The following students were named to the fourth quarter honor roll at Stratford High School:

First honors

Grade 12 — Gabriela Aguieiras, Jenna Amoroso, Samantha Belport, Shaquanna Borodack, Ashley Bowers, Samantha Breaz, Samuel Breiner, Brianna Bursey, Crisstal Cabrera, Kelleigh Cantiello, Zane Carey, Christopher Carroll, Danielle Caselli, Piotr Chaber, Phinehas Cleary, Alexander Colwell, Mariah Cortes, Marissa Dacruz, Karen De La Roca, Tyler Devellis;

Also, Jerry Dinan, Nathanael Domschine, Cierra Donald, Joseph Dragone, Dwayne Ely, Jack Erazmus, Derek Falcon, Aritza Federici, Thomas Ferrara, Tarquinn Granado, Allison Granberg, Lance Jamison, Emily Lopez, Alex Masi, Balli Matosko, Michael McClean, Dezmonda’e McKoy, Tera-je McLennon, Kevin Mendoza, Albert Messana, Peter Mongillo;

Also, Alyssa Mucherino, Naomi Mulamba, Bethy Napaul, Mimoza Nasufi, Lauren Padua, Audrey Pancak, Kristin Pantelis, Jason Peoples-Blackwell, Celina Perez, Wodgerry Pompee, Estephanie Ponce, Laura Quijano Jimenez, Alexis Rader, Taylor Reed, Anthony Rivera, Kareem Robinson, Natalia Roman, Victoria Sajaw, Emily Sanchez;

Also, Christian Sarmiento, Haley Schaefer, Lynn Schneider, Kamila Soares, Tania Spencer, Matthew Tecci, Vilma Tomaj, Brittany Torres, Idalis Torres, Kayla Torres, Alana Turner, Anna Velasquez, Kylee Vitka-Lainey, Alexis Williams, Stephanie Winston, Emily Winter, Autumn Wright.

Grade 11 — Marlene Abouaassi, Julia Barksdale, Martha Barragan, Kristina Bennett, Helen Branyan, Timothy Breiner, David Buonantony, Umer Butt, Gabrielle Camarero, Kyle Carmona, John Cox, Joseph Cox, Shannon Dugan, Elissa Dykes, Danielle Evan, Kyle Fasanella, Jakarie Fulton, Nathan Glick, Mackenzie Gold;

Also, Mariah Ingram, Jason Kelly, Helen Langston, Olivia Mastroluca, Joseph McClean, Justin Monah, Gabrielle Olexovitch, Emily Pappas, Danielle Peterson, Michael Petillo, Teresa Petreycik, William Rooney, Tamara Schriffert, Allana Scudder, Anthony Silva de Sousa, Richard Starkey, Jakub Tomaszewski, Kacie Velasquez, Sarah Wright.

Grade 10 — Connor Anderson, Tia Anderson, Ndidi Anekwe, Connor Anstis, Ross Bodington, Britney Boursiquot, Danielle Cisero, Nicholas Cody, Alvaro Fernandez, Erik Flores, Britnie Frances, Samantha Gangemi, Geovanni Garrison, Ryan Gerrity, Zachary Gottlieb, Brooke Haschak, Roula Kouvatas, Kelsey Lepesko, Jean-Paul Lieu, Caroline Londa, Emily Luciano, Jennifer Medina;

Also, Tiffany Mendenhall, Olivia Murray, Allysa Noccioli, Jenna Noccioli, Brandy  Okrah, Tiffany Owen, Anh Pham, Angeleen Pingol, Martha Polanco, Anginette Repollet, Meghan Reynolds, Samantha Rivera, Vanessa Rivera, Alexis Rosado, Molly Ryan, Daniel Schaefer, Katie Schneider, Raghad Serri, Jeffrey Sharnick, Maggie Shea, Nathaniel Shields, Dejanah Smith, Khalil Sokunle, Taisha St Victor, Krystelin Tirado, Brittany Vasquez, Marguerite Walsh, Kaya Wells, Michael Yacik, Brady Young.

Grade 9 — Michael August, Caitlin Bacon, Heather Bacon, Tyler Bailey, Samia Bajonc, Matthew Barrios, Steven Bonazzo, Jada Bryan, Helen Calderon, Ryan Carrano, Jake Chittem, Nicholas Cipriani, Abigail Colwell, Rory Cooper, Emma Cranston, Carmela Daponte-Smith, Kaylee Davidson, Jeremiah Domschine, Kevan Duffy, Ryan Duffy, Mikhaila Eller, Emily Faulkner, Alexandra Flathers, Zachary Flores, Amanda Gallagher, Kate Gavilanes, Emily Goddard, Ariana Granado;

Also, Amanda Haydu, Tyler Heffern, Ameira Hernandez, Steevenson Jean, Trevor Johnson, Trinite Kayembe, Zachary Kenney, Jordan Kinder, Brianna Lapia, Barry Libowitz, Alexis Mackbach, Eric Mackowski, Gillian Mariconda, Cora Martonak, Raymond McIlhoney, Christian Medina, Shannon Meisel, Philip Mercurio, Emily Mucherino, Matthew Murray, Kristen Navarro;

Also, Julianna Nunez, Nichaja Patterson, Kristi Pena, Marley Peterson, John Reed, Jenique Richards, Bryana Rivera, Alicja Rog, Clarissa Rotonto, Emma Sakowicz, Gavin Scofield, Emily Shaw, Hannah Shimura, Aoife Smith, David Tran, Shannon Tripodi, Martina Troncoso, Magda Twardowska, Danny Vega, Daniel Vilarinho, Andrew Visnicky, Dream  Whitaker, Joseph Wierzbicki, Jessica Wills, Ayesha Zahrah, Yasmin Zieneddin.

Second honors

Grade 12 — Bertha Barrios, Giselle Bonilla, Austin Bult, Austin Burgess, Maria Castro, Brett Cody, Livingston Cortez, Aleksandr Danilowicz, Christopher DeCrescenzo, Gueber Docteur, Nelson Duque, Jakeem Everett, Nicholas Fasnakis, Kelsey Gabris, Lauren Goodrich, Meagan Guanill, Wassim Haddad, Katharine Himpel, Schekina Jean, Destiny Jefferson, Stephen Jepsen;

Also, Coralie Joseph, Crystal Kantzas, Husnain Khalid, Jackson Kiernan-Morris, Katherine Krasniewicz, Michael Lapia, Anthony Larregui, Jonathan Leso, Angela Mariano, Athanasios Panolis, Kayla Penna, Kassie Poruban, Samantha Rivera, Matthew Schaefer, Zachary Scott, Emma Simmons-Wignall, Carlos Soto, Evan Tate, Matthew Tomsheck, Kylani Walker, Patrick Warren, Miles Wilson, Lauren Wright.

