2021-22 CAPSS Superintendent's Recognition Award Winners
Hand Seniors Kathryn Beiner and Darian McMahon were awarded the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents' (CAPSS) Superintendent/Student Recognition Award at a ceremony held at the Saybrook Point Inn on April 25, 2022. The award is given to students who demonstrate leadership service to the school, academic prowess relative to ability, and service to others in the community.
Dr. Craig Cooke, Superintendent of Schools, made the presentation as part of a program designed by school administrators to recognize a student(s) who have served their schools and communities while maintaining good scholastic progress.
CAPSS, the statewide school superintendents' professional organization, is based in West Hartford and provides professional development, personal support, statewide conferences, legislative information, and educational services to its membership.
Read below the full remarks given about this year’s award winners.
Kathryn Beiner
Kathryn is a driven and successful young adult. She has excelled in many of our most rigorous courses due to her work ethic and commitment to academics. Her contributions and performance in the classroom are impressive and she clearly values the opportunity to learn.
In addition to success in the classroom, Kathryn is involved in numerous extracurricular activities. For example, she is a member of Girls United and She’s the First where she directs her energy to empower change within the school community and beyond. Her efforts have resulted in her receiving a Humanitarian Award from Madison Youth and Family Services (MYFS). Kathryn, in collaboration with our other CAPSS recipient, has worked directly with the student body, administration, and members of MYFS to raise awareness and change inappropriate behaviors associated with sexual harassment and assault. Her efforts in this area have been commendable and impactful. Kathryn is a true role model who is willing to have difficult conversations while always maintaining a mature level of respect. Kathryn is an inspiring young adult with obvious leadership characteristics, defined goals and aspirations that will ensure continued success in the future.
Darian McMahon
Darian is a young adult committed to success. Darian takes his academics seriously and is committed to earning the best grades he can while taking a variety of challenging courses. Strong communication skills coupled with effective listening have helped Darian develop into a motivational leader both in and out of the classroom.
Darian’s involvement outside of the classroom should be applauded. He is actively involved with Madison Youth and Family Services (MYFS) and our school’s Unity Club. His efforts are concentrated on making the world a better place. He is a good listener and serves as a liaison for the student body. His ongoing communication with school administrators and members of MYFS focuses on ways to best address concerns at the school and community level. One of the most recent concerns focused on sexual harassment and sexual assault. Darian, along with our other CAPSS recipient, took initiative and created a school-wide plan to raise awareness and change behavior about this unfortunate but important topic. He is an outstanding leader with impeccable character who genuinely cares about and supports others. Darian is a dedicated student, a valued member of our school community, and is destined for continued success.