!1 ACADEMIC AND SERVICE AWARDS 2017 June 1, 2017 WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS Mr. David Eustis - President MASTER OF CEREMONIES Mr. John Cusson Academic Dean I. OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS IN ACADEMICS: Presented by the Department Chairs. (Mr. Cusson reads) Given to students who have been selected by faculty members of our academic departments for outstanding achievement in the academic disciplines: Joining us to present the awards in ENGLISH is Department Chair Mrs. Val Doucette PLAQUE AWARDS Freshman English Erin Conway Sophomore English Joseph DeVito Junior English - Dylan Rispoli Senior English Veronica Eskander Joining us to present the awards in LANGUAGES is Department Chair Mrs. Ana Barrett AP French Honors Latin III AP Spanish AP Chinese IV Emilia Palascak James Rybczyk Katharine Jessen Jack Ruddat Joining us to present the awards in Mathematics is Department Chair Miss Claudia Hart Mathematics I Mathematics II - Mathematics III Mathematics IV Benjamin Lee Michael Stamm and Matthew Villani Olivia Bianco and Dylan Rispoli Dung (Kevin) Nguyen Joining us to present the awards in SCIENCE is Department Chair Mrs. Virginia Murphy Advanced Physical Science - Alessandra Good Honors Biology Jacob Beaudin Honors Chemistry Michael Stamm AP Physics Dung Kevin Nguyen AP Biology Rachel Conover Joining us to present the awards in SOCIAL STUDIES is Department Chair Mr. Paul Fitzpatrick World History Andrew Colliton U. S. History - Dylan Rispoli
!2 AP Government AP Comparative Government Brendan Gill Declan Kiley Joining us to present the awards in RELIGION is Religion Department Chair Deacon Richard Santos Religion I Religion II Religion III Religion IV Erin Conway Joseph DeVito Clara Barnes Sydney Samele Joining us to present the awards in the FINE & PERFORMING ARTS is Department Chair Mrs. Elizabeth Oates Artist of the Year Thi Ri Soe Outstanding Musicianship in Choral Music Allyson Voelker Excellence in Instrumental Music Katharine Jessen Excellence in String Ensemble - Yeji Jang Excellence in Musical Theater David Ogbonna Excellence in Theater Emily Driscoll Excellence in Dance Valeria Seymour II. ACADEMIC COMPETITION AWARDS: Presented by Mr. Ron Swanson (Mr. Cusson reads) Latin I Gabriel Landi Melania Gluch Evan Clark Latin II Michael Foster Alton Grange Jacob Beaudin Michael Stamm Sean Macary - Caroline Cooper Brendan Chan Honors Latin III James Rybczyk, Maxima Cum Laude, Silver Medal Maxima Cum Laude, Silver Medal Maxima Cum Laude, Silver Medal Maxima Cum Laude, Silver Medal Maxima Cum Laude, Silver Medal
II. SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS: UNIVERSITY BOOK AWARDS AND SPECIAL AWARDS: Presented by Mr. David Eustis (Mr. Cusson reads) Given to juniors who excel academically and meet the criteria of the sponsoring colleges. WHEELOCK COLLEGE BOOK AWARD: To a Junior who has demonstrated a commitment to working with children. Caroline Cooper!3 LE MOYNE COLLEGE AWARD: To a Junior who has shown significant contributions in academics, leadership and service to school and to the community at large. Luca Mirabello SAINT MICHAEL S COLLEGE BOOK AWARD: To Juniors who have demonstrated academic excellence, a member of the National Honor Society and has shown a commitment to community service through Northwest Catholic and its community. Emily Miller John Sullivan SMITH COLLEGE BOOK AWARD: To a Junior girl who exemplifies academic achievement, leadership qualities, and concern for others. Kathryn Shea ST. ANSELM COLLEGE BOOK AWARD: To a member of the Junior class who has shown excellent academic achievement and actively involved in school and/or community activities. James Sullivan TRINITY COLLEGE BOOK AWARD: To a Junior for outstanding academic achievement. Olivia Bianco WELLESLEY COLLEGE BOOK AWARD: To a Junior girl who has demonstrated intellectual curiosity an excellence in scholarship, and who exemplifies the motto: not to be served, but to serve. Kayla Randolph GETTYSBURG BOOK AWARD: To a member of the Junior class who has distinguished him/ herself in the study of United States History. Dawid Karpiej
