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05/25/2017 12:01 AMRomit Patel and Alanna Grimm were named the 2017 recipients of the ACE Award and Youth of the Year Award, respectively. Both high school seniors were joined by their parents and members of the Branford Exchange Club at Eli’s Restaurant on April 25.
ACE stands for “Accepting the Challenge of Excellence.” This scholarship program recognizes high school students who have made a dramatic change in their attitude and performance during their high school years. These changes have enabled the students to overcome adversities and prepare for graduation. Patel arrived in America in 9th grade as a new English language learner. Through hard work and determination, his English improved and he has made the high honor roll for the past seven semesters.
The Youth of the Year Award recognizes hard-working high school students who attain high levels of scholastic achievement, community involvement, and leadership. In addition to academic excellence, Grimm is on the field hockey team, performed in several Branford High School plays, is a member of the Branford choir program, the Leo Club (a community service organization), and is co-president of the Interact Club (the high school version of the Rotary Club). Through her involvement in these groups, she has participated in many fundraising activities, raising money for the Fidelco Guide Dog Association, the Branford Counseling Center, the Special Olympics, and IRIS (for refugee resettlement).