Academic accomplishments lauded at annual awards night

TORRINGTON >> Torrington High School held its annual awards night — an evening anticipated by students and families alike.

Parents and well-wishers looked on from the bleachers Tuesday night as students were called forward to receive accolades for a number of achievements, including academic excellence and citizenship.

The crowd gathered marked these moments of recognition with warm rounds of applause.

Senior class president Erica Morrison and Student Council board president Gina Lucia made the many presentations.

Among the many awards bestowed on students were the Superintendent’s Award to Emreen Bharara, presented by Superintendent of Schools Denise Clemons. Seniors entering the military after high school — David Valentine, U.S. Air Force; Army National Guard, Christopher Ferriolo; U.S. Marines, Thomas Lamont, Favian Moya and John O’Connor; and U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, Neil Nelson; were honored by Elena Sileo. This year’s Army Reserve National Scholar Athletes were Brandon Stater and Gabrielle Vega. Mary DeMarchi received the Teacher Recognition Award.

Darnell Battle and Gina Lucia were this year’s recipients of the Scholastic Excellence Marine Corps Award. The Semper Fidelis Marine Award for Musical Excellence was presented to Andrew Schimanski and Gabrielle Vega. The Distinguished Marine Athlete Award was received by Nicholas Dalla Valle and Aubrey Peterson Hague.

Freshman David Chmielewski was the recipient of the Honors with Distinction award.

Other awards presented through the evening included the American Citizenship Award, the M. Tracy Conway Exchange Club Scholarship Pins, CIAC Scholar Athlete Award of Excellence, the Connecticut Society of Certified Accountants, RPH Kappa-National Social Studies Honor Society, CT Association of Schools Governor’s Scholar Program, senior honors medals, President’s Awards for Academic Excellence and Academic Achievement, university and book awards from various academic institutions, world language exam awards, a most improved award, art and music awards and departmental awards for English and English Language Learner, Social Studies, math, science, art, music, business, technology education, JROTC and physical education, health education, French, Spanish and Italian.

PHOTOS BY BEN LAMBERT — THE REGISTER CITIZEN Torrington High School students were recognized for their accomplishments Tuesday during Academic Awards Night, As students’ names were called, presenters often included a hug as they congratulated their students, many of them seniors who will graduate...