The Mansfield Board of Education presented the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) Student Leadership Awards to two outstanding Mansfield Grade 8 youth. Adam Soucy and Kalyani Tihaiya were recognized for their achievements at the June 9 Board of Education meeting.
Mansfield Middle School (MMS) Assistant Principal Larry Barlow introduced the award recipients to the Board of Education.
He recognized Kalyani for her positive energy and incredible work ethic. “At MMS, she has developed strong leadership skills and now serves as a model for her peers. From attending the Connecticut Association of Schools leadership conferences in her 5th and 6th grade years, to serving as Student Council president this year; from qualifying for the State History Day all three years, and competed at National History Day in her 8th grade year.” He noted that Kalyani is Captain of the Science Bowl team in 7th and 8th grades, and also competes on the school’s basketball, track and swim team. She also is in the band, chorus, and chamber choir, and was a cast member in the recent performance of “The Lion King, Jr.” “Her consistent dedication and commitment to do her best is something that is noticed in all that she is involved in,” he said.
Also noteworthy is Kalyani’s work with organizing Earth Week events at MMS through the Changemakers Club. Mr. Barlow adds, “Her passion about Climate Change has led her to speak out at school-wide assemblies and to rally for state-wide change at the Capitol. Kalyani hopes to continue to make change at the high school level where she plans to run for class officer.”
Mr. Barlow introduced CABE Award Recipient Adam Soucy, citing that “Adam has served as a positive role model for his peers. Not only is Adam superb academically and well-rounded through participation in many extracurricular activities, he has also demonstrated exemplary character that truly reflects Mansfield’s core values.”
Adam is involved in a variety of activities both within and beyond school. He enjoys athletics and plans to play baseball and basketball in high school. Mr. Barlow quoted Adam’s basketball Coach O’Donnell who offers nothing but high praise for Adam and his role on the basketball team by following directions of his coaches, and treating every teammate with respect-- ready to support the player having an "off" game or a tough practice.
“Not only is Adam a good leader, but he is also a great listener and his disposition makes everyone around him feel welcome and safe. Adam has truly grown over his years at MMS and his teachers wholeheartedly agree that Adam’s efforts and achievements are worthy of recognition, said Mr. Barlow.
Students are nominated to receive the CABE Student Leadership Award by their school principal. Students are selected based on their leadership skills including willingness to take on challenges, capable of making difficult decisions, concern for others, ability to work with others, willingness to commit to a project, diplomacy, ability to understand issues clearly and the ability to honor a commitment.
Both students will be attending Edwin O. Smith High School in the fall.