CABE 2026 Student Leadership Awards

Grace Ackerman is a distinguished leader at Daniel Hand High School, and her high school career is defined by a rare combination of academic excellence, civic duty, and a profound commitment to others' well-being. Ranked in the top percentile of her class, Grace has consistently sought out the most rigorous academic challenges. Her true impact is evident in her extensive service to the Madison community.

Grace’s leadership is marked by an exceptional ability to understand complex issues and communicate them with diplomacy. This is best evidenced by her historic appointment as a Student Representative to both the Madison Board of Education and the Madison Youth and Family Services Board—the first student to serve on both simultaneously. In these roles, she serves as a vital bridge between the student body and town leadership, attending biweekly meetings to address community concerns and provide clear, thoughtful insights to the Board and the Superintendent.

Beyond her administrative roles, Grace demonstrates deep concern for others through active advocacy. As a certified Peer Advocate and Peer Helper, she has taken on the challenge of mental health awareness, presenting suicide prevention strategies to middle and high school students. Her commitment to projects is also evident in her founding of the Daniel Hand branch of "Raffles for Wishes," a campaign she scaled by presenting to over 20 area principals, ultimately securing commitments from six local high schools.

Her global perspective and collaborative spirit are evident in her role as a virtual English tutor for native Spanish speakers and in her selection as one of only two students in Connecticut for the United States Senate Youth Program. Whether co-founding the Interact Club or managing social media for the Excel Club, Grace honors every commitment with a maturity beyond her years. She is not just a participant in her community; she is a catalyst for positive change, consistently demonstrating the grit, empathy, and vision of a premier student leader. Grace is a remarkable young lady who is very deserving of this recognition.

Vincent is a strong student who has quietly emerged as a positive leader in our school. He is the kind of role model every school hopes for—consistently respectful, kind, and thoughtful with both his peers and faculty.

One of our teachers shared that Vincent can often be found voluntarily shelving books in the LMC, troubleshooting technical issues with VR headsets, offering book recommendations, and simply being a kind and steady presence. He’s even stepped in to support his science teacher as she explored new technology resources around space and planets. That willingness to help—without being asked—says a lot about who he is.

Academically, Vincent challenges himself and consistently performs at a high level. But what stands out even more is how he contributes to our school community. As a member of the Peer Helper program, he plays an important role in promoting a positive school culture while building meaningful connections with others. Through Impact Club, he has been involved in work around diversity and inclusion, including partnerships with students in West Haven.

Whether he’s participating in cardio drumming with seniors, playing bingo, or helping organize a hygiene drive, Vincent approaches everything he does with organization, positivity, and genuine care for others. Outside of school, Vincent is an avid tennis player and a dedicated camper at Camp Hazen, where he earned the Camper of the Village award this past summer—an honor that reflects the same character we see every day here at school.

Above all, Vincent is an incredible friend. He supports those around him, brings out the best in others, and truly embodies what it means to be kind and compassionate. Vincent, thank you for your leadership and for the example you set each day. You have made a lasting impact on our school community, and we are excited to see all that you will continue to accomplish in the years ahead.