Academic Awards 2012 - Darien Public Schools

DARIEN HIGH SCHOOL
AWARDS CEREMONY
MAY 24, 2012

Darien High School students, parents, and staff wish to express their gratitude to our
community organizations for their generous and sustained support of scholarship
programs, which assist members of the graduating class in continuing their education.
Scholarship awards were presented at the Senior Scholarship Ceremony.
Congratulations to Class of 2012 National Merit Commended Scholars:
Ryan Barthold, Amy Biggart, Susan Biggart, James Burgoyne, Michael Coe,
Isabel Duncan, Caroline Farrington, Megan Foley,
Emily Hardin, Veronika Kelemen, Rebecca Liu, Meredith Ott,
Alexandra Pear, Grace Phelps, Laura Powis, Amanda Sommi,
Addison Thalhamer, and Ellen Zamsky
Congratulations to Class of 2012 National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar:
Isabella D’Agosto
Congratulations to Class of 2012 National Merit Scholarship Finalists:
Christopher Janson
Catherine Tween
Congratulations to Class of 2012 National Merit Scholar:
William De Rocco
Congratulations to the following students who were newly inducted into
the National Honor Society on January 26, 2012:
Sarah Alptekin, Alexandra Aparicio, Annie Archibald, James Baker,
Henry Baldwin, Joseph Berkowitz, Kathleen Burke, Emily Caccam, Bradley Cage,
Sarah Colon, Kyra Conciatori, Caroline Congdon, Kailin Edgar, Kaitlin Farren,
Andrew Fletcher, Jonathan Gill, Henry Glick, Caroline Golino, Katherine Graves,
Emily Greene, Emma Hamilton, Lindsey Hartfelder, Christopher Hecq,
Stephanie Hurn, Luis Johnston, Eric Kanigan, Cameron Lattimer, Isabel Lee,
Geoffrey Leeker, Caitlin Lowden, Tommy MacLean, Kylie Maier, Kelly Manhart,
Alison McGarey, Katherine McKay, Nicole Meir, Francesca Milewski,
Reed Morgan, Meredith Ott, Alexandra Pear, Shelby Penfield, Mary Petner,
Shruthi Raghuraman, Marielle Ravosa,Valeria Rivero, Katrine Ryan,
Annabel Schneider, Jeffrey Sload, Claire Treesh, Katrina Vassell,
Paxton Voigt, Caroline Weihs, Dana Wensberg, and Cameron Wong

OBERLIN COLLEGE AWARD Colin Sullivan
Presented to a sophomore with the highest academic standing in English.
Presenter: Doug Paulsen
BARNARD COLLEGE BOOK AWARD Caroline Congdon
Presented to a junior girl who is outstanding in the field of Science.
Presenter: Dave Lewis
BRANDEIS BOOK AWARD Isabel Lee
Presented to an outstanding high school junior in the top ten percent of the class
who is committed to social action or civic engagement.
Presenter: Paul Ribeiro
BROWN BOOK AWARD Reed Morgan
Presented to the junior who best combines academic excellence with clarity of written
and spoken expression.
Presenter: Doug Paulsen
UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO BOOK AWARD James Baker
Presented to an outstanding junior who excels academically in a variety of subjects as well as
contributes to the high school or greater community.
Presenter: Paul Ribeiro
COLUMBIA BOOK AWARD Wencong Toh
Presented to a junior exhibiting outstanding academic achievement.
Presenter: Paul Ribeiro
CORNELL UNIVERSITY BOOK AWARD Bradley Cage
Presented to a junior who is an innovative thinker.
Presenter: Paul Ribeiro
DARTMOUTH COLLEGE BOOK AWARD Jeffrey Sload
Given to a junior of high moral character in the top ten percent of the class
who has made a positive impact on the life of the school community.
Presenter: Paul Ribeiro
DENISON BOOK AWARD William Ardery
Presented to an outstanding junior with a proven record of academic achievement and
an interest in pursuing the study of English literature, creative writing, or
poetry at the college level.
Presenter: Doug Paulsen
FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY BOOK AWARD Kaitlin Farren
Presented to a junior in the top ten percent of the class who participates
actively in school and/or community activities and possesses leadership qualities
coupled with a sense of concern and responsibility to others.
Presenter: Paul Ribeiro
GETTYSBURG COLLEGE BOOK AWARD Jeffrey Sload
Presented to a junior in the top ten percent of the class who is distinguished
in the study of American History and who demonstrates a dedication to scholarship.
Presenter: Jean Shortliffe
HARVARD CLUB BOOK AWARD Emily Greene
Presented to an outstanding junior for overall excellence, leadership, character
and service.
Presenter: Paul Ribeiro
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AWARD Alexandra Aparicio
Presented to junior who is outstanding in English.
Presenter: Doug Paulsen

MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE BOOK AWARD William Trautmann
Presented to a junior who is an exceptional student and has shown remarkable
commitment to or achievement in environmental studies.
Presenter: Dave Lewis
MT. HOLYOKE BOOK AWARD Katherine McKay
Presented to a junior with high academic achievement.
Presenter: Paul Ribeiro
PRINCETON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF FARIFIELD COUNTY AWARD Alexandra Aparicio
Presented to a junior for excellence and academic achievement in the field of Humanities.
Presenter: Delphine Knight Brown, Princeton '85
ST. LAWRENCE BOOK AWARD Caroline Weihs
Presented to a junior who displays a significant commitment to community service.
Presenter: Paul Ribeiro
ST. MICHAEL'S COLLEGE BOOK AWARD Sarah Colon
Presented to a junior boy and a junior girl who have demonstrated a sincere John Christensen
commitment to service at the high school or in the community.
Presenter: Dennis Conetta, St. Michael's '79
SMITH CLUB BOOK AWARD Katrina Vassell
Presented to a junior girl who has shown outstanding achievement in one of the
liberal arts fields.
Presenter: Paul Ribeiro
TRINITY COLLEGE ALUMNI AWARD Cameron Wong
Given in memory of Thomas J. Ryan, Jr., DHS Class of 1990, and presented to a
junior with high academic standing who has made a significant contribution to
the school community.
Presenter: Thomas and Annmarie Ryan
VASSAR BOOK PRIZE AWARD Alexandra Aparicio
Presented to a junior who has demonstrated excellence in the Humanities.
Presenter: Jean Shortliffe
WELLESLEY CLUB OF SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BOOK AWARD Caroline Golino
Presented to a junior girl with an exceptional academic record and character.
Presenter: Paul Ribeiro
YALE AWARD Reed Morgan
Presented to an outstanding junior with overall academic excellence who has
demonstrated leadership ability.
Presenter: Susan Lauritzen, MBA '92
DELTA KAPPA GAMMA BOOK AWARD Victoria Eng
Presented by the Women's International Educator’s Society for overall achievement
and given to a junior who demonstrates the traits of an outstanding teacher.
Presenter: Marion Jewell
THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AWARD Cortney Kyritz
Presented to a junior who has shown a commitment to a career in educaiton.
Presenter: Elizabeth Hagerty-Ross
SUPERINTENDENT'S CITIZENSHIP AWARD Niya Wright
Presented to two seniors who have displayed concern for others and have shown Scott Plank
dedication on behalf of the school.
Presenter: Steve Falcone

