Sports

Nighthawk Track Teams Begin Season

Published: Jan 09, 2026 6:50 am

Newtown High School’s indoor track teams brought home some solid results from a meet at Bethel High on January 3.

On the boys’ side, senior Noah Kooper led the way with a dominant performance in the 300 meters, winning the event in a personal-best 36.69. Kooper also finished second in the 55 meters with a PR of 6.83, continuing his strong early-season form. Grady Marks claimed the win in the 55 meters, running a personal-best 6.79, while Bryce Maddox and Justyn Gonzalez added depth to the sprint group with PR efforts of 7.01 and 7.04 respectively.

The girls’ team delivered one of its strongest all-around meets of the year. In the sprints, Gemma Marks led the way in the 55 meters with a PR of 8.08, while Gwyneth Lyon, Sophie Almeida, Lilly Commodore, and Amiah Anderson all recorded personal bests as well, highlighting the depth of the sprint squad.

The middle-distance group also impressed, with Jenna Freeman running a PR of 2:10.64 in the 600 meters and Amelia Bossio-Dotolo finishing third in the 800 meters in 2:50.78. Eleanor Smith placed second in the 1000 meters with a PR of 3:33.63, continuing a strong start to her indoor season.

Christopher Accettella races for the Nighthawks. —Rachel Simms photos

Liam O’Neill (No 4), James Dorfman (No 3), and Erich Metzker (No 1) turn the corner during their race.

Amelia Bossio-Dotolo races for the Hawks.

Newtown hurdlers (wearing black) are, from left: Grady Marks, Noah Kooper, and Bryce Maddox.

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Dolly White

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This is a bizarre and misleading letter to our Newtown Bee. There has not been a Democratic Women's Caucus in Newtown. If there is one now, it was recently (and quietly) formed. I had expressed interest. I wasn't invited. And it was apparently formed without the official knowledge of the Democratic Town Committee. Who are its members? And why is it endorsing Brandon Moore, especially at this stage of the election process? Is this the endorsement of an established body of active women democrats or is it the preference of the two letter signers? Nothing against Brandon Moore, but Michelle Ku is also running for Connecticut State Assembly District 106. Michelle Ku, who is well-known in Newtown for her years of dedicated public service, Michelle Ku who has been a long-time advocate for women's issues, Michelle Ku who should have been invited to be a founding member of this so-called Democratic Women's Caucus. This Women's Caucus may only speak for the two people who signed this letter. It certainly doesn't speak for me, a democratic woman in Newtown.

Democratic Women’s Caucus Endorses Moore

Mrs. Schull was an amazing teacher. She taught my son and daughter. For my son Ross she created a friendship bench for students to sit on while waiting at the front entrance. I will always remember her for that kindness.

Julie Maxwell Shull

We love Papa Al’s both for take out and sit down. We’d highly recommend!

Dining Guide: Papa Al’s — Pizza, Pasta, And Subs

My darling, You were the best GRANDmother a child could ask for. You created so many great memories & traditions that I have passed down to your Great grandchildren. You brought joy into every room you stepped into. Your laughter, singing, whistling and the signature Rockettes high kicks, is something I will always hold in my heart. There was something about walking into your home and being greeted by your beautiful face. *kiss on each check* followed by HELLOOOOOO Darling! The classical music playing softly in the background and your love and comfort made your home, a safe space. Somewhere, where love knew no boundaries. It was so much more than a home. I aim for the same in my home, and play the classic music 24/7, but it will never be the same. I pray I can be 1/4 of GRAND, you put in GRANDmother. You were so resilient. You found the positive in every situation. I look up to you so much. I remember begging Mom and Dad for years to change my name to “Carmen”. They didn’t officially change my name, but eventually started calling me “Carmenita” as I am a little you. THE HONOR. You were there for me, no matter the day or hour. You were always the one who would talk me through whatever hard situation I was going through. When my baby passed away, I refused to talk to anyone for 3 weeks. Except for you. You said to me “Better days are coming, babes. There’s always a rainbow after the storm”. Of course, you were right, because you are GRAND. I picture you in heaven dancing and laughing with him. Uncle Jay playing the money game with him. To know you are with your children again & with mine does bring me some joy. Twas the night before Christmas & New Year’s Eve, will never be the same. Another tradition you created. A memory that will last forever. Not just with me, but for generations to come. It may not be the same, but we won’t let it die. It will live on, in your name. To be your first GRANDchild was a blessing. I could write an entire book about you & all the amazing things about you. Even though we were robbed of time together & it makes me angry, I know I will see you again. This isn’t a goodbye, but a “see you later”. Just like we ended every phone call. Ciao, darling. I love you. MWAH MWAH! Love your GRANDchild, Kimberly aka Carmenita

Carmen Accashian

Unfortunately, I think this is likely to get worse, not better... Based on both public comments and private conversations, I’m increasingly concerned that our newly elected First Selectman intends not just to install these cameras, but to expand their use for full-blown enforcement and fines. Try getting a straight answer out of him about the long-term plan and you quickly realize how vague the responses become. Tyler is absolutely right to raise the privacy issue. These systems don’t just “catch speeders” — they quietly build a database of where we drive, when we drive, and who is in our vehicles. Once that infrastructure is in place, it becomes very easy to justify expanding its scope: more cameras, more locations, more uses, and eventually more automated enforcement. If Newtown is going down this road, residents deserve clear, written answers to some basic questions before anything is expanded: What limits will be placed on how and where cameras are used? Will footage and plate data be used only for speed enforcement, or for other investigations too? How long will data be stored, and who can access it? What safeguards will prevent vendors and individuals from abusing this information? Without firm, enforceable rules in place, “just a few cameras to slow traffic” can turn into something very different over time. I support safe roads — but not at the cost of unchecked surveillance and vague promises from our leaders. You try getting straight answers out of our First Selectman, myself and others have not been able to...

Discusses Traffic Cameras

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Nighthawk Track Teams Begin Season

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