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Student Recognition & Achievements

Fairfield Prep students are recognized for many achievements, both in and out of the classroom.

Nick Hilton '11 is one of Westport Magazine's "Ten Teens to Watch"

Nick Hilton '11 was recently featured in Westport Magazine's September 2010 cover story about high-achieving students. He is shown in the magazine photo below in the center with his elbow on the DNA model. Read highlights from the article about Nick below, or see full Westport Magazine article.

Source: Westport Magazine, September 2010

Nick Hilton - Fairfield Prep

While other kids were playing soccer, Fairfield Prep’s Nick Hilton was peering into a microscope, amassing rock collections, and competing in Lego League competitions. “The exact field of my interest varied depending on my age,” he recalls. “My interest in biology was a combination of my interest in science and getting my hands on every book I could read. The Peddie Summer Science Institute further drew my focus to biology and genetics through their genetics-centered lab activities.”

He is excited about his summer internship at Yale–New Haven Hospital that provided hands-on experience in biology. Under the eye of Dr. Michael Paidas, codirector of Yale Women and Children’s Center for Blood Disorders, Nick observed ultrasound evaluations of obstetric and gynecologic patients, as well as current clinical research projects. In the lab, he learned tissue culture techniques, molecular biologic techniques, and immunoassay.

Last summer Nick worked at the New York Botanical Gardens studying glutamate receptors, which deal with signaling in the human brain. He explains, “A chemical called BMAA has been found to disrupt the function of glutamate receptors and lead to diseases similar to Alzheimer’s when ingested by humans.” Nick practiced his lab skills in a state-of-the-art-facility. “My time was directed towards real-world problems, and I was supervised by very distinguished scientific staff and technicians,” he says. The internship also provided weekly lectures with researchers from a variety of specialties.

Nick wants to become a geneticist who employs techniques like gene substitution to treat diseases. “An example would be employing viruses to deliver functioning DNA sequences to pancreas cells in someone with diabetes. I would love to be on the cutting edge of such technology, because the science of genetics has the potential to cure diseases previously thought incurable,” he says.

Thomas Seiler '11 receives 2010 Future Global Leader Award

Thomas Seiler '11 was recently honored by the Stamford-based World Affairs Forum with a 2010 Future Global Leader Award. There were only 37 such winners from participating Fairfield County high schools. The Future Global Leader Award Program honors junior year students who demonstrate outstanding leadership in

Jason Ottomano '10 and Connor Marr '10 recognized as SCC Scholar Athletes

Seniors Jason Ottomano (tennis) and Connor Marr (baseball) were both recognized for their sport leadership and athleticism, and have been named The SportsCenter of Connecticut/Southern Connecticut Conference Scholar Athletes of the Month.

Student athletes who are selected must be a varsity letter winner and have a 3.0/B average while demonstrating leadership qualities such as: being a positive role model; helping teammates overcome adversity; showing a commitment to self-improvement; or putting the needs of the team before themselves. Recipients receive a certificate, commemorative tee-shirt and a SportsCenter of Connecticut activity pass.

From left: Dr. Robert Perrotta, Principal, Jason Ottomano, and Connor Marr

Ryan DeSilva '10 is national finalist in
ACE (Architecture Construction Engineering) Competition

Ryan Desilva '10 participated in the ACE (Architecture Construction Engineering) program as an intern at Antinozzi Associates architectural firm in Stratford. His team designed an arts facility "Creative Center for the Arts" for a national competition, and presented the plan in Washington, D.C. to the Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT). Ryan's group was a national finalist with three other groups nationwide. Ryan plans to attend Syracuse University and study architecture. Shown above: Ryan displays his plans with architecture teacher Mr. Frank Bramble.

Kevin Jiminez-Cowell '12 wins honorable mention at SCC Art Show

Kevin Jiminez-Cowell '12 won honorable mention for his self portrait in the SCC art show Tuesday evening at the Creative Arts Center in New Haven. All 23 schools in the SCC league participate in this annual event. Each school can submit three pieces for the show. This year Kevin, a sophomore; Charles Dodge, a freshmen; and Brendan Kalker submitted work to the show.

