Earlier this year, 10 NFA choral students were selected for the Eastern Regional High School Festival by the Connecticut Music Educators Association. That achievement made these students eligible to audition for the annual All State Festival. We are pleased to announce that Lily O’Neil and Naina Prakash, both eleventh graders, were selected for the Festival ... congratulations!

Lau selected for program

Senior Karen Lau was recently selected as one of only two Connecticut recipients of a $10,000 scholarship and the ability to attend the United States Senate Youth Program’s Washington Week held virtually in March. Lau received the news from Director of Diversity Leo Butler, Head of School Dr. Brian Kelly and Social Studies Department Head Karen Cook. The group gathered in the NFA Boardroom in front of a portrait of former Norwich resident and United States Senator Lafayette Foster, who represented Connecticut from 1855 to 1867.

Test competition

Congratulationst to seniors Valeria Yraita-Zevallos, Dakota Burns and Aiden Rebstock, who were selected as finalists for the Norwich Sunrise Rotary’s Four Way Test public speaking competition! These students were chosen by a panel of six judges, and their speeches will continue on in the next round of the competition. Well done!

Job well done

In March, Head of School Dr. Brian Kelly and Director of Finance and Human Resources Richard Freeman presented George Crowley with the first Head of School Recognition Award. George manages our on-site foodservice operations, and his work to provide grab-and-go meals during daily and remote schooling, open a second on-campus location and work tirelessly on behalf of our families is worthy of praise in a challenging time such as this. Thank you, George!

Recognizing excellence

So much good is happening, even during this challenging time. Each month, we will recognize excellence on campus in three distinct areas: Students of the Month, Athletes of the Month and our new Top Cat recognition.

Students of the Month are selected from academic departments on campus. Athletes of the Month are selected by the Athletic Department. And, our new Top Cat program honors adults on campus who have been nominated by students.

Since we focused last month’s column on Slater Memorial Museum, here are our winners for January and February.

Students of the Month for January include Madison Collins, Alanis Vega Diaz, David Dozier, Jancarlos Figueroa, Taliah Jones, Valeria Yraita-Zevallos and Gyasi Yu.

Athletes of the Month for January are the football and hip hop dance teams. Athletic Director Mr. Wentworth acknowledged both teams for remaining engaged and active throughout this year with so many things uncertain. In both cases, they have made the best of their scenario and have continued to exemplify excellence in character, citizenship and academics.

Top Cats for January include Kaye Bishop, English; Lauren Girasoli, English; Laura Howe, student affairs; and Kristen Kohlhepp, mathematics.

Students of the Month for February include Jovan Amado-Marquez, Jancarlos Figueroa, Gregory Godere, Hannah Kwon, Nicholas Santiago, Kodi Suter and Wing Tung Vong. Athletes of the Month include gymnast Sarah Fedeli and basketball player Joe Klick.

Top Cats for February include Michele Ciccarelli, student services; Jason Croteau, science; Jay Driscoll, English; and Kristen Motola, performing arts.