Congratulations, Emmett O'Brien Technical High School Class Of 2025

ANSONIA – Emmett O’Brien Technical High School’s Class of 2025 stepped into their future Friday (June 13), with many poised to become the next generation of aspiring chefs, carpenters, electricians, mechanics and engineers. 

The procession of senior girls, clad in gold caps and gowns and the senior boys, sporting green caps and gowns, made their way onto DeBarber Field at Seymour High School for the tech school’s annual commencement.

This year’s ceremony was moved to neighboring Seymour, due to Nolan Field in Ansonia – the traditional location for graduation – currently undergoing renovations.

Friends, family and other well-wishers packed the bleachers, armed with bunches of green and gold star-shaped balloons and bouquets of flowers for the graduating seniors. The class crossed under a green and gold balloon arch before taking their seats at the center of the field.

Class president Lucianna Bottone led the hour-long ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance, while senior Caitlyn Francis sang the extended version of the ​“National Anthem” to applause from the crowd.

School principal Laurie LeBouthillier kicked off the first of several speeches, lauding the class for its work ethic and dedication over the last four years in gaining the skills they’ll be taking with them. The school offers everything from culinary arts and carpentry programs to cosmetology, HVAC, health technology and precision machining.

“We celebrate not just a graduating class, but a group of skilled, dedicated and driven individuals who are ready to shape the future with both their minds and their hands,” LeBouthillier said. ​“Over the past four years at Emmett O’Brien, you haven’t just learned, you’ve created, repaired, programmed and problem solved. You’ve balanced academics with real-world training, gaining skills that set you apart.”

Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti, a member of EOB’s Class of ​’79, told the class many of his former teachers would’ve never dreamed he’d one day become mayor. Cassetti, who admitted to being a bit of wise guy in school, even throwing desks out of the school windows, urged the class to dream big and anything can happen to them, too.

“Don’t let anyone box you in based on who you were at 18,” Cassetti said. ​“I’m living proof that the kid who got sent to the principal’s office for breaking school furniture can turn around and get the keys to the city. So go out there, build things, break a few molds (but no more windows, please), stay humble, stay hungry, and above all, stay kind.”

Class salutatorian Brianna Perrin gave a shout-out to all who believed in her when she didn’t quite believe in herself. She expressed gratitude for being able to gain skills outside the classroom during her high school career at EOB.

“Going through high school I was presented with multiple opportunities which allowed me to experience a life outside of a book,” Brianna said. ​“Be grateful for everything that is presented to you. Remember those who supported us and showed up. Keep these people close because life doesn’t get any easier, but having good people makes it easier.”

Class valedictorian Mia Santacapita advised her fellow seniors to get ready for whatever comes next. 

“As we start looking beyond high school, it becomes even clearer that success isn’t defined by test scores or transcripts,” Mia said. ​“As Leonardo DiCaprio once said, ​‘If you can do what you do best and be happy, you are further along in life than most people.’ I encourage you all to try something new and discover who you truly wish to be.”

Michael Crocco, the newly appointed superintendent of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System, told the class they have a leg up on the competition as they head off to college, the work force or the military.

“You’re leaving here with real-world skills that most high school graduates in Connecticut can only dream of,” Crocco said.

As LeBouthillier and the school’s counseling director Amy Carvalho handed out the final diploma of the evening, the class turned their tassels and headed off the field to the American Author’s upbeat tune ​“The Best Day of My Life.”

Here’s the list of the Class of 2025 graduates:

Izabella Abbott

Jocelyn Aguilar

Olivia Albuquerque

Matthew Aldave

Jaedyn Alfaro

Khaalida Allah El

Maria Amaral

Hayden Anderson

Nicholas Argraves

Isabella Bandeira

Jayden Barriault

Zackery Barton

Alayla Basco

Cody Bolduc

Logan Bottone

Lucianna Bottone

Ella Brower

Emma Brower

Jason Burns

Aiden Cajigas

Nathan Caraglio

Samantha Caron

Kacey Cartagena

Rafael Castro

Eva Cibulsky

Sienna Cobb

Skarleth Conde

Mason Conklin

Dylan Cornet

Anthony Cornish

Ayden Cotto

Sanaii Cromwell

Alani Cuchelo

Giana Dasilva

Ava DeAngelo

Jeffrey DeBisschop

DJ DeJesus

Darren Delagrange

Jordyn Diaz

Lahni Dumas

Braydon Edgeworth

Leris Espinal-Cepeda

Gabriel Evans

Calli Faria

Jenna Fasciano

Victoria Fedele

Stasha Feduzi

Logan Filo

Ember Flyte

Caitlyn Francis

Julia Frouge

Olivia Galbraith

Joshua Garcia

Giovanna Gardner

Edward Gaydos

Brandon Genovese

Teagan Godfrey

Nelicia Gomes-Araujo

Fernando Gomez

Rafael Gonzalez

Zion Gordon

Connor Gray

Eldin Guevara-Orantes

Ja’Zahria Gurley

Bryce Hastings

Issis Hernandez

Isaiah Hines

Osbourne Hyde

Jacob Hyman

Colin Jackson

Jennay Jimenez

Terrence Johnson

Kelis Jones

Kyra Jones

Samuel Jones

Mariah Kellogg

Hannah Kemper

Maylea Kemper

Zamya Knight

Myles Knowles

Alexander Kusmit

John Latham

Abdulkadir Latorre

Michael Long

Joshua Lopes

Sofia Maldonado

Daniel Malinowski

Anthony Maria Miranda

Emma Marino

Aithan Marte

Aithne Marte

Kymanie Meggie

Bryant Mendez Gonzalez

Michael Mendez

Lucas Mendler

Aeowyn Messere

Ashley Mondragon

Makayla Morain

Sophia Moramarco

Joshua Nieves

Lilah Niklewski

Cru Novak

Marley Orosz

Noel Ortiz

Dariusz Osiecka-Kaszuba

Nathaniel Otero

Jeidinny Pacheco

Arianna Parkman

Graca Pedro

James Perdomo

Brianna Perrin

Tristan Piekarski

Alisson Ramos

Jose Ramos

Jayce Reyes

Cameron Riggs

Amaya Rivera

Ceijae Rivera

Anyiahlis Rodriguez

Isaiah Rodriguez

Justin Rodriguez

Hayley Rosario

Jorge Rosario

Eric Rousseau

David Rupar

Boh Saloomey

Mia Santacapita

Faith Santiago

Jaden Santiago

Sierra Santos

Giovanna Sardo

Michelina Sardo

Olivia Scarlata

Ermal Sela

Brooke Shira

Amberly Soto

Kyle Speck

Ailinn Steinmetz

Timothy Thornton

Cloe Tomasella

Joseph Torres-Mercado

Aiden Trombley

Matthew Ullrich

Jai’Vian Varela

Jack Waterbury

Icis Whitehurst Parks

Savauna Wint

Admir Zorlak

HERE ARE THE TOP 10 GRADUATES:

Mia Rose Santacapita – Mechanical Design & Engineering Technology

Mia, valedictorian, is the daughter of Paul and Eva Santacapita of Shelton. She has a 103.6 GPA.

Mia is a remarkably gifted scholar whose intellectual curiosity and consistent, unmatched work ethic earned her top marks across all subjects. She is an active member in many extracurricular activities at Emmett, including National Honor Society and SkillsUSA, where she serves as Treasurer. She is also an ECMC Scholar.

Mia is a dedicated and motivated student who will attend the University of Connecticut in the fall and major in Actuarial Science — Finance.

Brianna Sharee Perrin – Health Technology

Brianna, salutatorian, is the daughter of Thomas and Sharee Perrin of Ansonia. She has a 102.1 GPA.

Brianna is a well-rounded student whose commitment to athletics, academics, and leadership is truly admirable. She is our National Honor Society President, Class of 2025 Vice President, and Varsity Track athlete who placed 5th in the CTC Long Jump and 3rd place in the CTC High Jump competitions. She is our SkillsUSA Chapter Parliamentarian, and placed first in two SkillsUSA Competitions: Anatomy & Physiology and Medical Terminology. Brianna also volunteered at Griffin Hospital during high school. She will graduate with an abundance of Health Technology Technician Certifications, including EKG, Phlebotomy, CNA, and Clinical Medical Assistant. 

Brianna will attend Clemson University in the fall and major in Pre-Med/Biology.