Murljacic '12 and Barston '12 help bring smiles through CT Mission of Mercy!

David Murljacic '12 and Peter Barston '12 volunteered at the Connecticut Mission of Mercy, a volunteer dental clinic set up by the Connecticut State Dental Association. This was the 3rd year for the event, which was held in Middletown, CT. Over 1600 people volunteered to provide dental treatment totally free of charge to anyone who showed up. Over the two days of treatment, over 2000 patients were seen, and over 1 million dollars of dental care was provided! David and Peter were patient escorts - patients needed to be guided from registration to x-rays to the examination area and then to whatever treatment they would have done. Dental patients lined up the night before, waiting to be admitted, highlighting the inadequate access to care. Most of them slept in their cars! Boys are shown in photo with Dr. Maryann Lehmann, David's mother, who was doing general dentistry for the program. For more information, go to www.csda.com.

Seniors Joshua Jowdy and Tom Gaudett honored as SCC Scholar Leaders

The Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) holds an annual banquet in which it honors two students from each of its 23 member schools who have been chosen by the school as “Scholar Leaders.” The event was held at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven, Connecticut on March 22.

Seniors Joshua Jowdy and Tom Gaudett were selected by the Principal’s Awards Committee based on grades and extra-curricular involvement, especially focusing on leadership in the Prep school community. Pictured from left: Mr. Rick Hutchinson, College Advisor, Joshua Jowdy '10, Rev. John Hanwell, S.J., President, Dr. Robert Perrotta, Principal, Thomas Gaudett '10, and Mr. John Hanarahan, Dean of Guidance & College Advising.

Kyle Ryan '13 achieves high honors at Connecticut State Science Fair

Freshman Kyle Ryan competed in the Connecticut State Science Fair held March 9 to 13 at Quinnipiac University in Hamden. Dr. Brian Lewis, Prep science teacher, was Kyle's sponsor from Prep.

Kyle's project was "Wireless Electrical Power Transfer Using Resonant Inductive Coupling" … or Wireless Power (in layman's terms). He was a medalist in the Connecticut State Science Fair - with awards presented on March 11. He also won five special awards in the ceremony on March 13, including honors sponsored by Dominion's Millstone Power Station, U.S. Army, Office of Naval Research, Connecticut College, IEEE - Connecticut Section, and the John B. Trevor Jr. Award. Pictured: Kyle with the Fair Director, Bob Wisner.

Tyler Pramer '10 and Darric White '10 recognized as SCC Scholar Athletes

Seniors Tyler Pramer (swimming and diving) and Darric White (hockey) were both recognized for their sport leadership and athleticism, and have been named The SportsCenter of Connecticut/Southern Connecticut Conference Scholar Athletes of the Month.

From left: Dr. Robert Perrotta, Principal,Tyler Pramer, Darric White, and Steve Donahue, Athletic Director.

John Campoli '10 earns Eagle Scout Rank

Photo: John with parents John and Jacqueline

John Campoli '10 received his Eagle Scout Rank at a Court of Honor Ceremony conducted at the Derby Second Congregational Church in December 2009. He is the younger brother of Eagle Scout Julian Campoli '08. At his service project, John led a group of Scouts and friends to construct benches as outdoor seating for the Derby Neck Library. He received recognition from Derby Mayor Tony Staffieri and letters of congratulations from Senators Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman, as well as a proclamation of honor from Governor M. Jodi Rell.

Keegan Lombard '12 awarded Numismatist Scholarship

Keegan Lombard '12 was the recent recipient of the ANA Young Numismatist Scholarship. The full scholarship covers all expenses for Keegan to attend their Summer Seminar in Colorado Springs, Colorado June 26-July, 2, 2010.

