CABE 2025 Student Leadership Awards
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 6. 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
Nicholas Lyons
With great enthusiasm, I present Nicholas Lyons as one of our 2024-25 CABE recipients. Nicholas is a remarkable student whose journey through high school has been a testament to resilience, curiosity, and leadership. Nicholas’s academic and extracurricular achievements, personal growth, and community involvement make him an outstanding CABE award recipient.
From the moment Nicholas stepped into Daniel Hand High School, it was clear that he had a natural affinity for the STEM fields. His passion for math and science is evident in his academic pursuits, where he has consistently challenged himself with advanced coursework. What truly sets Nicholas apart is his intellectual curiosity and creative problem-solving approach. He often goes beyond rote memorization, seeking to understand the underlying principles, as demonstrated by his preference for deriving solutions over memorizing formulas.
Nicholas's academic journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. It exemplifies his strong work ethic and underscores his willingness to seek guidance and continuously improve—a trait that will undoubtedly serve him well in his future academic endeavors.
Outside the classroom, Nicholas’s commitment to his community is commendable. His leadership in the Habitat for Humanity club, particularly in organizing the successful “Hands Got Talent” show, exemplifies his ability to mobilize and inspire others. His involvement in various service activities, from building homes to supporting local food drives, emphasizes his dedication to making a meaningful impact. Nicholas’s versatility is further highlighted by his participation in diverse activities, from founding the Clay Club to excelling in varsity hockey and track, showcasing his ability to connect with peers from all walks of life.
Nicholas is a young man who deeply understands his strengths and interests. His adaptability and strong ethical foundation make him a valuable member of the school community. Nicholas Lyons is a bright, innovative, and compassionate individual with limitless potential. I am confident that he will continue to grow as a leader and community member who will positively and significantly impact wherever he goes. Undoubtedly, he will continue on a path of success as a truly special young man who is very well deserving of this recognition.
Ella O'Malley
I am excited to introduce and highlight Ella O'Malley's remarkable qualities. Ella’s academic and personal growth exemplify the resilience, intellectual curiosity, and leadership qualities that make her an exceptional individual and one of our outstanding CABE recipients.
Ella is passionate about learning and consistently seeks opportunities to challenge herself instead of taking a safer path. This approach to learning ignites her passion and sparks her interest in pursuing a career in engineering. Her openness to new experiences and her ability to persevere through challenges demonstrate her resilience and intellectual flexibility.
In addition to her academic achievements, Ella is a natural leader. She currently serves as the treasurer of the Interact Club, where she has played a key role in leading donation initiatives and mental health campaigns. These efforts showcase her maturity and dedication to service, contributing to a positive and impactful presence in her community.
Ella’s classroom behavior is equally commendable. She is an active participant who strives for deeper understanding, offering thoughtful contributions and leading by example. Her ability to stay engaged and respectful during instruction, combined with her excellent preparation for assessments, speaks to her work ethic and ability to perform under pressure—traits that will continue to serve her well in future challenges.
When faced with new challenges, Ella adapts by developing new study strategies, which ultimately leads to her success. Her determination and ability to adapt to challenging situations set her apart as someone who approaches obstacles confidently and resiliently.Ella’s commitment to her work is evident in her willingness to dedicate time and effort to meet deadlines. This discipline and sense of responsibility reflect her strong character and readiness to thrive in any environment.
In summary, Ella’s academic resilience, leadership abilities, and dedication to community service make her an exceptional individual. She consistently rises to meet challenges with grace and determination, embodying the spirit of a lifelong learner. I am confident she will continue to excel in her future endeavors. Ella is a remarkable young lady who is very deserving of this recognition.
Walter C. Polson Middle School
Charles Crozier
Charles Crozier has been honored with the prestigious CABE award in recognition of his hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. A driven student and leader, he consistently challenges himself to excel both in and out of the classroom. His impact on the school community, along with his determination to make a difference, sets him apart as a truly deserving recipient of this award.
Beyond academics, Charles is a competitive swimmer, demonstrating discipline and perseverance—qualities that extend far beyond the pool and into all areas of his life. His passion for music is equally evident in his skill as a pianist, showcasing both creativity and dedication, which we all witnessed in the school Talent Show. Charles delivered a poised and professional performance well beyond his years, earning enthusiastic cheers from the audience. He was extremely professional and poised for a middle school student and was rewarded with loud cheers from the audience! Charles was recently nominated for the Student Performing Arts Spotlight. After three years in the chorus, he has strengthened the baritone section with his leadership, consistently seeking clarification, supporting his peers, and elevating the group’s success through his dedication.
Beyond his personal pursuits, Charles is the President of the Excel Club and an active member of the Peer Helpers Club, where he uplifts those around him and demonstrates exceptional leadership. Whether initiating a fundraiser to support families who lost homes in California, participating in Speak Up to empower others, or simply making a difference in the everyday life at Polson, Charles’s impact is undeniable. Thank you, Charles, for your leadership and dedication—you’ve inspired many, and we know you’ll continue to do so in the years ahead.
William Rahn
William Rahn is an outstanding student whose character, dedication to service, and academic excellence have earned him the prestigious CABE award. In the classroom, Will consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to high standards, earning the respect of his teachers and peers. Will lights up a room with his energy, passion, and vivacious personality. He is not only a diligent student, but also a supportive classmate who is always willing to help others succeed. Will listens to peers and encourages everybody to do their best. He also knows when to provide direction and serve as a role model for others.
Beyond academics, Will is a natural leader who actively contributes to the school community. As a member of the football and lacrosse teams, he exemplifies teamwork, determination, and perseverance. As captain of both sports, he strives to be fair, consistent, and reinforce skills while demonstrating sportsmanship. His leadership extends to school clubs like Student Council, Peer Helpers, and Unified Sports, where he works to support and uplift those around him while promoting inclusivity.
At the Middle School Leadership Conference, Will participated in breakout sessions with his peers, exchanging ideas and learning from others. In the Polson cafeteria, a large bulletin board proudly displays the message “Polson is Stronger Together,” crafted from many smaller puzzle pieces. This meaningful display was created by Peer Helpers, and serves as a powerful reminder, not only to the school but also to his peers.
His ability to lead, serve, and inspire distinguishes him as a truly deserving recipient of this award. Will’s impact on Polson is undeniable, and we are confident that he will continue to make a meaningful difference in the years ahead. Congratulations, Will!
