Ansonia Announces Top 10 Students

ANSONIA - Bryan Nguy is valedictorian of the Class of 2019 at Ansonia High School, Principal Paul Giansanti has announced. Bryan and the rest of the top 10 students of the class were honored at a banquet, hosted by the Ansonia Board of Education, on May 22 at AHS. In addition, they led their classmates during the commencement exercises on June 7 on Jarvis Field.

All of the top 10 students have earned numerous college credits by completing college-level courses offered by Ansonia High School, and most of the students are going to potentially earn many more for courses they recently completed.

With each course ranging in value from $608 to $3,738 and higher, the top 10 graduates may potentially save more than $30,000, thanks to courses they successfully completed while at AHS.

The completed courses taken by the majority of the top 10 include the following: Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Language and Composition and U.S. History. Students have also taken advantage of numerous other courses, including Physics I and II, Calculus, Computer Science, Modern Western Traditions, and Digital Electronics.

Many college-level courses are offered as a result of partnerships with UConn, the University of New Haven, and HCC (Housatonic Community College).

Here is a brief overview of each student and their accomplishments while attending AHS:

Bryan Nguy, valedictorian, is the son of Bruce Nguy and Quyen Lam.

He is a member of the Junior Statesmen of America, the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society and the Audio and Visual Club. His volunteer work has included helping Prendergast School organize books for their library; guide runners in the Griffin Hospital 5K race; and assisting with the lights and backstage work for AHS concerts and talent shows. Bryan has earned 22 college credits by completing the following college-level courses: Statistics, Chemistry, Language and Composition and U.S. History. Bryan is awaiting the results of testing he completed for the following courses this year: Physics, Literature and Composition, Calculus, Computer Science and Modern Traditions. He could potentially earn an additional 26 credits for courses taken this past year. Bryan is majoring in computer science at UConn in the fall.

Timmy Betancur, son of Nguyen Betancur and Eugenio Betancur, is salutatorian. Timmy has been a member of the AHS Band, the AV Club and the National Honor Society. He has helped to organize books at a local elementary school; assisted in several community events; and guided runners in a local 5K road race. Timmy has earned 24 college credits for the following courses: ECE Statistics, AP Language and Composition, AP Chemistry and ECE U.S. History. He can potentially earn an additional 20 for college credit courses he recently completed, including ECE Physics, AP Computer Science, AP Literature and Composition and AP Calculus. He will be majoring in computer science at Northeastern University.

Samantha Rowland, the daughter of Keith and Christine Rowland, is ranked third. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, and the Global Scholars Club. Samantha is the recipient of the Yale Book Award. She has taken numerous college-credit courses at AHS, including AP/ECE Statistics, AP Language and Composition; ECE/AP Chemistry; AP US History; AP English Literature IV, AP Calculus, AP/ECE Physics and ECE Modern Western Traditions. She has earned 36 Early College Experience credits. Samantha will be attending Fairfield University in the fall.

Cali Brown, daughter of Randy and Maureen Tomlinson, is fourth in her class. Cali is a member of the National Honor Society and the Global Scholars Club. She has taken seven college-credit courses, including AP Biology, AP Language and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP English Literature IV, AP Statistics, AP Psychology and ECE Modern Western Traditions. Cali has earned 21 Early College Experience credits. This fall, she will be attending Clark University and will be taking on a double major course of study in English and Community, Youth and Education.

Julia Ashley Catale, daughter of Joe and Susan Catale, is fifth in her class. Julia is a member of the Girls’ Varsity Soccer team, the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, the Student Ambassadors Club, the Human Relations Club, and the Junior Statesmen of America. She has been honored as a CIAC Scholar Athlete. Julia has served as a sixth grade mentor; has been a member of the Binky Patrol, which makes blankets for children who are hospitalized; and has participated in a veteran’s games night. She recently completed an AP Calculus class. Julia will be majoring in chemistry at Central Connecticut State University.

Nikka Mae Real, daughter of Novie Real, is ranked sixth. Nikka is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, Junior Statesmen of America, the Gay-Straight Alliance, the Human Relations Club and the After School Chorus. She has taken five college-credit courses, including AP Biology, AP Statistics, AP English Literature IV, AP Calculus and AP Physics. Nikka has earned 28 Early College Experience credits. She will be majoring in mechanical engineering at Gateway to UConn.

