Schools

Coginchaug High School Scholarship Recipients

The following students were awarded with CRHS Scholarship Fund Special Awards and Memorial Awards on Wednesday, June 6 2012.

 

Special Awards

Emma Lerman Etzie Heyl Appreciation Award - Mrs. Heyl served for 18 years on the Board of Education for Regional District #13, the last eight years as Chairperson. At the time of her retirement the school association established this fund to foster Mrs. Heyl's commitment to community service. The recipient must be a graduating senior in the top 25% of the class, attending a four year college, showing strong leadership qualities in athletics, in extracurricular activities, or community service.

Rebecca Weir Alice P. Newton Award - Mrs. Newton was one of the devoted few who helped the Scholarship Ball grow to its current successful status.  The recipient is a person of high academic achievement in the senior class.

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Stephanie White Ellen M. Patterson Award - Mrs. Patterson was one of the moving forces behind the growth of the Scholarship Ball, currently a major means of the fund's support. The recipient of this award is a Durham female judged to be a person who will be interested in improving the quality of life in her community wherever it may eventually be. She will help to make it more beautiful and to preserve its history, architecture, and environment.

Monika Malek Mark Spatuzzi Appreciation Award - Mr. Spatuzzi served for 19 years on the Board of Education for Regional District #13, the last seven years as Chairman. At the time of his retirement from the board, members of the community established this fund to foster Mr. Spatuzzi's commitment to high standards of education by supporting the continuing education of a graduate in need of financial assistance.

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Tyler Gray Mary and J. Richard Taylor Award - Both Mr. and Mrs. Taylor gave years of outstanding service to the Scholarship Fund, Mr. Taylor serving for years as its Treasurer. Their award is to be given to a senior who demonstrates admirable qualities, a likelihood to profit from further education, and is "strongly recommended by the guidance office."

Amanda Presutti Leo and Dorothy Willett Award - This award was created by the Scholarship Committee to honor the Willetts. It was established "in recognition of their unselfish dedication to the development of the fund, without which, it would not have achieved its current significant status in aiding seniors and graduates of Coginchaug Regional High School. Their unyielding commitment to high standards of scholarship in the community has inspired others to share that commitment..." The award is given to a senior who demonstrates real financial need and a firm commitment to a four year program.

Memorial Awards

Tanner Pedersen Philip A. Arcand Memorial - Philip Arcand graduated from Coginchaug in 1973 and succeeded at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, as someone close to the family stated: "Through determination, strength of will, grueling work, and love freely given and returned." His memory is perpetuated in this award with the hopes that the recipient will further his education with the same purpose and sensitivity.

Marielle Handley Bishop (Bip) R. and Mabel Trischman Atwell Memorial – This scholarship is donated in memory of two people who epitomized the very best that can be found in our American culture. Their exemplary work ethic, compassion for others, and the belief in the fundamental worth of all human beings are qualities that this scholarship is meant to encourage in all students.

Rachel Foley and Maria Manna Grace and Bernard Baruschke Scholarships – Established by Michael Baruschke (CRHS Class of 1972) in memory of his parents, Grace and Bernard, longtime residents of Durham. The Baruschkes settled in Durham in 1950 seeking a rural way of life and raising two daughters and a son, all of whom attended local schools. They enjoyed traveling, and as a German immigrant learning the English language was very important to Mr. Baruschke. Therefore, his family has decided to present an annual scholarship to a student who demonstrates interest in expanding his/her horizons, possibly through travel and the study of languages. Because Bernard was also an experienced carpenter who designed and built his own home, a second scholarship will be presented to a graduating senior who will attend a trade school.

Stacey Fumiatti Patricia W. Breese Memorial - Patty was a special education teacher in Southington for twenty-four years. Her love of children and dedication to children with special needs earned her the honor of "Southington Jaycees Educator of the Year" in 1993. It was her wish that a scholarship be set up to help and encourage others who are entering the field of Special Education.

