West Hartford’s Hall High School announced the winners of 2019-2020 academic awards via social media, and has provided a list of all recipients.
Submitted by Amy Shaffer, Student Activities/Career Center Coordinator, Hall High School
Hall High School was unable to hold an in-person award ceremony this spring, but used social media to announce the winners in a variety of categories.
The name of each award contains a link to either a photo of the recipient or a video announcement presenting them with the award.
Juniors whose hard work and dedication has led to success in accounting
Matthew Glassman
Maxwell Jacobsen
Student who shows interest and promise in the Alliance Francaise mission of promoting the study of French language and culture on a worldwide basis
Nina Faynshtayn
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF FRENCH SENIOR MEDAL
Senior student whose excellence in and love of the French language enriches not only the student but also the community of learners
Amy Hidalgo
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE AWARD
Awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence and enthusiasm in applying knowledge of Spanish language and culture
Britt Emerick
Senior who shows a commitment to learning and achievement in advanced Latin
Ella Novitsky
AMERICAN LEGION/AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT SCHOOL AWARD
Seniors who display superior scholarship and citizenship, and outstanding qualities of character and ability
Medal: Liam Wilson
Certificate: Delnaz Amroliwalla
AMERICAN MATHEMATICS CONTEST (AMC 12) (AMC 10)
Commendations made to the highest scoring students at Hall on a competitive exam sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America
AMC-10A & B – School Winner: Charles Wang
AMC-10A Second Place: Alexander Steinberg
AMC-10B Second Place: Samuel Foxman
AMC-10A ThirdPlace: Samuel Aronow
AMC-10B Third Place: Theodore Braiwa
AMC-12A & B – School Winner: Andy Zheng
AMC-12A Second Place & 12B School Winner: Samuel Frank
AMC-12B Second Place: Emilio Chan
AMC-12A Third Place: Jonathan Schwartz
Seniors recognized for outstanding musical achievement and an incredible dedication to the Jazz Program
Rose Kitz
Natalie Schaumburger
The United States Army component of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. – the largest ROTC program
Brady Tober
ART TEACHERS’ CREATIVITY AWARD
Student demonstrating exceptional creativity, inspiration, and self-motivation in the fine arts
Max Hanke
JOSEPH M. AZIMOV MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Student who shows commitment and passion for working with students with special needs, and who will pursue higher education
Ella Lage
BAUSCH AND LOMB HONORARY SCIENCE AWARD
Junior who demonstrates outstanding achievement and academic excellence in science
Ashley Gelber
BAY PATH UNIVERSITY BOOK AWARD
Female junior who displays a commitment to academics and an interest in community service
Maya Ellavsky
DAVID T. BLACK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Fund established in memory of David T. Black, who was a musician and an avid outdoorsman. The scholarship supports a variety of nonprofit programs and members of Hall High School’s Jazz Band
Leah O’Brien
Senior female and male that demonstrate excellence in academics, athletics, sportsmanship, and a love of Hall High; established to honor William Blanchfield’s accomplishments and lifelong love of the school
Noe Ruelas
Jenna Zydanowicz
Junior acknowledged for social action and civic involvement, commitment to civic engagement, community service, political activism, and volunteer work
Mica Lovell
Junior who best combines academic excellence with clarity in written and spoken expression; in memory of Seymour and Florence Podorowsky
Samuel Frank
THE FRED BROWN BIOLOGY BOOK AWARD
Sophomore Advanced Placement Biology student who exemplifies high academic achievement, integrity, and enthusiasm for learning
Samuel Foxman
JAMES A. CAPPELLANO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Student who demonstrates leadership, honesty, and integrity who plans to attend a two- or four-year college
Noah Hurt
Students with an outstanding demonstration of talent, enthusiasm and creativity in the study of ceramics
Alicia Chiu
Emily Duzy
Madeline Lachut
In honor of the lives and memories of four classmates from the class of ’97 who were lost too early and who are missed deeply by their friends and family
Salena Santos
Awarded to an advanced Latin student who demonstrates a commitment to academic pursuits and an enthusiasm for ancient Roman and Greek culture
Brian Pervere
CONNECTICUT SOCIETY OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Outstanding accounting students who demonstrate leadership qualities both inside and outside the classroom, and who have a sincere interest in a future in accounting
Delnaz Amroliwalla
Jared Propis
DARTMOUTH CLUB OF HARTFORD BOOK AWARD
Junior who demonstrates outstanding academic and leadership qualities and whose high moral character, imagination, and concern for others has made a positive impact on the school and community
Aileen Li
FREDERICK A. DELUCA FOUNDATION AWARD
Student who achieves personal success through both hard work and perseverance in scholastic and extracurricular activities
Amrita Sapkota
ELIZABETH DEVINE HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD
Dedicated and self-motivated student who serves the Hall community in leadership activities that foster human rights at the local, state, national, and global level
