Excellence and Hard Work Rewarded at BHS

Students, parents and faculty gathered in the Brookfield High School (BHS) auditorium at 7 p.m. on Monday night to recognize graduating seniors for their academic and creative achievements, community service and scholarship awards.

BHS Principal Dr. Brian Luizzi began the ceremony by welcoming guests. He thanked parents and families, saying, "Educating students is a team sport these days," and acknowledged that "patience and support" from parents is a part of a student's success. Of the dedicated students being recognized, he said, "We value, honor and respect their achievements."  Board of Education Chair Mike Fenton also took a moment to address students saying, "Thank you for making the town of Brookfield proud." 

Awards were given to outstanding students in every area of study, as well as awards by department.  Scholarships and awards were given for academic excellence, community service and outstanding accomplishments in the arts.  The annual awards night concluded with the naming of the Top 11 Seniors and the naming of the Class of 2010 Salutatorian Michael DiScala and Valedictorian Richard Diesso.

Top 11 BHS Seniors

Michael J. Becker — Princeton University

Jaclyn M. Brown — New York University 

Alexander M. Cappiello — Carnegie Mellon University 

Jacqueline D'Aquila — Bucknell University 

Richard Diesso — Brown University 

Michael J. DiScala — Yale University 

Michelle T. Duong — Cornell University 

Laura A. Fox — New York University 

Robert C. Onorato — Emerson College 

Thomas R. Prendergast — University of Chicago 

Crystal Xue — University of Connecticut 

Departmental Scholars:

Art — Christina D'Arco

Business — Robert Murray

English — Laura Fox

Mathematics — Michael DiScala

Music — Patrick Di Paola

Physical Education — Brittany Marteile

Science — Richard Diesso

Social Studies — Thomas Prendergast

World Language — Michael Becker

Additional Awards:

• A certificate was presented from the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation to Danica Carroll in recognition and appreciation of her commitment to making a difference through volunteer service. 
• A Certificate of Achievement was awarded to Raina Bradford-Jennings, finalist in the National Achievement Scholarship Program of 2010.
• A Certificate of Merit was awarded to Abigail Marsh and Robert Onorato, as finalists in the Merit Scholarship Competition 2010.
• A Certificate of Achievement was awarded to Nicholas Martin and Rose Willey for excellence in Mathematics and the Natural Sciences by the Society of Women Engineers — CT Section. 
• The President's Student Service Awards rewards students for outstanding community service. There are three levels of awards this year: Bronze, Silver and Gold.  The Gold Award winners, serving 250-plus hours in one year are Raina Bradford-Jennings, Alexander Cappiello, Michelle Duong, Sara Flood, Kelly McDonald and Caitlyn Stauffer.
•  The following students received an award certificate from the University of Connecticut for their outstanding academic achievements: Raina Bradford-Jennings, Michelle Duong, Matthew Kearney, Mikhail Rudinskiy and Crystal Xue.  
• Jackson Isaacs was presented with a certificate from Texas Christian University for being named a Deans Scholar, valued at $52,000, in recognition of outstanding academic achievement .
• Sgt. Dickson of the United States Marine Corps presented Scholastic Excellence Awards to Brittany Martelle and James White in recognition of their academic achievement and leadership.  He presented the "Semper Fidelis" Award for Musical Excellence to Matthew Kearney in recognition of his diligence and dedication to music.  
• The University of Connecticut Early College Experience (ECE) Program is designed for students enrolled in Advanced Placement classes in addition to Honors U.S. History, Elementary Discrete Mathematics, Elementary Mathematical Modeling and Music Appreciation II. BHS offers 51 UConn credits through the ECE program. Students can earn anywhere from three to eight credits per course.  This year, 105 seniors participated in this program.