Frank Posca Julia C. Bryant Elementary Education Memorial – Julia Bryant was a graduate of Vassar and Oberlin College. She was a co-founder and the first teacher of the Durham Cooperative Nursery School and an active participant in numerous community service endeavors. She was an educator who believed in hands-on, experiential education rich in music, art, and environmental studies. Julia favored early education and continuing education for all. This scholarship has been established in her honor.

Justine Plourde Esther G. Burnham Memorial - Esther Burnham was very active in community activities and interested in sports, spending most of her career in education working with young people. A family member said the person receiving this scholarship “should exemplify her high ideals and do their very best to achieve their own goals in life."

Monika Malek Sydney A. Coe Memorial – This scholarship was established in honor of Sydney A. Coe by her godparents, Susan Ingraham and David Laducer. In her five days on earth, Sydney touched the lives of many. May the recipient of this award strive to inspire others to live their life to the fullest, achieve their dreams, and overcome their handicaps.

William Malcolm Gregory G. Curtis MemorialA resident of Durham for fifty-four years, Gregory G. Curtis loved the town and dedicated his life to making it a better place to live. Some of Mr. Curtis’s most notable contributions include serving as: Durham’s First Selectman, Trustee of Notre Dame Church for forty years, Chairman of the Conservation Commission, Chairman of the RSD 13 Study Committee, the Firehouse Building Committee, the Cemetery Association, PTA President, and co-founder of the Scholarship Fund. Mr. Curtis was a tireless advocate for open space and land preservation, and much of the open space we enjoy today was acquired under his leadership. Mr. Curtis also worked hard to obtain more equitable taxation of farm, forest, and open space land.

Andrea Braga and Shawn Donovan J. Bruce Eagleson Memorial – Bruce Eagleson served as vice president for the Westfield Corporation. He tragically lost his life on the morning of September 11, 2001 while helping to evacuate others from the World Trade Center. His altruistic spirit will never be forgotten. He generously gave people his time, whether it was coaching, helping others, or being there in time of need. When given a task he always did it to the best of his ability.  This award is given in honor of his good will and leadership. This year’s recipient personifies what Bruce Eagleson was all about and has demonstrated a dedication to community, achieved at a high level academically, and possesses strong leadership skills.

Ivan Johnson Paul H. Ellmers Memorial - Paul was an active, young teenager interested in automobiles and electronics at the time of his death.  His family has chosen to honor his memory with a scholarship to a male senior pursuing a vocational or electronics education.  

Ryan Salke Robert J. Glidden Memorial – Robert J. Glidden was an energetic, fun-loving young man. He was a loving son, brother, friend, and co-worker who always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He loved practical jokes, his motorcycle, and his car. Robert served his country with pride during the Gulf War crisis in the Navy for four years after graduating from high school.

During his twenty-two years of life Robert possessed many positive qualities including a strong sense of responsibility and independence. He achieved early success in his new career; he also traveled throughout Europe. His goals for the future included returning to college and purchasing a home. Tragically, violence took his life and his goals will never be realized.

The family has set up this scholarship to honor Robert’s life. The tragic circumstances of Robert’s death have prompted us to award this scholarship to a student pursuing a career in law enforcement. If law enforcement is not chosen by any graduating senior then the award will be given to a student entering the armed forces. 

Meagan Hettrick Deborah Haggarty Memorial – Deborah spent her entire teaching career at CRHS before retiring for health reasons in 1998. She was a dedicated teacher and coach, well loved by the faculty and staff at Coginchaug and her friends for her quick sense of humor, her generosity, and her positive outlook even in the face of adversity. This award is given to a student who is involved in athletics, shows good sportsmanship, has a good sense of humor, and is an overall good citizen. 