Grade 11 — Donia Alkandry, Elmar Barrios, Laura Battey, Grace Belport, Jackson Bonazzo, Daniel Brennan, Jonathan Brooks, Michelle Buzzanca, Matthew Canapetti, Ian Carrano, Brooke Carter, Frederick Clark, Marjhae Clarke, Lena Cleary, Daniel DeCilio, Jomaris Echevarria, Chantal Fraser, Jayla Frederick, Gillian Goddard, Katherine Goodrich, Autumn Graham, Christopher Hamilton, Sarah Idarraga;

Also, Ashley Jean-Pierre, Audray Joseph, Sarah Kotsay, Megan Leonard, Manfred Lima, Willie McCallister, Darla Moss-Clarke, McKayla Owen, Sylwia Pajorek, Brett Patrick, Brianna Pensanti, Brianna Rotonto, Zohrah Sarpas, Rachel Scott, Noah Shaw, Christopher Smith, Rebeca Spear, Abdel Tcham, Victoire Tshitenge, Michael Turzer, Nalyahnie Valentin, Alyssa Vavala, Maria Velasquez.

Grade 10 — Maher Alsakkaf, Benjamin Andrade, Mackenzie Bakos, Brianna Braham, Amelia Brennan, Shaiann Bridges Potts, Alan Brzuszko, Ashley Carcamo-Martinez, Shawn Chambers, Jeremiah Collazo, Jeremy  Corpuz, Emanuel Cruz, Kathryn Cullen, Olivia Donnelly, Isabella Figueroa, Warren Francois, Tristan Frownfelter, Charlotte Haas, Caitlin Hoey, Kaitlyn Keegan, Steven Koripsky, Emma Lacourciere, Daija Lockley;

Also, Carley Lubas, Leanne Lubas, Peter Luong, Erique McCalla, Rebecca McMahon, Sam Noccioli, Nathalie Pacheco, Megan Pale, Terry Ramalho, Brandon Rashan, Nicole Richards, Sabrina Saad, Rayanne Santos, Daire Smith, Zachary Toth, Colin Townsend, Moise  Tshitenge, Jashua Velazquez-Rodrigues, Tyler Verissimo, Rebekah Wargo,  Emily Wilson, Sarah Zuiewski, Hannah Zurlo.

Grade 9 — Marah Aljleilati, Zachary Anderton, Dakota Benson, Robert Bloxsom, Samantha Bobko, Taylor Brady, Christian Camacho, Allyson Campbell, Marissa Cantiello, Ryan Cooper, Daniel Cox, Payton Damato, Danielle Dantas, Scott Detuzzi, Belita Dos Santos, Brendan Duffy, Elise Dunning, Diane Ervil, Natanael Garcia, Deanna Giardina, Molly Hines;

Also, Gardison Jean, Dahmone Joseph, Anjel Juarez, Brianna Lora, Amanda Lubin, Isabella Moshier, Lauren Nadzam, Jovanny Riley, Samantha Ritchie, Antonio Sciarappa, Jalon Scudder, Zachary Shaham, Reilly Simpson, Jaylin Terry, Ernest Velazquez-Rodriguez, Katherine Weller.

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Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home in Stratford recently held a shredding event to raise funds for the athletic departments of Bunnell and Stratford High Schools.

The funds were divided equally.

Galello funeral home staff member, Christopher V. Pannese gives the check to the Athletic department head David Johnson of Bunnell High School.

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Stratford High School football coach T.J. Cavaliere has been suspended for two games after players were injured during a drill Monday.

Six players were left with blisters after being made to crawl on artificial turf Monday, Sept. 7. Reports say the drill was in response to behavior problems during a scrimmage.

Schools Supt. Dr. Janet Robinson said Thursday that Cavaliere “immediately realized his poor judgement and apologized via email to both the players and their parents.”

Robinson called the two-game suspension “appropriate and sufficient punishment.”

The Red Devils open the season hosting New Milford on Friday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m., then travel to Bethel for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Friday, Sept. 18.

The state Department of Children and Families was notified, following protocol, but did not feel further investigation or action on their part was warranted, Robinson said.

“Again, this was an isolated incident due to a lack of poor judgement [sic],” Robinson said in a statement. “The safety and well-being of our students is our number one priority.”

Cavaliere was hired as Stratford’s head football coach in December 2013. He previously served as Stratford’s varsity wrestling and boy’s lacrosse head coach.

He also was a member of former Stratford High Head Coach Duane Shirden’s football staff from 2004-09, serving as the Red Devils’ offensive coordinator for five years.

During the four years prior to becoming the Red Devils’ head coach, Cavaliere was the offensive coordinator at Jonathan Law High School. He also coached one year at Bullard-Havens in 2003.

Cavaliere hails from Baldwin, NY, where he played four years football and wrestling, three years lacrosse and one year baseball at Baldwin Senior High School. He is a 2003 graduate of Fairfield University, where he was a member of the Stags football team, playing wide receiver and safety.

Update: At a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Robinson said she was “disappointed in this particular thing occurring.” However, she gave Cavaliere credit for coming forward early on.

“I do also believe that people do make mistakes and particularly when someone acknowledges their mistake immediately and comes forward and takes responsibility for it, that they deserve the opportunity to show that they mean well.” she said.

Robinson said parents who contacted her were supportive of the coach.

“The emails I received from parents said yes, it was a mistake, but felt that he was a great role model for their children, he owned up to his mistake and took responsibility and they had great confidence in his coaching their children,” she said.

The superintendent said she was not sure if the injured players will play in Friday’s game. “I’m certain it would depend on how well they feel and whether they can receive the football,” she said.

Cavaliere’s suspension will not affect his job as a teacher at Stratford High School, Robinson said.

SHS athletic director Bob Baird will decide who will coach the football team for the first two games of the season. Baird declined to comment when reached Thursday afternoon, saying the information would have to come from Robinson.

Stratford High School Football head coach T.J. Cavaliere

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Stratford High School class of 1980 is having their 35th reunion Friday, Nov. 27, at 7 p.m., at Vazzy’s, 513 Broadbridge Avenue, Bridgeport.

Cost is $45 per person and includes a dinner buffet, raffles and 50/50 raffle; cash bar.

RSVP by Nov. 13, with payment to Sherri Kelley, 4692 Main Street, Stratford 06614. Checks should be made out to SHS Class of 1980 or cash.

For more information, contact Sherri Kelley by email at s89hearts@sbcglobal.net or by phone 203-375-6281.

Check Facebook for updates:  www.facebook.com, EVENT:  Stratford High School Class of 1980 Reunion.

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Theresa Maraglino (left), Stratford Sister Cities Coordiator of Youth Ambassadors for the Reunion of the Stratfords of the World 2016, assisted by Bonnie Drazdowsky, reviews applications from high school students hopeful of traveling with the Connecticut delegation to the UK. Chosen to represent our town at the world reunion in Stratford-upon-Avon in April, are Bunnell High School seniors Emily Harrison and Olivia Kascak. Freshman Brooks Matthews is the student delegate from Stratford High.

A fund-raiser assisting the young ambassadors with some of their expenses will take place at the Downtown Cabaret in Bridgeport on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 4:30 p.m. The music of Rod Stewart as performed by Rick Larrimore will be featured at the party.

