Prep senior Benjamin Ukehaxhaj was awarded the Fairfield Police Union Scholarship in the name of Judge Daniel Caruso. The fund was created to honor the life work of Judge Caruso who passed away unexpectedly in February 2018. Caruso, who served as Fairfield Probate Judge, was an advocate for anyone and everyone who needed help in the community. Caruso embodied the spirit of community and civic duty, always putting service above self. He was a man of strong faith and believed in always helping those in need. Due to the generosity of the Fairfield Police Union Scholarship Board Judge Caruso’s legacy is celebrated each year with a scholarship award.

In his Prep years, Ben has demonstrated being a true Man for Others both on and off campus. Ben has served his classmates and the student body through his leadership in student government, and in particular during this pandemic year, Ben and the executive council contributed to creating a safe environment for our students by drafting and delivering a safety pledge for all students. He also acted as a spokesperson for so many of the student and school initiatives throughout the year. He helped to keep school spirit high, urging his classmates and underclassmen to maintain a positive outlook in spite of a challenging pandemic year, even leading cheers!

Ben cares deeply for others and is true leader who has devoted his talents through student government and by his service as a Peer Tutor. In the wider community, Ben has committed his energies to service in a local soup kitchen, as well as in an elder care center and in an after-school recreational center. By his involvement in the lives of so many, he has come to value the relationships he has made and what he has learned through the lives of others. Ben lives a “nothing is given, all is earned” attitude, and with that he has achieved an outstanding academic record. Additionally, he has earned the respect of others for the person he is, living with an awareness of the needs of others and of his ability to affect their lives. Ben will continue his life of learning and service to others at Fordham University where he begins studies in the fall.

Photo Information:

Front Row: Ben Ukehaxhaj ’21, Diana Ukehaxhaj, Miliam Ukehaxhaj, Officer Keith Broderick and Captain Robert Kalamaras
Back Row: Principal Tommy de Quesada, Academic Dean Tim Dee, President Christian Cashman, Fairfield Police Union Scholarship Fund Board Member Charles F. Chiusano, Officer Mike Paris