Lance Praseutsack, son of Pon and Sokho Praseutsack, is ranked seventh. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Audio Visual Club. He has helped out backstage at talent shows and music concerts at AHS; has helped organize books at a local elementary school; has guided runners at a local 5K race; and has helped out at blood drives. Lance has taken numerous college-credit courses, including US History, Chemistry, Physics, Literature and Composition and AP Calculus. He may earn a total of 30 college credits for these courses. Lance will be majoring in mechanical engineering at Clarkson University.

Michael Esposito, son of Andrew and Danielle Esposito, is eighth in his class. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Yearbook Club, and the Spirit Club. Michael served as a student intern. He has taken five college credit courses, including AP/ECE Statistics, AP Biology, AP Language and Composition, ECE/AP History and AP English Literature IV. He has earned 18 Early College Experience credits. Michael will be majoring in business management at UConn.

Dain Padilla, son of Jennifer Walker and David Padilla, is ranked ninth. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Junior Statesmen of America and the Audio Visual Club. He represented AHS at Boys State last year. Dain has taken nine college-credit courses, including AP/ECE Statistics, AP Biology, AP Language and Composition, ECE/AP Chemistry, ECE/AP History, AP English Literature IV, AP Calculus, AP/ECE Physics, and ECE Modern Western Traditions. He has earned 40 Early College Experience credits. Dain will major in criminal justice at UConn.

Sarah Madar, daughter of Eileen and David Madar, is ranked tenth in her class. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Audio Visual Club. Sarah volunteered at nearly every event involving members of the National Honor Society; has helped raise money for the Class of 2019; and assisted the teachers in her dance school. Sarah has taken several college credit courses, including ECE Modern Western Traditions, AP Calculus, AP Computer Science, AP/ECE English Literature and Composition and Digital Electronics. She will be majoring in Interactive Media and Game Arts at Becker College.

(This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools)

Congrats to Ansonia High School's Top 10

This year's Top 10 Ansonia High School graduating seniors stand with Interim Principal Robert Lisi after the Top 10 Banquet in the lobby of the school. Pictured from left, James Nolan, fourth; Linda Adamczyk, seventh; Rose Scalzi, salutatorian; Albert Kwaskiewicz, valedictorian; Shane Mangado, ninth; Dan Majchrzak, third; Lisi; Alex Westine, fifth; Mary Kraynak, eighth; Gabriela Wrobel, sixth; and Danny Kiley, 10th. / Contributed photo

Albert Kwaskiewicz is valedictorian of the Class of 2012 at Ansonia High School, Robert Lisi, interim principal, has announced.

 Kwaskiewicz and the other top 10 students of the class were honored recently at a banquet hosted by the Ansonia Board of Education, at AHS. 

These students will lead their classmates during the commencement exercises scheduled for 6 p.m. June 7 at Jarvis Field. In case of inclement weather the program will be moved into the AHS gymnasium. Approximately 157 seniors will receive diplomas.
    The son of Krzysztof and Zofia Kwaskiewicz, Albert has been active in school and community organizations. 

   A CAPT and AP Scholar, he is also a CIAC Scholar Athlete and winner of the Harvard Book Award, and Excellence in Mathematics and Science Award from the Fairfield University School of Engineering and Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. Kwaskiewicz is president of the Chess Club, captain of the AHS varsity soccer team, and captain of the Stratford Mayan Premier soccer team.

 He is a member of the AHS Art Club and has won a Certificate of Merit in Spanish I, the Academic Excellence Award, and the Outstanding Underclassman Award in English and Art. 

He is a coach of Kickstart Clinic for 3 and 4-year olds, an assistant coach for indoor soccer at the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, and a volunteer for the AHS blood drive. He will major in engineering at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst this fall.
    Rose Marie Scalzi, daughter of Melissa and Joseph Scalzi, is salutatorian. She is involved in numerous school clubs and community organizations, including the National Honor Society, the Interact Club, and the Forensics Club. 

 She has volunteered at Spooner House, the annual Senior Fair, raised money and walked for Breast Cancer Awareness, juvenile diabetes, lupus, and cystic fibrosis. She is also a member of the Sprinters swim team. 

An AP and CAPT Scholar, Scalzi has been selected for the CAPSS (Superintendent’s) Award of Excellence, the Charger Pride Award, St. Michael’s College Book Award, and Certificate of Merit in Spanish. She will major in forensic science and minor in biology at Bay Path College this fall.