Information and seating for the event are available by calling 203-375-0703 or 203-615-1463. Seating is limited. Tickets are $40.

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The following students were named to the first quarter honor roll at Stratford High School:

First honors

Grade 12 — Julia Barksdale, Kristina Bennett, Helen Branyan, Timothy Breiner, Daniel Brennan, David Buonantony, Jordan Carrion, Brooke Carter, Lena Cleary, John Cox, Joseph Cox, Shannon Dugan, Elissa Dykes, Jomaris Echevarria, Danielle Evan, Kyle Fasanella, Chantal Fraser, Nathan Glick, Mackenzie Gold, Autumn Graham, Christopher Hamilton, Sarah Idarraga, Mariah Ingram, Ashley Jean-Pierre, Christopher Jules, Jaebets Kayembe, Jason Kelly;

Also, Helen Langston, Shelby Mackowski, Olivia Mastroluca, Joseph McClean, Justin Monah, Darla Moss-Clarke, Sylwia Pajorek, Brett Patrick, Michael Petillo, Aileen Pingol, William Rooney, Brianna Rotonto, Jackson Royal, Worlbee Samson, Tamara Schriffert, Zachary Smith, Richard Starkey, Jakub Tomaszewski, Victoire Tshitenge, Kacie Velasquez, Jashua Velazquez-Rodrigues, Mark Wright.

Grade 11 — Connor Anderson, Ndidi Anekwe, Anuoluwapo Atoyebi, Mackenzie Bakos, Brianna Braham, Shawn Chambers, Jeremy Corpuz, Emanuel Cruz, Bexhet Dovolani, Isabella Figueroa, Chlorie Francois, Warren Francois, Samantha Gangemi, Geovanni Garrison, Justin  Gendron, Ryan Gerrity, Brooke Haschak, Caitlin Hoey, Jessica Homburg, Roula Kouvatas, Jean-Paul Lieu, Daija Lockley, Michael McLennon, Tiffany Mendenhall, Amanda Meyer, Allysa Noccioli;

Also, Brandy Okrah, Giovanni Oliver-Volterra, Tiffany Owen, Amanda Pale, Angeleen Pingol, Olivia Plavcan, Brandon Rashan, Meghan Reynolds, Samantha Rivera, Vanessa Rivera, Sabrina Saad, Janessa Saez, Gabriella Sanchez, Rayanne Santos, Daniel Schaefer, Raghad Serri, Maggie Shea, Dejanah Smith, Khalil Sokunle, Franklin Vasquez, Marguerite Walsh, Luke Webb, Kaya Wells, Brady Young.

Grade 10 — Lourie Alcide, Marah Aljleilati, Taysean Allah, Christopher Antrum, Michael August, Caitlin Bacon, Heather Bacon, Tyler Bailey, Samia Bajonc, Milton Barrera-Garcia, Steven Bonazzo, Jada Bryan, Marissa Cantiello, Christopher Carey, Ryan Carrano, Madison Carrillo, Zohaa Chaudhary, Nicholas Cipriani, Abigail Colwell, Rory Cooper, Daniel Cox, Emma Cranston, Payton Damato, Kaylee Davidson, Scott Detuzzi, Jeremiah Domschine, Brendan Duffy, Kevan Duffy, Ryan Duffy, Mikhaila Eller, Emily Faulkner, Zachary Flores, Amanda Gallagher, Cassandra Gilbert, Rebecca Glaudin, Emily Goddard, Tyler Heffern;

Also, Ameira Hernandez, Gardison Jean, Louice-Guerlyn Jean, Steevenson Jean, Amanda Jeffreys,  Trevor Johnson, Jordan Kinder, Brianna Lapia, Michael Little, Brianna Lora, Alexis Mackbach, Therell Mayes, Raymond McIlhoney, Christian Medina, Shannon Meisel, Stephany Morales, Isabella Moshier, Matthew Murray, Lauren Nadzam, Kristen Navarro, Nichaja Patterson, Marley Peterson, Chloe Plavcan, John Reed, Jenique Richards, Bryana Rivera, Alicja Rog, Clarissa Rotonto, Emma Sakowicz, Connor Schuessler, Gavin Scofield, Jalon Scudder, Zachary Shaham, Hannah Shimura, Aoife Smith, Danny Vega, Daniel Vilarinho, Andrew Visnicky, Dream Whitaker, Joseph Wierzbicki, Yasmin Zieneddin.

Grade 9 —  Ayziah Abner, Ashley Alicea, Allison Boursiquot, Samuel Branyan, Jackson Buchanan, Samantha Carbone, Christiana Carrillo, Jared Carrion, Catelyn Clark, Edwin Cordero, Alexa Crea, Jacqueline DeCrescenzo, Walter Erenhouse, Matthew Fasanella, Evan Fernandes, Bryce Forte, Ryad Fudl, Nathan George, Charlotte Gilbert, Isiaha Gonzalez, Ashley Gramajo, Bao-Van Huong, Gabrielle Jacob, Evans Jean, Kairyn Jimenez, Joseph Jones, Abigail Joy, Megan Kozlowski, Jaspar Law, Saraya  Lewis, Kelly Londa, Walter Luciano;

Also, Julia Mahoney, Facundo Mateo, Brooks Matthews, Stacy Medina, Kevin Mejia, Jennifer Melo, Vanessa Merced, Gianella Moyano, David Nalezynski, Charles Nguyen, Iryna Oliinyk, Caeley Ott, Chloe Pappas, Madyson Perley, Elizabeth Rohrs, Faye Rooney, Patricia Rotonto, Jacob Russomano, Brandon Sixto, Sanoma Smart, Cameron Smith, Evan Solis, Julia Torreso, Maria Troncoso, Tod Turner, Shea Tyler, Nnenna Ugenyi, Grecia Villavicensio, Anthony Wilcoxson, Melissa Wilson, Cheree Wright, Jenna Zabaneh, Carly Zajac, Logan Zezima.

Second honors

Grade 12 — Marlene Abouaassi, Victoria Almeida, Nazea Anderson, Payton Barta, Laura Battey, Savanna Bellantoni, Grace Belport, Jackson Bonazzo, Christian Bradley, Ethan Brokelschen, Jonathan Brooks, Joana Brousseau, Matthew Burns, Umer Butt, Michelle Buzzanca, Gabrielle Camarero, Matthew Canapetti, Kyle Carmona, Ian Carrano, Ricard Castaneda, Jeremiah Collazo, Joshua Colon, Zachary Dillon, John Duffy, Stephanie Gabriel, Nastassya Garcia, Gillian Goddard, David Goldstein, Jordan Gordon, Kayla Hughes, Troy Jordan, Hailey Jorge, Audray Joseph, Sarah Kotsay, Madison Lazaro, Megan Leonard;

Also, Willie Llera, Stefan Louis, Hayle Lyons, Maya Marrero, Mark Mastrone, Keith Murphy, Esmileyn Nivar, Nathaniel Nunez, Gabrielle Olexovitch, McKayla Owen, Emily Pappas, Danielle Peterson, Teresa Petreycik, Christopher Rodas, Jackson Sainville, Zohrah Sarpas, Rachel Scott, Allana Scudder, Saravout Sirichantho, Christopher Smith, Kenny Sorrentino, Justin Steinberg, Genesis Torres, Nalyahnie Valentin, Alyssa Vavala, Maria Velasquez, Sarah  Wright.

