Bringing the accomplishments and initiatives of the Waterford Public Schools to the Town, Community and beyond to create a Connection that will reinforce a strong commitment to coming together to educate the whole child.
From the opening Convocation to the final day of classes, the 2024–2025 school year has been guided by the theme: Ignite New Learning and Engage in the Possibilities. We are proud of our students and staff, who have embraced this vision with dedication and enthusiasm, working collaboratively to make this an outstanding and memorable year.
Rimal
Congratulations to the WHS Class of 2025
Jeron Shemar Porter
Christian F. Portugal
Elizabeth Kartini Price
Jacob T. Racicot
Julianna M. Raschello
Zavier Aurelius Reynolds
Ava Grace Rivera
Karis LilyAna Rivera
Roman Efrain Rivera
Cane Scot Robinson
Henry Merrill Roenke
Cole
Andrew
Ava
Tessa
Evan
Eliana
Adrianna
Evan
Peyton
Hannah
Samantha
Sarah
Danica
Sylus
Lyra
Sofia Jean Fioravanti
Sofia R. Forster
Miles Peter Gada
Rowan Fox Gada
Madison Jade Gamble
Lucas C. Gannotti
Julia Hope Gathy
Jaxson R. Rouisse
Cecilia Rose Rush
Ian Michael Rush
Gabriella R. Russ
Sam Nicholas Salegna
Lucas C. Saunders
Sophia Rose Scarpa
Madison Olivia Seifert Maximus Vytas Seliokas
Matthew Cooper Shampine
Skylar Alexandra Shapiro
Cooper Jack Sheehan
Kylee Shyner
Ashton Aramis Drake Sikorski
Sophia Sit
Hazel Ming-Yi Siu
Braeden Goodsir Sollima
Kyan Robert Somers
Bianca Angelina Spera
Alexander Charles Startz
Adeline Grace Steinhaus
Ethan John Stelik
Amelia Lou Stoddard
Ethan Alexander Stone
Benjamin Van Stratos
Victoria Suzanne Sturm
Noah Joseph Sullivan
Brady Michael Sutman
Christian Javier Torres
Gustavo A. Travassos Portes
Nataly Esmeralda Tzampop-Perez
Raleigh Derick Macugay Viloria
Kaydence Marion Virgo
Anna June Waddington
Ryder Waddington
Clare Patricia Marie Ward
Porter Thomas Watson
Cameron Gerald Webster
Tyler J. Welch
Braeden Andrew Wheeler
Shelby Lynn Zito
Jonathan Alex Zuniga Zuniga
Celebrating the Class of 2025
Waterford High School Graduation 2025
The WHS Senior Awards and Scholarships Ceremony was held on June 1, 2025. We are very proud of our Seniors - their hard work, commitment to excellence and support of our community is greatly appreciated.
Total Amount of Awards $205,000
Total # of Awards 265
Total # of Recipients: 107
CAPSS Student Awards
The Waterford High School Class of 2025 Graduation will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The event can be viewed on the WHS YouTube channel at :
https://
www.youtube.com/live/ J4EwPjJL6ZQ
The Waterford Board of Education had the honor of presenting the third annual Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendent’s Student Awards at the April 24, 2025 Board of Education meeting. Three students, one from Waterford High School and two from Clark Lane Middle School were recognized for their community service, academic prowess, and leadership service. Recipients of this year’s award were CLMS students Angellina Brooks and Rhianna Modi, and WHS student Abby Gerboth. Read their student bios on the WPS website at Superintendent's Student Award Recognition Program
See page 8 for more information on Student Achievements in WPS
Clark Lane Middle School Promotion
Clark Lane Middle School celebrated the promotion of the eighth grade class on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Check out the event on the CLMS YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/live/3CvAn8WgOPs
The Waterford Rotary recently recognized students in all of the Waterford Public Schools who have exemplified leadership qualities as well as community service. The Waterford Rotary is part of an International service organization that prides itself on the motto “Service Above Self”. Congratulations to the following students:
Elementary - Grace Brown, Arlo Jadamec, and Kevin Shinevar
Clark Lane Middle Schools - Eliana Baude, Natalie Sogard, Marykate Turner, Spencer Haffey, Ava Vargas, and Riley Roenke
Waterford High School - Leah Silvestri, Amayah Forest-Smalls, Titus Barricklow, and Willian Lathrop
Students of the Year
Waterford High School Rotary Scholars Arthur Dhervilly, Taylor Griswold, Nayoung Kwon, and Adyson Wiseman
Waterford in the News
Check out the articles below that showcase the great things happening in our district as well as the talent of our amazing students.
