Vernon Schools Celebrate Student, Staff Achievements

Tuesday night, the auditorium of Rockville High School was filled with students and staff of the public school system who were there to be recognized for their achievements and celebrated.

From the district’s teacher of the year to students doing stellar work to school employees who went beyond the call of duty to serve the community during the recent power outage, Superintendent of Schools Mary Conway made certain to recognize each one during the hour-long special awards ceremony.

“It is a very special evening. It is my favorite part,” Conway said. “These are our leaders of tomorrow.”

Conway wasted little time in kicking off the event, which also included the swearing in ceremony for the new school board, an announced that Melissa Barnett, a math teacher at Vernon Center Middle School, has been named the Vernon Teacher of the Year.

“She has a strong work ethic. She has positive energy and attitude. Michelle has a passion for her work and lifelong learning. She has knowledge of best practices. Melissa is hailed the ultimate team player,” Conway said of Barnett.

“She really is a terrific person. We are proud to have Melissa represent us,” the superintendent continued.

In addition to Barnett, Conway recognized four other district employees and presented each with a Profile in Professionalism Award. Recipients include:

Andrea Bortolan – First Grade Teacher at Center Road School received an award for “going above and beyond her daily duties.”

Victoria Nordlund – English Teacher at Rockville High School received an award for “extraordinary service to the Vernon Public School System and providing an exceptional writing program.”

Kimberly Marinan – School Counseling at Rockville High School received an award for “Tirelessly to ease the transition of the ninth grade students.”

Dorothy Tedeschi – Paraprofessional at Center Road School received an award for “her dedication and putting students first.”

For their tremendous effort to serve the greater community, Conway recognized Vernon Public School System’s cafeteria and custodial workers for their actions during the October snowstorm and subsequent extended power outage.

“They fed 500 people for nine days,” Conway said. “They housed 200 people overnight. It takes a lot of people to do that, but these two groups did it.”

Cafeteria workers honored include:

• Monica Pacheco, food services director
• Stacey Bowman, cafeteria bookkeeper and secretary
• Cindy Alm
• Chrissy Chessey
• Susan Daiello
• Teri Daniels
• Shawne Flanders
• Sharon Gormley
• Annette Grant
• Kim Grous
• Beth Gruessner
• Tina Gudmundsen
• Maria Kenzior
• Mary Ann Melendy
• Cindy Paluska
• Maria Panicello
• Erin Pryor, and
• Judy Thompkins.

Conway continued praising the custodial staff.

“It was like being in a five star hotel,” Conway said of the middle school shelter and of the work ethic provided. “I have never seen a group work so hard. They were so tender with the elderly and disabled. They just kept it going.”

Custodial Workers honored include:

• Richard Adams
• Melony Anderson
• Thomas Beron
• Louis Brenner
• Robert Burnett
• Jason Earl
• Charles Godleski
• John Lahoie
• Alice Attanzio
• Michael Paluska
• Linda Plourde, and
• Raymond Young.

With the teach of the year announced and staff recognized, Conway then recognized two students from each of the Vernon public schools and presented them with the fall Superintendent’s Award.

In a program distributed during the ceremony, each student was described in this way:

Trevor Jones, son of Trevor and Jennifer Jones was selected because he is responsible and conscientious and excels in all academic areas. Trevor is self-motivating and accepts challenges with a positive attitude. He is respectful and eager to work with other students. Trevor is an active member of Math Olympiads, Safety Patrol, Chorus, Band, Art Club, and the Jogging and Walking Clubs at Center Road School. Outside of school, Trevor is involved in swimming, racing RC cars, and riding his bike. He also rides snowmobiles and is “an avid Lego builder.” He babysits his cousins and helps his grandmother.

Julia Somma, daughter of Maria Somma and Marcella Florence, is consistent and enthusiastic in her schoolwork. She is hard working, responsible, and a positive member of the Center Road School community. Julia is looked at as a role model. She participates in chorus, Art Club, and Math Olympiads. “Her participation as a member of Safety Patrol is an example of her maturity and sense of responsibility.” Julia participates in numerous activities outside of school – basketball, softball, soccer, and cheerleading. She also plays to piano and violin.

Jake Poutre, son of Lisa and Paul Poutre is “a model student who can always be caught doing the right thing at the right time in all settings.” Jake is involved in Bag o’ Bargains, Pride Club, Math Olympiads, Band, and after school intramurals. He is a junior black belt, travel soccer team, baseball, and basketball.