Grade 11 — Kirsten Adams, Bridget Amiot, Connor Anstis, Nara Baldoni, Ross Bodington, Britney Boursiquot, Amelia Brennan, Shaiann Bridges Potts, Ashley Carcamo-Martinez, Lauren Cesar, Danielle Cisero, Sands Cleary, Brandon Crawford, Kathryn Cullen, Joshua DeJesus, James Dotterman, John Dotterman, Stephen Duncanson, Thomas Fernandes, Erik Flores, Britnie Frances, Matthew Gerrity, Charlotte Haas, Kayla Harvin, Kaitlyn Keegan, Kelsey Lepesko, Caroline Londa, Leanne Lubas, Emily Luciano, Rahaf Mansour, Mario Masso;

Also, Rebecca McMahon, Steven Medina, Naje’ Mitchell, Sabrina Morales, Dachene Morris, Olivia Murray, Sam Noccioli, Adetayo Olatinwo, Nathalie Pacheco, Anh Pham, Martha Polanco, Terry Ramalho, Anginette Repollet, Nicole Richards, Keyona Rilley, Victoria Rodriguez, Alexis Rosado, Vanessa Russo, Molly Ryan, Isaiah Schmidt, Katie Schneider, Peranai Sirichantho, Kyla Soares, Taisha St Victor, Raymond Stancil, Steven Surmaczewicz, Cassidi Sutherland,  Krystelin Tirado, Koe Tsutsumi, Robert Vena, Tyler Verissimo, Emily Wilson, Michael Yacik.

Grade 10 — Juan Alvarez Librado, Dakota Benson, Robert Bloxsom, Samantha Bobko, Taylor Brady, Olivia Brooks, Helen Calderon, Shyla Caserta, Tabitha Charlestin, Jake Chittem, Ryan Cooper, William Das, Anthony Davis, Belita Dos Santos, Alexandra Flathers, Ian Gold, Ariana Granado, Naishia Gray, Amanda Haydu, Molly Hines, Dahmone Joseph, Trinite Kayembe, Zachary Kenney, Barry Libowitz, Gillian Mariconda, Caroline Marin, Cora Martonak;

Also, Philip Mercurio, Emily Mucherino, Victoria Owusu-Afriyie, Damian Quinones, Brandon Ramirez, Samantha Ritchie, Briana Rivera, Emmanuel Sainville, Marc Seeley, Emily Shaw, Reilly Simpson, Victoria Sorrentino, Emily Sosik, Chyna Tisdale, Adriana Tomaj, Kamrock Tovar, David Tran, Shannon Tripodi, Martina Troncoso, Magda Twardowska, Jessica Wills.

Grade 9 — Christopher Anstis, Nicole Brito, Allison Brown, Isabella Brown, Skyla Cedeno, Nelson Cortes, William Cummings, Brianna D’Aloia, Riley Danforth, Laura Daniel, Emanuel Deida, Jack DeLise, Jesse Fabrizio, Karli Flores, Bobbi Frye, Heriberto Gonzalez, Giovanni Gramajo, Eyliana Hernandez, Ariel Jones, Joyce Kayembe, Dylan Kravitz, Timothy Laing;

Also, Tristan Lariccia, Taylor Lubas, Justin Masi, Jordynne Mateo, Juan Medina, Kenneth Mendoza, Kerrigan Murphy, Amelia Overby, Ashleigh Patrick, Grace Perez, Stevie Pezzullo, Julian Pilla, Summer Reid, Rachel Sajaw, Lydia Schmader, Braydon Seaburg, BobbieJune Singer, Quintan Staton, Eugene Stinson, Niyah Thomas, Kevon Turner, Loreina Vasilakos, Preston Williams, Madison Winter, Angela Yi.

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Members of Stratford High School, class of 1965 have begun a scholarship fund whereby, each year, two deserving Stratford High seniors will be chosen and will be awarded monies.

The scholarship fund to date, has collected more than $12,000, entirely donated by members of the class of ’65.

With this legacy, the class of 1965 hopes to encourage other alumni to create their own scholarship funds and give back to their communities.

Contributions to the scholarship fund may be sent to: Harold Rosnick at Miller, Rosnick, D’Amico & Butler PC, 1087 Broad Street, Bridgeport., CT,06604. Checks payable to Harold Rosnick, Trustee. Include SHS Scholarship Fund in memo line. Donations are tax deductible.

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The Stratford High School Class of 1965 recently held their 50th reunion weekend arranged by the committee members Ruth (Evans) Masso, Holly (Butler) Edwards, Jean (Pizzuto) Jelenik, Tom Brown, Hal Rosnick, Dave Bagley, and Jo-Anne (Stortini) Stanko. Members of the class came from as far as California to reminisce about their days as North Paraders.

The reunion weekend kicked off on Friday, Nov. 6 with a tour of Stratford High and performances by the cheerleaders, a capella choir and dance teams. On Friday night, the alumni watched the football team take on Joel Barlow at Pender’s Field. Saturday morning the Class of 65 continued to celebrate with a round of golf and the reunion dinner in the evening at Mill River Country Club. To finish off the weekend celebrations there also was a breakfast at Mill River.

Besides reconnecting with classmates, perhaps one of the best outcomes of the reunion was the generous donations made by the members of the class which have now initiated a Class of 1965 Scholarship Award. Organizers intentionally kept reunion frills and the resulting cost to a minimum in hopes that classmates would donate to a scholarship fund, recognizing Stratford High’s contributions to their present success. Organizers never expected to collect $12,000 in just a few short hours. The funds collected will recognize one male and one female graduating senior who demonstrate unrecognized potential and have displayed service to the school and Stratford community throughout their high school years with a $1,000 scholarship. Members of the reunion committee hope that their success will inspire future classes to take up similar collections at their class reunions as well.

If you are a member of the SHS Class of 1965 and would like to contribute to the scholarship, contact Ms. Jo-Anne Stanko (Stortini) at 203-377-1401, jstanko007@aol.com or Ms. Ruth Masso (Evans) at 203-378-1878, ramasso@sbcglobal.net. For more information about starting a scholarship at Stratford High School, contact SHS Scholarship Chairperson, Christina Rusate at 203-385-4230, rusatec@stratfordk12.org.

Harold Rosnick and JoAnne Stortini Stanko, members of the Class of 65 Reunion Committee, and Stratford High School Principal Jack Dellapiano.