    Daniel J. Majchrzak, son of Bozena and Czeslaw Majchrzak, is third in his class. He is president of the Chess Club, a member of the National Honor Society, the FBLA Club, and the AHS varsity baseball team. A CAPT Scholar and AP Scholar, he has won the Outstanding Achievement in Math Award, as well as the Outstanding Achievement Award in Spanish. He has volunteered at the Polish school of Derby and for TEAM in the Toys 4 Tots Drive. He will major in Civil Engineering and minor in accounting at the University of Connecticut.
    James Patrick Nolan, son of James and Linda Nolan, is ranked fourth. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Interact Club at AHS, where he is an AP Scholar and CAPT Scholar and winner of Saint Michael’s College Book Award.  He has volunteered at the soup kitchen, sponsored a family at Christmas, and volunteered at a blood drive. He has a black belt in the martial arts. Nolan will attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he will major in mechanical engineering.
    Alex James Westine, son of Susan and Jeff Westine, is fifth in his class. A CAPT Scholar, he is a member of the National Honor Society and the FBLA Club. He is captain of the AHS Varsity Baseball team, played on the AHS Basketball team for two years and on the football team one year. He has volunteered for Toys 4 Tots and TEAM’s Men Who Cook fundraiser. Westine will major in accounting at Northeastern University.
    Gabriela Wrobel, daughter of Marta and Derek Jarosz, is sixth in her class. She is vice president of the National Honor Society and a member of the Spanish Honor Society, an AP Scholar and CAPT Scholar. Gabriela is a peer mentor for the Freshmen Seminar Program, a member of the Human Relations Club, and captain of the AHS tennis team. She is a perfect attendance award recipient. Wrobel will attend Eastern Connecticut State University in the fall.
    Linda Adamczyk, daughter of Cathleen and Andrew Adamczyk, is ranked seventh. She is active in sports, school clubs and in the community. She is president of the AHS Band, an AP and CAPT Scholar, and winner of the Connecticut Association of Schools Excellent in Arts Award for music and PTSO Award. 
She is a member of the National Honor Society, yearbook staff, and a senior executive officer with the Student Ambassador’s Club. She is captain of the Varsity Tennis team and played on the volleyball and basketball teams at AHS. 
Adamczyk is a volunteer for the North Star Support Group, which is for children with disabilities; has volunteered for the Walk for Autism, Cellphones for Troops, Paws for a Cause, and for the Big Y Community Service Day. She will major in nursing at Southern Connecticut State University. 
    Mary Kraynak, daughter of Joseph and Deborah Kraynak, is ranked eighth. Class president for her four years at AHS, she was selected to attend Connecticut Girl’s State in 2011. She is a member of the Junior Statesmen of America, serving as treasurer and vice president. She has been a Student Ambassador for four years and senior advisor for two years. 

She is a member of the National Honor Society, Drama Club, the Judo Club, and captain of the AHS Soccer Team and Varsity Tennis Team. 
Kraynak has won numerous awards, including New Haven Register’s “Youth of the Year Award” in 2012, the Connecticut Association of Schools Athlete Scholar, Yale Book Award, the Connecticut Association of Schools Award for Student Leadership, and several awards related to her volunteer work with the Civil Air Patrol. 

She has logged over 2,500 hours with the Civil Air Patrol since 2006 and is current a Cadet Lieutenant Colonel. She has volunteered at Griffin Hospital for more than 60 hours and has been an alter server at Holy Rosary Church since 2001. 
Kraynak will complete one year of preparatory school at Kent School, followed by the United States Naval Academy, where she will major in naval engineering with a minor in physics.
    Shane Mangado, son of Elizabeth Murillo, is ninth in his class. President of the National Honor Society, he is Vice President of the Future Business Leaders of America and an officer with the Human Relations Club.
He is a CAPT Scholar and member of the Spanish Honor Society. In the community, Shane has volunteered at Griffin Hospital. He will major in physics at Boston College this fall.
    Daniel Kiley, son of Denise and Daniel Kiley, is ranked 10th. A CAPT Scholar, he is President of DECA, Vice President of the Junior Economic Development Commission, and a member of the CTE Advisory Board at AHS. 

Kiley has played for the AHS Baseball junior and varsity teams. He is a member of the winning team for this year’s Junior Achievement TITAN Business Challenge, a CAPT Scholar and Merit Scholar in Spanish II. 

Kiley was recently notified that he won a four-year scholarship to the University of New Haven as part of UNH’s College of Business Dean’s Scholarship Challenge competition. 
He has volunteered at Special Olympics, Toys for Kids, JA in a Day, and for the city’s JEDC. He will major in management at UNH this fall. 

The above information was taken from a release from Eileen Ehman, grants manager/community liaison, Ansonia Public Schools.