Luke Udell
ENGLISH AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN WRITING
Student who consistently demonstrates fluency through their written syntax and diction to express and communicate ideas
Nina Faynshtayn
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT AWARD FOR OVERALL EXCELLENCE IN AND ENTHUSIASM FOR THE STUDY OF ENGLISH
Student who best exemplifies the lessons of English through their performance, growth, interest, enthusiasm, and commitment to and for the spoken word throughout their years at Hall
Lily Perry
English language learner who has made outstanding strides in their academic progress
Afrah Khalil
EVANGELINE FTERGIOTIS CHORAL LEADERSHIP AWARD
Student who works tirelessly for the good of others and is a strong role model in the choral program
Maya Lis
EXCELLENCE IN AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE
Sign language student who demonstrates excellence in all elements of language learning and is a true role models in the classroom
Olivia Deslauriers
EXCELLENCE IN THE CHINESE LANGUAGE
Chinese language student who demonstrates excellence in all elements of language learning and is a true role model in the classroom
Siyi Hong
Sophomore or junior student who has demonstrated superior skill in historical inquiry, research, and writing
Samantha Haubrich
EXCHANGE CLUB YOUTH OF THE YEAR AWARD
Senior who displays superior qualities of leadership, scholarship, athletic ability, industry and a demonstrated commitment of service to high school or community
Delnaz Amroliwalla
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE AWARDS
Students in the Family and Consumer Science Department whose creative and inspired work has earned them recognition
Allied Health: Dylan Maldonado
Child Development: Abigail Azia
Culinary: Madison Arroyo
STANLEY FISHER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Graduating senior who exemplifies high achievement, demonstrates leadership abilities, and is involved in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities
Sophie Ennis
PHILIP FREEMER SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Senior who has a love of literature, is very thorough as well as creative in the writing process, and who may pursue writing as a career
Isabella Galm
Junior who distinguishes himself/herself in the study of American history
Beau Adams
ELLEN JEANNE GOLDFARB MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Graduating seniors who are serious about intellectual and scholarly pursuits, have demonstrated a commitment to service in both school and community, and have shown a caring and giving spirit toward others
Le Mai Khanh Ho
Cecilia Wheeler
LAWRENCE GOLDSTEIN MEMORIAL AWARD
Freshman whose determination and strength of character is evidenced by outstanding scholarship, citizenship, and athletic ability
Avery Allen
Student who has made the most outstanding overall contribution to the entire music department
Britt Emerick
HALL HIGH SCHOOL BUSINESS DEPARTMENT SERVICE AWARD
Students who utilize their unique skills and talents to help promote the activities and goals of the business department
Delnaz Amroliwalla
Julia Cianflone
Ashay Ralli
HALL HIGH SCHOOL DRAMATIC AWARDS
Students whose theatrical excellence is evidenced in their abilities to be innovative, self-disciplined, and dependable team members
Acting: Emily Castineiras & Joshua Chachques
Directing: Ethan Clewes, Alyson Liew, Maya Lis & Beau Williams
Stage Management: Audrey Weber
Technical: Brian Pervere, Jr. & Ethan Pervere
Special Recognition in Acting: Jack Haddad
HALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ASSOCIATION AWARD
Students who have been elected by the student body for their ability to serve as leaders in the school and community, positive role models for others, and vehicles for positive change
Nina Faynshtayn
Samuel Frank
Isabella Galm
Ella Novitsky
Nicole Selig
HARTFORD SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS
Outstanding junior boy and girl who has three years of excellent achievement in mathematics and science and who is involved in school and community
Emilio Chan
Sari Eisen
Junior who displays excellence in scholarship and exemplary character, combined with achievement in other fields
Lilian Sweeney
ANDREW M. HERRMANN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Technology education student in recognition of their excellence in and enthusiasm for electronics and technology
Emma Kingwell
HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT AWARD
Seniors who have participated widely and with distinction in the fields of history and social and behavioral sciences
Delnaz Amroliwalla
Jack Gaumer
HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES PROMISING SCHOLAR AWARD
Ninth grade student who has demonstrated excellence in history and who shows potential for continued scholarship in the discipline
Maya Patt
SAUL A HOFFMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Senior or seniors with a passion for history; funded by the Class of 1974
Emily Davis
Thomas DeMichele
Nina Faynshtayn
Junior who best represents the Jeffersonian ideals of scholarship, leadership, and citizenship
Sari Eisen
SAMUEL LEONARD JOSEPH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Senior who demonstrates impressive academic progress, commitment to their school and community, and perseverance towards their goals, and who is pursuing further education on a full-time basis
