Marina Spinelli and Joshua Kreitler, grade 8 students at Shelton Intermediate School, and Lindsay Strouse and Kenny Chan, grade 12 students at Shelton High School, have been awarded the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents’ (CAPSS) Superintendent/Student Recognition Award in acknowledgment of their leadership service to the school, academic prowess relative to ability, and service to others in the community, at a ceremony held at Grassy Hill Lodge, Derby, on Dec. 10.
Freeman Burr, Superintendent of Schools in Shelton, made the presentation as part of a program designed by school administrators to recognize students who have served their schools and communities while maintaining good scholastic progress.
The Superintendent/Student Recognition Program awards a Certificate of Excellence at the discretion of the local superintendent of schools according to a distribution formula set for all state school districts.
Awards are generally given during American Education Week in order to provide a meaningful focus for each school district and to enhance the quality of the Certificate.
Marina Spinelli is an outstanding individual who has displayed great leadership, commitment to others, responsibility and teamwork through her involvement in school and community.
In addition to earning recognition as student of the month and student of the year, Marina’s musical talents include having played piano for 10 years and contributing greatly to the school band by playing trumpet, as well as participating in the high school marching band.
She has been involved athletically in both soccer and basketball. Her community service consists of six years in the Girl Scouts and volunteering in her church as an altar server. Marina is a model student who continually makes a positive impact on others.
Joshua Kreitler is a bright, hard-working and altruistic young man – a scholar, athlete, and vital contributor to the community. A student in the highest academic group, he maintains an A/A+ average.
He is a member of the cross country team and plays year-round lacrosse, in addition to football and basketball. Most impressive is Josh’s dedication to his community as a member of Teen Corps and the Beautification Club. A lifelong member of Boy Scouts, a patrol leader and trainer of young scouts, Josh is working toward his goal of becoming an Eagle Scout.
Lindsay Strouse has maintained high honors at Shelton High School for the past three years as a member of both the National Honor Society and French National Honor Society. She was named a CAPT Scholar in 2007 and AP Scholar with Honors in grades 10 and 11. Having been a member of Student Council throughout high school, Lindsay presently serves on the Student Council Executive Board. She is a student representative for the NEASC self-study and serves as editor-in-chief of the high school’s national award winning newspaper, the Gael Winds. Lindsay is President of the French Club and a member of the school’s environmental club.
Having performed in school plays and musicals as a member of the Drama Club, she also participates in community theatres and in a competitive dance ensemble. Her volunteerism includes time at the Jewish Community Center and at Center Stage, a local community theatre.
Kenny Chan is a leader inside and outside the classroom. He has succeeded in an Honors/Advanced Placement program for four years with a 4.0 GPA and class rank of 2 out of 420 students. Outside the classroom he excels as a leader on the SHS track team, as president of the National Honor Society, World Language National Honor Society and FBLA.
Kenny serves on the Executive Board of Student Council and the Spanish Club and is a student representative for the NEASC self-study. Kenny understands the meaning of community service, volunteering over 150 hours at a local hospital, as well as for the United Way.
He has participated in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, the Barnum Festival Court, and has attended Boys’ State. Recognized for his leadership abilities by staff and fellow students, Kenny has received numerous academic awards at the annual Book and Achievement Awards ceremony.
In attendance was Michele Piccolo, Shelton’s Teacher of the Year; Shelton High School Headmaster Dr. Beth Smith, and Shelton Intermediate School Headmaster Ken Saranich.
Also attending were board members Win Oppel, Timothy Walsh, Arlene Liscinsky, and Kathy Yolish.
CAPSS, the statewide school superintendents’ professional organization, is based in West Hartford and provides professional development, personal support, statewide conferences, legislative information, and educational services to its membership.
This is the twenty-second year of the CAPSS Superintendent/Student Award Recognition Program, developed to strengthen the relationship between students and school administrators.
