Editor’s Note: Ansonia Superintendent of Schools Carol Merlone sent the following email in response to a question regarding the deaths of two young students this week.
Both little girls were very sweet, beautiful children and nothing short of amazing.
They were an inspiration for everyone around them.
Nyah loved to come to school. Ms. Willoughby, Nyah Marcano’s mom, said she loved her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Frager, and was so happy when Assistant Principal McNeil would walk her to her room in the morning.
Ms. Willoughby said that she moved to Ansonia to give her children a better life.
As we entered the home of the Rondon family Friday, one could not help but notice the impressive painting on the picture window by Leah. Leah was another one of Ansonia’s amazing stars.
Like Nyah, she loved her kindergarten classroom with Mr. Velardi and her Mead School family.
As representatives from the Ansonia community and the school system, we visited the families of the little girls involved in the two tragic accidents Friday to offer our condolences and support.
We respect the privacy of both families during this difficult time and are awaiting word regarding services and the types of supports they feel would be most beneficial to them.
A ziti dinner will be hosted at the Ansonia High School by the school district next week (date still undetermined) in memory of Ansonia’s little angels.
Mayor Cassetti is offering the proceeds from Rock The Valley (Sautrday at Nolan Field from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.) to both families.
Counseling services will be made available at both schools today and through next week for those in need.
On behalf of the Board of Education and Ansonia staff, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to both families. We wish words could lighten their agony but realize our words are just not enough.
At this time we offer our deepest condolences on the loss of Ansonia’s little angels as we keep their families in our thoughts and prayers.
