ANSONIA — School officials from Ansonia High School announced the academic top 10 students of the class of 2026.

Congratulations to the students, their parents, and educators! Continue reading for submitted bios of the students.

Benjamin Brejwo

Valedictorian

Benjamin Brejwo, son of Amy and Conrad Brejwo, is the Ansonia High School Class of 2026 valedictorian. He is graduating with an impressive 4.0928 GPA. Benjamin has excelled in a rigorous course load throughout his high school career, including AP Language and Composition, ECE English: Seminar in Writing, ECE Chemistry, ECE Physics, AP Calculus, ECE Statistics, AP/ECE U.S. History, AP/ECE Biology, and University of Bridgeport Pre-Calculus. He challenged himself and developed his analytical thinking skills in Project Lead the Way courses including Introduction to Engineering, Principles of Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering. Known for his intellectual versatility, quiet leadership, and thoughtful approach to problem-solving, Benjamin has distinguished himself both in and out of the classroom. He serves as the lead engineer for the Sikorsky STEM Challenge Team, President of the National Honor Society, a member of the Student Pathways Advisory Board representing the Engineering Pathway, and a member of DECA. In addition, he participated in the Stock Market Challenge and was recognized as the recipient of the Seton/Yale Club Book Award and the Scholar-Athlete Award presented by the Connecticut Association of Schools and the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference. A dedicated two-sport athlete, Benjamin is a key member of both the varsity soccer and baseball teams, bringing the same focus and determination to athletics that he demonstrates academically. Benjamin will study civil engineering at the University of Connecticut in the fall.

Sindi Groballi

Salutatorian

Daughter of Eva and Valter Groballi, Sindi Groballi has achieved a stellar academic record, graduating with a 4.0227 GPA. Sindi is Ansonia High School Class of 2026 salutatorian. Throughout high school, Sindi sought out an exceptionally rigorous course load to prepare for the next level. This included AP/ECE Biology, ECE Chemistry, ECE Physics, AP Calculus, and ECE Statistics, alongside AP Language and Composition, ECE English: Seminar in Writing, AP/ECE U.S. History, AP Psychology, University of Bridgeport Pre-Calculus, and Post University Criminal Justice. Sindi’s leadership was a mainstay in her school community. She served as the Parliamentarian for the National Honor Society and the Vice President of the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. Beyond her leadership roles, she stayed busy with several extracurriculars, including the Sikorsky STEM Challenge Team, Mock Trial Team, the Stock Market Challenge, and FBLA. When looking back at her four years, Sindi says the most practical skill she acquired was learning how to write a decent paper. Recognizing the demands of higher education, she views her mastery of writing as an essential foundation for the academic rigor she will face over the next four years. Sindi received acceptances from Southern Connecticut State University and Quinnipiac University, but she is excited to head to the University of Connecticut this fall. She plans to major in biomedical engineering as she begins her next chapter as a Husky.

Joleen Xayasone

Joleen Xayasone, daughter of Malayphanh and Jack Xayasone, has earned an impressive 3.9627 GPA. Throughout her high school career, Joleen has pursued a demanding academic path, completing a wide array of AP and ECE courses, including AP/ECE Biology, ECE Chemistry, AP/ECE U.S. History, ECE English: Seminar in Writing, ECE Pre-Calculus, ECE Statistics, and AP Language and Composition. Her intellectual curiosity is further highlighted by her work in ECE Medical Terminology, ECE Introduction to Public Health, Post University Criminal Justice, and CCP Advanced Computer Concepts. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. Joleen is an involved member of the school community. Her extracurricular activities range from three years of varsity tennis to leadership and service in FBLA, Chargers in the Making, and the Senior Mentor program. A vital member of the yearbook staff, she had a keen eye for layout and design creating visually balanced, high-impact pages. Outside of school, Joleen demonstrates remarkable time management working 25 hours a week at a local ice cream shop. When reflecting on her journey, Joleen identifies her older sister, Juliana, as the most influential person in her life. Juliana has served as her greatest motivator, constantly pushing her to strive for excellence and be her absolute best. Following a series of acceptances from Fairfield University, the University of New Haven, and the University of Connecticut, Joleen has chosen to attend Southern Connecticut State University this fall. She plans to major in business administration with a concentration in accounting.

