Newtown Rotary’s Students Of The Month

Newtown Rotary recently honored six Newtown students as Students of the Month for February. These students were found to be exemplary class leaders, academically proficient, and active in their community.

Seventh grader Ian Member, a St Rose School student, was noted for his commitment to community service, academic achievement, and school spirit. A Boy Scout, Ian has donated more than ten hours of service as an Alter Server at St Rose of Lima Church. Last fall, he joined his family in collecting food and preparing meals for families in need during the holidays.

While Ian maintains a high grade point average (GPA) in all his classes, his favorite subject is language arts. Social Studies teacher Joe Demaida noted, “Ian is a very good student who works hard to achieve his grades. He always giving 100 percent to his work and is also active in basketball and other sports.”

Teachers describe Newtown Middle School eighth grader Sydney Russell as “an outstanding young person” who plays an integral part in her cluster community.

“Vivacious, motivated, and dedicated,” she is noted as “a wonderful role model to peers.”

A theater buff passionately pursuing dancing, singing, and acting lessons, Sydney has auditioned for roles on Broadway. She appeared as Cynthia in Newtown Middle School’s recent production, For Whom the Tinkerbell Tolls. Sydney is also a member of the school’s dance team and recently co-hosted the eighth grade’s Talent Show

Outside of school, Sydney participates in a range of church-related activities, including her recent fundraising effort to raise money for home repairs for the elderly.

Newtown Middle School seventh grader Lindsey Laub is an honor roll student described by teachers as “a role model for the classroom.”

A member of Newtown Middle School’s Girls’ Basketball Team, Lindsey also enjoys playing soccer and softball with the Parks and Recreation teams. She spends her free time babysitting, helping out neighbors in their yard work, and volunteering at her church’s Christmas Fair.

She also loves making new friends and enjoys all her classes, particularly language arts. In the future, Lindsey would love to play for the WNBA’s LA Sparks.

Reed Intermediate School sixth grader Kyle O‘Connor is an exemplary student who, according to his teachers, produces quality work, is a valuable asset to classroom discussions, and consistently earns straight A’s.

Described as a “very busy young man” who participates in a variety of after-school activities, teachers say he always has a “kind smile on his face.”

Reed Intermediate School fifth grader Kelly Anne Brophy is an active member of the Rotary sponsored INTERACT service club and a reporter for the school newspaper, The Patriot Press. She recently contributed to Reed’s “Warm Hands, Warm Heart” campaign aimed at collecting new hats, scarves, and gloves for the clients of the Dorothy Day Hospitality House in Danbury. She is also a tireless worker, advocate, and cheerleader for Pencils for Peace, a program that aims to raise money for school children in Shala, Kosovo.

In her spare time Kelly Anne playing soccer and basketball. She is also a member of the St Rose of Lima Church Youth Group.

Newtown High School senior Adam Pennarola was nominated by the World Language Department because they felt Adam exemplified the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.”

In addition to maintaining a high average in his honors levels Spanish and Latin classes, Adam, according to teachers, assumes responsibility for his learning, asks questions that demonstrates analytical thinking, welcomes challenges, and brings a positive attitude to the classroom. Adam will not hesitate to help other students in the classroom as well.

He is often overheard encouraging other students and complimenting them on their work. His patience and willingness make him an effective tutor.

Adam is interested in attending Fairfield University, Bowdoin, Colby, or the University of Connecticut after graduating from Newtown High School this June with a major in psychology and world languages. In addition to his school interests, Adam enjoys playing the piano and engaging his friends in Ultimate Frisbee. He looks forward to completing his senior year at Newtown High School and attending college.