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Students Recognized for Social Studies Achievement at Valley

Thirteen juniors from the Shoreline Conference were honored for excellence in social studies at a breakfast ceremony on May 15 at Valley Regional High School (VRHS). Connecticut Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman addressed the students and their families. This is the second year that the academic and athletic conference has recognized students in this subject area.

Junior Max Klin was the student honored by VRHS. Other honorees were Maxwell Sartor of Coginchaug Regional High School, Jack Sokolowski of Cromwell High School, Jackilyn Annelli of East Hampton High School, Jonah Spector of Haddam-Killingworth High School, Hannah Wisner of Lyme-Old Lyme High School, Nina Kelly of The Morgan School, Isabelle Hajek of Nathan Hale-Ray High School, Christopher Candelora of North Branford High School, Sophie Alden of Old Saybrook High School, Emily DiSalvo of Portland High School, Ryan Saputo of Westbrook High School, and Madelyn Garnett of Dr. Cordlandt V.R. Creed Health and Sports Sciences High School.

“Each school in the conference selects one student who has shown outstanding commitment and achievement in social studies,” said Shoreline Social Studies Association Chair Aron D’Aquila, who teaches at Lyme-Old Lyme High School. “We look for a balance; it’s not just about GPA.”

Donald Perreault, the social studies department coordinator at VRHS, organized the breakfast the past two years and deliberately arranged to have a speaker who was involved in public service speak to the students.

“Social studies, civics, talking about and taking part in the political system is our job,” said Perreault. “Getting elected officials to speak drives this home.”

Wyman highlighted this in her address as well.

“We see every day in government how important it is that people know how government works,” she said. “Education, especially social studies, is the best defense against repeating the mistakes of history.”

After her remarks, each student was handed their certificate by his or her teacher, who spoke about the students’ achievements. The group included members of the National Honor Society, Debate Team, Model U.N., and Eagle Scouts.

“I love Model U.N., debate team, and reading about politics and taking what I learn and applying it to the real world,” said Klin, who thinks he might study law or political science in college.

“It’s a pleasure for me to see what kids are doing nowadays,” said Wyman. It makes everything worthwhile. I might have a title, but they are the future.”