Abdalla Hanaif

Abdalla Hanaif, son of Fatima Yasiji and Tarek Hanaif, has excelled both academically and athletically at Ansonia High School, earning a 3.9419 GPA. Throughout high school, Abdalla consistently challenged himself academically by completing rigorous college-level coursework, including AP/ECE Biology, ECE Chemistry, AP/ECE U.S. History, ECE Medical Terminology, ECE Intro to Allied Health, AP Language and Composition, and University of Bridgeport Pre-Calculus. A dedicated and well-rounded student leader, Abdalla is a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. He serves as a student representative to the Board of Education and as a representative on the Student Pathaways Advisory Board for the Allied Health Pathway. He is the senior class vice president, a member of DECA, and a member of the Stock Market Challenge Team. On the athletic field, Abdalla has demonstrated exceptional talent, leadership, and commitment to soccer. He is the captain of the Ansonia High School varsity boys’ soccer team and competes for CT Rush USL2, a semi-professional soccer team. During the spring of 2026, Abdalla further expanded his athletic experience by playing soccer abroad, showcasing both his skill and passion for the sport on an international level. In addition to his academic and athletic commitments, Abdalla balanced part-time employment as a cashier at ShopRite and as a crew member at Massaro Community Farm. This fall, Abdalla plans to attend University of Bridgeport, where he will major in nursing and will play soccer for the Purple Knights.

Jessica Apanowicz

Jessica Apanowicz, daughter of Weronika Pross and Wojciech Apanowicz, has earned an impressive 3.8858 GPA. She has consistently challenged herself through numerous college-level and advanced placement classes such as AP/ECE Biology, AP/ECE U.S. History, AP Language and Composition, ECE Allied Health, ECE Chemistry, ECE English: Seminar in Writing, ECE Physics, ECE Statistics, University of Bridgeport Pre-Calculus, CCP Advanced Computer Concepts, and Accounting concurrent enrollment. Her dedication to academic excellence reflects both her strong work ethic and commitment to preparing for her future goals. Beyond the classroom, Jessica has been actively involved in leadership roles, athletics, and extracurricular activities. She serves as Treasurer of both the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and is also a member of the National Business Honor Society, DECA, the Stock Market Challenge Team, and the Social Media Marketing Team. A dedicated student-athlete, Jessica competed in varsity soccer for four years, varsity track for two years, and varsity tennis for one year. Jessica is the recipient of the Scholar Athlete Award presented by the Connecticut Association of Schools Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference. In addition to her academic and extracurricular commitments, Jessica has demonstrated responsibility through her work experience by working at ShopRite since her sophomore year and refereeing soccer games every weekend during the spring and fall seasons since freshman year. Her ability to balance academics, athletics, and employment highlights her determination. This fall, Jessica will attend Albertus Magnus College, where she plans to pursue a double major in finance and accounting with a minor in law. Additionally, she will continue her soccer career at Albertus Magnus College as a Fearless Falcon.

Krista Baldospino

Krista Baldospino, daughter of Gema Cevallos and Joel Baldospino, has earned an outstanding 3.8798 GPA. She challenged herself academically throughout her high school career in advanced courses such as AP/ECE Biology, University of Bridgeport Pre-Calculus, AP Language and Composition, AP/ECE U.S. History, ECE Chemistry, ECE Physics, ECE Statistics, AP Calculus, AP Psychology, and ECE English: Seminar in Writing. Beyond her impressive commitment to her studies, Krista has served as a leader and role model for other students, which is illustrated in her membership of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, Student Government, FBLA, Sikorsky STEM Challenge Team, Mock Trial Team, and the Stock Market Challenge. Krista’s leadership extends into her community, where she is a member of the Ansonia Teen Advisory Board, a volunteer for Frank Tyszka’s mayoral campaign, and holds a part-time job at Jersey Mike’s. Krista’s high school experience has granted her valuable insight to the world, as she has learned that growth only happens when one steps outside of their comfort zone to take risks. Krista has received acceptances from Bryn Mawr College, Kenyon College, Clark University Honors College, Bard College, Fordham University, and Southern Connecticut State University. Krista plans on attending Mount Holyoke College in the fall, where she will double major in politics and English, with a focus on public policy and human rights.