Rachel Viccaro Carie Hammond Memorial - Carie's teaching career began in Middlefield in 1949 in the upper elementary grades. She then became interested in the middle school student with a focus on social studies. Concern for the well-being of her students on the social and emotional levels as well as the academic level led Carie to establish the guidance program for middle school students in Middlefield in the mid 1960's. When Regional District 13 was formed guidance for middle school students was introduced in Durham. Carie then served as the guidance counselor in both middle schools for the District. With increasing school enrollment necessitating full-time positions in both towns, Carie then became guidance counselor in Middlefield until her retirement in 1984. During her thirty-seven year professional career, Carie was an active member of local, state, and national education associations, serving on many committees promoting the welfare not only of students but also of her fellow colleagues.

Ivan Johnson Rudolph Harding Memorial - Mr. Harding was a resident of Durham for 23 years and was best known as the proprietor of Metrolec Components, Inc., a foreign car parts distributor.  He was a master plumber, licensed electrician, tool and die maker, and professional photographer.  His family and friends said a yearly scholarship award was a fitting memorial to a man who "was always willing to offer a helping hand to anyone." 

Jesse Siegel Howard Francis Kelly Memorial – Mr. Kelley was the first Superintendent of Regional School District #13 and remained Superintendent for 23 years. He resided first in Middlefield and then Durham. He had strong community ties and much volunteer service in both towns. He was a trained chemist, but he preferred to be in the teaching environment. The recipient of his memorial scholarship should be attending a four year college, preferably studying science or math. The student should have performed needed community service and have leadership qualities.

Frank Posca and Jesse Siegel Kathlene Koritko Scholarship Award – Kathy Koritko served as a member of the Board of Education for Regional District #13 for ten years and was the founder of “Project Graduation.”  This scholarship was created in hope that Kathy’s passion for education, her dedication to building a better community, and her love of children would continue on. The recipient of this award is a student who exemplifies these qualities.

Kevin Gawron Ben Kupcho Memorial for Excellence in Mathematics – Ben Kupcho taught mathematics in District 13 for 37 years beginning at the old Durham High School. Ben was an enthusiastic teacher and certainly brought his love for mathematics to the classroom daily. He challenged his students and loved to share problems he was working on with his colleagues. He was a consummate learner. Even when approaching the end of his teaching career he still took courses in math and science and integrated his new knowledge into his teaching. He was also an avid reader and one could count on interesting discussions to take place, whether about history, politics, or humor. Ben also helped establish the first Washington Class Trip for seniors, and as a main organizer for over 23 years, he continually strived to make the trip a memorable educational experience and as affordable as possible for all students.

Abigail Kotlarz Heather MacDonald Memorial Scholarship Fund -  Heather MacDonald graduated from Coginchaug in 2001.  This scholarship is awarded to a student who volunteers in the community outside of class and wishes to pursue a degree in social work, art  therapy, or a related field (psychology, sociology).                                                                                 

Nicholas Augeri Charles Mauro Memorial – Mr. Mauro was the First Selectman of Durham and a director of the Scholarship Committee at the time of his death.  His love for his community and devotion to serving others was an inspiration to all.  This award is to honor his memory and is given to a graduating senior with an interest in history.

Marissa Puchalski Michael F. Molinaro Memorial - Mr. Molinaro was a coach for the Durham/Middlefield softball league for several years, as well as a teacher. He died in March 1999 after a year-long battle with brain cancer. This scholarship honors his memory and love of coaching and goes to a graduating female softball player who may also plan to major in education. 

Kayla Dacunto Lewis Steven Moss Memorial - Mr. Moss was an elementary school teacher at Korn School.  At the time of his death, family members and colleagues established this award to continue Mr. Moss' devotion to educational skills.  This award is given to a deserving senior who hopes to improve a skill at a two or four year college.

Benjamin Plant Kathleen E. Paulson Memorial This scholarship is to honor the memory of Kathleen, a 1985 graduate of Coginchaug Regional High School, who died March 9, 2005. Kathy had been known to have a bright and beautiful smile. She was full of spirit and strength. Devotion, caring, and love of family and many friends were extremely evident in her life.

