February Students Of The Month Honored By Newtown Rotary

Newtown Rotary President Paul Lux recognized February’s six students of the month for their exceptional actions in both school and the community.

Teachers Karen King and Gary Wilkinson recognized Reed School fifth-grade student Brandon Smith for academic and musical contributions and for his humanitarian nature, which demonstrates the Rotarian motto, “Service Above Self.”

Brandon, a straight-A student, receives praise as conscientious, eager to learn, and naturally motivated. He is caring and willing to help others.

Brandon has the ability to energize a room of peers, and enjoys helping and working with others. He is a doer of good deeds and possesses quiet strength. Favoring Call of the Wild, Brandon seeks high levels of literature for enjoyment. He plays the violin.

Recognizing Reed School sixth-grade student Jimmy Mooney are Kim Calero and Jim Roodhuyzen, who believe Jimmy will be a successful young man.

He is a solid student and conscientious. His attitude reflects family values and caring. Jimmy enjoys assisting the Interact Club with projects.

Jimmy is a Reed Video Production Club member and has played saxophone for the Reed band.

Teachers Cheryl Laferriere, Judy Catanese, Oona Mulligan, and John Ventresca praise seventh-grade Newtown Middle School student Katie Cummings as mature and thoughtful. She produces quality work and is an active participant in her courses. Katie has aspirations to become a veterinarian, plays basketball with Parks and Recreation, and has played soccer.

She is a concert choir member, enjoys dance lessons, and jazz.

Katie is the school’s Interact Club treasurer and has contributed to the Canine Advocates of Newtown findraising efforts for a new dog pound. She was an active Basket Raffle Committee member, and participated in a “Light the Night” walk to benefit the Lymphoma/Leukemia Society.

Scott Kim, an eighth-grade student at Newtown Middle School is a musician, pianist, and member of the advanced piano group at Cooke Studio. He plays percussion with the school band, plays tennis and golf.

Teachers Abigail Devaney, Paul Esposito, Nancy Koonce, and Alice Privalsky have selected Scott as Student of the Month. He competes with the Math Team, enjoys Spanish and private lessons in Korean from his parents. Scott is an Interact Club member and has contributed his time and efforts to several fundraisers throughout the year. His future goal is to become a CEO.

Kathleen Foy, an eighth-grade student at St Rose participates as a varsity basketball player and is on the soccer team. Teacher Kristin Skelly proudly nominated Kathleen. She has participated in mock trials and other school activities.

Kathleen made 34 wooden toys for the town’s Social Service’s Department during Christmas, and as a Girl Scout she earned the Silver Award, equivalent to a Boy Scout Eagle Scout Badge.

Newtown High School senior Mercedes Ball earned recognition from teacher Jennifer Huettner, who believes Mercedes represents admirable qualities of today’s youth.

She is a World Language student and a successful athlete.

Mercedes has earned honors in French and Latin. She is a National Latin Society member and National Honor Society member. Leading the Cross Country team, Mercedes enjoys running. She participates in Indoor Track, Outdoor Track and is captain of all three teams.

She has been involved in Peer Leadership, Relay For Life, and the Danbury Music Centre.