Alexander Georgis

Alexander Georgis, son of Diana Martinez and Andres Georgis, has distinguished himself academically and through his outstanding involvement at Ansonia High School, earning an impressive 3.8515 GPA. Throughout high school, Alexander has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and school spirit as Historian of the National Honor Society and member of Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, DECA, Spirit Club, GSA, NAACP, and the Debate Team. He also served as Student Government Vice President during his junior year and co-captain of the Star Steppers. Committed to challenging himself academically, Alexander successfully completed numerous rigorous college-level courses, including ECE Medical Terminology, AP/ECE U.S. History, AP Language and Composition, ECE Chemistry, University of Bridgeport Pre-Calculus, AP/ECE Biology, and ECE Allied Health. During the spring of his senior year, he further expanded his healthcare experience by participating in the Patient Care Technician Program at Griffin Hospital. Alexander also broadened his educational and cultural experiences by attending the Atlanta HBCU and Civil Rights College Tour. In addition to his academic and extracurricular accomplishments, Alexander balanced part-time employment at Marshalls and Journeys throughout high school. This fall, he will attend University of Connecticut, where he plans to major in biology on the pre-med track.

Ana Kamolli

Daughter of Nertila and Altin Kamolli, Ana Kamolli has achieved an outstanding academic record, graduating with a 3.8038 GPA. Her high school career has been defined by a rigorous and diverse course load that spans multiple disciplines. She successfully navigated a wide range of advanced coursework, including AP/ECE Biology, ECE Chemistry, AP/ECE U.S. History, ECE English: Seminar in Writing, AP Language and Composition, and ECE Statistics. Demonstrating a strong interest in specialized fields, she also completed ECE Medical Terminology, ECE Introduction to Public Health, Post University Criminal Justice, Post University Emergency Management, University of Bridgeport Pre-Calculus, and CCP Advanced Computer Concepts. Her dedication to her studies is evident through her induction into both the National Honor Society and the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. A dedicated athlete and leader, Ana competed on the varsity tennis team for three years and was an active member of FBLA. Her creative contributions were felt on the yearbook staff, where she helped capture the memories of her peers. She also demonstrated substantial responsibility by working 15 hours per week at a local daycare. Reflecting on her time in high school, Ana has always tried to simply do the best she can and trust that the rest will fall into place. She has received several college acceptances, including Western Connecticut State University, Albertus Magnus College, the University of Bridgeport, and the University of New Haven. Ultimately, she has chosen to attend Southern Connecticut State University this fall to begin the next chapter of her academic journey. At this time, she remains undecided on a major.

Justine Palmer

Justine Palmer, daughter of Paul Palmer, has distinguished herself throughout high school with a strong commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and service. Maintaining a 3.7887 GPA, she challenged herself with rigorous coursework including AP/ECE Biology, University of Bridgeport Pre-Calculus, AP English Language and Composition, AP/ECE Chemistry, University of Bridgeport Composition and Rhetoric, and ECE Statistics. She is an active member of the National Honor Society, National Business Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, and DECA. In addition, Justine served as a Senior Mentor, visiting Freshman Seminar classes to help guide underclassmen and support their transition into high school life. As a dedicated member of the yearbook staff, she serves as Co-Editor of the Senior Life section helping to capture and preserve memorable moments. Beyond the classroom, Justine has been a devoted member of the varsity volleyball team for four years, proudly serving as captain during her senior year. As captain of the volleyball team, she leads with integrity and determination, serving as a role model through her strong work ethic, dedication, and leadership on the court. Reflecting on her high school experience, Justine shares that one of the most important lessons she learned was the value of perseverance. She believes that staying motivated and working hard through challenges leads to growth and success. This fall, Justine will attend Eastern Connecticut State University to study psychology.

Callie Geoghan

Callie Geoghan, daughter of Branwen and James Geoghan, has achieved a distinguished 3.7749 GPA. Callie has navigated a rigorous course load, including AP Language and Composition, AP/ECE U.S. History, ECE English: Seminar in Writing, ECE Statistics, and University of Bridgeport Pre-Calculus. Her commitment to the health sciences is further evidenced by her enrollment in AP/ECE Biology, ECE Chemistry, ECE Medical Terminology, and ECE Introduction to Allied Health. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, and the Business Honor Society. As Sports Editor of the yearbook, Callie successfully managed tight deadlines and coordinated coverage ensuring every athlete’s story was told. A natural leader, Callie also served as the varsity soccer captain, demonstrating the same discipline on the field that she applied to her studies. Callie has balanced not only school, athletics, and extra-curriculars, but she also holds two jobs working at a daycare and a local restaurant. Although Callie has received several college acceptances, including those from Southern Connecticut State University, Coastal Carolina University, and James Madison University, she is excited about staying in her home state to attend the University of Connecticut this fall. Callie states that the most important lesson she has learned in high school is that hard work always pays off. For her, being recognized in the Top 10 makes the years of maintaining high academic standards worth the effort. Callie plans to continue her commitment to excellence and service in the healthcare field; she will pursue a degree in nursing.