!4 REGIS COLLEGE BOOK AWARD: To a Junior who has demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication skills, displayed outstanding academic promise, and exhibited exceptional leadership qualities. Yeji Jang FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY BOOK AWARD: To a Junior in the top 10% of the class, is active in school and/or community, and has leadership qualities and a sense of concern and responsibility in the community. Abigail Wilcox BAY PATH COLLEGE AWARD: To a Junior girl who has shown a commitment to academics and a significant interest in community service. Yunshan Vicky Liu COLLEGE OF THE ELMS BOOK AWARD: To a Junior for outstanding academic achievement. Maame Nti THE UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD BOOK AWARD: The Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford presents this award to a Junior who is in the top 20% of the class, has displayed outstanding academic promise, exhibited exceptional leadership qualities, and expressed an interest in pursuing a future business career. Justin Lam COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS BOOK AWARD: To a Junior who demonstrates outstanding scholarship, personal qualities and evidences strong concern for school and community. Bridget Murphy BRYANT UNIVERSITY: To a Junior, who ranks in the top 10% of the class, pursues a challenging curriculum and who demonstrates involvement: Elizabeth D Arcangelo SALVE REGINA: Given to a junior who has demonstrated academic achievement and a commitment to NWC. Kathryn Krocheski
NOTRE DAME: To an outstanding junior who combines excellence in academics with a sense of community and of responsibility that prepares them for subsequent leadership in building a society that is at once more human and more divine. Eliza Wizner MOUNT HOLYOKE BOOK AWARD: To a Junior girl who exhibits outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and a dedication to community service. Calla Kremidas YALE BOOK AWARD: To a Junior who demonstrates qualities of leadership, effective teamwork, organizational abilities and who ranks in the top 10 15% of the class. Molly Conway HARVARD BOOK AWARD: To a junior who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement. Dylan Rispoli GEORGE EASTMAN/UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER YOUNG LEADERS AWARD: Given to a junior who exhibited strong leadership skills and high academic achievement. Clara Barnes UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER FREDERICK DOUGLAS and SUSAN B. ANTHONY AWARD in HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCE: Given to a junior who has exhibited strong leadership skills and high academic achievement in the humanities and social sciences. Alex Kanya XEROX AWARD FOR INNOVATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: To a junior for outstanding achievement in the pursuit of innovative approaches and appreciation of the possibilities of technology. Natiel Cooper BAUSCH & LOMB SCIENCE AWARD: To a junior for outstanding academic achievement and intellectual promise. James Rybczyk RENSSELAER AWARD: To a Junior who has displayed outstanding achievement in Math and Science. Spencer Merkel!5
!6 III. ARTISTIC AND COMMUNICATION AWARDS: Presented by Mrs. Elizabeth Oates, Dean of Students. (Mr. Cusson reads) Given to students who have distinguished themselves in both fine and performing arts, publications, and Mock Trial at Northwest Catholic. DRAMATEUR AWARD: Given in memory of David Lenz 87, for cooperation and dedication in the pursuit of excellence in dramatic arts. Gabriella Fenton DIANE T. WELDON AWARD: Given to a senior who has been recognized for outstanding achievement in the performing arts and / or creative writing. Victoria O Neill CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS ARTS AWARD To outstanding high school visual and performing arts students. This award is given to students in the fine arts who have demonstrated a talent and passion for creative expression. Sarah Jessen Yiwei Rain Yuan THE NANCY ANN FRITSCHE 69 VISUAL ARTS AWARD is awarded to an upperclassman and exceptional visual artist in memory of Nancy, an artist and therapeutic recreational therapist who developed her artistic talents at Northwest Catholic, and her parents, Joseph and Louise Fritsche, who put enormous value on a Catholic education. Elizabeth LeBlanc ALEXANDER S. CAVANAGH, JR. AWARD: Given to a Senior for excellence in the field of journalism and creative writing, this year s recipient devoted many hours to the successful publication of Passages, the school newspaper. This year s honoree is: Regina Chappano RICHARD RICE AWARD: Given in memory of Mr. Richard Rice to a senior who has evidenced in life a search for truth and dedication to Church; one who is known among their peers as a listener and a peacemaker; one who is able to express feelings through the arts. Thi Ri Soe MOCK TRIAL AWARD The 2016-2017 Mock Trial Team Award is presented to TWO seniors this year:
