Board of Education Honors Student Award Winners

It's that time of year when students who have shown exemplary action receive some recognition for their hard work -- the Board of Education honored high school and middle school students last night for winning regional- and state-wide awards for their community service, academic talent and leadership.

"It's why I truly love this season," said school superintendent Deborah Low, "when we start recognizing students for their successes."

The Board honored 12 students who won either the Western Connecticut Superintendents Association or the CT Association of Boards of Education awards.

The following are short excerpts from their respective principals' statements.

Western Connecticut Superintendents Association award:

Claire MacMillan, East Ridge Middle School: "(Claire) is an active member of the National Charity League -- supporting a Safe Home, the Ridgefield Playhouse, Meals on Wheels and Ballard Green ... She is an outstanding student who is extremely diligent and motivated." -ERMS Principal Marty Fiedler

Miller Vaughan, East Ridge Middle School: "Miller Vaughan is an outstanding student who constantly pushes himself and sets very high personal standards ... As a seventh grader, Miller participated in the "We The People" Constitutional debates in Hartford and represented his eighth grade team as a speaker at our Veteran's Day assembly. He is an athlete who participates in basketball, cross country and soccer and plays the saxophone in the school band." -Fiedler

Emma Butturini, Scotts Ridge Middle School: "Emma works alongside our physical education teachers in an Adaptive P.E. class and has given her time as a volunteer to the Dorothy Day Shelter as well as the Children's Cancer Fund. Emma's academic capabilities, combined with her unwavering commitment to others, will undoubtedly be her trademark through high school and beyond." -SRMS Principal Tim Salem

Stephanie Colao, Scotts Ridge Middle School: "Stephanie is a conscientious, diligent student who serves as a wonderful role model for both the students at Scotts Ridge Middle School and the Ridgefield community ... Stephanie has shown great compassion for others through her volunteer efforts as a co-captain for her Relay for Life team and by leading the Hope for Haiti drive last year." -Salem

Allison E. Smith, Ridgefield High School: "Allison is both an exemplary student and a role model in many regards. Allison is attentive to her responsibilities as a student and balances with grace her extracurricular commitments and her school work... Allison is a two-year participant on the Ridgefield High School Student Government and this year has served capably and actively as Senior Class President, taking on several different initiatives that highlight both her own and the Senior Class's school spirit." -RHS Principal Jeffrey Jaslow

Robert "Bobby" M. Wendel: Bobby is a clear leader by example and, as such, he is universally admired by his peers, teachers and the school administration. In fact, it was in recognition of his leadership and character that Bobby was the Ridgefield High School delegate to the prestigious American Legion Boys State Program, and because of his stellar performance there, Bobby advanced to the national level ... In his quiet and courteous way, Bobby establishes himself as an effective role model for decorum, and it is in this capacity that he contributes significantly to a positive school climate at RHS." -Jaslow

CT Association of Boards of Education award:

Mackenzie Schoff, East Ridge Middle School: "Mackenzie is an outstanding student who is committed to worldwide and community service. For the past four years, she has been involved with JamQuest, a project to raise money to support orphans in Africa. She has pen pals in Africa and has raised the awareness of her peers about safety and health issues in Africa. She is thoughtful, respectful and, her teachers report, says 'thank you' at the end of class each day and has the biggest smile." -Fiedler

Alex Gabriele, East Ridge Middle School: "Alex is an outstanding young man and an exceptional student. He is unfailingly positive and is always willing to help and accept any responsibility. Teachers refer to Alex as their 'go-to guy.' Alex is an outstanding musician who plays the trumpet in our school band, jazz band and symphonic orchestra. Alex is viewed as a true leader, one who leads by example." -Fiedler

Liam Baughman, Scotts Ridge Middle School: "Liam epitomizes academic excellence ... Most recently, he was named first place winner of the annual Law Day Essay Contest, which drew 546 entries from across Connecticut ... Additionally Liam generously volunteers his time to help those in need during the holiday season. It is a pleasure to honor Liam's outstanding achievements with the CABE Student Leadership award." -Salem

Eliza Wendel, Scotts Ridge Middle School: "Eliza is an outgoing, personable student who has the innate ability to lead through her 'can do' attitude. Eliza displays exuberance in everything she does -- as anchor of the SRMS Morning Show, student council leader or simply participating in a classroom discussion. Eliza's energy and enthusiasm serve as motivation for others lucky enough to be in her presence." -Salem

Molly Trillo, Ridgefield High School: "Molly has been an important event-coordinating force at Ridgefield High School. As a member of the Senior Class Council, Molly has had her hands in nearly all of the senior events, from coordinating logistics and production for Battle of the Bands and Mr. RHS, to working out details and seating arrangements for the Senior Prom ... More than what she's done, it should be noted that Molly's way of being -- her kindness and generosity with regard to both her interactions with her peers and with adults in the building -- will not soon be forgotten." -Jaslow

Connor MacKenzie, Ridgefield High School: "Connor is an excellent student who has taken several AP courses throughout his high school career. Connor embodies all of the characteristics associated with a successful student, as he has clearly demonstrated a love of learning and has been an active participant in his education ... Connor's civic-mindedness and caring for the well-being of others have been a positive impact on our school and the community beyond it." -Jaslow

Congratulations to the honorees!