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Students and Lann's Bakery honored at Ellington Board meeting; salutatorian and valedictorian address board
Summary
The board presented the Ellington Friend of Education Award to Josh Verkller of Lann's Bakery and recognized multiple middle‑ and high‑school students for community service and academic honors. Salutatorian Aditi Parapali and valedictorian Andrew Bone spoke about college and research plans.
The Ellington Board of Education opened its meeting with special recognitions, honoring local business Lann's Bakery and a slate of students from middle and high schools.
Jen Mullen, communications committee chair, presented the 2026 Ellington Friend of Education Award to Josh Verkller of Lann's Bakery for ongoing support of Ellington Public Schools through fundraisers and presence at events. "The committee and the board wish to recognize the selfless and valuable contributions made by organizations to enhance the learning in the lives of the students and staff at Ellington public schools," Mullen said.
Middle school counselor Beth Shaw presented Ellington Middle School Community Service Awards to Juliana Mero and Miranda Makavoy and the Betty Ray Kirby award to Ellie Pearson; the Kirby award includes a $500 scholarship this year in memory of Betty Ray Kirby.
At the high school, Principal Mitchell recognized Good Knight award recipients Leah Darko, Joanna Matula and Max Alexander. Salutatorian Aditi Parapali said she will study molecular and cell biology and minoring in psychology next year and thanked teachers who mentored her in research. Valedictorian Andrew Bone described year‑round research at Yukon and thanked science teachers who supported his projects.
Board members praised students and thanked families and staff for their contributions to the district.
