Ansonia High School Recognizes Top Ten Students

Ansonia High School has announced its Top 10 students from the graduating Class of 2024. 

The text below was sent to the Valley Indy:

Fahmida Chowdhury

Fahmida Chowdhury, valedictorian, is the daughter of Musammat Khairun Nessa and Kamrul Chowdhury. Her impressive course load has included AP/ECE Biology, AP/ECE Statistics, AP Language Arts and Composition, AP/ECE US History, AP/ECE Chemistry, UB Pre-Calculus. Fahmida is not only an outstanding student, she is active in many extracurricular activities, including the Human Relations Club, Debate Club, the Ansonia High School Chapter of the Junior NAACP, Student Ambassadors, President of the Student Government, Student Governance Council, Sikorsky Stem Challenge, US-South Korea Student Science Partnership, and AHS Pathways Focus Group. She is also a member of several honor societies including Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, Business Honor Society, and President of the National Honor Society.

Fahmida is not just intelligent and hardworking, she is warm and generous towards others, including assisting seniors at the Senior Center of Derby for their ​“Senior Prom.” She is also a Senior Mentor, part of the Best Buddies, a math tutor, and works with fifth graders as part of Chargers in the Making. Fahmida also has many interests outside academics including playing for the varsity Tennis team, Chess Club, DECA, and Spirit Club.

Fahmida has won many awards including High Honor Roll, Winner of the State Representative Kara Rochelle Ansonia Derby Writing Contest (2020), Student of the Month, November (2020 & 2023), CABE’s Student Leadership Award (2022), College Prep Scholar (2023) AP Scholar Award of Distinction (2023), CT COLT Award with Distinction(2023), QuestBridge Finalist (2023), SHEBA Scholarship Recipient (2023), Student Recognition (2023), Connecticut Association of Public Schools Superintendents (CAPSS) (2019, 2024), and Big Y Scholarship Recipient (2024).

Fahmida is also a constant presence at the many events offered by the high school, including open houses, tours, and the college and career fairs. When not engaged in school or school activities, she is working in the community, including for State Representative Kara Rochelle’s campaign, Griffin Hospital, and sits on the Ansonia Library Teen Advisory Board.

What Fahmida enjoyed most about her high school experience is all the connections she made with her graduating class, other members of the Ansonia Public Schools, and her surrounding community. Fahmida will continue her legacy of academic excellence, volunteerism, and outreach at Wellesley Liberal Arts College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, in the fall majoring in Biochemistry and International Relations.

Atyana Del Valle

Atyana Del Valle is the daughter of Stephanie Melendez and Jesus Del Valle. Atyana’s rigorous course load, including AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Statistics, AP Language, AP US History, ECE English, UB Pre Calculus, and AP Calculus, shows her openness to academic challenges. She has also lent her abundant energy to National Honor Society, Math National Society, Varsity Tennis, and Human Relations Club. 

A natural leader, she serves as a captain for both Varsity Volleyball and Varsity Basketball. Involved in the community outside Ansonia High School’s walls, Atyana has even been a Holiday Hill Day camp counselor. It is no wonder, then, that Atyana has been accepted to Wesleyan University, University of Rhode Island, Springfield College, Quinnipiac, and her chosen college– University of Connecticut– Storrs– where she will be studying psychology. Atyana has stated, 

“The most important lesson I learned was to never lose sight of the goal. Believing that you can achieve something you think is out of reach creates motivation. That same motivation fuels the drive to accomplish the unexpected.” 

Indeed, Atyana exhibits this motivation in the classroom and on the field. During class discussions, she readily shares rich ideas and fresh perspectives. She asks intriguing questions, inviting deeper analysis. As a collaborator, she displays curiosity and a willingness to offer constructive feedback. Her writing can be not only probing, but also personal– Atyana is always willing to forge startling connections to stories and characters. Best of all, there is never a doubt that she is not enjoying the proceedings– for her, learning is fun, and her spirited engagement invigorates any lesson.

Paul Palmer

Paul Palmer is the son of Paul Palmer Sr. Known for his strong academics in the classroom and his leadership as a student athlete and representative of our Engineering Pathway, Paul can encourage and motivate his teammates in the locker room at halftime of a big game, discuss the force of a self propelled rocket with his Physics teacher, or represent our school on a student panel with the Governor of the State of Connecticut with a genuine sincerity that makes others listen. 

Paul has demonstrated academic excellence through a rigorous course load that includes AP Computer Science, UConn ECE English (ENGL 1007), UConn ECE Physics (1201Q), and AP Calculus AB and holds membership in the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, and Business Honor Society. He represented Ansonia High School at Boys State, a highly competitive and prestigious program that offers young leaders an immersive experience in civic engagement and government. Paul’s engagement extends to the Sikorsky STEM Challenge, Senior Mentors program, and DECA. Additionally, he serves as the National Honor Society Parliamentarian. He is a four year member of the football and basketball teams, serving as the football captain in his senior year. Paul has been accepted by the University of Connecticut– Storrs, Boston University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, University of New Haven, and Penn State and will attend the University of Connecticut– Storrs, where he will pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Riana Sullivan

Riana Sullivan, daughter of Nicole Williamson and Jeffrey Sullivan, excels in a challenging academic curriculum that includes AP/ECE Statistics, AP/ECE Biology, AP/ECE Chemistry, and ECE Physics. Cool, calm and collected when faced with a challenge, Rianna would ​“rather find a solution than worry about the problem,” fitting for a student who wishes to pursue a career in scientific research in order to solve some of the world’s most complex scientific problems. Riana’s talents extend beyond the classroom. She is a solo pole vaulter practicing with the Derby High School track team but competing as a ​“team of 1” for Ansonia High School, and she also balances her academic and athletic commitments with a part-time job at Panera Bread. Rianna has been accepted to Quinnipiac University, New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), New England Institute of Technology (NEIT), University of Connecticut (UCONN), Milwaukee School of Engineering, and Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and will attend the New England Institute of Technology, where she will study to become a Medical Laboratory Technician.

