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Spring 2012 ACHIEVERS

LAURA DAVIS WETHERSFIELD HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Laura Davis of Wethersfield High School is a member of the girls varsity Swimming and Softball teams. Laura’s academic resume speaks volumes about her intellectual ability. She has taken the most difficult and challenging honors and advanced placement courses and has maintained a 3.9 GPA. She is sixth in her class of 291 students, is a member of the National Honor Society, and has received many academic awards.

By the end of this Spring, Laura will have earned 4 varsity letters not only in swimming, but also in softball. As a swimmer, she was selected to the All-Conference team for the past three years. In softball, she not only earned All-Conference honors as a pitcher for the past three years, but she also has been selected as captain of this year’s team. Her leadership is outstanding and her willingness to help others is evident in Laura volunteering at youth sports camps, at a food shelter, and at her church.

MAEGAN RODRIGUEZ SACRED HEART ACADEMY (CT)

Maegan Rodriguez of Sacred Heart Academy has been a member of the Varsity Soccer and Varsity Softball teams for four years and is currently captain of the softball team. She was a part of the Sacred Heart Academy 2011 State Championship softball team and was named All-State honorable mention, New Haven Register All-Area, and two-year All-SCC.

Maegan continuously works hard on the field and in the classroom, currently holding a 3.3 GPA and volunteering in organizations such as Key-Club, Spanish Club, Athletic Hospitality Team, and SADD. She also received the Philip Paolella Jr. Memorial Scholarship and The Jack Viele award for her work with a child with a disability.

Maegan has worked at the Eli Whitney Museum for the past five years, participates in Relay for Life and volunteers at the David Hines Baseball Academy on Saturday mornings with girls who want to learn basic fundamentals of softball. Maegan is an accomplished student-athlete who is motivated and driven in everything she does on and off the field.

Winter 2011-2012 ACHIEVERS

AALIYAH ROBINSON WILBUR CROSS HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Aaliyah Robinson of Wilbur Cross High School is a 4-year varsity standout athlete in both volleyball and basketball. She is also captain of both teams this year. In volleyball, she was a 3-year All-Oronoque Division selection, a 2-year CHSCA All-State selection, a 2-year New Haven Register All-Area selection, and also the SCC Scholar-Athlete of the Month. In basketball, she was a one-year All-Oron…oque Division selection (2010-2011 school year), a one-year CHSCA All-State selection, a New Haven Tap-Off Club All County selection, and she reached the milestone of scoring 1,000 points during her senior year.

Academically, Aaliyah is a 3-year Honor Roll Student, a CAPT Scholar, a National Honor Society inductee, and has taken college classes at the University of New Haven. Aaliyah maintains a 3.9 GPA and has accepted a scholarship to Iona College to play basketball. She continues to excel on the court, in the classroom, and in the community.

TARA LEE SHEEHAN HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Tara Lee of Sheehan High School in Wallingford, Connecticut is the type of student that every school needs. In the classroom, she is a solid student who is interested in learning and participating to the best of her abilities. A member of the SCC All-Academic teams for Field Hockey, Tara maintains a 3.7 GPA and has made the honor roll every semester while at Sheehan.

Outside of the classroom, she is very active on the athletic field. She is, and always has been, a three-sport athlete. In each of these sports, she is a true leader and has served as captain of the Indoor and Outdoor Track teams during her Junior and Senior Years. Her drive to work hard and participate sets an example to the rest of the athletes on the team. In addition, her strong relationships with her teammates allow them to freely talk to her and at the same time listen to her and follow her lead. Tara is the reigning SCC Conference and State Champion in the shot put as well as Housatonic Division Champion in discus. She was chosen to be a member of the New Haven Register All-Area teams for Indoor and Outdoor Track. She is the 2012 Indoor Class M State Champion for shot put and currently holds the school record in that event.

