Newington School District honors outstanding students of the month

Newington School District honored students from elementary, middle and high schools as outstanding Students of the Month at a district recognition ceremony in March.

District staff said the award recognizes academic achievement and character traits in students who “embody our portrait of a graduate,” and noted that fewer than 2% of students receive the honor. Winners received a plaque and an envelope of items and were introduced by their school principals or designees.

Francisco Lopes, a fourth grader at Anna Reynolds, was recognized for classroom leadership, participation in student council and measurable growth in math. When asked what advice he would give other students, Francisco said, “So I think the world can be a better place where everyone's happy, where I want every single kid in this world to be happy.”

Pablo Racinos Escalante, a fourth grader at Elizabeth Green, was selected unanimously by staff after showing gains in reading, engagement in technology lessons and participation on safety patrol. Principal Kevin Duran said Pablo has used Spanish-language versions of benchmark books to problem-solve when reading in English, and that Pablo has worked with data and simple artificial-intelligence activities in technology class.

Yamin Huang, a fifth grader at John Patterson, was honored for leadership on student council, musical participation and consistent completion of class jobs. Asked what helped him succeed, Yamin said, “Attendance and hard work.”

At Booth/Chaffee (two winners were presented for that school because one previously chosen student had been unable to attend), Jaden Black was recognized for curiosity in STEM, consistent kindness and extracurricular engagement including technology classes and wellness activities; Anna Clara (last name not specified) was praised for her calm leadership in art, library and peer-support activities.

At Mark Kellogg Middle School, Noelle Linsky, a seventh grader, was recognized for high academic marks, regular participation in dance and visual arts and selection of artwork for townwide shows. John Wallace and Martha Kellogg middle schools each presented honorees for leadership, strong classroom participation and extracurricular involvement: Emery (Emery Lehi) was noted for academic effort, band leadership and participation in school mentoring activities for younger students.

Teresa Pham, a senior at Newington High School, was selected from roughly 1,300 students. Staff described Teresa’s rigorous course load, permanent membership in honor societies, four years in the orchestra program and service roles such as DECA treasurer and community volunteer; staff also noted her plans to attend the University of Connecticut to study accounting.

Principals and teachers from each school read nominations that highlighted a mix of academic growth, kindness, peer leadership and extracurricular commitment. The district said nominations originate with classroom teachers and are reviewed by a selection group to identify a single outstanding student from each participating school.

The ceremony concluded with a group photograph; district staff said a recording of the event would be emailed to families and that refreshments were available for attendees.