Max Hanke
JOAN KAISER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Senior who has demonstrated excellence in the areas of leadership, positive attitude, community service, and academics
Elvionnae Willis-Card
Student who has shown outstanding academic achievement, community service, and interest in government
Isabella Galm
GERRY LAVERY MEMORIAL ART SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Senior who is an accomplished and dedicated art student; in memory of Hall Security Officer and Hall High Art Club advisor Gerry Lavery
Anaja Thomas
M.P.O. PETER J. LAVERY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Senior entering the criminal justice field of study; in memory of M.P.O. Peter Lavery
Nathalie Sookhoo
JOSEPH A. LENIHAN MEMORIAL AWARD
Senior who demonstrates citizenship and giving back to their community in their own unique way who plans to pursue a college education
Brady Tober
Senior who attended Morley School and reflects the goals & aspirations of the Morley Mission Statement: to challenge themselves to achieve their personal best, develop a passion & the skills for life-long learning, and demonstrate respect & responsibility for self and others
Julia Cianflone
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Students recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for their exceptional academic promise demonstrated by outstanding performance on the qualifying test for program entry
2020 National Merit Scholarship Finalists
Corina Chang
Zimeng Fan
Ashley Granquist
Amy Hidalgo
Rose Kitz
2020 National Merit Scholarship Commended Students (2nd picture)
Anish Aitha Nathan Miller
Nadia Alsubai Ella Novitsky
Alicia Chiu Jonathan Schwartz
Noel Fagan Joseph Snider
Nina Faynshtayn
Zachary Sobel-Pressman
Joshua Lou Riley Steinberg
Layla Malhas
NATIONAL SCHOOL CHORAL ASSOCIATION AWARD
Highest honor for a high school choral performer, recognizing dedication and musical achievement
Amelia Tripp
NATIONAL SCHOOL ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION AWARD
Highest honor bestowed upon members of the high school orchestra to acknowledge excellence, leadership qualities, and genuine concern for the members of the orchestra
Eva Astrachan
Maya Irizarry-Lambright
NEW ENGLAND SCIENCE TEACHERS’ AWARD
Student who does the most to promote awareness of science and technology
Cameron Hurley
NORFELDT SCHOOL FRENCH BOOK AWARD
Senior who began French at Norfeldt Elementary School, demonstrates a passion for the French language and culture, and is committed to the pursuit of further French studies at the college level
Corina Chang
FRANCES AND NATHAN NOVAR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Senior who demonstrates a passion for community service and leadership abilities and will be pursuing their education in the field of nursing or criminal justice
Zimeng Fan
Junior student with the highest academic achievement and commitment in science
Sean Dyson
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO ORCHESTRA
Students who have demonstrated a high level of musicianship, leadership, and dedication in the orchestra program, who have consistently worked to meet the challenge of performing music at a high level and have served as positive role models for other students in the program
Max Kalsner Kershen
Cecilia Wheeler
THE ROBERTA PARSONS BOOK AWARD
Student who exemplifies genuine caring toward others, has passionate personal beliefs, and strength of character
Spencer Martindale
P.E.O. (PHILANTHROPIC EDUCATION ORGANIZATION) CHAPTER D SCHOLARSHIP
Deserving, well-respected female senior who has good academic standing and leadership qualities
Jayce Hamilton
P.E.O. (PHILANTHROPIC EDUCATION ORGANIZATION) STAR SCHOLARSHIP
Awarded annually to a female senior in the United States and Canada who excels in academics, leadership and community service
Lauren Mahler
Student who has demonstrated outstanding performance in physics
Zimeng Fan
PRINCETON ASSOCIATION OF CENTRAL CONNECTICUT BOOK AWARD
Junior with high academic standing, good character, and outstanding contributions to extra-curricular activities
Brooks McConnell
ADAM DAVID RAISNER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
College-bound senior who demonstrates strength of character, determination, and is passionate about his or her goals
Olivia Oken
Mia Picciolo
Koran Warren
Junior who distinguishes himself/herself in mathematics and science
Lily Zhang
SAINT MICHAEL’S COLLEGE BOOK AWARD
Juniors recognized for scholarship, strong social conscience, and a sustained and sincere commitment to community service
Jack Haddad
Macyn Hanzlik-Barend
“SEMPER FIDELIS” MARINES AWARD
Senior band member recognized as an outstanding performer and truly outstanding young citizen
Anish Aitha
HAIG SHAHVERDIAN SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Senior members of the Pops ‘n Jazz ensemble who have made the most significant contribution to the Pops ‘n Jazz production, including dedication, leadership, musical growth, and character
Brennen Ravenberg
Amelia Tripp
Junior who exemplifies academic achievement, leadership qualities, and concern for others
Allison Doyle
Concert band member recognized for superior musicianship, dependability, loyalty, and cooperation
Samuel Makarewicz
To a junior or senior whose first language is Spanish and who serves as a role model for other students in Spanish class by demonstrating a strong work ethic, high personal expectations and high academic achievement.
