Southington High’s ‘Top 25’ Honored in Special Ceremony

Standing with her parents, Southington High School senior Erin Malone smiled as she was congratulated for being one of the top students in the class of 2013.

For the future Ohio State University biology major, it wasn’t just an honor to be recognized but a true accomplishment to return to the dinner she had once attended with her older brother Taylor Malone, valedictorian of the class of 2010.

“I attended this event with my brother when I was a freshman and knew then it was something I wanted to work towards returning to myself,” said Malone, 18. “It’s a huge honor to be here, this is the icing on the cake.”

Malone was one of the top students from the Class of 2013 honored this week at the Aqua Turf during the 68th Annual Top 25 Dinner hosted by the Southington Chapter of UNICO.

Joseph Peccerillo, member of UNICO and co-chair of the event, said the event is one of the two biggest functions of the year for the organization. When the event started nearly seven decades ago, there were only 12 students honored.

As the community grew, so did the tradition, he said, expanding to provide further recognition to students for their academic achievements.

The annual tradition is a favorite among members of the Board of Education and school administrators said Board of Education Chairman Brian Goralski, whose son Andrew was also honored this week. Goralski said the event is one of his favorite celebrations and was even more special this year with his son being involved.

“Really, this is what education is all about,” he said.

The following students were honored the 68th Annual Dinner on Wednesday night:

Bryan Adie
Katherine Amnott
Brandon Brush
Samantha Buchalter
Maeghan Chapman
Damian Chuchro
Ryan Daigle
Bryan Davis, Valedictorian
Christopher DeVona
James Doyle III
Alicia Gomez
Andrew Goralski
Corey Johnson
Katlin Klein
Rebecca Klem
Jonathan La Follette, Salutatorian
Charlotte Leftkovich
Weronika Lewkowicz
Erin Malone
Jordyn O’Hearn
Molly Potter, Essayist
Danielle Rasmus
Edward Shaw
Michael Sullivan
Nicole Wershoven

The following students were inducted into the National Italian honor Society:

Paula Calandra
Lauren Durand
Christopher Hupper
Amanda Mastroianni
Katelyn Ottalagna
Francesca Picone
Silvana Tellerico
Elana Wojenski

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