Tara has been a great asset to Sheehan High School and the Wallingford community as she is very involved in community service in the town. Her work with the Elks club has lead her to work with children in basketball and soccer leagues and has afforded her the opportunity to work with the Special Olympics Volleyball teams. An avid supporter of the American Cancer Society and Diabetes Association, Tara is instrumental in organizing and participating in fundraisers to support these organizations. She volunteers at the annual Vietnam Veteran’s Welcome Home Day Celebration and supports Vet Finders, an organization to aid the homeless veterans of the United States. Tara has committed to Bucknell University’s Track and Field team for next year.

ANDREW VARGA HAMDEN HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Andrew Varga of Hamden High School is a four-year varsity hockey player. He is a senior and is the starting goalie for the Hamden High School varsity ice hockey team, a team rich in high school hockey tradition with over 30 state titles. Andrew has played goalie since he was five-years-old and patiently waited for his turn to start. Most importantly, Andrew is getting it done in the classroom with a 4.7 GPA and is involved in community service.

Outside of sports and school, Andy is starting his own team for a walk for Alzheimer’s. Both of his grandparents have and had forms of this illness. After his grandmother passed away due the disease in December of 2011, Andy dedicated the rest of his season to her and to all other people who suffer from this disease. In terms of community service, Andy has worked at Brooksvale Park cleaning animal pens and other miscellaneous jobs. He has also helped out at the Hamden rink to help young players improve their game and intensity. He tries to push the kids to their best level and become the best athletes they can be.

SAVANNA REILLY HAMDEN HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Savanna Reilly of Hamden High School is the captain of the girls field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse teams. She finished as the leading scorer in the SCC, was first team All-State, first team All-SCC, and part of the New Haven Register’s All-Area team. Savanna was also named to the All-SCC first team for ice hockey. She will play field hockey at Quinnipiac University next year.

Outside of athletics, Savanna is a member of the House Leadership Council, was named the Superintendent’s Student of the Month in October of 2011, and has participated in the Play for the Cure (a game and fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness) in Field Hockey. Additionally, Savanna has participated in the Best Buddies Walk, the Walk for Autism, and the Special Olympics. She is a high honors student at Hamden High School.

ALEC LYNDE LYMAN HALL HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Alec Lynde of Lyman Hall High School is the captain of the varsity hockey team. He is the Senior Class Treasurer, the Student Council President, and was the Junior Class President from 2010-2011. Alec is also part of the Wallingford Public Schools Strategic Planning Committee (Curriculum and Instruction Steering Committee). He is also a writer and editor for the Lyman Hall PATH Magazine.

Alec is on the High Honor Roll with a 4.075 GPA. His AP Coursework includes World History, United States History, United States Government, Comparative Government, Economics, Chemistry, English 3, English 4, Spanish 5, Physics, and Calculus. Some of his honors and awards include: AP Scholar with Distinction, a National Honor Society Member, and a member of the SCC All-Academic Team last year.

Alec is also part of a number of fundraisers, groups, and charities in Wallingford. Some of these include Wallingford Peer Advocates and Wallingford Family Day.

MIKE TROIANO WEST HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Mike Troiano of West Haven High School is an icon for all student-athletes. As a varsity hockey player, he has had to overcome a great deal of adversity both on the ice and in life this season. Even after the loss of his younger sister in the first week of this season, Mike is off to a great start and has 19 goals in his first five games. His academic and athletic successes are a testament to his mental fortitude and resilience.

MICHAEL VESSICCHIO EAST HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Michael Vessicchio is the captain of the East Haven varsity basketball team. He is averaging 15 points per game, is a very good leader, and an excellent role model. Michael is a National Honor Society student and received the New Haven Gridiron Club Scholar-Athlete Award for football this year. He is also involved in student leadership clubs, ROPES and SADD. Outside of basketball, Michael also plays football and tennis.

Michael’s college choices are UConn, Fairfield and Providence College. He gets it done both on the court and in the classroom.

KELSEY CUDDY DANIEL HAND HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Kelsey Cuddy of Daniel Hand High School has been the leading scorer on the Hand varsity basketball team since her sophomore season. As a senior, she has emerged as one of the top players in the area. She is currently averaging 20 points per game, 12 rebounds per game, 4 steals per game and 4 blocks per game. She is on pace to surpass 1,000 points for her career. Kelsey gets it done on the court and in the classroom with a 3.4 GPA.

