It was a great night at Vernon Center Middle School on Monday. Eighteen students from every Vernon public school were honored for their hard work, academic achievement, character and other positive traits with Superintendent’s Awards.
Vernon’s teacher of the year, Jennifer Roggi, was also recognized for her hard work and devotion to helping students do their best every day.
Proud parents, aunts and uncles, teachers and school administrators celebrated the 18 honorees and snapped photos.
“Tonight, we’re here to recognize the best and brightest in our schools – students and teachers,” Superintendent Dr. Joseph P. Macary said.
And what makes those fifth, eighth, 12th and adult education students the best and the brightest?
“Academic prowess, community service, leadership ability, strong character, innate intelligence, service to others, moral integrity, determination and being a hard worker,” Dr. Macary said. “These 18 students embody these qualities.”
Two Rockville High School students, Carson Dionne and Iris Hida, received the National School Development Council Award got Academic Growth and Student Leadership in Learning.
“Carson Dionne exemplifies the spirit of Rockville High School, both academically and beyond the classroom,” Dr. Macary said. “Dedication to excellence has earned Carson high honors every marking period and secured a place in the top 10 of the class. As a member of the National Honor Society, they have contributed to numerous projects in school and in the community. Carson consistently demonstrates the qualities of leadership, dedication and service that enrich our school.”
“Iris has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout her time at Rockville High School,” Dr. Macary said. “She currently serves as the class president and the vice president of the National Honor Society. Iris also serves as the president of the Student Athlete Leadership Team, guided her teammates in cross country, track and lacrosse, and helps younger athletes navigate their own leadership roles. Iris serves as a role model for peers, demonstrating that true leadership combines talent, heart and a commitment to lifting others.”
Rockville High School students Thomas Glinski Jr. and Chloé Hazel won Superintendent’s Awards.
“Tommy is an exceptional student whose dedication to service, leadership and academic excellence makes him standout member of the Rockville High School community,” Dr. Macary said. “What truly sets Tommy apart is his deep commitment to helping others, most notably through the creation and leadership of his annual community service called ‘Socktober.’”
Socktober began when Tommy was in elementary school and has grown over the years as more and more people donate socks for people who are homeless.
“He has been a valued member of the volleyball team during his time at RHS, and has taken the helm as videographer for several sports teams,” Dr. Macary said. “He is a high honor student who challenges himself with a rigorous course load, including AP music theory and public speaking. He is a member of the National Honor Society. Tommy’s leadership, compassion and consistent dedication to making a difference embody the values celebrated by the Superintendent’s Award.”
“Chloé is a dedicated, hard-working and forward-thinking student whose commitment to excellence is evident in every area of her life,” Dr. Macary said. “At Rockville High School, she has distinguished herself academically. She approaches each challenge with focus, determination, a thoughtful mindset, consistently striving to exceed expectations while developing skills which will serve her in the future.
“Chloé’s commitment to service is equally impressive. Through the National Honor Society, she has completed individual volunteer projects and actively participated in chapter community service. Her dedication, leadership and commitment to both academic and community excellence make her an outstanding example of a student who inspires while preparing for a bright and purposeful future.”
Center Road School students Tyler D’Amora and Claire Laporte received Superintendent’s Awards.
“Tyler is an outstanding leader and role model at Center Road School,” Dr. Macary said. “Tyler embodies the values we strive to instill in every student – leadership, empathy, responsibility, and a strong sense of community. He approaches challenges with a positive attitude, encourages others to do their best, and is willing to lend a helping hand. Tyler’s quiet confidence and genuine care for others has made him an exceptional role model and leader here in Vernon.”
“Claire is an exceptional student and valued member of the Center Road School community,” Dr. Macary said. “In the classroom, Claire demonstrates a strong work ethic, a growth mindset and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. She actively participates in every subject, asks thoughtful questions to deepen her understanding and approaches new challenges with perseverance and optimism. Claire’s positive attitude, dedication and integrity make her a wonderful role model for her peers and a shining example of what it means to be a Center Road School Roadrunner.”
Lake Street School students Auden Tierney and Luciana Verdeja Velasco received Superintendent’s Awards.
“Auden is an outstanding fifth grader whose empathy, curiosity and leadership make him an exceptional candidate for the Superintendent’s Award,” Dr. Macary said. “He demonstrates a strong commitment to service and community through his many leadership roles at Lake Street School, serving as the school meteorologist and member of the morning announcements team, safety patrol and Sight Word Buddies. Outside of school he continues to model teamwork and dedication through his involvement in the local soccer league and townwide sporting program. Auden’s empathy, self-awareness and thoughtful perspective inspire those around him, reflecting the very best of Lake Street School’s values.”
“Luciana is an exceptional fifth grade student whose dedication, compassion and leadership make her a deserving recipient of the Superintendent’s Award,” Dr. Macary said. “Academically, Lucy demonstrates consistent excellence and curiosity as a well-rounded learner, participating the Lego League, Endeavor Classes, Band and Chorus. Lucy’s enthusiasm, helpful spirit and deep empathy for others make her a positive role model a true leader within her school community.”
Maple Street School students Jamie Fernandez and Dianelys Roman Matos received Superintendent’s Awards.