Skarleth Anahi Conde – Mechanical Design & Engineering Technology

Skarleth is the daughter of Sandra Arguello of Ansonia. She has a 102.1 GPA.

Skarleth is a dedicated student leader who has immersed herself in school and community activities. She was awarded our Seal of Biliteracy, and is an ECMC Scholar. She also won an ​‘Aspirations in Computing’ High School Award. She is a member of Student Council, is the Community Service Coordinator for both our SkillsUSA and National Honor Society chapters, and serves as the President of Yearbook Club. 

Skarleth will attend the University of Connecticut in the fall and major in Mechanical Engineering and Spanish. 

Mason John Conklin — Electrical

Mason is the son of Dan and Lynann Conklin of Naugatuck. He has a 99.9 GPA.

Mason is a well-rounded student-athlete with an impressive list of achievements. He is in the National Honor Society and has been a four-year member of our Varsity Baseball Team. He was nominated Captain his senior year. He made All-Conference Honorable Mention, and is a CIAC Student Scholar Athlete. 

Mason will attend Gateway Community College in the fall and major in Engineering with the goal of becoming an electrical engineer. 

Jeffrey Cole DeBisschop — Electrical

Jeffrey is the son of John and JoAnn DeBisschop of Naugatuck. He has a 99.5 GPA.

A dedicated and hardworking leader, Jeffrey earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout through years of service, skill-building, and commitment to his community. His work-based learning employer from Inner-City Electrical says that Jeffrey’s work ethic is unmatched. 

Jeffrey will continue working as an apprentice at Inner-City Electrical upon graduation. 

Sienna Jonae Cobb – Hairdressing and Cosmetology

Sienna is the daughter of Antroyne and Catherine Cobb of Derby. She has a 99.5 GPA.

Sienna is a standout scholar whose academic achievements reflect not only talent, but years of hard work and dedication. She earned her CT Cosmetology License in May, and is the Communications Director for our National Honor Society Chapter. She oversaw several building-wide events including Blood Drives and fundraisers.

Sienna will attend Quinnipiac University in the fall and major in Radiologic Sciences.

Calli Amber Faria – Information Technology

Calli is the daughter of Kevin and Staci Faria of Seymour. She has a 99.5 GPA.

Calli has distinguished herself through her outstanding academic performance and her strong commitment to her studies. She was recognized frequently by her trade for excellence in career education and student of the month. Calli will graduate with an abundance of IT credentials, including Project Management and Adobe Express.

Calli will attend the University of New Haven in the fall and will double major in Forensic Science and Chemistry. 

Alisson Gissele Ramos – Electrical

Alisson is the daughter of Wilson Ramos and Maria Montenegro of Bridgeport. She has a 99.3 GPA. 

Alisson is a remarkably gifted scholar whose determination speaks volumes beyond the classroom. She was awarded our Seal of Biliteracy, and is an active member of Student Council. Alisson demonstrates focus, independence, and a deep dedication to academic success, and was selected to intern at United Illuminated.

Alisson will continue working as an apprentice to become a licensed electrician. 

Kyle Matthew Speck – Precision Machine Technology

Kyle is the son of Jarin and Jill Speck of Ansonia. He has a 99.3 GPA.

Kyle has distinguished himself thanks to his strong grades and clear focus on his future goals. Kyle will graduate with an abundance of PMT credentials, including NIMS and OSHA 10. He has been a part of our work-based learning program for three years, collaborating with a diverse team of manufacturing professionals and taking on challenging projects that drive both personal and organizational success.

Kyle will work at Sikorsky Aircraft after graduation. 

Lucianna Louise Bottone – Health Technology

Lucianna is the daughter of Joseph and Denise Bottone of Derby. She has a 98.6 GPA.

Lucianna is a dedicated student-leader whose involvement in both academics and in her school community set her apart. She served as Class President all four years in high school organizing events, leading meetings, and supporting classmates with enthusiasm and grace. She is our National Honor Society Vice President, too. Lucianna will graduate with an abundance of Health Technology Technician Certifications, including EKG, Phlebotomy, CNA, and Clinical Medical Assistant. 

Lucianna will attend Southern Connecticut State University in the fall and major in Nursing.