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To the Editor:
When I served on the council, the council at the time supported the Stratford High Project. We made sure that this project kept moving forward. Fast forward a couple months and the new freak show begins! It seems the shenanigans are starting, already, with some members of the Democratic Majority, including the chair.

I inquired at Town Hall about the bonding ordinance for the Stratford High School project. I was told the finance director gave the council chair all the ordinances needed to up the amount for the project. Since the project was more expensive because of additional costs, the ordinances have to be updated.

It was my understanding; the chair of the council left it off the January agenda. I found out, that some members of the Democratic majority were looking to kill the project. They wanted to do consolidation of both high schools into one. That idea was looked at and was proven not feasible.

We have millions of dollars invested in the Stratford High renovation project already. We have already hired an architect, construction manager and other consultants. They want to waste money by killing a project we have already spent money on.

Are they willing to gamble with the school losing its accreditation? We have $70 million or more at risk in state funding being lost, because the chair, and some of the council members, are opposed to the project moving forward. I strongly urge the chair to place the Stratford High ordinance changes on the agenda and encourage the council to pass it.

Put aside your own agenda and do what is right by the kids and the taxpayers of this town. The school is falling apart and this project needs to move forward!  Never mind wasting taxpayers’ dollars on consolidating schools, when we are already involved deeply in Stratford High project.

Parents of Stratford High kids, let your councilmember know you support the project moving forward! We only have until April, and, the state will likely make us start back at square one again for state funding.

Jason Santi

Former Town Councilman

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To the Editor:

I was glad to read Marc Dumas’ editorial last week clarifying the town council’s views on the Stratford High School renovation. I appreciate that the new Town Council is taking steps to vet the SHS renovation project — it is more than appropriate to look at the numbers, confirm the reimbursement rate and bonding.

However, the discussion of whether Stratford should have one high school? That train has left the station. That plan had been deemed unworkable for a variety of reasons. Since renovation plans for SHS have been stalled and delayed now for about 10 years, the school campus has continued to be neglected and allowed to deteriorate. (As a parent of a recent SHS grad, and after being very involved in beautification efforts at the school, I’ve seen first hand the many difficulties facing the campus facilities. Water damage continues to get worse in some parts of the building and thus fears of mold – amongst other structural and aesthetic issues.)

By all means, the Town Council should review this project. But once that process is done, it’s time to vote to approve it, get behind it, and start breaking ground as soon as possible so that Stratford High can finally advance into the 21st century.

Pete Pantelis

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Stratford High School classes of 2016 and 2019 will host Breakfast with the Bunny on Saturday, March 5, from 9-11 a.m., in the Stratford High Cafeteria.

Tickets, at $5, include a complete breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, juice, and more. Raffles, activities, and photos with the Easter Bunny also will be available.

To register in advance click on the link: http://www.tinyurl.com/bunnybreakfast16

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The following students were named to the second quarter honor roll at Stratford High School.

First Honors

Grade 12

Marlene Abouaassi, Julia Barksdale, Payton Barta, Laura Battey, Grace Belport, Kristina Bennett, Helen Branyan, Timothy Breiner, Joana Brousseau, Gabrielle Camarero, Ian Carrano, Jordan Carrion, Brooke Carter, John Cox, Joseph Cox, Shannon Dugan, Elissa Dykes, Jomaris Echevarria, Danielle Evan, Kyle Fasanella, Chantal Fraser, Nathan Glick, Gillian Goddard, Mackenzie Gold, Jasmine Gonzalez, Autumn Graham, Christopher Hamilton, Sarah Idarraga, Ashley Jean-Pierre, Hailey Jorge, Jason Kelly, Sarah Kotsay, Helen Langston, Megan Leonard, Willie Llera, Shelby Mackowski, Maya Marrero, Olivia Mastroluca, Joseph McClean, Justin Monah, Darla Moss-Clarke, Keith Murphy, Renisa Napier, Gabrielle Olexovitch, Sylwia Pajorek, Emily Pappas, Danielle Peterson, Teresa Petreycik, William Rooney, Brianna Rotonto, Jackson Royal, Worlbee Samson, Tamara Schriffert, Allana Scudder, Zachary Smith, Richard Starkey, Jakub Tomaszewski, Victoire Tshitenge, Kacie Velasquez, Nadiya Zayat.

Grade 11

Kirsten Adams, Connor Anderson, Ndidi Anekwe, Britney Boursiquot, Brianna Braham, Ashley Carcamo-Martinez, Lauren Cesar, Shawn Chambers, Jeremy  Corpuz, Brandon Crawford, Emanuel Cruz, Britnie Frances, Samantha Gangemi, Geovanni Garrison, Justin Gendron, Ryan Gerrity, Zachary Gottlieb, Brooke Haschak, Caitlin Hoey, Jessica Homburg, Roula Kouvatas, Jean-Paul Lieu, Daija Lockley, Caroline Londa, Emily Luciano, Rahaf Mansour, Michael McLennon, Tiffany Mendenhall, Amanda Meyer, Sabrina Morales, Allysa Noccioli, Jenna Noccioli, Brandy Okrah, Tiffany Owen, Nathalie Pacheco, Anh Pham, Olivia Plavcan, Meghan Reynolds, Samantha Rivera, Vanessa Rivera, Sabrina Saad, Gabriella Sanchez, Rayanne Santos, Daniel Schaefer, Lucia Solis, Taisha St Victor, Tyler Verissimo, Marguerite Walsh, Brady Young.

Grade 10

Lourie Alcide, Marah Aljleilati, Juan Alvarez Librado, Caitlin Bacon, Tyler Bailey, Samia Bajonc, Steven Bonazzo, Jada Bryan, Christopher Carey, Zohaa Chaudhary, Nicholas Cipriani, Abigail Colwell, Rory Cooper, Emma Cranston, Payton Damato, Kaylee Davidson, Jeremiah Domschine, Kevan Duffy, Ryan Duffy, Mikhaila Eller, Emily Faulkner, Zachary Flores, Amanda Gallagher, Emily Goddard, Ariana Granado, Amanda Haydu, Ameira Hernandez, Molly Hines, Louice-Guerlyn Jean, Steevenson Jean, Zachary Kenney, Jordan Kinder, Brianna Lapia, Brianna Lora, Alexis Mackbach, Therell Mayes, Raymond McIlhoney, Christian Medina, Shannon Meisel, Stephany Morales, Isabella Moshier, Matthew Murray, Edward Nadeau, Lauren Nadzam, Kristen Navarro, Nichaja Patterson, Kristi Pena, Marley Peterson, Jenique Richards, Alicja Rog, Clarissa Rotonto, Emma Sakowicz, Gavin Scofield, Hannah Shimura, Aoife Smith, Danny Vega, Andrew Visnicky, Dream  Whitaker, Joseph Wierzbicki.

