Newington honors seven students as Outstanding Students of the Month

Maureen Brownman, superintendent of schools for the Newington School District, presided over a ceremony recognizing one Outstanding Student of the Month from each participating school, calling the award “a total package” that honors both academic achievement and leadership. “It is an honor — less than 2% of all of our students get it throughout the history of their academic career,” Brownman said.

The awards ceremony featured principals and teachers presenting brief narratives about student nominees from elementary through high school. Presenters described how nominees demonstrated school expectations such as respect, responsibility and leadership in classrooms, extracurricular activities and peer support. Students honored included Norman Tower (Anne Arundel Elementary), Aaron McKay (Elizabeth Green), Aidan (John Patterson), Braden Kelleher (Ruth Chaffee), Riley (Martin Kellogg Middle School), Charlotte (John Wallace Middle School), and Miranda Parker (New Haven High School). Each student received a plaque and a small packet of recognition items; the district recorded the ceremony and will share a link to the recording.

Why it matters: Superintendent Brownman said the award recognizes a combination of academic work and leadership that can have lasting value for students’ futures, noting that previous recipients have later used the distinction in recommendation letters. Principals emphasized that the selection at each school comes from teacher nominations reviewed by a staff committee, and that only one student per school receives the district’s Outstanding Student of the Month honor for a given cycle.

Highlights and examples: Presenters gave specific examples of behaviors and accomplishments that led to each nomination. Norman Tower was praised for initiative in safety patrol and consistent kindness; his teachers described him as “cooperative and friendly” and “conscientious.” Aaron McKay’s principal said Aaron led by example, showing work ethic, empathy and initiative such as creating posters to encourage better behavior in school restrooms. Aidan was recognized for tech-support skills and clarinet performance; Braden for perseverance, strong art work and leadership in physical education; Riley for collaborative leadership and consistent academic effort across subjects; Charlotte for balancing commitments in an aerospace academy with strong class contributions and an invention project; and Miranda Parker for high academic honors and state-level achievements in diving, including setting school records and earning college plans to continue both academics and athletics.

Student voices: Several students summarized what they believe contributed to their success. Aidan said he tries to “do my best” and that “mistakes are always proof you’re trying.” Aaron recommended “paying attention a lot” and “working hard.” Norman advised peers to “work hard, stay focused.” Miranda Parker described being motivated by helping others and balancing athletics and academics as she prepares to study health sciences in college.

Process notes: At the elementary level, teachers nominate students and a staff committee selects one Outstanding Student of the Month per school. At the middle-school level, principals said multiple nominations are reviewed (one principal said there were about 45 nominations at his school), and a committee selects the single recipient. Presenters repeatedly attributed nominations to specific classroom teachers and former teachers who provided written nominations or comments.

Next steps and logistics: The district will distribute the recorded video of the ceremony and a group photo; refreshments followed the formal presentation.

Ending: Speakers closed the program by inviting the honorees and their guests to gather for a group photo; Brownman said the ceremony is one of the highlights of her month and reiterated that the award is intended to acknowledge students’ combined academic and leadership contributions to their schools.