Granby, East Granby Students Recognized by Farmington Valley Superintendents' Association

The Farmington Valley Superintendents’ Association formally recognized student leaders during a ceremony at the Farmington Country Club Friday, Nov. 22, 2013.

The honor was part of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents Student Recognition Program, which honors students who maintain good scholastic progress, exhibit leadership and serve at school and in their communities. Most recognize a student at the middle school level and one in high school.

“All the students in this room are to be commended,” said Canton Superintendent Kevin D. Case, who hosted this year’s awards. “This is quite a distinct honor.”

State Sen. Kevin Witkos was the special speaker at the event. Witkos spoke of leadership and the contributions of many in society, including members of the military. He told the students that despite their successes it would still take a lot of hard work to be a leader in society. 

Both speakers mentioned the timing of the program coinciding with the 50th anniversary of president John F. Kennedy’s Assassination.

Both said Kennedy took risks and led the country through many trials.

And in times like the aftermath of his death, and 9-11, leadership is most important, Witkos said.

“It is in times of feat that strong leadership guides us to recovery,” Witkos said. 

East Granby High School

Robert Nero

Robert Nero is a member of the Class of 2014 and is an exceptional young man.  He is an accomplished and ambitious student who demonstrates self-discipline, leadership, and teamwork.  Academically, Robert spent the last three years of high school pursuing a rigorous course load, and is currently taking Advanced Placement Psychology and Statistics, Honors level English 4, Accounting, Entrepreneurship and Band.  His Academic record speaks for itself.  Robert has been a member of the National Honor Society since his junior year, and continues to display admirable character, strong leadership and scholarship.  Robert is the recipient of numerous academic awards.

Robert’s passion for scouting and his success in the Boys Scouts of America are well known.  He was a Senior Patrol Leader and recently achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout demonstrating leadership skills, hard work and determination.  Robert supports his school community through his participation in the Mathematics League, Pep Rally Committee, and Varsity Soccer and Track teams.  He is also an active member in the East Granby Congregational Church.  Robert’s teachers speak highly of his dedication, positive work ethic and genuine kindness to others.  His future goals include a career in Business or Sports Management.

Meredith Vanags

Meredith Vanags is a member of the Class of 2014 and an outstanding young woman best described as articulate, conscientious, self-motivated and compassionate.  Meredith started taking honors level coursework beginning in middle school, with Algebra I and Spanish I.  Currently, Meredith takes honor level and Advance Placement courses including Biology and Spanish 5, Honors Physics, Honors US History and Honors English 4.

Academically, Meredith has received numerous awards and accolades.  Most notably, she received the St. Michael’s College Book award.  Meredith has a 4.34 GPA and the class rank of #4.  Meredith is a member of the National Honor Society, a girl scout, a member of her church’s choral praise group, and a volunteer with local book and food drives. Meredith is a three-season athlete, a member of the high school choir, and of the New England Math League. 

Meredith is driven to excel and inspire others.  Her interpersonal skills help her navigate difficult situations with ease.

Meredith’s desire to become a physical therapist is consistent with her desire to help others and challenge herself.  She possesses the necessary intelligence, dedication, and communication skills to be successful in any field she pursues.

Granby Memorial Middle School

Sydney Jerman

One of the first things that any teacher will tell you about Sydney Jerman is that she has an amazingly positive attitude. From class assignments to school-wide initiatives to her fellow students, she approaches every situation with care and enthusiasm. Sydney exemplifies so much of what we hope to see in every student. In fact, Granby’s mission involves students becoming powerful thinkers, effective collaborators and compassionate contributors, and Sydney consistently models these characteristics for her peers in a humble but confident way. Sydney is not only exceptionally bright; she is also patient, curious and engaged. Happy to work with anyone, she goes out of her way to include students who are less outgoing. Sydney demonstrates natural leadership on a regular basis. In particular, the stories of Sydney helping others are endless. Whether helping a peer in the classroom or volunteering at a soup kitchen with her church, Sydney needs no external motivation to lend a hand; she consistently finds ways to share her talents and skills with others in respectful ways. Over the past two years, Sydney has participated in a number of activities, both inside and outside of school--including student government, school broadcasting, Fish Kids, a variety of intramurals, and events with her church. One of Sydney’s favorite activities is Ice hockey and she hopes to continue it in college while she pursues a likely career in science, technology or math.

Granby Memorial High School

Emily Henselder

Emily Henselder is a stellar student, leader and volunteer. Her interests cannot be contained within a single school or community activity! She excels, especially in the areas of math and science, and has sought out opportunities to take mathematics courses beyond high school offerings. Emily’s independence, commitment to academic excellence and strength of character does not end with coursework. Emily has participated in Math League all four years of her high school career and continues to participate in the Robotics Club serving as the club’s secretary and website designer. Emily puts her interests and talents into practice and reaches out to help fellow students in the process. Emily’s leadership and service is visible in and out of school. She is a member the National Honor Society and is Treasurer for the Young Educator’s Society. Outside of school, she is an Assistant Sunday School Teacher and a Columnist responsible for the High School Report for The Granby Drummer.  Emily has danced since 1999 and has been a member of the Granby Memorial High School Field Hockey team throughout her high school career. Emily Henselder is an extraordinary young lady who is kind, poised, thoughtful, and deeply committed to learning, leading and service. She has an outstanding future ahead of her, and will not only strive for her own success, but also strive to serve and support others who are fortunate enough to know her.