Etni Tejeda-Cardenas
To a junior or senior, for whom Spanish is not her/his first language, who has shown an extraordinary interest in and enthusiasm for learning Spanish; has achieved strong language skills, particularly speaking; and who has also shown a genuine interest in Spanish culture by making it a part of her/his everyday life
Julia Madonick
Senior who demonstrates a clear grasp of personal goals and shows a singular dedication in pursuit of these goals
Cecilia Wheeler
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Technology Education students who have displayed growth and proficiency in the areas of:
CAD: Justus Coulter
Electronics: Eliana Simmons
Graphics: Scott Gilden
Production Technology: Thomas Cass
Outstanding Achievement Overall: Matthew Silverman
TRINITY CLUB OF HARTFORD BOOK AWARD
Junior displaying outstanding scholarship, discovery of personal strengths, and development of individual potential
Christopher Murray
HAROLD & PHYLLIS VAN HORN FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
Harold and Phyllis Van Horn lived in the West Hartford community for over 50 years. Harold was a structural steel worker and Phyllis was a sales clerk at a gift shop. The couple did not have any children of their own and they lived a modest lifestyle. Phyllis Van Horn created the Harold & Phyllis Van Horn Foundation to fund college scholarships for West Hartford residents. This is awarded to an outstanding senior ranked in the top 20% of the class who clearly demonstrates leadership in academics and community involvement.
Rose Kitz
VASSAR CLUB OF HARTFORD BOOK AWARD
Juniors who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, creativity, and independent thought
Lorenzo Ballesteros
Maeve Healy
Junior female student whose academic record and character are exceptional and who has made personal contributions to her school and/or community
Ashley Gelber
Junior who demonstrates independent thought and creative thinking and who is also noted for their extracurricular achievement, school leadership, community involvement, or commitment to the arts
Yonah Goldberg
WEST HARTFORD COMMUNITY THEATER SCHOLARSHIP
Senior with good academic performance and who is committed to pursuing a Theater Arts major at a four year college or university
Bianca Feiner
WEST HARTFORD RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION (WHREA) “REACH TO TEACH” AWARD”
Senior planning to pursue a career in teaching, beginning at a community college in Connecticut and has demonstrated, a strong commitment to learning
Koran Warren
WEST HARTFORD ROTARY CLUB/ANDREWS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Senior whose demonstrations of generosity and dedication to service exemplify the Rotary’s objective of service above self
Noah Hurt
WEST HARTFORD SCHOLARSHIP FUND AWARDS
Seniors in acknowledgement of academic achievement, citizenship, and community involvement
Marian Chen
Silme Khan
Rose Kitz
WEST HARTFORD YOUTH FIELD HOCKEY – LEIGH KUMPA SCHOLARSHIP
Senior who best exemplifies the philosophy of WH Youth Field Hockey – sportsmanship, bring a team player and showing respect for her team, coach, opposing team and officials
Lily Perry
Seniors who have demonstrated a passion and commitment to journalism
Michael Cherny
Nina Faynshtayn
YALE CLUB OF HARTFORD BOOK AWARD
Junior who demonstrates leadership, effective teamwork, and organizational abilities
Lily Zhang
Hall gives special thanks to Craig Diamond.
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