Simsbury honors middle- and high-school leadership award winners; two students named board representatives

The Simsbury Board of Education opened its May meeting by honoring student leadership award winners from Henry James Middle School and Simsbury High School, and announcing new student representatives for next year.

At the middle-school recognition, the principal described two recipients — Catherine (Katharine) and Kingston Penny — and read teachers’ nominations praising their empathy, collaboration and leadership. "She consistently demonstrates a willingness to take on challenges with confidence and thoughtfulness," the principal said of one recipient.

At the high-school recognition, administrators named Fiona Gallo and Jonah LaParr as CABE award recipients. The presenter noted Gallo ranks in the top 5% of her class and is active across athletics, music and student government; Jonah was honored for founding the Youth Conservation Corps and leading recycling and trail projects. "His dedication to our greater community is significant," the presenter said.

The board also announced two student representatives for the coming year. The presenter described Yusra Ali as a student-council member, cofounder of a Simsbury Public Library math lab, debate-team member, AP Scholar and aspiring medical professional; the presenter said Ali emphasized collaboration and helping students "understand the reasoning behind board decisions." Trevor, who could not attend because of athletics, was described as a varsity lacrosse and hockey athlete active in sportsmanship efforts and interested in AI.

The board said it received eight strong student-representative applications and will convene a six-member Board of Education advisory committee to give more students a regular channel for input.

Ending: The board congratulated the winners and thanked outgoing student representatives for their service before moving on to business items.