DERBY HIGH SCHOOL RECOGNIZES THE TOP 10

DERBY – Derby High School Principal Jennifer Olson has announced that Alyssa Caruso is the valedictorian of the Class of 2022. Caruso, and the rest of the Top 10 students of the class led their classmates during the commencement ceremony on Tuesday evening, June 14th, 2022 at 6:00 PM at the Leo F. Ryan Athletic Complex in Derby, Connecticut.

The Top 10 students have many academic, athletic, and extracurricular accomplishments. They have completed numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses and Early College Experience (ECE) courses offered by Derby High School to prepare them for post-secondary education. Over the past several years, many college-level courses have been added to the Program of Studies as a result of partnerships with the University of Connecticut, Southern Connecticut State University, Housatonic Community College, POST University, and Advanced Placement Courses. The completed courses taken by the majority of the top 10 include the following: UCONN ECE HIST 1300: Western Traditions Before 1500, UCONN ILCS 3239: Italian Composition and Conversation I, UCONN ILCS 3240: Italian Composition and Conversation II, Creative Writing (ENG 201), ENG E101 — Composition, College Success Seminar (CTC101), Introduction to Computing (CIS112), College Writing (ENG110), 2‑D Art and Design, 3‑D Art and Design, AP Calculus A/B, Drawing, AP Environmental Science, AP Music Theory, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Language and Culture, U.S. Government and Politics, and United States History. 

Here is a brief overview of each student in the Top 10 and their individual accomplishments, recognitions and post-secondary plans:

#1 Alyssa Caruso, Valedictorian, is the daughter of Edward and Jennifer Caruso. She is a member of the National Honor Society, where she holds the position of co-Parliamentarian, Spanish Honor Society, Student Council, Spanish Club, Yearbook Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Volunteer Club, and Human Relations Club, where she is an officer. She also sat on the Class Act Council, a student athletic advisory board focusing on empowering students to promote good sportsmanship within their leagues and schools, and attended the CIAC Sportsmanship Conference in 2020 and 2021. Alyssa is a 4‑year member and the captain of the cheerleading team and member of the 2022 New England Division IV Championship team. She earned All-American honors in 2018, All-State honors in 2021 and 2022, All-Naugatuck Valley League honors in 2020 and 2022, and was selected as the NVL Outstanding Senior. Alyssa has received numerous awards, including nomination to the 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, where she was recommended by the Commissioner for the Connecticut State Department of Education, Charlene M. Russell-Tucker, for national review of her application. She also received the Harvard Book Award and CABE Student Leadership Award, both in 2021.

Alyssa is an active member of her school and local communities, and has taken on numerous leadership roles within those groups, including volunteer and community-based projects, including the Spooner House, and other community soup kitchens, the Boys and Girls Club, Toys for Tots, Best Buddies Friendship Walk, Griffin Hospital, and Holy Rosary Church. She has also helped run the Derby Cheerleading Clinic, and has been a student demonstrator for Derby Pop Warner. Alyssa has earned, or expects to earn, college credits as a result of completing the following Advanced Placement and Early College courses: U.S. Government and Politics, United States History, Environmental Science, Calculus AB, Psychology, Spanish Language and Culture, College Success Seminar, UCONN ECE HIST 1300, and ENG* E101 — Composition. She remains undecided on where she will attend in the fall, but has been accepted to Chapman University, Northeastern University, Pepperdine University, Quinnipiac University, and the University of Connecticut.

#2 Lily Lane, Salutatorian, is the daughter of Heather Landolfi. She is a member of the National Honor Society, where she holds the position of Historian, Spanish Honor Society, where she holds the position of Vice President, Student Council, Spanish Club, The Lookout” (Yearbook), and Human Relations Club. For the past 15 years, Lily has studied dance at Dance Fantasies Dance Studio in Derby, CT, having earned numerous awards and recognitions, including a regional championship in 2019 and 13 gold medals in 2019 – 2020. She has volunteered at her dance studio as an assistant teacher since 2016. Lily was also awarded the 2021 Gettysburg College Book Prize, and was named a Derby High School RAIDER” of the Week. This recognition is given weekly by the school to a student who shows Resilience, Ambition, Integrity, Discipline, Empathy and Respect.

She takes pride in and always finds a way to give back to her community. Throughout her time at Derby High School, Lily has performed countless service activities, including collecting essential supplies (socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and other hygiene products) and donating to a local homeless shelter. Lily also co-taught a lesson for sixth grade students at Derby Middle School on the importance of goal setting, and read books to elementary school students at Irving School. Additionally, Lily has spent many hours volunteering for other community organizations, including St. Mary’s Church, Shady Knoll Health Center, and Lord Chamberlain Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

She has earned, or expects to earn, college credits as a result of completing the following Advanced Placement and Early College courses: U.S. Government and Politics, United States History, Environmental Science, Calculus AB, Psychology, Spanish Language and Culture, UCONN ECE HIST 1300, and ENG* E101 — Composition. Lily will attend the University of Connecticut and will major in Political Science. 