Gina Wygonik, Director of Special Services, will be retiring at the end of the 2024-2025 school year after three years of impactful service at Waterford Public Schools and 39 years in the education field. Gina began her career with Waterford in 2022, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge, passion, and a deep commitment to serving students. From the very beginning, she has been an invaluable member of our leadership team, consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership and a strong dedication to ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education. In her role as the Director of Special Services, Gina’s ability to juggle many different responsibilities, from overseeing our special education and multilingual programs to building meaningful relationships with families and community organizations, has made a lasting impact on our entire educational community. Her work on SRBI and the STAT process over the last year has pushed us forward. Gina’s contributions have shaped and enhanced our schools, making them stronger and more responsive to the diverse needs of our students. We would like to thank Gina for her unwavering dedication and commitment to our district. We have been incredibly fortunate to have had her as part of our team, and we wish her all the best as she embarks on this next chapter of her life.
Avery Point Transition Program Graduates
Congratulations to our Waterford/Avery Point Transition Program Graduates: Sam Deflice, Sean Morrison, and Marcus
The graduation from Waterford’s UConn Avery Point Transition Program was held on Tuesday, June 5, 2025 on the Avery Point Campus. The Avery Point Transitional Readiness Program is an initiative that prepares students, ages 18 22, with vocational opportunities while fostering independent living skills and community interactions for students with disabil-
See below for highlights of the graduates provided by the Avery Point Transition Program staff
Watching Sam’s accomplishments, by taking on a variety of tasks, has been incredibly rewarding. He’s turned challenges into strengths and discovered hidden talents like learning Spanish and now using it in conversation within the community! Sam is the kind of friend everyone needs: a great listener, full of humor, always eager to help others. We are proud of you Sam, congratulations!
Sean is the kind of person that is simply impossible to forget. He brings life to whatever room he walks in. His sense of humor can compete with anybody's and his thoughtfulness is unmatched. We will miss him dearly but could not be more excited for him and all he is yet to accomplish. Congratulations Sean!!
I’ve [Ms. O’Connor] had the privilege of working alongside Marcus on every job site, and from day one, his work ethic and positive spirit have lifted others around him and made him a stand out student. Watching him grow into a strong, kind, and determined man, both in life and on the basketball court, has been one of the greatest joys of work. Marcus your drive, steady mindset, and genuine kindness will allow great things to unfold in front of you. Congratulations Marcus!
INNOVATION
Purposeful Play Drives Deeper Learning at Oswegatchie Elementary
Article and photos submitted by Oswegatchie Elementary School Principal Joseph Macrino
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning." - Mr. Fred Rogers
Oswegatchie Elementary School continues its pursuit of incorporating inquiry-based learning across all grade levels, from Preschool through Grade 5. A key pillar of this work is our commitment to purposeful, play-based learning an approach supported by both developmental research and brain science.
In the primary grades, teachers design units of study that integrate academic learning standards with imaginative and structured play. These experiences foster literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and social-emotional development in a holistic way. For example, in Mrs. Hullivan’s 1st Grade classroom, students recently engaged in a cross-curricular project to design and build a classroom zoo. Through research, collaborative planning, and role-playing, students created an interactive zoo experience complete with signage, exhibits, and docents. This project engaged students in reading, writing, math, and scientific observation, all embedded in meaningful, student-led inquiry.
"Play is not a break from learning," says Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play. "It is the way young children learn. Play shapes the brain, opens the imagination, and invigorates the soul." This philosophy resonates deeply with our work at Oswegatchie, where educators value the role of joyful exploration in fostering lifelong learners.
In the upper grades, play-based learning takes the form of creative and inquirydriven experiences connected to more advanced content. Our 5th-grade students recently completed a culminating project tied to a Wit and Wisdom ELA unit that explored Native American history and perspectives. To demonstrate their understanding, students designed a classroom museum exhibit. They curated artifacts, designed exhibits, created stop-motion films, and guided peers through the space bringing together literacy, historical research, and public speaking in a dynamic, student led format.
Research from Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child emphasizes that "a child’s brain is built, not born." Through purposeful play and hands-on exploration, students build the neural connections essential for deep understanding, problem-solving, and social development. These experiences are not just memorable they are neurologically powerful.
At Oswegatchie Elementary School, we believe that when students are given time and space to play with purpose, they engage more deeply, think more creatively, and develop the skills they need to thrive both academically and personally.
INNOVATION
Great Neck’s Kindness Council Raises Over $2,300 for Boston Children’s Hospital
In the month of March, Waterford Public Schools participated in Youth Art Month, an annual event that promotes art education, emphasizes the value of art in schools, the community and society as well as encourage support for quality school art programs. All schools displayed artwork at the Waterford Public Library and Town Hall throughout the month of March to show the various mediums used and the variety of art classes that are available to Waterford Public Schools’ students.