“Jamie is a Maple Street student who embodies all of our core values,” Dr. Macary said. “She is kind, follows directions the first time given, holds herself and others to high expectations and has a growth mindset. Her classmates look to her as a role model and as someone who is not easily influenced by others. She participates in the Student Council, support younger readers through their book buddies program and is a proud member of the school safety patrol.”
“Dianelys is a smart, caring and kind individual,” Dr. Macary said. “She works hard throughout her school day and helps others around her when they need it. Each day she brings smiles to her classmates and teachers throughout the building. She is a role model to her peers and to younger students in the school.”
Northeast School students Shahzeen Ali and Emma Cook received Superintendent’s awards.
“Shahzeen is a shining example of dedication and excellence and we are so proud to celebrate her as a recipient of the Superintendent’s Award,” Dr. Macary said. “She is not only a talented and hardworking student, but is also a kind and helpful friend to her classmates. Beyond her many school commitments, she also enjoys playing volleyball spending time with her baby sister and even creating bracelets to sell at her dad’s store. Shahzeen’s positive attitude, leadership and willingness to help others makes her a true role model.”
“Emma is an outstanding student who demonstrates dedication in all that she does,” Dr. Macary said. “She consistently excels across all academic areas and goes above and beyond to produce high-quality work. At Northeast School, she is a member of the running club, the business club, the school band, robotics and chorus. Outside of school, she participates in an improv club, where she enjoys thinking on the spot without a script. Emma’s hard work, talent and commitment to excellence make her a shining example of what it means to be a Northeast School student.”
Skinner Road School students Sara Mishra and Aashvi Puri received Superintendent’s Awards.
“Sara puts forth maximum effort and produces exceptional work across all academic areas and does so with excitement for learning,” Dr. Macary said. “She has been and continues to be a role model for her peers and exemplifies leadership in all settings. Sara is a member of the school band, where she plays the flute, and is a part of the school chorus and student council. She’s respectful, kind, responsible and accountable to adults and peers alike. Sara works hard to achieve excellence. She is an outstanding student, friend, citizen and role model at Skinner Road School.”
“Aashvi works hard to produce exceptional work in all academic areas and is a passionate learner,” Dr. Macary said. “She continuously sets a remarkable example as a student, both independently and in groups. In addition to her regular classes, she participates in the school band, where she plays the flute, and is also part of the News Crew, writing the script for the news daily, and sings in the school choir. She is a proud member of Lego League, where she completes yearly with other school districts. She is also responsible, respectful, empathetic toward staff and students. She is always willing to be a team player and help others succeed. She is a great example of someone who positively contributes to the school community.”
Vernon Center Middle School students Valeria Arrazola-Martinez and Valeria Yrayta received Superintendent’s Awards.
“Valeria is a mature, humble and determined young leader whose positive energy and warm personality make her a role model in her classes and within the school community,” Dr. Macary said. “She approaches her role as a student with focus, responsibility and kindness. We’ve noticed how much she seems to balance excellence with humility. Last year she represented her Mexican heritage by speaking to the entire school during Hispanic Heritage Month, inspiring others with confidence and authenticity. She leads with her intellect and with her heart – reminding all of us what it means to ‘Shine quietly, but brightly.’”
“Valeria is a hard-working and dedicated student who comes to class each day prepared, eager to learn and ready to give it her all,” Dr. Macary said. “She approaches every day with a positive attitude and genuine desire to do her best. She’s a member of the Vernon Center Middle School soccer club, where she displays school spirit and teamwork. She can also be found helping out at her church, consistently giving it her all, whether it is in the classroom or extracurricular activities to make a positive impact on everyone around her. Teachers are proud of her and consider themselves fortunate to have her as a student this year.”
The Vernon Public Schools also honored two students in the Vernon Regional Adult Base Education program, also known as VRABE. Vernon is proud to host the adult education program and to serve adult learners throughout the region, Dr. Macary said.
VRABE students Madison Sargeant and Nancee Vega received Superintendent’s Awards.
“Madison is a dedicated student in the credit diploma program,” Dr. Macary said. “Her strong work ethic is matched by her encouragement of others. She often inspires her classmates to keep pushing forward and to complete their work and achieve success. Her infectious smile and positive personality light up a room. Her post-secondary goal is to become a nurse.”
“Nancee’s dedication to her education is outstanding,” Dr. Macary said. “She has maintained excellent academic attendance and commitment to earning her GED. Nancee shows leadership in the classroom and is a perfect role model for other VRABE students. She is right on track to complete her GED in 2026 and hopes to open a Spanish restaurant in the next adventure after earning her GED.”
Vernon Center Middle School Principal Melissa Luke said Vernon Teacher of the Year Jennifer Roggi is a leader in math education and student engagement.
“Her deep content knowledge and relentless curiosity drive her to continually refine her teaching practice and ensure she reaches every learner in her classroom,” Luke said. “She is student focused and never lets them give up when it comes to mathematics and empowers students to take ownership of their learning.”
As the instructional leader of the match department, “her leadership continues to elevate the department and inspire others,” Luke said.
Dr. Macary told the honorees that he and other district leaders are proud of them.
“You have earned special recognition as leaders, scholars and role models for your peers,” Dr. Macary said. “This is one achievement in your career that will be the foundation of many more to come.”