Julia Pinto

Julia Pinto is the daughter of Jessica and Joseph Pinto. Julia has successfully completed the Patient Care Technician Program Pathway in partnership with Griffin Hospital: School of Allied Health where she is a Certified Nurse Aide and Certified Phlebotomy Technician. Additionally, she has volunteered more than 100 hours at Griffin Hospital. During her high school career, Julia has challenged herself academically by taking seven AP/ECE courses: AP Biology, AP Statistics, AP Chemistry, AP U.S. History, AP Language and Composition, and ECE Medical Terminology. Julia’s dedication to her studies has earned her membership in the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, and Business Honor Society. Julia embodies school spirit and dedication as Student Government Representative for the Class of 2024, Global Scholar, and member of the Student Ambassadors. Beyond her academic achievements, Julia showcases her athleticism as a member of the Varsity Girls’ Soccer team and holds leadership positions as Captain of Varsity Girls’ Basketball and Varsity Softball. Julia will be attending Monmouth University in the fall where she will continue to pursue her interest in a career in the medical field to study Health Sciences with a 3+3 Physician Assistant Program.

Addyson Izzo

Addyson Izzo is the daughter of Stacey and Phil Izzo. Her dedication to academic achievement is evidenced by her membership in the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Distributive Education Clubs of America. Addyson’s commitment to the school community can be seen through her participation in Student Government, the Human Relations Club, and Global Scholars. Addyson is a skilled athlete as well, serving as the Varsity Tennis Captain and playing on the Varsity Soccer team. Throughout her high school career, Addyson has challenged herself by enrolling in several AP and college-level courses, including Introduction to Engineering, AP Biology, AP Statistics, Anatomy, AP Chemistry, AP U.S. History, AP Language and Composition, Medical Terminology, AP Calculus, Honors British Literature, and Pre-Calculus. In reflecting on her time as a Charger, Addyson advises underclassmen ​“to take things lightly and have fun. Find the balance between in school and out of school activities.” Addyson’s involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership roles in athletics, and her diligent work in her academic courses have prepared her well for her future as a Physician Assistant student at Springfield College.

Samantha Burton

Samantha Burton is the daughter of Danielle and John Burton. Samantha is a member of the National Honor Society, Debate Club, and Human Relations Club. Throughout her high school career, Samantha has challenged herself academically by enrolling in various college-level courses, including AP US History, AP Psychology, AP Language and Composition, ECE Honors Physics, and ECE English. In reflecting on her time as a Charger, Samantha advises underclassmen to ​“lead a life one is authentically proud of” by ​“ensuring that such is not entirely obscured by social or cultural pressures, nor the influence of others.” Samantha’s dedication to her studies has gained her acceptance into the University of Connecticut, Southern Connecticut State University, Quinnipiac University, and the University of New Haven. Samantha will attend the University of Connecticut– Storrs– to study biology.

Julia Wright

Julia Wright is the daughter of Michele Psyz-Wright. She is a member of National Honor Society, National Business Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. Beyond academics, Julia is immersed in several activities within the school community, including serving as a member of Senior Mentors, Yearbook, Distributive Education Clubs of America, Human Relations Club, Spirit Club, and Global Scholars. Julia’s leadership skills are evidenced by her position as a captain for three different sports: soccer, basketball, and tennis. Throughout her high school career, Julia has challenged herself by enrolling in several AP and college-level courses, including AP/ECE Biology, AP Language and Composition, ECE English 1007: Seminar in Writing, UB Pre Calculus, ECE Oceanography, CCP Foundations of Business, CCP Marketing, and ECE Introduction to Engineering. In reflecting on her time as a Charger, Julia advises underclassmen to ​“get involved in as much as you can because it will benefit you in the long run.” Julia’s rigorous course load, her involvement in extracurricular activities, and her leadership roles in athletics have prepared her well for her future studies at Nova Southeastern University, where Julia plans to study Health Sciences.

Lilly Rogers

Lilly Rogers is the daughter of Jessica and Christopher Rogers. Lilly has challenged and immersed herself in numerous advanced placement, dual enrollment and early college courses, such as AP/ECE Biology, AP/ECE Chemistry, AP/ECE U.S. History, AP Language & Composition, ECE English, and AP Psychology. Beyond the classroom, Lilly has been an integral part of various clubs and organizations. As the treasurer of the National Honor Society and a member of the National Business Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, she has demonstrated her commitment to academic excellence and service. She has been actively involved in Global Scholars, the Human Relations Club, and Spirit Club and has built leadership skills as vice president of DECA. She is a Senior Mentor to freshmen where she talks to freshman advisories about academics, goal setting, and decision making. Further, Lilly is a Class of 2024 Student Government representative where she advocates for her peers, helps to create class unity and a positive culture, and promotes school spirit. Her dedication extends on the athletic field and courts where she is a member of both the Varsity Girls’ Soccer and Tennis teams, showcasing her determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Lilly will be attending the University of Delaware in the fall to study Sociology and Public Policy.

Hailey Burton

Hailey Burton is the daughter of Danielle and John Burton. Hailey is a member of the National Honor Society, Debate Club, and Art Club. Throughout her high school career, Hailey has challenged herself academically by enrolling in several college-level courses, such as AP Language and Composition, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Statistics. Hailey plans to attend the University of Connecticut– Storrs– in the fall to study physiology and neurobiology with the goal of becoming a neurobiological researcher in the future.