Keegan will be attending "Introduction to Grading United States Coins" with other young numismatists. Keegan has a passion for American History and early U.S. coins, and the scholarship is an honor, and an excellent opportunity for him to further his knowledge.

Jamie Rodriguez '10 places 2nd in Rotary speech contest

On January 11, Jamie Rodriguez ’10 took 2nd place in the town of Fairfield Rotary 4-Way Test Speech Contest. The contest was held at the Gaelic-American Club in Fairfield, where Jamie, accompanied by Mr. DeRosa, Director of Student Activities, was a guest of the Fairfield Rotary Club for lunch prior to the contest. The object of the contest was to choose a topic and apply it to the Rotary 4-Way Test, which asks four questions. Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIP? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? Jamie chose to talk about the Marshall Plan for Africa. He was awarded a certificate and $400 for his performance.

Max Freccia '10 and Matt Leonard '10 recognized as SCC Scholar Athletes

Seniors Max Freccia (football and baseball) and Matt Leonard (soccer and rugby) were both recognized for their sport leadership and athleticism, and have been named The SportsCenter of Connecticut/Southern Connecticut Conference Scholar Athletes of the Month.

Student athletes who are selected must be a varsity letterwinner and have a 3.0/B average while demonstrating leadership qualities such as: being a positive role model; helping teammates overcome adversity; showing a commitment to self-improvement; or putting the needs of the team before themselves. Recipients receive a certificate, commemorative tee-shirt and a SportsCenter of Connecticut activity pass.

From left: Max Freccia, Steve Donahue, Athletic Director, and Matt Leonard.

Tom Gaudett '10 attends Leadership Conference
at Council on Foreign Relations

On October 8, Thomas Gaudett ’10, accompanied by Mr. Jonathan DeRosa, Director of Student Activities, had the honor of attending a conference held at the Council on Foreign Relations headquarters in New York City. Thomas earned an invitation to this conference as a result of being a recipient of a Future Global Leader Award, given to an elite group of 40 students throughout the state of Connecticut by the Council on Foreign Relations.

Attendees of the conference had the privilege of gaining insight into issues such as President Obama’s foreign policy challenges, democratization in Africa, and conflict prevention. Among the guest speakers who the attendees had an opportunity to interact with were Ambassador John Campbell, senior fellow for Africa policy studies at the CFR and former U.S. Department of State Foreign Service officer, Micah Zenko, fellow for Conflict Prevention at the CFR, and most notably, Dr. Richard Haas, President of the CFR and the author or editor of eleven books on American foreign policy. He has worked for four United States Presidents and from January 2001 to June 2003, Dr. Haas was the director of policy planning for the U.S. Department of State, where he was a principal adviser to Secretary of State Colin Powell. This was a great honor for Thomas.

Fairfield Prep proudly announces National Merit scholars

Fairfield Prep is pleased to announce recognition of eight seniors based on the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test taken in their junior year. Brendan Bercik was named a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist, and seven students were commended in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Over one million students from across the nation entered the competition by taking the test, and the Prep winners were selected based on top performance in the highly competitive state of Connecticut.

Front: Rev. John J. Hanwell, S.J., President
2nd Row (l-r): Tudor-Matei Boran, Matthew Leonard, Dr. Robert Perrotta, Principal
3rd row (l-r): Brendan Bercik, Joshua Jowdy
Back (l-r): Miles Keegan, Kristof Toth, Joseph Burgess and David Oliver

Fairfield Prep Relay Team raises over $18,000 for Swim Across the Sound

From left: David Mullaney '12, Michael Noone '12, Paul Sikora '11, Matt Knapik '11, Kristoph Toth '10, Justin Alves '10, Sean Greer '10, Joe Benz '08, Brian Power '09 and Joe Novak (Shelton High School '10)

The Fairfield Prep Relay Team raised over $18,000 for St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound. The two Prep relays finished 4th and 6th, taking a little over 6 hours to complete the course. The donation helps benefits the SWIM's 36 cancer services, which provide financial support and care for the needs that health insurance does not cover, in addition to support groups, education, prevention and wellness programs in the community. The team swam in honor of friend and classmate Ryan Brennan '11, currently undergoing cancer treatment. The team made a tshirt for Ryan and swam with his initials on their arms.