Grade 9

Ayziah Abner, Allison Boursiquot, Samuel Branyan, Jackson Buchanan, Samantha Carbone, Christiana Carrillo, Jared Carrion, Catelyn Clark, Alexa Crea, Jacqueline DeCrescenzo, Walter Erenhouse, Matthew Fasanella, Karli Flores, Bryce Forte, Ryad Fudl, Nathan George, Charlotte Gilbert, Isiaha Gonzalez, Ashley Gramajo, Bao-Van Huong, Gabrielle Jacob, Kairyn Jimenez, Abigail Joy, Connor Kerrigan, Megan Kozlowski, Tristan Lariccia, Saraya Lewis, Walter Luciano, Julia Mahoney, Justin Masi, Facundo Mateo, Brooks Matthews, Stacy Medina, Kevin Mejia, Jennifer Melo, Vanessa Merced, Gianella Moyano, Iryna Oliinyk, Caeley Ott, Amelia Overby, Chloe Pappas, Madyson Perley, Elizabeth Rohrs, Faye Rooney, Lydia Schmader, Brandon Sixto, Sanoma Smart, Evan Solis, Julia Torreso, Kevon Turner, Shea Tyler, Nnenna Ugenyi, Grecia Villavicensio, Anthony Wilcoxson, Melissa Wilson, Cheree Wright, Jenna Zabaneh, Logan Zezima.

Second Honors

Grade 12

Mya L Allen, Victoria Almeida, Elmar Barrios, Alyssa Batres, Christian Bradley, Julio Bravo, Daniel Brennan, Umer Butt, Michelle Buzzanca, Matthew Canapetti, Kyle Carmona, Ricard Castaneda, Joshua Colon, Elijah Franceschini, Jakarie Fulton, Stephanie Gabriel, Mackenzee George, Kayla Hughes, Mariah Ingram, Christopher Jules, Jaebets Kayembe, Madison Lazaro, Mark Mastrone, Hamit Nasufi, McKayla Owen, Brett Patrick, Michael Petillo, Aileen Pingol, Christopher Rodas, Timothy Rose, Rachel Scott, Anthony Silva de Sousa, Saravout Sirichantho, Kenny Sorrentino, Genesis Torres, Nalyahnie Valentin, Alyssa Vavala, Jashua Velazquez-Rodrigues.

Grade 11

Maher Alsakkaf, Tia Anderson, Connor Anstis, Anuoluwapo Atoyebi, Mackenzie Bakos, Christopher Castro, Sands Cleary, Kathryn Cullen, Joshua DeJesus, Bexhet Dovolani, Maia Dufane, Mackenzie Dunn, Thomas Fernandes, Alvaro Fernandez, Isabella Figueroa, Erik Flores, Dante’ Francis, Chlorie Francois, Matthew Gerrity, Charlotte Haas, Lauren Holt, Paige Hoydick, Kaitlyn Keegan, Kelsey Lepesko, Carley Lubas, Rebecca McMahon, Olivia Murray, Sam Noccioli, Adetayo Olatinwo, Giovanni Oliver-Volterra, Amanda Pale, Angeleen Pingol, Martha Polanco, Maryana Ramirez, Brandon Rashan, Nicole Richards, Alexis Rosado, Molly Ryan, Katie Schneider, Raghad Serri, Maggie Shea, Dejanah Smith, Kyla Soares, Khalil Sokunle, Raymond Stancil, Brittany Vasquez, Franklin Vasquez, Robert Vena, Luke Webb, Kaya Wells.

Grade 10

Fawaz Aljleilati, Christopher Antrum, Michael August, Heather Bacon, Milton Barrera-Garcia, Matthew Barrios, Robert Bloxsom, Taylor Brady, Helen Calderon, Marissa Cantiello, Ryan Carrano, Madison Carrillo, Shyla Caserta, Jake Chittem, Maxwell Coleman, Ryan Cooper, Daniel Cox, Anthony Davis, Belita Dos Santos, Brendan Duffy, Alexandra Flathers, Cassandra Gilbert, Tyler Heffern, Gardison Jean, Amanda Jeffreys, Trevor Johnson, Anjel Juarez, Eric Mackowski, Gillian Mariconda, Caroline Marin, Cora Martonak, Philip Mercurio, Emily Mucherino, Chloe Plavcan, Sara Rader, John Reed, Bryana Rivera, Angel Rodriguez, Connor Schuessler, Jalon Scudder, Zachary Shaham, Emily Shaw, Reilly Simpson, Emily Sosik, Chyna Tisdale, Kamrock Tovar, David Tran, Shannon Tripodi, Martina Troncoso, Daniel Vilarinho, Jessica Wills, Anaya Wright, Yasmin Zieneddin.

Grade 9

Christopher Anstis, Anthony Castro, Skyla Cedeno, Edgar Cortes, Nelson Cortes, William Cummings, Kaitlin de Friesse, My Duong, Evan Fernandes, Bobbi Frye, Giovanni Gramajo, Eyliana Hernandez, Evans Jean, Joseph Jones, Raissatou Karim, Joyce Kayembe, Dylan Kravitz, Timothy Laing, Jaspar Law, Kelly Londa, Taylor Lubas, Kerrigan Murphy, David Nalezynski, Kyleen Nelson, Xavier Ortiz, Ashleigh Patrick, Grace Perez, Stevie Pezzullo, Julian Pilla, Summer Reid, Patricia Rotonto, Jacob Russomano, Rachel Sajaw, Braydon Seaburg, Cameron Smith, Niyah Thomas, Maria Troncoso, Tod Turner, Melissa Uhrynowski, Loreina Vasilakos, Preston Williams, Kayla Wilson, Madison Winter, Angela Yi, Carly Zajac.

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To the Editor:

Facts, opinions, questions, and comments for informed decisions: Stratford High School needs repairs, upgrades, and additions at the minimum. Sunday I spoke to Councilman Alan Llewelyn who’s been a project manager. He answered most concerns and questions that I had relative to construction and equipment costs and oversight in planning and until construction is complete. He was highly credible.

I still prefer ex-Superintendent Cornish’s proposal to convert the Wooster School campus to Stratford High School for several reasons. However, the experts felt otherwise.

There is a guaranteed maximum price, project management agreement, and controls within the actual construction, labor, and equipment costs which went from $56 million to $ 125.9 million, because a newer and better building was being constructed, while renovations will be done to the old school. Classrooms will be physically larger and better capable to handle anticipated needs. Additional rooms are planned for more diverse fields of study. There are many positives about the proposed plan.

Conversely, the same administration, party, and Town Council had created the proposed discounted sewer plant sale, inflated sewer fees, and Stratford High School construction plan. They doubled bonded from $56 million to (including $90 and $108 million) $125.9 million. How credible are their escalating school bonding cost estimates found in their agendas, based on their history?

Stratford construction and equipment projects seem to always have ongoing change orders boosting costs not covered by experts who are involved until project is complete. So far solar or renewable energy isn’t included as not cost effective. No one can foresee jobs, products, and services which have never existed due to rapid technological evolution, which will affect demands and costs to high schools and education.