DARIEN BOARD OF EDUCATION CHAIRMAN'S BOOK AWARD Paxton Voigt
Presented in honor of Sallie S.E.A. Raleigh, who served as chairman from 1997-2005.
The award recognizes a junior who has a record of academic achievement, evidence
of service to the community that advanced the common good and a
reputation for leadership that displays courtesy and respect for others.
Presenter: Elizabeth Hagerty-Ross
ALTERNATE LEARNING PROGRAM FACULTY AWARD Jake Coughlin
Presented to students who best embody the ideals and standards of the Alternative Samantha Taylor
Learning Program.
Presenter: Mike Sullivan
KIWANIS AWARD
Presented for excellence in Fine Arts. Amy Biggart
Presented for excellence in Technology Education. Bradley Cage
Presenters: Bob Sorensen and Ellen Dunn
DHS TECHNOLOGY AWARD Griffin Cook
Presented to outstanding students who have consistently produced excellent work Windsor Hall
in Technology Education courses.
Presenter: Ellen Dunn
TECHNOLOGY CLUB AWARD Malcolm Kiplinger
Presented to seniors who have shown good leadership skills within the Dillon Lareau
Technology Department.
Presenter: Ellen Dunn
ART DEPARTMENT AWARD Isabel Duncan
Presented to seniors who have excelled and show promise in the Arts. Soyoung Lee
Presenters: Bob Sorensen Michael Ziga
GRAPHIC DESIGN AWARD Carly Berizzi
Presented to seniors who excel in graphic design. Kerry Daigle
Presenter: Dorine Bosler Caity Dee
Oscar Parsons
ART DEPARTMENT CERAMICS AWARD Emily Blosio
Presented to seniors for excellence in Ceramics. Hailey Raskovic
Presenter: Dorine Bosler
ART DEPARTMENT PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD Eric Kanigan
Presented to seniors who have excelled in or plan a college major in Photography. David Maguire
Presenter: Bob Sorensen
GLOBAL ART AWARD Alexandra Pear
Presented to a senior who has used artistic talent to raise awareness of global
humanitarian issues.
Presenter: Bob Sorensen
VIDEO SERVICE AWARD Alexa Carroll
Presented to students for outstanding service to WAVE TV.
Presenter: Ivan Crowther
BLUE WAVE NEWS SERVICE AWARD Peter Steinegger
Presented to students for service to Blue Wave News.
Presenter: Ivan Crowther

VIDEO AWARD John Alter
Presented to students who excel in the video program and who will be pursuing
studies in the industry.
Presenter: Ivan Crowther
CURRENT AWARD Matthew Mullen
Presented to a student who excells in Creative Writing.
Presenters: Jessica Ginsburg
NEIRAD EDITORIAL AWARD Emily Close
Presented to students who bring to the Neirad outstanding skills in leadership, decision Sarah Graves
making, editing, and writing. Shelby Penfield
Presenter: Sybil O'Hare McKinley Stauffer
NIERAD PRODUCTION AWARD Chiaki Soejima
Presented to students who consistently demonstrate excellence in the area of Alice Wang
newspaper layout, design, and style.
Presenter: Sean Otterspoor
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT AWARD Christopher Janson
Presented to seniors who consistently excel in English with a particular strength in writing.
Presenter: Doug Paulsen
THEATRE 308 AWARD FOR TECHNICAL THEATRE Brooke Davis
Presented to seniors who have consistently contributed to the technical aspects of theatrical Julianne Flynn
productions and have provided organizational leadership and intitiative within Theatre 308. Kristina Lew
Presenters: Nancy Herman and Alex Speiser Caroline Schau
THEATRE 308 PERFORMANCE AWARD Emily Elliott
Presented to seniors who have consisitently participated and performed with Mary Elliott
excellence on stage in Theatre 308 dramatic and/or musical productions. Kevin Koenitzer
Presenters: Nancy Herman and Alex Speiser McKinley Stauffer
Addison Thalhamer
THEATRE 308 SERVICE AWARD Amanda Hutter
Presented to those seniors who have consistently given service to Theatre 308 productions Felicia Knise
and who have worked tirelessly on the organization's behalf.
Presenters: Nancy Herman and Alex Speiser
THEATRE 308 DIRECTOR'S AWARD Hannah Caldwell
Presented to seniors who have consistently participated with excellence in many different Abigail Leinroth
facets of Theatre 308, who have provided organizational initiative and leadership, and who Nicole Gutierrez
have made an over-all outstanding contribution to Theater 308.
Presenters: Nancy Herman and Alex Speiser
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE AWARDS
Presented to students for excellence in Foreign Languages.
French Michael Palmer
Spanish Isabella D'Agosto
Latin Susan Biggart
Mandarin Olivia Markham
Presenter: Victoria Mazzarelli
AMERICAN FIELD SERVICE AWARD
Presented for excellence in French. Ellen Zamsky
Presented for excellence in Spanish. Meredith Ott
Presenter: Victoria Mazzarelli
JOHN RALLO AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TWO FOREIGN LANGUAGES Olivia Markham
Presenter: Victoria Mazzarelli

