They mentor younger classmates, serve on the student councils, play on winning sports teams and raise funds for cancer patients.
They start school newspapers, perform in dance concerts and read Greek mythology in their spare time.
And all 30 of them are recipients of the Mayor’s Youth Awards, presented at a “Youth Awards Night” Thursday (May 30) at Derby Middle School.
The awards recognize Derby students “who go above and beyond, making their school and community a better place,” said John Saccu, director of the Bureau of Youth Services in Derby.
Although not academic awards, the students recognized are all “high academic achievers,” Saccu said.
Academic excellence seems to go hand in hand with extra curricular activities, sports and community service, he noted.
“The kids who work hard, do everything,” Saccu said.
The students attend Bradley School, Irving School, Derby Middle School, Derby High School and St. Mary-St. Michael School.
Matthew Conway, Derby’s Superintendent of Schools, spoke of the correlation between volunteerism and academic success, and asked the students to become “ambassadors,” incorporating community service into their lives.
The ceremony also honored adults in the schools and community who helped the students achieve their honor.
“There’s no substitute for a caring, loving adult in your life,” Saccu said, addressing the students, families, and school principals who attended the ceremony.
Article continues after photos.
Saccu said he started the award recognition about five years ago, as a collaboration between the mayor’s office and the Bureau of Youth Services.
“I thought it was good to recognize kids who are doing something extra,” he said.
Derby Police Youth Officer Chuck Stankye works with Saccu on a program that aims to divert youth from the court system.
“We see kids who don’t have this support,” Stankye told the audience.
He described the award winners as “the best of the best.”
The Youth Bureau is partially funded by the state through grants, Saccu said, and he thanked the Valley Community Foundation for its support, as well as the Derby Police and Fire Departments and the Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action council (VSAAC}.
“Tonight is very special to me,” Mayor Anthony Staffieri told award recipients. “I am in awe of each and every one of you.”
A full list of award-winners is below.
Mayor’s Youth Awards
Derby High School
Reim Alian
Brittany Santiago
Charles Sampson
Michael Kreiger
Abby MacGregor
Joshua Russell
Marissa Nicolari
Zach Volo
Derby Middle School
Akshar Patel
Joseph Mammano
Nicolette Tasi
Kiley Rodriguez
Tiana Figueroa
Michael Szwaja
Brianna Garcia
Bradley School
Claire Douglas
Natalia Wyszkowski
Jiline Cole
Destiny Lewis
Armin Zilic
Irving School
Lily Lane
Jake Duggan
Etienne Huebner
Natalia Gruszkos
Annaly Khanthaphixay
Kenneth Amaya
St. Mary-St. Michael School
Amelia Carloni
Ashley Gerckens
Brittany Gerckens
Boy Scout Troop 3
William Kowarik
