Board of Education Honors 29 Students

The Manchester Board of Education held an awards ceremony Thursday evening in the auditorium of Manchester High School to honor 29 students for their achievements, both in the classroom and beyond it.

“This is the highlight of our year,” said Ann Richardson, assistant to the superintendent for curriculum and instruction.

Superintendent Kathleen Ouellette said the students were being honored for a combination of academic, civic, community and character achievements, and that each one was extremely deserving of their awards.

Thursday’s ceremony was for secondary school students, although students from Keeney Elementary School were also honored as part of the ceremony, as they missed a ceremony earlier this month to honor elementary school students.

The award recipients werez: 

Keeney Elementary School

Reece Angelo who was described as a curious, smart and adventurous skateboarder with a passion for playing the drums as well.

Chase Gauthier who was described as an avid reader and biker who once saved his grandfather’s life while on one of their bike rides.

Alex Holley who was described as having a passion for solving mysterious and the English language.

Mubasshir Hossain who was described as a builder who “can fix almost any electronic device” and who enjoys reading suspense books.

Melanie Jezouit who was described as an “accomplished baker” with a passion for history and recycling.

Washington Media Arts Magnet School 

Dephtany Ayala who was described as mature, pleasant and meticulous student.

Alex Cantres who was described as talented, trustworthy, thoughtful and bright.

Yeniely Lopez who was described as a self-assured, determined and honest leader.

Tojiauna Perry who was described as “a diligent individual determined to achieve her life’s goals.”

Arthur H. Illing Middle School

Kirbie Abbott who was described as thoughtful and kind “model citizen” with a tremendously positive attitude.

Abby Costa who was described as an extremely dedicated student active in a ton of extracurricular activities.

Lucero Heredia who was described as respectful, responsible, kind and safe.

Sarah Klotzer who was described as kind, orderly, respectful and very responsible.

Tuuli Mix who was described as someone who was mature beyond her years and “looked up to and respected by her peers.”

Manchester Regional Academy

Michael Ceplenski who was described as someone who has shown considerable growth emotionally and academically (as well as physically) of late.

Nickolle Reilly who was described as positive, diligent and a leader.

Bentley Alternative Education

Katelynn Grabowski who was described as a diligent and focused student who has reached Bentley’s highest behavioral level.

Manchester High School

Humza Ali who was described as a serious student who is kind and polite.

Daynaliz Blas who was described as a quick learner who pays attention to detail.

Tahmida Choudhury who was described as a respectful and caring student.

Kaitlin Davitt who was described as a disciplined, hard-working self-starter.

Linh Kim Donnell who was described as responsible, respectful, dependable and tolerant.

Epifanio Garcia who was described as the student who “is always willing to go first.”

Honesty Getfield who was described as an extremely focused, hard-working role model in the classroom.

Luis Gonzalez who was described as an attentive student who “actively participates in the learning process.”

Shane Bryan Gurski who was described as personable, polite and respectful.

Taylor Johnson who was described as possession exceptional character and leadership qualities.

Shawna Lee Macsuga who was described as an enthusiastic, highly motivate, hard working and positive student.

Lily Zappulla who was described as a prepared, kind and encouraging student.

Board of Education Chairman Chris Pattacini and board member Michael Crockett presented the awards.