Derby Public Schools: 2022 SCASA Student Awards

DERBY — At the April 6, 2022 Committee of the Whole meeting, the Derby Board of Education had the pleasure of recognizing seven of our students!

Michael Hyder, grade 12 student at Derby High School, has been selected to receive the SCASA Memorial Scholarship. These scholarships are in honor of former Hamden Superintendent Dr. Alida Begina and former East Haven Superintendent Martin DeFelice, Jr. 

The scholarship is awarded to students who intend to major in education and work in K‑12 public education, who have demonstrated involvement in the education field, e.g. tutoring, peer advising, or student teacher club, etc., who has demonstrated high academic achievement of a G.P.A. of at least 3.0 and who is a student of high moral character. 

Michael Hyder was chosen with a G.P.A. of 3.7 and a determination to become a ​“guiding light” for students. Michael spent 2 years in the ​“On-Board” Student Mentor Program and 3 years as a Derby Little League Clinic Instructor. 

He wants to be able to pass along the lessons he has learned from his teachers to the next generation.

He plans to ​“inspire students to reach their full potential” and to continue to do his best ​“even when nobody is watching.”

The Board also recognized six of our students who received the SCASA Student Recognition Awards. The award is presented to students at the highest level in each school who exhibit the following criteria: community service and service to others; academic prowess relative to ability; and leadership to the school community. 

We proudly recognize Jaelynn Dwyer, Grade 5 Bradley School, Sophia Nazario, Grade 5 Irving School, Emma Nagy, Grade 8 Derby Middle School,

Carter Ruggiero, Grade 8 Derby Middle School, Kailey McClellan, Grade 12 Derby High School and Kanye Bailey, Grade 12 Derby High School.

Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr, Superintendent of Schools & President of SCASA shared, ​“It is always exciting to call out and recognize the incredible attributes of our students and share with the world the great things they are doing every day to be impactful both in school and our community. The scholarship award is especially meaningful because of what it represents; honoring the past contributions of both Dr. Begina and Martin DeFelice, Jr. while supporting future leaders as they embark on the rewarding journey”.

Jim Gildea, Board of Education Chairman said, ​“It was such as special night getting a chance to honor those students who were recognized as SCASA Student and Memorial Scholarship Awards. Getting an opportunity to hear how each winner impacted their teachers and their schools was especially rewarding and they all serve as great illustration of the wonderful school system that we have. Each one of the winners has made their parents, school system and entire City proud. On behalf of the Derby Board of Education, we congratulate them.”