CABE 2022 Student Leadership Award Winners
The CABE Student Leadership Awards Program is designed to honor Connecticut high school and middle school students who exhibit exemplary leadership skills. Two students from each school, in a CABE member district, are eligible to receive the CABE Student Leadership Award. Madison's award recipients were recognized at the Board of Education meeting on May 11. Students were invited to attend the meeting along with their families to receive the award, have a photo taken, and listen to remarks about their accomplishments from their building principal.
Daniel Hand High School
Kelly Fay
Kelly is a confident, mature, thoughtful and highly motivated young adult who is dedicated to her studies and has earned academic excellence time and time again in a vast array of challenging academic courses. She has a passion for music, mathematics, robotics, and computer science. Kelly’s teachers describe her as being a thoughtful and insightful member of our school community and as a result of her commitment to her academics she has earned numerous accolades, including being awarded the CAS Scholar Athlete award and inducted into the National Honor Society.
Kelly’s commitments outside of the classroom are quite extensive. She is a multi-sport athlete who participated in basketball during her freshman and sophomore years and has been a member of the field hockey and golf teams for all four years. During her junior year, Kelly received the coach’s award in field hockey for her outstanding commitment and dedication to her team. Beyond athletics, Kelly participates in chamber orchestra and is the co-captain of the robotics team. Kelly’s leadership and passion for robotics extends beyond Daniel Hand High School. She is the captain for the Apple Pi Robotics team, a local team that recently won 5th place out of 130 teams around the world! Their team designed a robot that would assist in providing essential services to elderly residents including taking their vital signs.
Kelly is committed to supporting the community and does so by volunteering her time to several worthy causes. She is an active member of the First Congregational Church. In this role, she teaches Bible school to children ages 2-4. Kelly is an important member of Madison Youth and Family Services where she volunteers to clean apartments for the elderly, run “Senior Olympics”, and spends time as a personal grocery shopper. Kelly has also volunteered to raise money at a local farm in support of a community dining room. Kelly’s commitment and dedication to our community has been meaningful and has helped many less fortunate families.
Kelly’s success over the past four years has been impressive and will certainly continue due to her kindness, independence, motivation, thoughtfulness, and sense of humor. Through her hard-work she has earned all the success and recognition that she has achieved. She is truly a special young adult who is well-deserving of this recognition.
Charles McIntyre
Charles is a serious and diligent student who has excelled academically at Daniel Hand High School. Charlie has worked hard to develop a high level of mental endurance and stamina that supports his ability to persevere and achieve academically at such an impressive level. Clear evidence in support of Charlie’s commitment to academics is that fact that he has challenged himself by taking many of the most challenging courses offered in our Program of Studies. Several of Charlie’s teachers have been impressed with his excellent quality of work as well as an inspiring work ethic. Teachers have commented on his strong critical thinking skills as well as a refreshing level of originality and insight. Charlie’s academic accomplishments have earned him numerous awards including induction into the National Honor Society.
In addition to incredible academic success, Charlie is deeply involved in many co-curricular and volunteer activities. As one example, Charlie is a talented musician who plays the clarinet. He is an important member of the DHHS Marching Band and Concert Band. Based on his musical talents as well as strong leadership skills, he was selected and serves as a squad leader and section leader in our music program. Also worth noting is the fact that Charlie is a member of the highly selective Shoreline Youth Symphony Orchestra. Outside of exceptional musical talent, Charlie’s athleticism has earned him a spot as a member of our DHHS Tennis Team and Cross-Country Team. One of Charlie’s most favorite activities is his membership on the DHHS Debate Team. His passion for debate is obvious and led him to serve as a debate coach for our local middle school. Furthermore, Charlie recently co-founded the “Shoreline Debate Academy”.
Charlie is committed to improving and supporting the community and is not only seen as a helpful volunteer, but also as a leader. His work with Madison Youth and Family Services led to involvement on a fundraising committee to support those in need. Charlie also was trained as a Peer Advocate and has developed into a mentor in this important and valuable program.
Charlie’s body of work over the past four years has been incredible. His focus, leadership, and commitment to trying and doing his best are wonderful attributes but only compliment that fact that he is a genuine and nice person. He is truly a special young adult who is well-deserving of this recognition.
Polson Middle School
Grace Ackerman
Balancing academic, athletic, leadership and community service commitments is no easy feat for any student, yet Grace Ackerman does it effortlessly, with confidence and a smile. Whether she is in the classroom, on the soccer field or engaging in one of her many fundraising and community service endeavors, Grace’s altruism, creativity and optimism make her a natural leader in any environment.
Grace is a conscientious student who has consistently excelled academically. She seeks out opportunities to challenge herself and is always ready and willing to help others. She is a positive force in the classroom and is an asset to the many Polson clubs and activities she is involved in. Grace is the President of the Excel Club, is a mentor in the EPIC and Allies groups, a member of Student Council and a peer leader in adaptive PE and unified sports. Grace’s passion for helping others not only benefits the Polson school community but her philanthropic efforts can be felt and seen throughout the Madison community and beyond.
From local beach clean-ups to volunteering at the senior center, Grace is devoted to giving back to her community. She seeks and creates opportunities to help others and during her middle school career has organized and participated in numerous service projects and fundraisers. Most notably, Grace devoted her time and resources to not only raise and donate thousands of dollars to Make a Wish Foundation but she connected with a local wish granter and helped organize and execute all aspects of a recent wish.
It is rare to find a middle schooler who can match Grace’s poise, drive and desire to help others. She embodies the qualities of a role model and Polson Middle School is fortunate to have her as a member of our community.
Christopher Lee
“Respectful,” “conscientious,” and “kind.” These are just a few of the adjectives used by members of the Polson community to describe Christopher Lee. Whether he is in the classroom, community or athletic field, Christopher consistently emerges as a humble leader who is well respected by students and staff.
Christopher is a hardworking, diligent and successful student. He approaches his academics with a positive attitude and focus regardless of the rigor or challenge of the task at hand. He can be relied on to make meaningful contributions to class discussions and goes out of his way to include others. His compassion and empathy make him an ideal partner and group member for any kind of cooperative work. These skills coupled with his character and maturity make him a role model outside the classroom as well.
As a Polson Peer Helper, Student Council representative and member of EPIC, Christopher works to help others and promote a positive and inclusive school environment. He is also an accomplished athlete and seamlessly balances his academics with his extracurricular activities and passion for sports. In his well-deserved role as a leader on the lacrosse and football teams, Christopher models camaraderie, sportsmanship and kindness for his teammates to emulate. He also continues to demonstrate his commitment to inclusivity and takes great pride in the work he does with a teammate who has Down Syndrome. Christopher enthusiastically takes on the role of supporter and cheerleader to give this teammate the most positive experiences and play time on the field.
Christopher’s integrity, compassion and commitment set him apart as a leader and role model for all. We are lucky to have him as a member of our Polson community.
