Middle School Scholar/Leaders Honored

By LAURIE BORST

Published: Jul 13, 2007 12:00 am

Newtown Middle School eighth graders Leah Barrett and Josh Engler were among 290 scholar/ leaders honored by the Connecticut Association of Schools at a banquet last month at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.

The Connecticut Middle School Scholar-Leaders award honored one girl and one boy in each Connecticut middle school whose record of academic achievement and service have been exemplary, whose personal standards and accomplishments are models for others, and who possess high levels of integrity, self-discipline, honesty, and courage.

Distinguished educator and Deputy Education Commissioner George Coleman was the keynote speaker for the event, and the master of ceremonies was Scott Gray from WTIC News Talk 1080.

The Connecticut Association of Schools and McDonaldâs Owner-Operators of Connecticut sponsored the banquet, with 1,460 students, parents, and educators in attendance.

The Voters Chose Newtown

The Plastic Problem

Margaret ‘Peggy’ Elizabeth Annett (July 31, 1943-April 26, 2025)

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Snapshot: Andy Ashla

The voters certainly spoke — and I respect the outcome — but let’s not forget that a “majority” doesn’t mean everyone agreed. Many of us are deeply concerned about the rising cost of living here. Supporting schools and services is important, but so is ensuring that residents can afford to stay in the town they love. We all want Newtown to be a great place to live, but lately, it’s starting to feel less like “Nicer in Newtown” and more like “More Expensive in Newtown.” That’s not sustainable, and it’s not a criticism of the town itself — it’s a call for responsible budgeting and long-term planning that doesn’t rely on tax increases year after year. I hope future decisions will reflect not just the desire to maintain services, but also the need to ease the financial burden on residents.

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I appreciate the passion behind this message, and I absolutely understand the desire to invest in our town. That said, I voted no — not because I don't care about Newtown, but because I do. Fiscal responsibility is not about ignoring problems, it’s about making sure we address them in a sustainable and transparent way. It’s frustrating to feel like every year there’s a new “urgent” reason to raise taxes, with little serious effort to curb spending or prioritize needs. I worry this just sets the stage for another round of increases next year. That doesn't mean I’m against education, safety, or our town’s future — it means I believe in accountability and in asking tough questions about how our money is managed. Voting no wasn't a rejection of Newtown — it was a call for more thoughtful, balanced leadership. I hope future conversations can include all perspectives, not just those willing to write a bigger check.

The voters spoke, loud and clear that they support our schools and municipal services. The majority vote was a mandate to keep delivering well rated education services and keep it" Nicer in Newtown."

Great effort by the those who attended to shine a light on the attacks on Democracy. Thanks for the article so all can understand whats happening.

Hundreds Attend ‘Rock This Democracy’ Rally

Thank you LeReine, for speaking out about this. The list of public servants who are unfairly targeted for abuse just for doing their jobs has been growing. It is a testament to the power of propaganda that otherwise good and well-meaning people can get so emotional as to act out in this way.

Discusses Role As Registrar

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Middle School Scholar/Leaders Honored

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