#2 Pirnaaz Mekael, Salutatorian, is the daughter of Farhad and Hazhar Mekael. She is graduating from Derby High School on an accelerated academic plan, completing her academic requirements in three years. This illustrates her hard work and dedication to achieving her goals. She is an active member of both the Spanish and National Honor Society. She is an active member of the Girls Varsity Soccer Team, Spanish Club, Band, and Student Council. 

Through her high school career she has participated in community clean up and volunteered as a referee at Derby Youth Soccer games. In 2021 she received the Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence. As her National Honor Society Service project, she created care messages to patients at local hospitals. 

She has completed and earned college credit for six college courses through Post University including College Success Seminar, Introduction to Computing, College Writing, Introduction to Communication, Literature & Composition and Principles of Management. She expects to earn college credits as a result of completing the following AP and ECE courses: United States History, Spanish Language and Culture, UCONN ECE History, and ENG* E101 — Composition. She has committed to Southern Connecticut State University and will be studying Biotechnology. 

#3 Albana Pergjoka, daughter of Edmond Pergjoka, is ranked third in the Class of 2022. She is a member of both the Future Business Leaders of America and Varsity Girls Soccer team, as well as the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. Albana is also a member of Student Council, where she played an active role in organizing a faculty and student basketball game, canned food drive, bottle recycling drive to raise money, and the Junior/Senior prom. 

As this year’s President of Student Council, Albana also serves as a Student Representative on the Derby Board of Education. She creates and presents reports and is actively engaged in the monthly meetings as well as Policy and Facilities subcommittees. She has directly advocated for programming to benefit all students, such as: Driver’s Education courses, facilities upgrades, and student support for mental health resources. Most recently, Albana took a leadership role as the Vice President of the National Honor Society, where she has organized events for DHS and the Derby community as a whole. 

Albana has earned, or expects to earn, college credits as a result of completing the following Advanced Placement and Early College courses: Post University-College Writing, College Success Seminar, and Introduction to Computing. Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics, United States History, Environmental Science, Spanish Language and Culture, Psychology, Calculus AB, and ENG* E101 — Composition. Albana will be attending Southern Connecticut State University in Fall, with a major in Finance.

#4 Cassidy Ngaopraseutsack, daughter of Phoxay and Sengkham Ngaopraseutsack, is ranked fourth in her class. She is the President of the National Honor Society, and a member of the Spanish Honor Society, Spanish Club and Student Council, where she is a class representative. Cassidy is a member of the OnBoard! Student Mentor Team, where she provides support to incoming freshmen to ensure a smooth and successful high school transition, as well. She is also a vital member of the Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field teams, where she is a three-time Class S All-State and All-NVL runner. 

Cassidy has earned, or expects to earn, college credits as a result of completing the following Advanced Placement and Early College courses: U.S. Government and Politics, United States History, Psychology, Spanish Language and Culture, Calculus AB, UCONN ECE HIST 1300, and ENG* E101 — Composition. She has committed to the University of Connecticut, and will major in Biology.

#5 Shane Dedura, son of Edward and Joanna Dedura, is fifth in his class. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Italian Honor Society, and the OnBoard! Student Mentor Team. Shane was nominated to the 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, and was recommended by Commissioner Russell-Tucker for national review of his application. He was also named a Derby High School RAIDER” of the Week. 

Shane has been an active member in his community, volunteering as a camp counselor for the Saint Jude’s Church spring and winter bible camps. He also participated in family Christmas outreach for Saint Mary’s Church. Additionally, Shane has taken part in Derby city-wide trash pickups. He has done all of this while holding a job at Bilous Orthodontics in Orange, CT.

Shane has earned, or expects to earn, college credits as a result of completing the following Advanced Placement and Early College courses: U.S. Government and Politics, United States History, Psychology, UCONN ILCS 3239: Italian Composition and Conversation I, UCONN ILCS 3240: Italian Composition and Conversation II, UCONN ECE HIST 1300, and ENG* E101 — Composition. He will study History at Louisiana State University’s Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College.

#6 Brooke Uleano, daughter of William Uleano and Christina Uleano, is sixth in her class. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Italian Honor Society, and was accepted into the UCONN Ambassador program in 2021. Furthermore, she is the Student Council Vice President and a member of the Human Relation Club and the Technical Student Association club where they participate in STEM projects. This year, Brooke has also taken an active role in the Derby Board of Education meetings and served as a student ambassador to advocate for programming such as: Driver’s Education courses, facilities upgrades, and student support for mental health resources. Alongside these extracurricular activities, Brooke is a 4‑year Varsity member and the captain of the cheerleading team and member of the 2022 New England Division IV Championship team. She earned All-American honors in 2018, All-Naugatuck Valley League honors in 2022, and was selected as the recipient of the Nina Poeta Trail of Glitter” Connecticut Cheerleading Award/Scholarship. She is also an active member of the DHS Track & Field team. 