Geoffrey Griffen '10 Attains Eagle Rank

Geoffrey Griffen '10 was awarded his Eagle Scout rank at a Court of Honor ceremony held at First Presbyterian Church in Fairfield. Geoffrey earned 33 merit badges and the Arrow of Light, Order of the Arrow, World Conservation, and Bronze Palm awards. He is currently Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. His Eagle Scout project at the Seymour I. Hollander House in Bridgeport included the restoration of an outdoor wooden gazebo and the installation of a perennial garden for the enjoyment of the senior citizen residents who reside at this federally-funded section 8 subsidized low income housing complex.

Griffen was presented with numerous proclamations and letters of recognition from former Presidents of the United States, the Office of the Vice President, Speaker of the House, members of the United States Congress, and state governors. M. Jodi Rell, Governor of the State of Connecticut issued an official statement proclaiming June 13, 2009 in honor of Geoffrey Griffen. Representative Christopher Caruso also presented a Connecticut General Assembly Official Citation introduced by Senator John McKinney and Representatives Thomas Drew, Kim Fawcett, and Tony Hwang. At the request of the Honorable Jim Himes, a Certificate of Special Recognition was also presented to Geoffrey along with a United States flag which was flown in his honor over the United States Capitol. His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, as an expression of papal esteem for the Boy Scouts of America, also extended his prayerful good wishes on this occasion of his attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

Prep students serve at Daughters of Charity School Supplies Event

Fairfield Prep students recently volunteered and assisted along with General Electric Company employees at the GE sponsored Daughters of Charity School Supplies Event held in Bridgeport on Saturday, August 15th. Ben Lowden '11, Max Rein '11 and Bobby Wallace '11 (all shown at right of photo) helped with the day's activities.

GE donated 100 school backpacks to underprivileged Bridgeport students. The school bags were filled with donated essential school supplies. While the students received their supplies, many of the parents received vital personal cleaning products which were also collected and donated. The event was a great success and was extremely appreciated by all the community members that attended!

GE thanks these "Men for Others" for volunteering their time and efforts for this wonderful cause!

Robert Weiss '09 honored by Fairfield's Jewish Home for the Elderly

Left to right: Shelley Berman, Volunteer Coordinator, Robert Weiss. and parents Joan and Marshall Weiss.

Robert Weiss '09 received the 2009 Junior Volunteer Award at the Jewish Home for the Elderly in Fairfield, where he did his senior Christian Service. He will be attending Gettysburg College in the fall. Jonathan Lakeland '08 previously received the 2008 Junior Volunteer Award at the Jewish Home for the Elderly.

Shelley Berman, the Volunteer Coordinator at the Jewish Home for the Elderly, has very high praise for the Prep students who volunteer at the Jewish Home. She's very grateful for their help and their continued service.

Kristof Toth '10 awarded for math and science achievement

Shown l-r with others from Fairfield high schools: Vladimir Ivanov, of Fairfield, Fairfield Warde H.S.; Jonathan Lao, of Bridgeport, Notre Dame H.S.; Zachery Segala, of Fairfield, Fairfield Ludlowe H.S.; Kristof Toth, of Stamford, Fairfield Prep.

Fairfield University's School of Engineering and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation recently honored top high school students from all over Fairfield and New Haven counties at the 13th annual ‘Excellence in Mathematics and Science Awards.' Kristof Toth was nominated by his teachers for his outstanding work and commitment to the study of science and mathematics.

Derek Gebo '11 wins First Place prize in national writing contest

Derek Gebo '11 has won the First Place prize in the National Irish History Writing Contest. Derek received a certificate and $1000 award for his written submission about the "Celtic Tiger" economic initiative in Ireland.

