff in countless ways,” said Griffin Hospital Volunteer Program and Guest Relations Supervisor Kathy Browne. “Thank you for the heartfelt human interactions you provide each day and for the community spirit you bring to the hospital.”

Student Volunteers Honored

Griffin Hospital Volunteer Services also awarded its annual $1,500 and $1,000 scholarships for high school and college volunteers. 

For more than 50 years, Griffin Hospital has awarded scholarships to community students pursuing advanced education. In order to qualify for these scholarships, the students must have volunteered over 100 hours at the hospital, been in high academic standing, have been accepted into an accredited college or university, demonstrated initiative and perseverance and possess exemplary moral character.

The winners of this year’s $1,500 Hospital Elder Life Program Scholarship is Pairin Sangkachand, of the University of Bridgeport. Ezel Arslan, of Ansonia High School, and Karlissa Philemy, of Derby High School, won the $1,500 Griffin Health Services Corporation Scholarship awards, and Iyanna Eaddy, of Ansonia High School, won the $1,000 Griffin Health Services Corporation Scholarship Award.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Ansonia High School announces Class of 2025 Top Ten students

First row, left-to-right: Ezel Arslan, Alana Morell, Hailey Muzzi, Katherine Freire, Chloe Geoghan. Second row, left-to-right: Andrew Endres, Juliana Xayasone, Reese Shuart, Lilly Ullrich, Sanaa Middleton.

Ezel Hena Arslan

Ezel Arslan, valedictorian, is the daughter of Yusuf Arslan and Serap Arslan. Her impressive course load has included AP/ECE Biology, AP/ECE Chemistry, AP Language & Composition, AP Calculus, ECE Medical Terminology, ECE Introduction to Allied Health Professions, UB Pre-Calculus, UB Composition & Rhetoric. She has a 4.03 GPA.

Ezel is not only an outstanding student, she is an active member in many extracurricular activities at Ansonia High School including Captain of the Girls’ Volleyball team, Senior Mentor, and Math Tutor. She is President of the National Honor Society, President of Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, President of Allied Health Pathway Program, a member of the National Business Honor Society, and a member of the AHS Pathways Focus Group. Ezel is also a health technology student at Emmett O’Brien Technical High School, a chemistry student researcher for ACES International Research Program & US-South Korea Student Science Partnership, and a volunteer at Griffin Hospital. She has achieved high honors all four years of high school, student of the Month (February 2024) and an Outstanding Achievement in Biology Award (May 2022). 

Ezel is a dedicated and motivated student who aspires to major in molecular and cellular Biology for the pre-med track at the University of Connecticut.

Alana Morell

Alana Morell, daughter of Nicole Pellagrino and Sean Morell, boasts an impressive 3.99 GPA. She is an active member in multiple honor societies including Vice President of the National Honor Society and Math Honor Society, and member of the National Business Honor Society. The recipient of the Harvard Book Award, Alana captained our volleyball team, and serves as a student Leader of New Life Youth Group (Trumbull). More recently, she founded the Chargers in Christ Club at Ansonia High School. Alana has challenged herself with every rigorous AP/ECE course at Ansonia High School, and as a result, Alana’s interests are vast and ever-evolving. 

Alana is currently deciding between Clark University and UConn where she will pursue a Psychology degree. 

Hailey Muzzi

Hailey Muzzi, daughter of Megan and Albert Muzzi, had a 3.92 GPA. Hailey is a member of the AHS National Honor Society, AHS Business National Honor Society, and the AHS girls’ varsity soccer team, where she has earned a 2nd Team All-NVL recognition. Throughout her high school career, Hailey has challenged herself academically by completing various college-level courses, including AP Biology, AP Language and Composition, ECE Physics, ECE Literature, and UB Pre-Calculus. She was the recipient of the Yale Book Award. Additionally, Hailey works as a referee for Ansonia Youth Soccer and volunteers for Ansonia’s youth program on weekends. 

Hailey plans to attend Southern Connecticut State University in the fall where she will major in creative writing.

Katherine Freire

Katherine Freire is the daughter of Digna Tito and Ivan Freire-(Deceased). She has challenged herself at Ansonia High School with classes such as AP Chemistry, AP Language and Composition, ECE Intro to Allied Health, ECE Medical Terminology, UB Pre-Calculus, and UB Composition and Rhetoric while pursuing a patient care technician certificate at Griffin Hospital. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Business Honor Society, Charger Creative, Debate team and South Korea Research Team. Katherine has also been a member of the Volleyball team for four years and tennis team for three years and balances her academic and athletic commitments with a part-time job at Bishop Wicke Nursing Home as a dining aide.

