Derby Nominates Three Outstanding Students For Presidential Scholar Program

DERBY — Three of Derby High School’s top seniors who have excelled both in and out of the classroom have been nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

Derby High School Principal Jennifer Olson announced the candidates during the Board of Education’s meeting on Tuesday (Nov. 1).

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, according to the U.S. Dept. of Education, was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.

Nominee Josiah Hunter is part of DHS’ partnership with Housatonic Community College, where he’s earning college credits while still in high school. Josiah, an honor student, has consistently maintained one of the highest overall grades in the Advanced Manufacturing Program, and serves as a mentor and recruiter for new students to join the manufacturing program. He is currently working to become a lab assistant, providing guidance to peers learning to navigate the machine shop. Josiah is also an active volunteer in Derby, having dedicated time to helping with the annual Derby-Shelton Memorial Day Parade and flag raising ceremonies. He’s also a member of the DHS varsity soccer team, student council and jazz band.

Nominee Danthy Nguyen is currently ranked no. 3 in the DHS Class of 2023 with a 4.46 GPA. Bilingual in Vietnamese and English, Olson said Danthy has achieved high honors all four years at DHS, is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, student council, United Way Youth Leadership Program, played softball and track, and is an accomplished musician. In addition, Danthy volunteers at the Derby Neck Library, has helped with citywide clean-up events, organized a local fashion show and has been the recipient of the Yale Book Club Award, among other accolades.

Nominee Brennan Fitch is currently ranked no. 5 in the DHS Class of 2023, with a 4.17 GPA. Olson said Brennan has maintained high honors throughout his career at DHS and is an active member of the National Honor Society and student council. He is a four-year member of DHS’ Varsity Boys Soccer team, and has volunteered to help with the Valley Goes Pink breast cancer awareness campaign. In addition, Brennan has participated in the Hoby Youth Leadership Conference at UCONN, and volunteers his time as a junior firefighter with the Hotchkiss Hose Co. #1. He works as a lifeguard/counselor for Trumbull Parks & Recreation.

​“We’re very proud of all of these students,” Olson said.

Derby Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea was wowed by each of the students’ amount of community service, volunteerism and involvement in sports and other activities, all while maintaining excellent grades.

​“As seniors, it speaks volumes to your character,” Gildea said. ​“You are all outstanding role models and exemplary students in the Derby school system.”

In related news coming out of the November school board meeting, several other school officials were recognized:

*DHS Assistant Principal Ray Coplin was nominated by Olson to compete for the state’s Assistant High School Principal of the Year honor.

*Derby Middle School’s Assistant Principal Tracy Quartiano was nominated by DMS Principal Rachael Caggiano.

Olson said the Connecticut Association of Schools annually seeks nominations for assistant principals at both the high school and middle school levels, who place emphasis on learning results orientation, collaborative leadership and innovation, to compete for the honor.

​“We are so excited to nominate both of these candidates; they are both super-deserving of this,” Caggiano said.

*Spencer Carlson, a math teacher at DMS, was also nominated by Caggiano for the U.S. Presidential Excellence in Math and Science award.

​“Mr. Carlson strives to push the envelope in the classroom, and in our eyes, he has already won,” Caggiano said.

Keep local reporting alive. Donate.ValleyIndy.org