Region 15 Schools Recognize Six Students As Superintendent Student Recipients

From Region 15 Schools: Regina Lemerich Botsford, Superintendent of Region 15 Schools, named six students as the recipients of the Western Connecticut Superintendent’s Association and Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (WCSA/CAPSS) Superintendent Student Award for the 2016-17 school year.

The following students were selected: Carolyn Yang and Christopher Koobatian from Rochambeau Middle School; Ayden Van Deusen and Zoe Baltrush from Memorial Middle School; and Michael Atallah and Rebekah Kennedy from Pomperaugh High School.

Students were selected for their demonstration of outstanding leadership, citizenship, academic performance, participation in community service and extra curricular activities.

They were recognized at the June 12 th , 2017 Board of Education meeting. Rochambeau Middle School Carolyn Yang is a top 8 th grade student at Rochambeau Middle School (RMS), earning high honors in all academic classes. She has participated in Math Counts during her three years at RMS, and has been a leader in the Tri-M Honors Music society and member of the Jazz Band. She has been a member of the Girls Cross Country team and has been a peer tutor at RMS. She demonstrates a strong commitment to the school community and has been recognized as a RMS Spotlight Student for demonstrating integrity. Outside of school she is a competitive swimmer and has learned to speak Chinese fluently. She is described as being quite remarkable as a student and member of our greater school community.

Christopher Koobatian is a top 8 th grade student at Rochambeau Middle School (RMS), earning high honors in all academic classes. His leadership in school activities is evident through his participation as a saxophonist and pianist in the Jazz Band, a member of the Tri-M Honor Society, a representative on the RMS Student Council, a captain of the Boys’ Soccer team, and a peer tutor. In addition, he has been a warm and friendly ambassador for RMS, welcoming new students and parents and giving tours of the building. As a successful wrestler outside of school, he credits the life lessons he has learned through the sport to his service to others which extend outward in multiple community service activities.

Memorial Middle School

Ayden VanDeusen is a diligent student 8 th grade student at Memorial Middle School (MMS). Ayden is an honors student whose efforts have been reflective of tremendous growth since the beginning of the year. Her leadership qualities are evident in her consistent involvement in art enrichment, Student Government, and our school's music programs as an Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra Leader. Ayden's community involvement is extensive and demonstrates a true commitment to others. She has been an active Girl Scout for the past eight years, and was proud to represent the Girl Scout community as the flag bearer at our community-wide Veterans Day celebration. Ayden selflessly serves others and truly enjoys doing so.

Zoe Baltrush is a wonderfully, compassionate and conscientious 8th grade student at Memorial Middle School (MMS). She is described as a standout leader in the school for her ability to see the good in others, indefatigable work ethic, and continuous effort to do her best in all areas of her life, both academically and within the greater community. She was a captain of the MMS Field Hockey team and member of the MMS Cross Country team, and works with students with special needs as a volunteer assistant coach on their baseball team. She is active in local theatre productions and at MMS works with our flex room students so that they feel included within the MMS Community.

Pomperaug High School

Michael Atallah is an exemplary senior of the Pomperaug High School (PHS) Community. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society and has achieved high academic honors each semester for four years. He is recognized for his enthusiastic spirit as Treasury Officer for the Interact Club, a valued member of the PHS Tennis Team and as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. Outside of the school, he demonstrates a strong sense of family as an active participant in the Lebanese Church and President of the Maronite Youth Organization.

Rebekah Kennedy is an outstanding senior at Pomperaug High School (PHS), demonstrating an inquisitive mind, strong work ethic, and superb character. She is a member of the French Honor Society, Science Honor Society, and Vice-President of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She demonstrates a passion for music and has been drum major for the past two years at PHS. She recently led the PHS band and drum line for more than 30 blocks in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City. She has proven to be a remarkable leader and person within the PHS community.

Image Courtesy of Region 15 School District