Katherine is planning on attending Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program. 

Chloe Geoghan

Chloe Geoghan, daughter of Branwen and James Geoghan, is a dedicated student with a GPA of 3.79. She has challenged herself academically by taking rigorous courses such as AP Biology and ECE Statistics. Chloe has demonstrated her commitment to excellence as a member of the National Honor Society, National Business Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. Outside the classroom, she has been an active Varsity girls’ soccer player during her high school career and served as the captain during her senior year, showcasing her leadership and teamwork skills. 

Chloe will attend Coastal Carolina University in the fall to pursue a major in Accounting.

Andrew Endres

Andrew Endres is the son of Samantha and Michael Endres. Andrew has not only taken a rigorous course load at Ansonia High School with classes like Introduction to Engineering Design, AP/ECE US History, ECE Physics, UB Pre-Calculus, AP/ECE Biology, ECE Statistics, UB Composition and Rhetoric, and Post University Cybercrime but he also attends classes at the University of New Haven weekly to pursue a degree in game design and interactive media. Andrew is a kind and caring person whom is deeply devoted to his faith and is an active member at his church. Andrew is a member of the National Honor Society, Forge Student Ministries, and Royal Rangers where he has earned various badges and merits. He is also a member of the Art club, Crochet Club, Wrestling Club, Tag Team Champion Board Game Club, and Drama Club. Andrew was invited to participate in the State Junior Olympics for the Rolling Thunder Special Needs Track Team and National Fine Arts Competition where he received an Excellent Rating in various categories. 

Juliana Xayasone

Juliana Xayasone, daughter of Malay and Jack Xayasone, has a 3.76 GPA. Teachers describe Juliana as respectful, task-oriented, conscientious, persistent, and reliable. As a student in the Education Pathway, she has earned dual enrollment credits through Southern Connecticut State University and completed a 30-hour practicum, gaining valuable experience observing both elementary and high school classrooms. Juliana is also active in the community as a volunteer with Junior Achievement’s High School Heroes Program, where she has taught financial literacy lessons to third grade students. She has challenged herself with rigorous courses such as AP Calculus, AP Biology, and AP Language and Composition. Juliana is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Mock Trial team. She has also played on the Varsity tennis team and has been a member of Band for the past three years. Additionally, she serves as a Senior Mentor, partnering with a freshman advisory to foster connections between upper and underclassmen during the 2024 – 2025 school year. 

This fall, Juliana will attend Central Connecticut State University to pursue a degree in Computer Engineering. 

Reese Shuart

Reese Shuart, daughter of Joshua and Jennifer Shuart, has a 3.73 GPA. Reese serves as the parliamentarian for the AHS National Honor Society, the vice-president of the Crochet Club, and is also a member of the AHS Business National Honor Society and Global Scholars Club. In addition, Reese plays on the Ansonia girls’ tennis and volleyball teams. Reese has challenged herself throughout her high school career with various courses, such as AP Biology, AP US History, ECE Seminar in Writing, ECE Statistics, and UB Pre-Calculus. Reese is also an active member of the community, where she works at the Ansonia Public Library. 

Reese plans to study criminology at St. Bonaventure University. 

Lilly Ullrich

Lilly Ullrich, daughter of Laura Sevigny and Robert Ullrich, has a 3.68 GPA. She is a member of the National Business Honor Society, volleyball and tennis teams. Additionally, Lilly is a pioneering member of our International Scientific Research team that travelled to South Korea this past November after 2 years of planning, collaborating and conducting research to present their findings at the National Science Festival For the Gifted in Seoul, South Korea. Additionally, Lily works a part time job as a Life Enrichment specialist at Elim Park in Cheshire while balancing her rigorous academic courses which include ECE Physics, ECE Seminar in Writing and ECE Statistics. 

Lilly plans to attend UConn next fall and will major in Engineering. 

Sanaa Middleton

Sanaa Middleton, daughter of Latoya and Quincy Middleton has a 3.63 GPA. Sanaa is a member of the National Honor Society and tennis team and works at the Derby Neck Library as a part of the circulation staff. Additionally, Sanaa is a pioneering member of the Quads program, a partnership with Quinnipiac University, designed to develop scientific inquiry skills and knowledge in order to make sense of a community-based phenomenon or to solve a community problem. 

Sanaa will attend the University of Hartford in the fall to study Exercise Science.

This press release is shared from the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Congratulations and all the best in your future endeavors!