Brooke always finds time to get involved and give back to her community. She is a Derby Pop Warner Student Demonstrator, fundraised for local animal shelters, served dinner at the Spooner House, baked goods for local law enforcement and firefighters, and assisted in the mayoral campaign. This month, Brooke co-planned and hosted a walk in support of Multiple Myeloma. 

She has earned, or expects to earn, college credits as a result of completing the following Advanced Placement and Early College courses: POST University Introduction to Computing, College Writing, College Success Seminar, Introduction to Communications, and Principles of Management. Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics, U.S. History, Studio Art- 3D Art and Design, UCONN Italian, and ENG* E101 — Composition. Brooke will be attending Winthrop University and will be majoring in Interior Design.

#7 Jazmine Ordunez, daughter of Eglis Ordunez and Belgica Melo, is ranked seventh in her class. She is a member of the Spanish Honor Society, Spanish Club, Student Council, and the DHS Varsity Girls Soccer team. Jazmine has volunteered regularly in the community through a number of organizations and events including: The Salvation Army for James H. Wilkins Lodge No. 9, Breast Cancer Awareness fundraisers, Autism Awareness Fundraisers, Junior Achievement, as well as helping with the Derby High School concessions for athletic events. 

Jazmine has earned, or expects to earn, college credits as a result of completing the following Advanced Placement courses: United State History and Spanish Language and Culture. She will be attending the University of New Haven in the fall with a major in Criminal Justice.

#8 Kelsey Picheco, daughter of Frank and Casey Picheco, is ranked eighth in her class. Kelsey has always taken a full and most challenging schedule of classes, and has easily exceeded the DHS requirements for graduation. Kelsey has earned high honors all four years at Derby High School and has taken all available honors level courses while advancing herself these past two years by adding in AP courses. Kelsey is an excellent example of a student that knows herself and her abilities. She is motivated and demonstrates a strong work ethic and creative ability. Kelsey is Captain of the Indoor and Outdoor Varsity Track Team. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.

Kelsey enjoys giving back to her community and has contributed at the Hewitt Health & Rehab center and the local Spooner House where she assisted in cooking and serving meals to the homeless. 

She has earned, or expects to earn, college credits as a result of completing the following Advanced Placement and Early College courses: U.S. Government and Politics, U.S. History, Environmental Science, Spanish Language and Culture, UCONN ECE History, and ENG* E101 — Composition. Kelsey will be attending the University of Connecticut in Fall, studying Pediatric Endocrinology and specializing in Type 1 diabetes. 

#9 Kailey McClellan, daughter of Karen Gray and Dale Gray, is ranked ninth in the class of 2022. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Italian Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Human Relations Club, and the Derby High School softball team. 

Most recently, she completed her National Honor Society service project which included organizing a donation drive and distributing food items to the Spooner House in Shelton, CT

Kailey has earned, or expects to earn, college credits as a result of completing the following Advanced Placement and Early College courses: United States History, Psychology, and ENG* E101 — Composition. Kailey will be attending Southern Connecticut State University in the fall with a major in Business Management.

#10 Rylee Netto, daughter of John and Janine Netto, is ranked tenth in her class. She has achieved Honor Roll each of her years at Derby High School. She also plays an active role in the Derby High School community and is involved in numerous extracurricular activities, including participating in Student Council, Varsity Cheerleading, Softball, and Track. 

Rylee volunteers in the community at Spooner House by answering phone calls and greeting visitors. She was an active member of the Onboard Student Mentor” program for two years with incoming students, and lastly, she is a proud coach of the Pop Warner Cheer team in her community. She has led many public speaking events, including the voice” of morning announcements on W‑RBR News at Derby High School. 

Rylee has taken Honors courses, AP courses, and college credit courses, including AP US History, AP USGovernment & Politics, ENG* E101 — Composition, and UConn Italian I. Rylee plans to study Business in the Fall. 

On behalf of the faculty, staff and school administration, we congratulate the members of Derby High School Top 10 and all of the members of the Class of 2022. Earlier this year, members of the graduating class participated in a very successful Instant Decision Week planned by the school counseling department. Admissions counselors from nine local universities and colleges met with students individually to review their admissions application and provide instant decisions. As a result of these on-site student admission interviews, sixty-four college acceptances were presented and eight of the students accepted admissions for specific programming. 

The participating schools were able to collectively offer our students $654,000 during these admission interviews. Many of those scholarships are renewable four-year awards. Derby High School is extremely fortunate to have partnerships with colleges that can continue to support student success in their post secondary education. Furthermore, thanks to the generosity and support of the community, Derby alumni, businesses, and non-profit organizations, over $87,000 of local scholarships were awarded to members of the graduating Class of 2022 at the annual Academic Awards Night and at graduation to help students achieve their post-secondary plans.

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