West Hartford Students Honored by Superintendents' Association

By John Fitts

The Farmington Valley Superintendents’ Association formally recognized student leaders during a ceremony at the Farmington Country Club Friday, Nov. 22, 2013.

The honor was part of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents Student Recognition Program, which honors students who maintain good scholastic progress, exhibit leadership and serve at school and in their communities. Most recognize a student at the middle school level and one in high school.

“All the students in this room are to be commended,” said Canton Superintendent Kevin D. Case, who hosted this year’s awards. “This is quite a distinct honor.”

State Sen. Kevin Witkos was the special speaker at the event. Witkos spoke of leadership and the contributions of many in society, including members of the military. He told the students that despite their successes it would still take a lot of hard work to be a leader in society. 

Both speakers mentioned the timing of the program coinciding with the 50th anniversary of president John F. Kennedy’s Assassination.

Both said Kennedy took risks and led the country through many trials.

And in times like the aftermath of his death, and 9-11, leadership is most important, Witkos said.

“It is in times of feat that strong leadership guides us to recovery,” Witkos said. 

Frederick U. Conard High School

Emma Briggs

Emma is passionate for her learning, enthusiastic for her next steps in her education, compassionate for others, and carries with her a worldly perspective and appreciation for communities outside of her own. Emma considers her greatest passion to be philanthropy and volunteering. She would like to pursue a major in Political Science to support her love of public policy and interest in debate and law. Emma has contributed to various communities in need both here in West Hartford but also at the Choate Volunteer Corps in South Dakota and a South African Exchange. The Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota is known to be one of the most impoverished communities in the US. Emma, chosen as her group’s leader because of her natural leadership skills and presence, helped build homes throughout the mornings, and ran a summer camp in the afternoon. Emma was so moved her experience, she became a member for the Connecticut non-profit, Hawking, which specializes in bringing aid to the children on the Cheyenne Reservation. Currently Emma is the youngest member of the Food Bank Committee and holds the title of Social Actions Coordinator for her church youth group. She is grateful for the gifts of education, family support, and opportunity that she has experienced here; and is devoted to give back to others in need through her life. 

William H. Hall High School

Emma Coll

Emma Coll is a leader by example. She utilizes her talents not only to learn but also to brighten the world around her. Her strong values and unflappable character shine through in her daily actions both inside and outside the walls of Hall High School. It seems as though Emma lives her life for others and truly values the greater good. For example, she regularly finds opportunities to work alongside students with special needs. This year, she is taking the Visual Arts Concepts course where she helps students with special needs to create art. She is also working one-on-one with different age groups of elementary school children with autism, and participates in West Hartford’s Unified Theater. She humbly attributes these experiences to her personal growth.

Emma has also devoted countless hours to the Hall community with her academic, artistic and athletic talent. In the swimming pool specifically, she is a strong competitor with a quiet confidence. Emma understands that learning is a life-long endeavor and regularly finds ways to make her educational experience meaningful. She has chosen to challenge herself academically throughout high school with several honors and AP level courses. Emma will graduate in June to attend college next fall, and will be missed dearly by the Hall community.