As seen in the annual ‘Terrific Teens’ issue of West Hartford Magazine, 2014.

Sarah Gianni. Photo by Todd Fairchild, ShutterbugCT.com

While the list of bright and competent students from West Hartford seems endless, we have selected a small handful of dedicated young men and women, all recent graduates from each of the five West Hartford High Schools, to represent this year’s ‘terrific teens’ to watch in our community.

Not only are they teens with dreams, but they are already acting on them. Each of them has the desire to make a difference. To create a positive change in the world. They are, without a doubt, great role models to represent our community.

Congratulations. We look forward to watching you blossom as you now go out into the world to inspire us all. Today we put the spotlight on Sarah Gianni:

Now a freshman at Providence College, Sarah Gianni, a graduate of Kingswood Oxford High School, has not yet declared her major but is interested in political science or law school. Leaving her twin sister’s side, she knows it’s now her time to spread her wings and fly.

In high school, Sarah was the Vice President of her senior class and the managing editor of Arts and Features for KO News.  She was also an AP student and snagged fourth place in the Speakers Forum Competition at KO.

Sarah is quick to point out that in addition to working hard at academics, she loves participating in sports and played volleyball and squash at KO. “Being on sports teams is really fun for me. Being with friends is also important,” she says.

When asked what else she enjoys, Sarah says, “I love the beach when the weather is nice, and hiking with friends. And of course, laughing as much as possible!”

“My role models are all my grandparents on both sides of the family. They are hard workers, adventurous and always up and ready to do things. Taught me to always try new things.”

Regarding her volunteer work at the Boys & Girls Club of Hartford, Sarah says, “It definitely made me reflect on how fortunate I am. I realize I need to be a positive role model for kids who don’t have the support I have. I hoped I was able to shine a positive light on them … to be a burst of happiness in someone else’s day.”

Sarah can write the book on authentic happiness. She says she always wakes up with a smile. “I think being a twin makes me who I am. I feel fortunate to have such a strong relationship with my sister. My mission is to show happiness to the rest of the world!”

When back home in West Hartford, Sarah enjoys hanging out on the senior green or on the turf field at Kingswood Oxford. “I also cherish my time, each summer, with my family in Martha’s Vineyard.”

Sarah’s favorite food is Belgian waffles, and she loves watching comedies and “chick-flicks.”

She stands by her attitude to see life in a positive way, everyday. Her favorite quote: “What was, was. What is, is. And what will be, will be.”

Please check back every Tuesday and Friday to see another teen spotlight! To view our full teen story please view West Hartford Magazine here.