Shown left: Dr. Robert Perrotta, principal, congratulates Derek on his recognition and award.

Mario Felix '09 announced as Kiwanis scholarship recipient

The Kiwanis Club of Fairfield has announced senior Mario Felix will be the recipient of a $3000 scholarship. The Kiwanis Club is a chapter of a global organization of volunteers with a mission dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. Mario will be honored with three other scholarship recipients at a luncheon on May 27. Mario is a member of Fairfield Prep's SEED organization (Students for Educational Excellence through Diversity) which promotes diversity through cultural, racial, and social interaction through year round activities and academic support programs.

John Griffin '09 and Rob Nayden '09 honored as SCC Scholar Athletes

Seniors John Griffin (hockey) and Rob Nayden (cross country, indoor and outdoor track) were both recognized for their sport leadership and athleticism, and have been named The SportsCenter of Connecticut/Southern Connecticut Conference Scholar Athletes of the Month.

Student athletes who are selected must be a varsity letterwinner and have a 3.0/B average while demonstrating leadership qualities such as: being a positive role model; helping teammates overcome adversity; showing a commitment to self-improvement; or putting the needs of the team before themselves. Recipients receive a certificate, commemorative tee-shirt and a SportsCenter of Connecticut activity pass.

John (left) will be attending Wake Forest University and Rob (right) will attend the St. John Fisher Seminary in the fall. Congratulations to both scholar athletes.

Lucas Dennison '10 wins regional art award

Lukas Dennison, junior, received an award from RYASAP at the Burroughs Community Center in Bridgeport. He received an Award Certificate for his Anti-Tobacco Graphic Design of a non-smoking campaign poster.

RYASAP is an urban/suburban youth and community development coalition serving the Greater Bridgeport region, comprised of Bridgeport, Easton/Redding, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull with local and statewide programs in juvenile justice advocacy, young adult leadership, and asset based youth community development training and consultation.

Prep Mock Trial Team Wins at Stamford Superior Court

On March 27, the Prep Mock Trial Team participated in the Regional Finals of the Connecticut Mock Trial competition at the Stamford Superior Court. The team, consisting of 21 students from all four classes, had worked for over three months preparing for the competition. The students formed two teams, one for the plaintiff and one for the defendant, to argue a civil case in which the plaintiff had suffered severe injuries from a fire in a barn owned by the defendant. Prep competed against seven other schools from Fairfield County. Stephen Donahue '92 was the faculty advisor to the team, and he was assisted by Stephen Donahue '62 and Christine Donahue Brown, local attorneys. Seniors Peter Walsh, Richard Johnson and Steve Habetz have participated on the teams since their freshman year. Many of the underclassmen were involved as attorneys, witnesses and understudies to the attorneys and witnesses. At the competition, the team won both of their matches and advanced to the state semi-finals in April. Congratulations to the team!

Nick Hilton '11 and Adam Kee '12 named State Finalists
in the 2009 Connecticut Science Fair

Nick Hilton Adam Kee

Nick Hilton, sophomore, and Adam Kee, freshman, were both named Finalists in the 2009 Connecticut Science Fair held at Quinnipiac University in Hamden. Nick's project, A Comparison of Fermentation Rates among Yeast Cultures with Electrical Field Present, culminated in both a Finalist and Special Award. The Special Award was a check from Northeast Utilities, Environmental Studies department. Adam's project was a study of algae as a bio fuel.

Stephen Habetz and Robert Nayden named National Merit Scholarship Program Finalists

Stephen Habetz Robert Nayden

Fairfield Prep is proud to announce Stephen Habetz '09 and Robert Nayden '09 have been named Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship competition. They qualify as candidates to be selected as Merit Scholarship winners from a group of more than 15,000 finalists nationwide. Congratulations!

Billy Curley '12 attends Congressional conference

Billy Curley '12 will be attending the Congressional Youth Leadership Council on February 19 - 22 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was nominated by his 7th grade English teacher from Middlebrook School, Wilton, Ct.