Is it unfair to observe that so far Daponte’s town councilors and Feehan’s Board of Education limited selective transparency, and their voting appear to rubber stamp and cover for predecessors and other government departments preferred treatment over public interests? Consent dissent? Arthur Conan Doyle: “Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.”  

George E. Mulligan

The post LETTER: Seeking an informed decision appeared first on Stratford Star.

Stratford High School Drama Society will present South Pacific, the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical on Friday, April 1, at 7:30 and Saturday, April 2, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., in the school’s John F. Kennedy Memorial Auditorium.

All tickets are $10.

For more information call 203-380-6777, ext. 1234 or visit stratfordhigh.stratfordk12.org.

The musical, composed by Richard Rodgers, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and book by Hammerstein and Joshua Logan, premiered in 1949 and was an immediate hit, running for 1,925 performances. The plot centers on an American nurse stationed on a South Pacific island during World War II who falls in love with a middle-aged expatriate French plantation owner but struggles to accept his mixed-race children. A secondary romance, between a U.S. lieutenant and a young Tonkinese woman, explores his fears of the social consequences should he marry his Asian sweetheart. The issue of racial prejudice is candidly explored throughout the musical and is one that is especially relevant today.

“My character (Ensign Nellie Forbush) finds herself conflicted with her love for Emile and her misgivings against his first ‘mixed’ marriage and his children who are half French and half Tonkinese,” said senior Julia Barksdale. “It is a traditional musical with classic songs, and it’s still relevant and entertaining today.”

Senior Chris Smith agrees that the show does explore timely issues and that he was surprised that it deals with the issues it does. “I didn’t think that back in the time when the show first ran people were dealing with those issues.” Like Barksdale, this is Smith’s last show on the Stratford High School stage. “A big part of my four years at Stratford High has been the drama society.”

Chynna Sherrod, another senior soon to graduate, felt an affinity for her character “Bloody” Mary an islander who is “sassy” and constantly questions authority. “The show itself deals with racism and prejudice through working it into its plot to provide a thought provoking and entertaining time for the audience. In the end the characters find that the color of your skin doesn’t matter, what matters is the person who you are.”

“That race doesn’t matter is part of the message that the audience will walk away with,” said Lauren Holt, also a senior. She added that she was also surprised to find that message in the show.

Several of the show’s songs, including Bali Ha’i, I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair, Some Enchanted Evening, There Is Nothing Like a Dame, Happy Talk, Younger Than Springtime and I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy, have become popular standards.

The cast of the production includes (in order of appearance): Chynna Sherrod (Bloody Mary), Didi Anekwe (Bloody Mary’s Assistant), Zach Kenney (Captain George Brackett), Justin Gendron (Commander William Harbison), Clarissa Rotonto (Dinah), Christopher Smith (Emile de Becque), Shyla Caserta (Ensemble), Trish Rotonto (Ensemble), Bay Tait (Ensemble), Missy Unrynowski (Ensemble), Maia Dufane (Ensign Bessie Noonan), Brianna Rotonto (Ensign Connie Walewska), Abbie Joy (Ensign Cora MacRae), Dakota Benson (Ensign Janet MacGregor), Lauren Holt (Ensign Lisa Minelli), Julia Barksdale (Ensign Nellie Forbush), Maggie Walsh (Ensign Nellie Forbush), Paige Hoydick (Ensign Pamela Whitmore), Rebekah Wargo (Ensign Sue Yaeger), Phoebe Lindsey (Henri/Ensemble), Mason Murray (Jerome), Sam Rivera (Lead Nurse Lt. Genevieve Marshall), Caeley Ott (Liat), Evan Fernandes (Lieutenant Buzz Adams), Sam Noccioli (Lieutenant Joseph Cable), Jeremiah Domschine (Marine Corporal Hamilton Steeves), Gabriella Dufane (Ngana), Matthew Pond (Professor), Dan Vilarinho (Radio Operator Bob McCaffrey), Barry Libowitz (Seabee Luther Billis), Jake Russomano( Seabee Morton Wise), Jackson Royal (Seabee Richard West), William Jenkins (Seaman James Hayes), Anthony Silva de Sousa (Seaman Quale/Marine Staff Sgt. Hassinger), Zach Smith (Seaman Tom O’Brien/Marine Sgt. Kenneth Johnson), Olivia Murray (Shore Patrol), and Michael Holt (Stewpot [Carpenter’s Mate 2nd Class George Watts]).

The production’s stage crew includes Connor Anderson, Kaitlin de Friesse, Zach Dillon, Zachary Gottlieb, Joseph Green, Eyliana Hernandez, Pugs LaPuglia, Megan Leonard, Jennifer Melo, Rudy Miller, Darla Moss-Clarke, Gabby Olexovitch, McKayla Owen, Chloe Pappas, Emily Pappas, Brianna Pensanti, Danielle Peterson, Summer Reid, Mackenzie Rivera, Rachel Scott, Zack Toth, Madison Winter, and Emily Luciano.

The production staff includes, Producer and Vocal Director Jeff Leinen; Technical Director Mike Rich; Costumes by Susan Barksdale and Nancy Zychek; Props  Zoe Kenney; Hair and Make-up Hannah Rotonto; Stage Director Kevin Miller; Choreographer Meghan Daly and Pit Orchestra Director Mark Ryan.

For more information visit stratfordhigh.stratfordk12.org.

Sam Noccioli, Clarissa Rotonto, Julia Barksdale, Chris Smith, Maggie Walsh (front) work on a scene.

Chris Smith and Julia Barksdale practice a musical number.

Sam Noccioli, Maggie Walsh, Chris Smith, Kevin Miller (stage director), Julia Barksdale (kneeling) run through a scene from the show.

The post South Pacific hits the Stratford High School state, April 1 and 2 appeared first on Stratford Star.

Coffee Break, HAN’s daily news update, airs weekday mornings at 11 a.m. at live.HAN.Network. Or watch it on-demand later (see video below).

Rob Adams joins us with a Nutmeg Sports Update. Donald Eng takes a look back on this day in history.

Below are some of the stories we are following on Tuesday, March 15:

A 15-year-old Darien teen is accused of punching a UPS delivery driver after yelling obscenities at him last week.

In Fairfield, Two hawk attacks on people in the Mill Plain area were reported to police last Friday, according to Hearst CT Media, reviving memories of similar incidents four years ago.

A Roman Catholic priest charged with stealing thousands of dollars from a Seymour parish told authorities he used the money for projects in Africa.

People concerned about the Stratford’’s plans to trap and kill beavers in Roosevelt Forest are asking town officials if anything can be done to change the trapping plans.

A Facebook protest of an upcoming speaking appearance at the Ridgefield Playhouse of a former actor who was once a co-defendant in a murder case will not stop the engagement.

The protest, initiated by former New York City Police Detective John McNicholas of Ridgefield, filled the Ridgefield Facebook page over the weekend.

The state Department of Transportation reports there will be closures in Norwalk on I-95 this week for bridge inspections.

In a classic case of supply and demand, Connecticut drivers are seeing a steady increase in the average price of gas at pump after enjoying relatively lower prices for more than a year.

