New Canaan High School recently held its highly anticipated Annual Recognition Assembly, where more than 120 students were honored for their exceptional accomplishments in various fields, including academics, arts, athletics, and community service. The event served as a testament to the outstanding achievements of these young individuals and the positive impact they have had on both the school and the community.
During the ceremony, overall achievement awards were presented to deserving students, celebrating their hard work and dedication. Ari Rothman, award presenter and Assistant Principal at New Canaan High School remarked to the recipients, “You've done well for yourselves and for the school community. Your hard work, service, character and leadership has made this a better place to learn and work.” Recognitions included awards in variety of disciplines, memorial awards, and overall achievement awards, including the Superintendent’s Award, the New Canaan Community Foundation Community Impact Award, and the National Merit Finalists.
One of the recipients, Peyton Zaletsky, a National Merit finalist, expressed their delight at receiving this prestigious award. Reflecting on the journey, she said, "I was a National Merit semi-finalist because of the PSAT, and I advanced to the finalist standing. Three of us got that, and it was nice to win." She was also honored for her outstanding work in journalism, emphasizing the collective effort of the entire journalism class.
"The five editors-in-chief won that award because we put in a lot of work into journalism. It was definitely a class that I loved being in, and I learned so much from it." She also acknowledged the significant role her NCHS teachers and mentors held during her journey toward receiving these awards. “(My teachers have) … helped me so much … (I’ve been) getting more confident and becoming a better leader,” said Zaletsky. “... (They’ve) helped me just change my mindset about a lot of things and have been really supportive in everything that I do.”
In concluding the ceremony, Mr. Rothman had this to say about the recognition of awards, “It showcases the successful work of our students. The variety of ways our students are recognized benefits New Canaan's reputation of being a school where all types of students achieve and demonstrate success in many ways, not just academically.”