Geoffrey Griffen '10 witnesses historic Presidential Inauguration

Geoffrey Griffen '10 witnessed the historic 2009 Presidential Inauguration when Barack Obama took the Oath of Office as the 44th President of the United States on Janary 20. Griffen was part of a delegation of 400 students selected as Presidential Scholars to attend the 2009 Presidential Youth Leadership Conference, sponsored by LeadAmerica. The conference was held in Washington, D.C. during the Presidential Inauguration. Griffen witnessed the Presidential Oath of Office and attended the Inaugural Parade and a Youth Inaugural Ball. The leadership conference participants also attended a strategic meeting held at Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens and visited many of the historical sites and museums in Washington, D.C. Geoffrey has recently attained the Boy Scouts' highest rank of Eagle Scout and is a member of Troop 10 in Fairfield.

Joseph Bramante '12 is Student Ambassador

Joseph has participated in an organization called "People to People" for the past two years. His first year, summer of 2007 as a Student Ambassador of the United States he visited Europe (London, Paris, Belgium, Switzerland, Amsterdam and Germany) and in summer of 2008 he visited Australia and New Zealand, learning about the countries' government structure, visiting historic sites, and living with a family in a home stay. With each trip the Student Ambassadors participated in an environmental clean up for a country. For 2009 Joseph was invited to attend the Presidential Inauguration as a Student Ambassador of the United States and he will be part of the World Leadership Forum in Washington DC that will explore the nation's capital. He will spend time with US News and World Report's chief White House correspondent, Ken Walsh and receive first hand perspective of the 2008 presidential race.

Ian McEmber '09 awarded Eagle Scout

Ian McEmber '09 was awarded his Eagle Scout rank at a ceremony at St Rose of Lima Church on June 2, 2008.

Ryan Faroni '11 wins Golden Arm Award

Ryan plays the outfield and pitcher positions on the widely recognized and respected travel baseball team, the Team Connecticut Blue Jays. Each year in August this program recognizes one hitter and one pitcher (The Golden Arm Award) in their respective age bracket for achievement on the field. Ryan not only received this award this past August 2008 but it marks the 3rd consecutive season that he has attained this top honor.

Prep team wins first round in Connecticut Challenge

On Monday November 17, five Prep students ( John Bonazzo, Kevin Leitao, Richard Johnson, Sean McGuinness and Sean Welch )and two coaches ( Harvey Mamrus and Bruce Jaffe ) participated in "The Challenge" sponsored by "Power to Learn" from Cablevision. It is a Jeopardy style tournament between high schools in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Prep won the first round and placed #7 in the top 16 schools, to advance to Round Two, which will be March 4. Pictures of the contestants and the video of the contest should be available at www.powertolearn.com then select "The Challenge." If you then click on the picture of anyone from Connecticut, you can select "Teams" and Prep's info becomes available. The contest will be broadcast on Cablevision's Channel 12 at 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. December 20 and 21.

Prep's Debate Society wins in State Tournament

Fairfield Prep's Debate Society recorded another strong performance in this year's Great Connecticut High School Debate Tournament in Hartford, which is co-sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of the State of Connecticut.

Both of Prep's teams sailed through the qualifying rounds of the tournament and into the quarterfinals. After a hard-fought final, the team of Richard Johnson (l) and Peter Walsh (r) finished in second place out of more than forty teams that competed in the tournament. Walsh was also the co-recipient of the tournament's Most Outstanding Speaker Award.

American Scholastic Press Association awards Bellarmine Review
First Place with Special Merit

Click on cover to read Review.

Matt Leonard '10 awarded "Best Story"

The American Scholastic Press Association has reviewed The Bellarmine Review and presented our publication with a "First Place with Special Merit award." In their review process we earned 975 total points out of a possible 1000. Additionally, junior Matt Leonard was awarded "Best Story" for his piece entitled "Coffee Shop." Congratulations to Mr. Jamie Chesbro, English teacher, and his team of talented writers.