JAKE SAVOCA DANIEL HAND HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Jake Savoca of Daniel Hand High School is on the varsity wrestling team and is currently undefeated this season. His accolades include being the 2011 SCC Champion, the 2011 Class L State Champion, the 2011 State Open Championships 4th Place finisher, a New England Championship Qualifier, a 2012 Berlin Invite Champion, and a 2012 Danbury Invite Champion. Outside of wrestling, Jake excels in the classroom and maintains a 4.0 GPA.

MARIA WESELYJ MERCY HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Maria Weselyj of Mercy High School is a varsity basketball player who achieves greatness on the court and in the classroom. As a Junior point guard, she has been a two-year starter and a three-year varsity letter winner. She averages 19.5 points per game, 3.1 rebounds per game, and 2.9 assists per game. Outside of basketball, Maria’s GPA of well-above a 3.0 is a testament to her desire to achieve in all facets of life.

MELISSA GUILLEMETTE BRANFORD HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Melissa Guillemette of Branford High School is the captain of the varsity girls soccer, basketball, and outdoor track teams. In 2008, she was named Rookie of the Year on her soccer team. Melissa was also given the Heart and Hustle Award for her soccer team in 2010. In both 2010 and 2011 she was also selected as an All-Oronoque player in soccer. For basketball, Melissa was named the Most Improved Player during her freshmen year and was given the Free Throw Award in 2010-2011.

In track, Melissa was named Rookie of the Year in 2009 and finished in 7th place in the 4×100 meter relay and 3rd place in the 4×400 meter relay at the SCC West Sectional Meet 2011. She also finished in 2nd place in the 2011 State Class MM 4×400 Relay.

Academically, Melissa is a high honors student for all four-years, maintains a 4.04 GPA, and was a school winner for the Wendy High School Heisman Scholar-Athlete. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and the World Language National Honor Society. She is a volunteer at St. Mary School’s Kitchen and works at the Little Hornet Soccer Clinic.

SAM PORYANDA BRANFORD HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Sam Poryanda of Branford High School is achieving success on and off the court as the captain of both the varsity basketball and outdoor track teams. He is a member of the National Honor Society, World Language National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, President of the Italian American Club, a CAPT Scholar and maintains a 4.15 GPA and High Honors every semester.

Sam has recently been nominated as a state finalist for the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award for outstanding leadership and character. Also, he has been named a SCC Scholar Athlete of the month. Off the court, Sam displays a strong sense of altruism. He is an active member in the SARAH Tuxis organization, which aids the mentally challenged. Recently, Sam organized a basketball clinic to develop the fundamentals of the game and to have some fun in an active way. Most importantly, Sam created and directed a fundraiser named “Shoot for SARAH Tuxis” which raised money to benefit a club within the SARAH organization. Sam is truly climbing the mountain to success.

CODY ALBERT SHEEHAN HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Cody Albert of Sheehan High School is currently a junior on the varsity ice hockey team. On the ice, he leads the team in points. Off the ice, he has donated many hours in helping the Wallingford Youth Hockey Learn to Skate program. He is a true leader and always sets a good example for others to follow both on and off the ice. Cody possesses the character traits of being a true scholar-athlete.

YAWEI BI AMITY HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Yawei Bi of Amity High School is a conscientious and diligent student with a wide array of talents. As a member of the indoor track team, she is a well- rounded young lady who is optimistic, responsible and works hard in all aspects of her life.

Yawei is involved in several musical programs and a number of community service activities as well as being a member of the athletic program.

CRYSTAL MANSI EAST HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Crystal Mansi of East Haven High School is a special leader and role model for all student-athletes. She is captain of both the Indoor and Outdoor Track teams and was a member of the wrestling team during her freshman and sophomore years.