Kasey Crompton Craig M. & Dee Pearson/Deirdre Pearson Johnson Memorial - Mr. Pearson, a longtime Durham resident, worked as an educational writer and editor. He was an advocate for teachers and quality education. His community work included serving on the Board of Education for 12 years and being a member of the School Building Committee that oversaw the Strong School addition and the construction of Korn School. His daughter, Deedy, was a 1968 graduate of Durham High School. She worked for many years in teaching, social work, and counseling, both in the Durham/Middletown area and in Brighton, Colorado where she later lived with her husband and two daughters. She played the flute and guitar and had a lifetime love of music.  His wife Dee was a registered nurse who worked for many years at nursing homes in the local area; including serving as the director at Twin Maples Convalescent Home for several years.  Mrs. Pearson's community involvement includes many years as a local 4-H club leader and being a member of the Durham Bicentennial Committee.  This award in their names was established by their family and is given to a student interested in writing, teaching, music, social work, or nursing.

Zachary LaVigne Elizabeth Mary Pernel Memorial - Elizabeth graduated from Coginchaug Regional High School in 1997 and had successfully completed her freshman year at Quinnipiac College where she was majoring in physical therapy. Her family and friends have chosen to honor her memory with a scholarship to a student who best exemplifies the following:  determination, dedication, integrity, courtesy, and sensitivity toward others.

Zev Kartiganer Preisner-Pedersen Memorial -This scholarship is being awarded in loving memory of Frank Stanley Preisner and Ric Pederson. “Stan,” to his family and friends, represented  love and kindness. To his colleagues and clients in the building trade, he embodied the values of honesty,  hard work,  creativity, and pride in workmanship. But to those who had the opportunity to work with him,  he presented both as a mentor and tough taskmaster  because Stan, above all, believed in one of life’s basic truths, “Any job worth doing, is worth doing well!”  Ric Pedersen did his job as he lived his life with caring and precision. He set demanding standards for himself – every detail had to be exactly right. He was a skilled craftsman who built homes, schools, churches, office buildings, and army barracks around the country after leaving Durham. Today he would challenge you to do your very best at every job you do, for anything less is not good enough.

Zev Kartiganer Darryl  Sigleski Memorial - A Coginchaug graduate, Darryl died while in his freshman year at UMass doing what he loved and did best, playing hockey. He had a zest for life and was always looking for new adventures. Family and friends said of Darryl, "He lived more in his 18 years than most people live in a lifetime." This award is presented to a graduating senior who is looking to further his education and expand his horizons.

Luis DeGouveia American Legion Post 184 Durham, Elwin L. Stannard Memorial – Mr. Elwin Stannard established this award to recognize a student with interest in government or political science. The recipient shall be a graduating senior from Middlefield or Durham. Special consideration will be given for financial need and a family background with  military service.

Audrey Biesak Andrea Bradley Tucker Memorial Andrea Bradley Tucker, daughter of Alice Tucker of Durham and Jon Tucker of Branford, died in 1991 at the age of thirteen. She was the sister of Jonathan Tucker, CRHS Class of 1998. This scholarship is awarded each year to a college-bound senior planning to major in the field of healthcare, social services, or special education with plans to pursue a career that will help improve and enrich the lives of special needs children.

Melissa Conway Durham Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary and Edith White Memorial Scholarship - Sponsored by the Durham Volunteer  Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary,  this memorial is to honor Mrs. White,  one of its charter members, who for over forty years was the dispatcher for the Durham Volunteer Fire Co. and  Ambulance Corps.  The award is presented to a CRHS graduate going into communications, medicine, or a related science.

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About: The Coginchaug Regional High School Scholarship Fund was established in 1970 by a group of Durham/Middlefield parents to assist seniors and graduates in their pursuit of further education.  The major sources of funds are: The Annual Scholarship Ball, the Durham Fair Booth, the Annual Appeal and Individual Memorials. 


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