!7 Carlos Figueroa Brendan Gill Each of these seniors has made a unique contribution to our NWC team. Brendan's preparation as an attorney has been impressive as he has exhibited both professionalism and poise in competitions while Carlos has demonstrated his versatility portraying a bailiff and an attorney, each role requiring unique skills. Because of their distinctive courtroom talents, Carlos and Brendan have helped to make the Northwest Mock Trial Team a formidable competitor indeed! Congratulations to these seniors--to whom we wish much future success! IV. ATHLETIC AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS: Presented by Mr. Matthew Martorelli, Athletic Director. (Mr. Cusson reads) Given to students who have distinguished themselves in athletics, academics, leadership, and sportsmanship. JACK KEARNS AWARD: Donated by the Kearns Family for a Senior who has displayed unselfish concern for the welfare of others, integrity, hard work, spirit and sportsmanship and has participated in track or cross-country. Brian Waterston SCULLY AWARD: To a Senior athlete and student who maintains a strong academic record. Natalie Smith RICHARD PITEK 84 MEMORIAL AWARD: Donated by the Pitek Family to a Senior who is a dedicated student and athlete and must have participated in at least one varsity sport. Sean Keating KENNETH G. PHELAN 69 MEMORIAL AWARD: Donated by the Phelan Family to a Senior who expresses interest and ability in higher education, who participate in athletics (basketball and/or track), who is sincere, sensitive, reserved and idealistic. Lauren Murphy ROBERT KAY MEMORIAL AWARD: Donated by the Family and Friends of Robert Kay in his memory. This award is presented to senior golfers who have participated in the program for four years and who have demonstrated the qualities of leadership, responsibility, and character. Katherine Mullen GREENWOOD/MELANSON/GARTLAND MEMORIAL HOCKEY AWARD : Named in honor of the late David Greenwood (NWC Parent and Alumni Parent), the late Alfred Melanson (NWC Alumni Parent and Grandparent), and the late Owen Gartland (NWC Great- Grandparent), The award goes to a graduating Northwest Catholic Varsity Hockey player who has shown dedication and leadership both on and off the ice and plans to carry this through in
attending a college or university and beyond. This award is named after three men who constantly led by example, provided mentoring to many men and women, and personally sacrificed throughout their lives for the betterment of their families and community. This year s honoree is: Ryan Sherba Nora E. O Brien 82 Memorial Award : Named in honor of Nora by her friends, this award goes to a graduating senior who exemplifies Nora s attributes a fun loving, school-spirited, female athlete who will attend a Catholic College. Kelly Galeota CIAC EXCELLENCE AWARD: For exemplary display of sportsmanship, ethics, and integrity:!8 Brett Baker Julia Klein CONNECTICUT INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC CONFERENCE SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARDS: Are presented to outstanding athletes who also maintain an academic average of at least 3.5: Katharine Jessen Asa Guest V. SERVICE AWARDS: Presented by Mrs. Jennifer Montoney, Dean of Students. (Mr. Cusson reads) Given to students who have distinguished themselves by their willingness to both serve and unify others here at Northwest Catholic and in their community. CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP AWARD: Christian Heiden Naomi McPherson JOHN FLORIO NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY AWARD: For Seniors in the National Honor Society who strongly exemplify the four National Honor Society traits: scholarship, leadership, service and character: Kevin Eustis NORTHWEST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL SERVICE AWARD: is presented to a senior for service above and beyond requirements and expectations to the Northwest Catholic High School Student Council. This year s recipient is: Claire Nicholas NAVIN AWARD: Is presented by the Navin Family to a senior for academic excellence and outstanding service to the school.
