Date: Fri 16-May-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: DOTTIE

Quick Words:

Weller-awards

Full Text:

Weller Winners Will Be Honored At Banquet Tuesday

B Y D OROTHY E VANS

The Weller Foundation, Inc, is a non-profit organization that was established

in 1962 to provide financial assistance to educational, charitable and civic

organizations.

Each year, the foundation presents several award programs to honor young

people from one of the five local schools (Joel Barlow, Masuk, Newtown,

Shelton and Trumbull) who have demonstrated the ability to achieve.

Superintendent of Schools John Reed said May 13 at the regular Board of

Education meeting that he would be going to next week's Weller banquet for the

first time since he has been superintendent.

"I'm looking forward to joining Valerie Pachniuk [Sandy Hook School fifth

grade teacher named Outstanding Teacher], the students and their proud

parents. It's been a nice year for our kids," Dr Reed said.

Board Chairman Herb Rosenthal added that the entire board "sends its

congratulations to all the recipients."

The following Newtown seniors have been awarded Weller prizes and will be

recognized at a banquet scheduled next Tuesday, May 20, at Sacred Heart

University in Fairfield.

Max Bajracharya received the Senior Science Award and a $500 cash prize. This

award was begun to encourage gifted scientific students to pursue a career in

the field of science. Max is also one of five finalists for the $10,000 Weller

Scholarship, to be announced at the dinner.

Laura McClure is the recipient of the Paul W. Broggi Communications Award,

also a $500 cash prize. The award was named after the late Paul W. Broggi,

Vitramon, Inc's, director of advertising and public relations, a "truly

gentle, decent man who exhibited great courage in dealing with his long

illness," as stated in a Weller press release.

The award recognizes students interested in and exhibiting achievement in

communication, as it is broadly defined.

Tina Porco received the Eleanor F. Moore Business Award, a cash prize of $500

given to an entrepreneurial senior who is thought to have an interest in

starting a business. The award was named after the late Eleanor F. Moore,

Vitramon, Inc's, first personnel director, "a woman who succeeded in business

at a time when it was not common for a lady to climb up the corporate ladder,"

the press release stated.

Carrie DiSette received the $6,000 Weller Medical/Health Science Award.

Eligible candidates demonstrate excellence in the fields of nursing, therapy,

medical technician and paramedical. Programs leading to an MD degree are not

included in this award.

Ellen LaPorte received the $4,000 Weller Instrumental Music Award.

Chris Bassett has been named one of five finalists for the $10,000 Weller

Scholarship Award. The announcement of the winner will be made at the May 20

dinner.