Carina Putnam, daughter of Cheryl and Richard Putnam is a motivated student. She sets high expectations and works hard to achieve them. Carina “welcomes leadership roles during group work and is sensitive to the thoughts and opinions of others in the group.” She is a member of the Bag o’ Bargains and Pride Club. Carina works with younger students to help them select books and helps with bus buddies.

Are’vaya Ingram, daughter of Kenesha Carney, takes “initiative and always strive for her personal best.” Are’vaya is a “model citizen” and has a “smile that lights up the room.” She wrote an essay after Storm Alfred that explained how she appreciated life better now particularly looking at Africa and how that country lives without on a daily basis. Are’vaya participates in safety patrol and band. She wants to be a teacher.

Anthony Torres, son of Raquel and Juan Torres, has a strong work ethic. “His teacher stated that you can watch him and know, by his eyes and body language, when he is not quite satisfied with what he is about to hand in. Then he is back to work to make it better.” He is a member of the safety patrol and band. Anthony also plays baseball.

Michael Huber, son of Deborah and Daniel Huber, excels academically. He enjoys reading, learning about the solar system and universe, and Greek Mythology. “Michael is a history buff and enjoys Legos and making models.” His favorite sport is lacrosse. At Northeast, Michael plays in the school band and is a student council representative. He as the school’s first artist of the month and is active in the book club.

Connor Kennedy, son of Rebecca Kennedy, follows the core values of being positive, being safe, being respectful, and being responsible. “He is so thoughtful; Connor is the one student in my class that ALWAYS says, “Please,” and “Thank you,” “Good Morning,” and “Have a good night.” Connor is a member of the chorus and a representative on the student council. He participates in Cub Scouts.

Jaden Cove, daughter of Mark and Jen Grzesiakowski and Jeff Cove, is an excellent student. “She always sets a remarkable example of leadership as a student. Jaden takes pride in her learning and always does the best in what she does.” She plays in the school band and sings in the chorus. She participates in Math Olympiads, SRS Twirlers, SRS Photography Club, running club, and Early Birds. She has participated in the Hartford Marathon.

Melina Toolan, daughter of Evangelynn and David Toolan, likes to lend a helping hand. “She is a stupendous student, friend, citizen and role model at Skinner Road School.” Melina participates in the school band and is a member of the photography club. She also does gymnastics and girl scouts.

Maggie Gepfert, daughter of Nancy and Ross Gepfert, is the co-president of the student council. “She is outgoing and tries very hard to make everyone feel welcome.” She helps to organize food drives and Toys-for-Tots. Maggie is also a member of the walking club and chorus. She has consistently achieved honor roll.

Joshua Hollum, son of Ruth and Robert Hollum, is “hard working, responsible, positive, and enthusiastic about learning.” He is a member of the student council. He offers great service to his school community and represents the school values of safety, organization, achievement, and respect and responsibility.

Michael Lee, son of Michael and Regina Lee, has numerous academic talents and achievements. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has earned high honors every quarter of his high school career. Michael was awarded the Worcester Polytechnic Institute scholarship for three years, received the University of Rochester Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award and the Harvard Book Prize and the Society of Women Engineers Award. Michael is a member of the math team, a three-year veteran of the game show “As Schools Match Wits,” marching band, Symphony Band, and selected for the Eastern Regional Symphonic Band. Michael is also an Eagle Scout. “He is a model citizen in every way: conscientious, hardworking, helpful, unpretentious and always polite.”

Jennifer Mears, daughter of Susan and Keith Mears, was recently named Connecticut Female Wendy’s High School Heisman winner for the state and is waiting to learn if she is a national winner as well. The board recognized Jennifer for this as well during the ceremony.

Jennifer has made high honor roll every quarter during high school. “She is eager to learn, creative, and a role model for others and has been recognized year in and year out with numerous academic awards.” She has been president and vice president of her class, member of the student council, National Honor Society, Link Crew, stage manager, school plays, honors chorus, and band. Jennifer also participates in Spanish club, Taste of Languages, Poetry Slam, Athletic Council, and soccer. In the community, Jennifer works as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and soccer referee.

Vernon Regional Adult Based Education (VRABE)

Jose Garcia has worked hard to continue his education. “Jose has preserved, gained confidence, and has proved to be a very motivated learner.” He has overcome many obstacles to obtain his education. He is detail-oriented and is a role model to other students.

Aubrey Hiller was recognized for her consistent work. “Her teachers see her as a mature student who avoids the drama of others and focuses on her tasks.” She is a role model to the students in the adult education program.