KIWANIS MUSICIANS AWARD Christopher Janson
Presented to students who are outstanding musicians. Hannah Caldwell
Presenter: Jane Minnis Grace Phelps
MUSIC FOR YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP AWARD Sean Lee
Presenter: Jane Minnis William Trautmann
Ryo Usami
Jacqueline Winsch
ACABELLA VOCAL MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP AWARD Liliana Saffa
Presented to a freshman, sophomore or junior to promote
advanced study and scholarship in vocal music.
Presenter: Jane Minnis
CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS ARTS AWARD
Presented for excellence in Art. Alexandra Pear
Presented for excellence in Music. Steven Ciasullo
Presenters: Bob Sorensen and Jane Minnis
MUSIC SERVICE AWARD Amanda Hutter
Presented for outstanding contributions in the area of service to the Music Department. Christopher Janson
Over the past four years, the recipients have demonstrated a consistent willingness and
dedication to assisting both the faculty and classmates in the pursuit of our musical endeavors.
Presenter: Jane Minnis
OUTSTANDING MUSCIANSHIP AWARD Steven Ciasullo
Presented for exemplary contributions of outstanding muscianship to the music program
and to the culture of DHS. This recipient has consistently demonstrated and shared an
uncommon depth of knowledge in the area of music that has greatly benefited the
entire music program at DHS and the Darien Public Schools.
Presenter: Jane Minnis
MATH TEAM AWARD Dillon Lareau
The Fairfield County Mathematics League Award Cameron Wong
Presented to the top school scorer in the 2011-2012 competition.
Presenter: Mike Sullivan
HAROLD A. PETERSON MATH AWARD William De Rocco
Presented to a senior who is outstanding in Mathematics.
Presenter: Mike Sullivan
SENIOR MATHEMATICS AWARD Alice Wang
Presented to a senior for excellence in Mathematics.
Presenter: Mike Sullivan
JUNIOR MATHEMATICS AWARD Katherine McKay
Presented to a junior for excellence in Mathematics.
Presenter: Mike Sullivan
RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AWARD Reed Morgan
Presented to a junior excelling in Science and Mathematics.
Presenter: Dave Lewis
SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS AWARD Emily Greene
Presented for high achievement in Science and Mathematics. Dana Wensberg
Presenter: Dave Lewis
ELAINE FATTIBENE BOOK AWARD Aastha Narula
Presented to a senior excelling in the study of Botany.
Presenter: Sean Otterspoor