!9 Patrick Barry ROBERT C. JOHNSON AWARD: Is given by the school in memory of Mr. Robert C. Johnson, Assistant Principal of Northwest Catholic, and goes to a Senior who is idealistic, sensitive, unassuming, open to life and brings out the best in others. This year the award is given to: Leanna Beaulieu NORTHWEST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL UNITY AWARD: Is awarded to a Senior who have contributed to the development of greater understanding, unity, and school spirit throughout the Northwest Catholic Community: Dalton Griggs THE JOE FRITSCHE MEMORIAL SERVICE AWARD: The Joe Fritsche Memorial Service Award is awarded to a good student with a passion for service in memory of Joe Fritsche, a NWC alumni parent who devoted many hours to working with community non-profit organizations in service to others. Katelyn Konigsberg GOVERNOR S SCHOLARS AWARD PROGRAM: This program recognizes academically talented high school students throughout the state of Connecticut. From all the high schools in Connecticut, thirty Scholars are selected on the bases of PSAT scores, academic achievement, and an original essay. NWC is extremely proud this year that Dylan Rispoli has been selected as one of the thirty finalists. VI. CITIZENSHIP AWARDS AND HONORS: Presented by Mrs. Elizabeth Lynch McCarthy 94, Dean of Students (Mr. Cusson reads) These awards are presented to students who have shown exceptional qualities of citizenship and an active interest in the political process: AMERICAN LEGION AWARDS: American Legion medal and certificate awards are presented to Seniors who meet the exceptional standards of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service. This year we are pleased to present medals and certificates to the following students: MEDAL Mitchell Karangekis CERTIFICATE Christopher Ravosa DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AWARD: Honored by the Sarah Whitman Hooker Chapter as a Good Citizen displaying the qualities of dependability, service, patriotism and leadership:
!10 Jenna Creighton CONNECTICUT BOYS STATE: This opportunity to attend the American Legion Boys State is given to Junior boys who show leadership and have an interest in the electoral process: Dawid Karpiej Noah Lisle Christopher Raymond Luke Fox CONNECTICUT GIRLS STATE: This opportunity to attend the American Legion Girls State is given to Junior girls who show leadership and have an interest in the electoral process: Elizabeth D Arcangelo Clara Barnes Eliza Wizner THE JOHN RICE AWARD: Given in memory of John Rice to an underclassman who has exhibited interest in politics, as well as demonstrating an understanding of the political process: Clara Barnes PAIGE ANN CORRIGAN SCHOLARSHIP AWARD: Mrs. Corrigan was an inspiring teacher, loyal friend and positive role model. Her devotion to teaching and to the students highlighted her eight years as a faculty member. This scholarship is a permanent memorial created by her colleagues to honor Mrs. Corrigan for the caring and loving teacher she was. The Paige Corrigan Scholarship Award is given annually to current students who have demonstrated a keen interest in mathematics and who represent the standards and values of Northwest Catholic High School. This year, the award from this scholarship fund is presented to: Nicole Mealha GHCEA AWARD: Each year, the GHCEA (Greater Hartford Catholic Education Association), which represents, the lay teachers at Northwest Catholic, East Catholic, St. Paul, and Sacred Heart High Schools, presents the Barbara Banville/David McCreesch Scholarship. This year s recipient is: Sarah Monarca VIII. ACADEMIC HONORS: Presented by Mr. John Cusson, Academic Dean, (Mrs. O Rourke reads) Given to students who have distinguished themselves in academics at Northwest Catholic. NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS Certificates of commendation presented to Seniors who are among the top 50,000 of over one million students who took the PSAT/NMSQT in 2015. National Merit Finalist: Commended Students: Katharine E. Jessen Rachel Conover John Dudley
! 11 Veronica Eskander Sarah Jessen Brynna Ledwidge Taylor Pane Allyson Voelker National Hispanic Merit Scholar: Gabriela Doskos SUPERINTENDENT S SUMMA AWARDEES: The following students were recognized as Superintendent s Summa Awardees. These dedicated students from the top 5% at the end of the first semester of their senior year. The students were recognized by the superintendent at a ceremony at the Office of Catholic Schools in April. Congratulations to: John Allen Rachel Conover Brendan Gill Katharine Jessen Sarah Jessen Taylor Pane Natalie Smith Allyson Voelker IX. SALUTATORIAN and VALEDICTORIAN: Presented by Mr. David Eustis, President and Chief Administrator. (Mr. Cusson reads) Finally we would like to recognize three students who through their hard work and dedication have achieved the distinction of graduating first and second in the Class of 2017. We look forward to hearing their words of wisdom and advice next Wednesday at graduation. Congratulations to: SALUTATORIANS: John Allen and Rachel Conover VALEDICTORIAN: Katharine Jessen