Eight Honored With Superintendent's Citizenship Award

Hailing the winners' "concern for and respect for the rights of others," Darien Superintendent of Schools Don Fiftal presented eight students with Supertintendent's Citizenship Awards in a ceremony before Tuesday's Board of Education meeting.

Now in its 33rd year, the award recognizes students who demonstrate "courteous behavior in interactions with peers and adults" and "service to the school and to the community through participation in clubs, school activities, and community activities," Fiftal said.

Five elementary school, two middle school, and two high school students—all in the top year of their respective levels—were given the honor. After reading a commendation composed by each student's school, Fiftal presented a framed version of the award against a chorus of clicking shutters, camera flashes, and applause.

Nominations for the recognition come from fellow students, and winners are selected by members of the faculty. Each school chooses one honoree, except at the high school level, where both a male and female senior are selected.

Below are the names of the winners followed by an excerpt from Fiftal's reading of each commendation.

Ariel Gianukakis, Grade 5, Hindley Elementary School: "Her superb work ethic is matched only by her level of respect for adults and her peers alike. ... On any given day, Ariel can be seen helping a younger student solve a problem in the bus room, or helping a classmate who's struggling with a math concept (or even a sticky binder zipper)."

Jana Powers, Grade 5, Holmes Elementary School: "She is friendly, patient, caring toward her peers, the school, and the greater community. Day to day, she does her best to make sure she doesn't let her friends down at school as she assists them with their needs. ... Jana believes that if we can work together, we all can accomplish."

Ryan Gifford, Grade 5, Tokeneke Elementary School: "You are recognized as being kind to everyone, but as you will often say, it doesn't always work with his brothers ... And though Ryan himself will admit he's quiet and a little shy—he doesn't like to call attention to himself—he certainly exemplifies the essence of a good citizen in school and at home by his good deeds and his kindness to all."

Cameron Shutts, Grade 5, Ox Ridge Elementary School: "When he was addressing the staff, he explained that it was very difficult for him to talk about himself ... because he knew that other students who had been nominated were very worthy of the award as well. ... He says that he always tries to follow the Ox Ridge kids' code, which includes being kind, respectful, and considerate of others."

Arija Forsyth, Grade 5, Royle Elementary School: "Being new to Royle School had an aura about it at first for Arija, and Arija made a conscious effort to befriend others in compassionate ways, which helped her to win and bond with Royle student and teachers. ... Arija defined good citizenship in her speech before the Royle School faculty. She said the following: 'It means doing the right thing, even if you're in an empty room.'"

Jordan Cassetta, Grade 8, Middlesex Elementary School: "Mature. Polite. Respectful. Caring. Kind. A truly caring young woman. Not only is Jordan polite with adults, but she works well with all of her peers and shows kindness and patience with everyone. Without fail, she'll explain a difficult concept to another student, stop to help someone pick up their books in the hallway, or offer to help a person carry something back to a classroom."

Stephanie Ko, Grade 12, Darien High School: "Stephanie is mature beyond her years and outgoing. ... As a natural leader, Stephanie understands and has the ability to get along with people, even if they do not necessarily share the same values. ... She's a super kid with a bright future and is very public-minded. Her science teacher adds, 'Stephanie is simply a nice person and a very strong student.'"

Suneil Raghvan, Grade 12, Darien High School: "Suneil Raghvan is a caring and intelligent young man. He is one of the friendliest, most genuine ... and compassionate young men in our school. He is a student who comes to say 'hi' with no other agenda, and he raves about his mother and how much she has sacrificed for him. ... He is recognized by his peers as a caring, dedicated person, and as a very hard worker."