She is ranked 12th in her class and is a member of the National Honor Society. Additionally, Crystal is involved with HOSA (Health, Occupations, Students of America). She is also the East Haven High School CAS-CIAC female scholar-athlete of the year.

TAULANT IBRAJ ELEANOR ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL (NY)

Taulant Ibraj of Eleanor Roosevelt High School in New York, NY competes at a high level both in the community, in the classroom, and on the court. He maintains a commendable GPA and completes 20 hours of community service each year, all while leading the varsity basketball team in scoring.

Fall 2011 ACHIEVERS

SEBASTIAN LITTLE CHESHIRE HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Sebastian Little, a remarkable student-athlete from Cheshire High School, is climbing the mountain and on his way to achieve greatness. Vice President of the class of 2012, Little is also a Link Crew member, a peer health educator, on the Superintendent Panel, and volunteers for Church community service.

An extraordinary football player, Little accounted for 20 points as a wide receiver in a victory over Hamden High School on September 16th, 2011. He had two touchdown catches, a two-yard rushing touchdown, and a two-point conversion on a rush. On top of football, Little maintains above a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Sebastian’s photos are courtesy of Cheshire Trott Shots.

MARIA BLOIS CHESHIRE HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Cheshire High School student-athlete Maria Blois has achieved success both on and off the athletic field for as long as she can remember. Outside of sports, Blois volunteers at homeless shelters, works part-time on a nearby farm, and is a member of Best Buddies, which is a nonprofit organization devoted to developing and maintaining a worldwide volunteer program that facilitates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, employment growth and leadership progression for people who suffer from intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is also the Co-Founder of the Health Wellness Club.

Maria, who excels in field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse, maintains an excellent GPA on top of her athletic commitments and community service time. She is an exceptional model of success for Achieve Athletics and is an icon for student-athletes all around the world.

NICOLE BOISVERT SHEEHAN HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Nicole Boisvert of Sheehan High School is an incredible student-athlete who continuously shows commitment and dedication to both her academics and athletics. Nicole, currently ranked 6th in her senior class, has been a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council for two years and has received several academic awards such as Varsity Scholar, Connecticut Academic Performance Test Scholar, and the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award and Scholarship. Nicole balances her academics with several athletic activities such as softball and volleyball. In volleyball, Nicole serves as a captain and has received awards such as SCC All-Conference, SCC Scholar Athlete, and Record Journal Scholar Athlete. Her extracurricular community activities include four years of Funny/Mega Muscles Mentor, four years of volunteering at Gaylord Hospital, a volunteer of Relay for Life, People to People, Peer Advocates, and a local Church.

RYAN HACKETT BRANFORD HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Ryan Hackett of Branford High School is achieving success both on and off the field as the captain of his cross country team, he is the President of Model Congress for his class, a Model Congress Officer, and a member of the National Honor Society. He is also the 2011 First Male Race Coordinator for the 8th Annual Tommy Sullivan’s Breast Cancer run for the ribbons. Ryan balances academics with athletics as he maintains a 4.1 GPA and leads his team on the athletic field.

CARLEY WETED BRANFORD HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Carley Weted of Branford High School is a member of the National Honor Society, the Girl’s Nation Senator, Captain of the Girl’s Swim Team, a member of Big Brother/Big Sister and part of the Youth Group of First Congressional Church. Her captaincy of the swim team along with her community service and charitable work leads her to be an outstanding Achieve Athletics Feature Athlete.

EMIR KULJANCIC WETHERSFIELD HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Emir Kuljancic of Wethersfield High School is a great young man who has overcome many obstacles that may have limited another’s perspective on life. Emir was born in Bosnia and lived through the Bosnian War. This war devastated the Bosnian population incredibly, tore apart families and destroyed the dreams of their people. Emir’s father took his family (his wife, Emir, and Emir’s sisters) to a safe haven, then returned to the war to help his fellow Bosnians. Mr. Kuljancic was shot in the neck upon his return to help others, but survived. Emir was a child when this occurred, but remembers it very well.