THE DARIEN NATURE CENTER ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD Nina Preston
Presented to a student who has demonstrated an interest in the environment
through conservation efforts and who is dedicated to increasing
understanding and appreciation of planet Earth.
Presenter: Nina Miller
AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY AWARD Sloane Bessey
Presented to an outstanding student in first-year Chemistry.
Presenter: Dave Lewis
WILLIAM McNICHOL AWARD Addison Thalhamer
Presented to a senior who plans a career in Engineering and demonstrates
initiative and responsibility.
Presenter: Dave Lewis
AUTHENTIC SCIENCE RESEARCH AWARD Lila Sullivan
Presented to a student who exemplifies the mission of the Authentic Science
Research Program by demonstrating self-discipline, curiosity, and outstanding
dedication to scientific research and scholarship.
Presenter: Dave Lewis
BAUSCH AND LOMB HONORARY SCIENCE AWARD Andrew Fletcher
Presented to a junior with the highest average in Science.
Presenter: Dave Lewis
FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND Lillian Cassidy
SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT AWARD
Presented to a student for excellence in college preparatory Mathematics and Science.
Presenter: Dave Lewis
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Presented to an outstanding junior in United States History. Reed Morgan
Presented to the winner of the DAR Good Citizen Award. Niya Wright
Presenter: Winifred Lom
WESTERN CIVILIZATION BOOK AWARD Carter Scott
Presented to an outstanding freshman in Western Civilization.
Presenter: Jean Shortliffe
WORLD STUDIES BOOK AWARD Cameron Van de Graaf
Presented to an outstanding sophomore in World Studies.
Presenter: Jean Shortliffe
SAM HOUGAS MEMORIAL AWARD Miguel Corte-Real
Presented to an outstanding student in American Studies.
Presenter: Jean Shortliffe
DR. HELEN MERRITT AWARD John Thacker
Presented to a student who has compiled a consistent record of excellence in Social
Studies throughout high school.
Presenter: Jean Shortliffe
ECONOMICS BOOK AWARD Brian Love
Presented to an outstanding student in Economics.
Presenter: Jean Shortliffe
LAW AND GOVERNMENT AWARD Christopher Janson
Presented to an outstanding student in Law and Government.
Presenter: Jean Shortliffe

EUROPEAN HISTORY AWARD Alexandra Pear
Presented to an outstanding student in European History.
Presenter: Jean Shortliffe
SPECIAL HISTORY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE AWARD Kate Shannon
Presented to students for recognition of achievement in History and the Social Sciences.
Presenter: Jean Shortliffe
DEBATE TEAM LEADERSHIP AND EXCELLENCE AWARD Abigail Leinroth
Presented to students who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence and
leadership on the Debate Team.
Presenter: Bruce Clarke
DEBATE TEAM BEST NOVICE DEBATER AWARD Edward Pankowski
Presented to a student who has demonstrated the greatest improvement over the year.
Presenter: Bruce Clarke
THE WESTERN CONNECTICUT MILITARY OFFICERS Alexander Rodriguez
YOUNG AMERICAN AWARD
Presented to a student who has demonstrated love of country and good
citizenship principles, and serves as an ambassador for spreading the concept of
democratic principles.
Presenter: Paul Ribeiro
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS AWARD Andrew Fletcher
Presented to a boy and girl who combine excellence in three fields: the study of Katherine McKay
History, formal debate, and service to the community.
Presenter: Phil Kraft
CAS/CIAC SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD William De Rocco
Presented to students for distinction as athletes and scholars. Alice Wang
Presenter: Mike Sullivan
SENIOR EXCELLENCE IN ATHLETICS AWARD Charles Baird
Presented to seniors for excellence in athletics. Matthew Collier
Presenter: Mike Sullivan Corey Eppley
Cameron Kirby
Galen Rohn
Katherine Southworth
TOWN OF DARIEN CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Presented to Post 53 seniors for outstanding service to the Town of Darien. Megan Archey
Presenter: First Selectman Jayme Stevenson Lillian Cassidy
Emily Close
Margaret Close
Katherine Dostal
Henry Glick
Hannah Halstrom
Erin Hannon
Grayson Horan
Nicholas Johnston
Christopher Kevorkian
Connor McCarthy
Laura Powis
Charles Stout
Presented to seniors who volunteer in the Darien Fire Department Holden Chung
Jamie Condolora
Stephen Wildish