Article and photos submitted by Great Neck Elementary School Principal Billie Shea
The spirit of compassion and community was on full display at Great Neck Elementary School this spring, thanks to the incredible efforts of our 5th grade Kindness Council. This dedicated group of students designed and implemented a special fundraising event called Laps of Love a schoolwide walking and running event aimed at supporting the children and families receiving care at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Students across all grade levels participated by collecting pledges and running laps to raise money for the cause. Their energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to helping others were truly inspiring. Through their collective efforts, the students raised an impressive $2,300 to benefit Boston Children’s Hospital.
This initiative is a powerful example of what happens when students are empowered to lead with empathy and purpose. Our Great Neck team is incredibly proud of the Kindness Council for their leadership and generosity.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Ethel Reed, Pam Tuneski, Bianna Hogarty and Nicholas Kinder for their help in organizing the event, and to all staff members who supported this meaningful cause. Laps of Love was a true celebration of kindness in action!
Waterford Wonders
The Waterford Board of Education recently recognized students from Great Neck Elementary School and Oswegatchie Elementary School as Waterford Wonders at the May 22, 2025 Board of Education Meeting. The Waterford Wonders program recognizes students for accomplishments in academics, exemplary character, going above and beyond and for being a good role model for their peers. Oswegatchie Elementary School grade 5 student Zane Majeski and Great Neck Elementary School grade 2 student Adalynn MacKinnel and grade 5 student Evelyn Pezzi were distinguished as Waterford Wonders. Please see below for more information on these Waterford Wonders.
Zane Majeski exemplifies everything we hope to nurture in our students integrity, perseverance, and quiet leadership. He consistently chooses kindness, works with purpose, and lifts others simply by being himself...Zane’s impact on our school community is unmistakable, and it’s clear his future will be as bright as his character...Zane is one of those students who leaves a lasting impression in the best way. From the start of the year, it was clear why every teacher who’s had him before would light up talking about how great he is. Zane is kind, thoughtful, and one of the hardest workers I’ve ever met. He always puts in his best effort, takes pride in what he does, and still finds time to help others along the way. Whether he’s tackling a tough assignment or offering a hand to a classmate, Zane does it all with a calm, positive attitude. He’s a quiet leader and someone everyone in the room can count on. ~ Joseph Macrino, OSW Principal & Emily Chaney, OSW Grade 5 Teacher
CT SUMMER MEALS
Adalynn “Addy” MacKinnel is a shining example of courage, kindness, and resilience. Every morning, she arrives at school with a smile that lights up the room and a heart full of determination. Despite the daily challenges she faces as a result of CLOVES syndrome, Addy doesn’t let anything hold her back. She meets each day with grit, grace, and a joyful spirit that inspires everyone around her. Addy is not only a strong student academically she’s also a thoughtful classmate, a caring friend, and a true helper...What makes Addy even more special is the way she and her family turn challenges into opportunities to help others. Through Addy’s Run, seasonal toy drives, and community fundraising efforts, she’s helping raise awareness and support for causes close to her heart, including Spaulding Rehab and CLOVES syndrome research. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom. ~ Billie Shea, GN Principal
Evelyn Pezzi is, quite simply, one of those students who quietly makes a big impact. Those who have had the privilege of teaching Evelyn witness firsthand the qualities that make her truly remarkable. Despite the demands of a busy dance schedule outside of school, Evelyn consistently approaches her academics with focus, curiosity, and a strong desire to succeed. She not only rises to challenges but often goes above and beyond to master new and complex material. But what truly sets Evelyn apart is her character. She brings kindness, empathy, and humility into everything she does. Evelyn leads with her heart and she does so without ever seeking praise or recognition. In a world where it's easy to notice the loudest voices, Evelyn stands out in the most meaningful way: through quiet leadership, genuine compassion, and unwavering integrity. ~ Billie Shea, GN Principal
Waterford Public Schools
Pat Fedor, Board of Education Chairperson
Thomas W. Giard III, Superintendent 15 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford , CT 06385
Phone: 860-444-5852 Fax: 860-444-5870
Contact: Caroline Whittaker - Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent E-mail: cwhittaker@waterfordschools.org
Stay Connected…
WPS Website - Visit www.waterfordschools.org for up to date BOE, school and event information.
The Superintendent’s Proposed budget, approved by the Waterford Board of Education on February 21st, represents a 2.13% budget increase for FY 20. This budget meets all of the Waterford Board of Education’s statutory obligations and mandates with the goal of not compromising rigor in the high
Waterford Public Schools is a community of learners that fosters and supports high aspirations, ensuring every student acquires the skills and knowledge necessary to be a responsible citizen, prepared to contribute and succeed in an ever-changing world.
BOE meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month. For the complete schedule of meetings, go to the BOE section of the WPS Website.
Follow us on Twitter : @WPS_CT and @WaterfordSuper