Emir was just 8 years old when he came to the US. When Emir registered for third grade, it was the first time he had ever been in school. Having started school in Hartford for the first time and not knowing the language, Emir had to work very hard to be a serious student. He accepted this challenge and integrated in all facets of the school when he came to Wethersfield. Emir has emerged, in just two years, to be an outstanding football player and very well-liked by his peers. This year, Emir has been selected as an All-State Football Player (Defensive Tackle). Emir could go to college right away, but he is intent on becoming a better student and would like to attend Cushing Academy in the Fall of 2012.

Please support Emir as he continues to climb the mountain and achieve greatness!

CLARK SHURTLEFF AMITY HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Clark Shurtleff of Amity Regional High School is a four-year member of the boys cross country team who was an All-State and New Haven Register All-Area selection and captain of the team this season. Clark is also a four-year member of both the Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field teams. Recently, he was selected to the All-State, All-New England, and New Haven Register All-Area teams for Indoor Track.

COLBY CHAMPAGNE AMITY HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Colby Champagne of Amity Regional High School is a four-year member and current captain of the girls swim team. She represents a very integral part of this team, which is currently undefeated. Colby is also a member of National Honor, Art Honor, and Spanish Honor Societies. She is also a CAPT scholar who is a volunteer for many community service activities such as Special Olympics, Red Cross Blood Drive, and Relay for Life. Colby is a well-rounded student-athlete who also finds time to give back to her community.

CONNOR FALAGUERRA JONATHAN LAW HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Connor Falaguerra of Jonathan Law High School is a four-year member of the Football and Baseball teams, recently earning SCC All-Academic membership in both sports. Outside of athletics, he is also a bat boy for Bluefish, a volunteer at the Christ of Redeemer Church Picnic, and the Latin, Music, and Business Award recipient for the top student in the class.

MICHAEL MASTROIANNI XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Michael Mastroianni of Xavier High School is a three-year varsity football player and current captain of the team. He is also the Student Activities Council Vice President, National Honor Society member, part of the Senior Gift Committee, and a volunteer at the Church’s St. Patrick’s Day Dinner. Michael is a member of both the indoor and outdoor track teams. He gives his best effort on and off the field, from sunrise to sunset!

ERIN HILLIS SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Erin Hillis of Sacred Heart Academy has been the goalie on the Field Hockey team for the last three season. She is also the Vice President of Student Council, a member of the Campus Ministry, part of the Outreach Program, and a volunteer at Yale New Haven – Cancer for Kids. Due to a major medical operation, Erin was forced to miss the second half of this year’s season.

TIM FENGLER SHEEHAN HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Tim Fengler of Sheehan High School is an outstanding student as displayed by his membership in the National Honor Society and making the all SCC All-Academic Team in all three seasons every year. Tim is an extraordinary athlete, receiving a varsity letter every year in cross-country (number two runner), indoor track, and outdoor track. Tim excels in community service as demonstrated by his active membership in boy scouts (he is an Eagle Scout), CREW (Community Revitalization Efforts of Wallingford) and his church youth group. Tim also displays amazing leadership and involvement at Sheehan as a class officer, captain of the cross-country team, member of the pep band, jazz band, marching band, Frisbee club and French club.

THOMAS BASSINE FORAN HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Thomas Bassine of Foran High School succeeds both on and off the athletic field. A varsity Cross Country and Track runner, Thomas is also ranked #1 in his senior class, a member of the National Honor Society, as well as a member of Natural Helpers and the Science-Lion Team. Thomas maintains a steady 4.2 GPA on top of his athletic commitments and community service dedication.

TESS GILDEA FORAN HIGH SCHOOL (CT)

Therese “Tess” Gildea of Foran High School achieves tremendous success both in and out of the swimming pool. Ranked sixth in her senior class, Tess is also the President and Founder of the UNICEF chapter at Foran High Schol, a member of the National and Spanish Honor Societies, an annual High Honors constituent, and a volunteer at the Children’s Hospital of Boston. Tess excels on the girl’s varsity swimming team and maintains a 4.0 GPA on top of her community service and charitable work.