In Trumbull, The Silverman Group sold Trefoil Park, a five-building corporate campus located at 35 Corporate Drive, for $26.7 million Monday.

After months of discussion, the resolutions needed to finance the Stratford High School renovation project have been approved.

The second annual Peace, Love and Music From Maren (PLM) will take place April 30 at Jonathan Law High School in Milford

The post HAN News, March 15 appeared first on Stratford Star.

To the Editor:

Kudos and hearty congratulations to the cast, orchestra and crew of Stratford High School’s production of South Pacific. As a member of the Arts Commission, I am extremely proud to have been involved with supporting this fine group of student performers who brought life to this still-appropriate and topical Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. Many of the students in the cast participated and were the stars of the Arts Commission April showcase for celebrating creativity. The male and female a cappella choral groups as well as members of the cast dazzled those that were in attendance.

For me, personally, there was an added aspect of pride and excitement, as I had the privilege to direct many of  these outstanding young men and women in elementary and middle school.

Stratford High School, you’ve done us proud.

Bruce Hirsch

The post LETTER: Congrats to crew of South Pacific appeared first on Stratford Star.

About 100 Quinnipiac University graduate and undergraduate students spent the spring semester preparing Stratford and Bunnell high school students for careers in diagnostic imaging, nursing, occupational and physical therapy, social work and as physician assistants. After conversing via email, the students met for the first time April 29 for a special meet-and-greet on the University’s North Haven Campus.

Marci Niemeyer, a first year physician assistant student at Quinnipiac, greeted Bunnell sophomore Jasmine Ochoa with a big hug.

“We’ve been emailing for weeks,” Niemeyer said. “We talked about being a physician assistant, but we also talked about personal stuff, too. I got to know Jasmine. I’m hoping my experiences in life can help her.”

Ochoa said getting to know Niemeyer has only increased her desire to be a physician assistant.

“Marci has really helped me to understand what a PA does and what is to be expected,” Ochoa added.

The Quinnipiac students spent the semester answering questions from and offering insight to about 100 Bunnell of Stratford and Stratford high school students.

“We also work with professional mentors, but the Quinnipiac students are a little closer in age to our students,” said Christina Rusate, a business teacher at Stratford High School. “They can talk to our students about the college process and they can provide insight into different majors. My students were so nervous about meeting their mentors. It’s like a blind date.”

In addition to meeting the students in person, the Quinnipiac students led nine interactive clinical skills stations, ranging from “Curing Disease before it Happens,” to “Therapeutic Use of Play.”

“Through the mentoring program, our students further developed their communication skills, formed partnerships with caring young adults and gathered information so they are able to make informed academic and career decisions,” said Vicki Priddle, a business teacher at Bunnell.

Marci Niemeyer, left, a first year physician assistant student at Quinnipiac University, and Bunnell High School sophomore Jasmine Ochoa, met in person for the first time April 29.

Evonna Ackourey, a diagnostic imaging student at Quinnipiac University, explains how to use an X-ray machine as, background from the left, Anthony Vannucci, Todd Costa and Jessica Gentile watch intently. Vannucci is a Quinnipiac physician assistant student, while Costa and Gentile attend Bunnell High School.

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To the Editor:

On behalf of the Stratford High School 2016 Post Prom Committee and senior graduates, I would like to once again thank our wonderful Stratford businesses for their generous contributions.

This year, the delicious food, gifts, and financial assistance was thanks to: Stratford Community Fund, First Baptism Church, Stratford Chiropractic, SHS Booster Club, Stratford High PTSA, Lordship PTA, Lordship Father’s Club, Connecticut Distributors, Dalling Construction, Electric Heater Company, Stratford Republicans, Milford Bank, Florek & O’Neil, Town of Stratford – Community Services, Enron, Wooster PTA, Capinera, Town of Stratford – Public Works, 99 Restaurant, Acapulcos, Bella Napoli, Blue Sky Diner, BJ’s, Cutspring Deli, Danny’s, Donut Crazy, Gaetano’s, Great Wall, Hannah’s, Icing on the Cake, Jake’s Wayback, Jerry’s Pizza, Joey C’s, Juliano’s, Kirby’s, Krissy’s Korner, Lisa’s Takeout, Lazy Dog, Main Wah, Marnick’s, Maxwell’s, Off The Hook, Panda House, Paradise Pizza, Pickle Barrel, Riverview Bistro, Roly Poly, Salerno, Shop Rite, Stanziales, Starbucks, Stationhouse Wine Bar & Grill, Stratford Academy PTSA, Stratford Recreation, The Sitting Duck, Vazzy’s, and Windmill Tavern.

Thank you as well to the many SHS families and Nina Chambers for always being there for our children of Stratford.

Happy and safe summer to all!

Cindy Belport

SHS Post Prom Committee member

The post LETTER: Thanks from the SHS Post Prom Committee appeared first on Stratford Star.

The 2016 Vicki Soto Memorial Scholarship recipients are Katelyn Root of Bunnell High School, who will be attending Eastern Connecticut State University in the fall and Olivia Mastroluca of Stratford High School, who will be attending Fairfield University in the fall.

Marley Roberts

The Vicki Soto Memorial Scholarship committee also chose a national recipient, from a pool of more than 45 applications from 26 different states: Marley Roberts of Albuquerque, N.M., who will be attending Northern Arizona University.

All graduating seniors will be majoring in education.

2014 scholarship recipient Emily McKay, Katelyn Root and Mathew Soto.

Mathew Soto, Olivia Mastroluca and 2014 scholarship recipient Maggie Bodginton.

The post 2016 Vicki Soto Memorial Scholarship recipients appeared first on Stratford Star.

More charges have been filed against a former Stratford High School teacher who was initially arrested in June.

Gregg Gustafson

Gregg Gustafson, now 47, of Stratford, was charged Wednesday, Sept. 21, with risk of injury to a minor, second-degree strangulation and fourth-degree sexual assault. Stratford Police said the arrest stemmed from an investigation started in February, and referred requests for additional information to the Board of Education.

Gustafson was released on bond and is scheduled to appear at state Superior Court in Bridgeport Bridgeport Oct. 5. According to the state Judicial Department website, bond was $25,000 in after the most recent arrest.

He already faces charges of tampering with a witness, criminal attempt at bribery of a witness and tampering or fabricating evidence, for which he was arrested June 7. He is free on a previously set $25,000 bond and is due to return to court Oct. 25 on those charges.

The arrests come after allegations that Gustafson wrestled with at least one student at a residence in Stratford in February.

Superintendent Janet Robinson said when Gustafson was arrested in June that the parent of a Stratford High student reported that Gustafson had visited their home and behaved inappropriately. Robinson said Gustafson had been wrestling with the students.

Police said in June that Gustafson offered money to one of the complainants in exchange for a change in testimony and destruction of video evidence.

Gustafson, a former math teacher at Stratford High for five years, resigned from his job on March 31. He had been suspended a week earlier, Robinson said in June.

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