Presented to seniors who volunteer in the Noroton Heights Fire Department. Brian Love
Scott Plank
Peter Steinegger
Ryan Stracuzzi
MARY McKEE AWARD The Group Commit
Awarded by Parent Awareness for outstanding leadership in the area of volunteerism
and substance abuse education. (Connor McCarthy accepting on behalf of the group.)
Presenter: Patty McCormick
THE DEPOT SERVICE AWARD Cameron Kirby
Presented by The Depot Governing Board to students for leadership and service.
Presenter: Janice Marzano
THE DEPOT SPIRIT AWARD Caitlin Lyden
Presented in memory of Amanda Buening to a senior serving on The Depot Student
Governing Board who best exemplifies Mandy's spirit, enthusiasm, sincere
commitment, and her smile.
Presenter: Bernadine Rutt
THE PAUL ENGEMANN HEART AND SOUL SERVICE AWARD Niya Wright
Presented to a senior for personal commitment of time and effort on behalf of the
local community and school through service.
Presenters: Amanda, Kelton, and Andrea Engemann
GOVERNOR'S SCHOLAR Reed Morgan
Presented to a junior for outstanding achievement.
Presenter: Dan Haron
CAS STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD The Dance Team
Presented to students who have exhibited outstanding leadership qualities in a variety of ways.
This year's award is presented to the Dance Team. (Senior Dance Team members, Felicia Knise,
Nina Preston, Chapin Tricarico and Niya Wright accepting on behalf of the team.)
Presenter: Dan Haron
CIAC AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Matthew Lee
Presented for exemplary display of sportsmanship, ethics, and integrity. Emily Tropsa
Presenter: Dan Haron
THE TOM RYAN STUDENT GOVERNMENT AWARD Niya Wright
Presented in memory of Thomas J. Ryan, Jr., DHS Class of 1990, for concern, dedication,
and service to both the school and world communities.
Presenters: Thomas and Annmarie Ryan
DARIEN HIGH SCHOOL PARENTS' ASSOCIATION AWARD
Presented to students for meritorious service to Darien High School.
Freshman Amber Zia
Sophomore Olivia Piazza
Junior Courtney Kyritz
Senior Felicia Knise
Presenters: Tammy Sload and Terrie Van de Graaf
RALPH M. GIBBS AWARD Lillian Boe
Presented to a senior for citizenship and for demonstrating a high level of extra-curricular
achievement, academics, integrity, character, leadership and social consciousness.
Presenter: Dan Haron
FAIRFIELD COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL Christopher Janson
PRINCIPALS SCHOLAR LEADER AWARD Leslie Yuen
Presenter: Dan Haron

PRINCIPAL'S AWARD John Alter
Presented to seniors who have given meritorious service to the school. Lillian Boe
Presenter: Dan Haron James Burgoyne
Hannah Caldwell
Nicole Gutierrez
Lindsey Hartfelder
Cameron Kirby
Felicia Knise
Kevin Koenitzer
Abigail Leinroth
Thomas Nicholls
Alexandra Pear
Matthew Pik
John Price
Galen Rohn
McKinley Stauffer
Addison Thalhamer
Niya Wright
FACULTY AWARD Nicole Appleby
Presented to seniors who have shown commendable academic improvement in one or more Alexandra Ashburne
subject areas and have contributed positively to the school community. Olivia Ashburne
Presenter: Paul Ribeiro Holden Chung
Christian Dobrowsky
Kelly Fahey
Lauren Perry
Steven Rodriguez
Kate Shannon
Mark Smeland
Kincade Webster
SALUTATORIAN AWARD Alice Wang
Presented to the senior with the second highest grade point average in the Class of 2012.
Presenter: Dan Haron
DR. STEWART ATKINSON VALEDICTORIAN AWARD William De Rocco
Presented to the senior with the highest grade point average in the Class of 2012.
Presenter: Dan Haron
RALPH PERSCHINO AWARD The Class of 2012
Presented to the class that best exemplifies Darien High School students.
Presenter: Dan Haron
Accepting: Senior Class Officers: Alexa Carroll, Nicole Gutierrez, Felicia Knise, and Margot Soule