KENNETH STRATTON
JONATHAN COLLINS
ALYSSA KELLEHER
SOUTHWICK – Three finalists are in the running for the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional High School’s prestigious Emerald Shield Award.
Jonathan Collins, Alyssa Kelleher and Kenneth Stratton were selected by their peers from among 16 students nominated for the award by high school faculty.
The recipient will be named during the STGRHS Senior Awards Night June 4 following a vote by students and faculty.
Collins is described as a student who challenges himself to excel in all of his endeavors. He has taken on a rigorous program of studies while participating in numerous school activities. Collins plays varsity soccer, basketball, and track and field and his coaches said he has a positive attitude, impressive work ethic, and the ability to motivate, making him an ideal captain.
Collins is an active member of Interact, French and Chess clubs and has worked to acclimate incoming freshman as a student ambassador and freshman student advisor. He served his peers as a member of the student council for four years and volunteers at his church. Collins, who is working toward his Eagle Scout Award, hopes to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Although Collins is not sure what his major will be in college, he does plan to continue to participate in track and field.
“I’m going to go to college and check it all out,” he said.
Kelleher’s teachers call her sensitive, serious and an independent thinker who has served as class president for three years. Kelleher participated in Girls State last June and was awarded the St. Lawrence University Book Award. Kelleher serves as co-capyain of the varsity softball and field hockey teams and received the 2011 Sportsmanship Award for her outstanding leadership in softball and was the 2013 MVP of the field hocket season.
Kelleher is the student council treasurer and a member of the Interact Club as well as a student ambassador. Kelleher plans to attend Fairfield University.
Keller is also undecided on a major, but is leaning toward a double major in communications and business.
“And I am very interested in philanthropy, which has become a business,” she said.
Stratton is described as a studious and conscientious student who constantly strives for excellence. Stratton received the St. Michael’s College Book Club Award and is currently the National Honor Society Parliamentarian. Stratton is a student ambassador and freshman advisor, as well as a member of the Graphics Club and the As Schools Match Wits team.
A four-year member of the golf team, Stratton writes for The Spectator, volunteers at Our Lady of the Lake Church and works at Big Y. He plans to attend Western New England University.
Stratton plans to double major in journalism and political science.
“I have always had an interest in history and politics and discovered over the past few years that I can write,” he said. “I’m hoping to combine those two into a career.”
All three finalists were thrilled to be selected, however, each said they would genuinely be happy for whomever ultimately recieves the award, a testament to the senior class they all said was special.
“We’re all friends,” said Kelleher.
“Yes,” agreed Stratton, “I’ve never felt there were any bitter feelings.”
Collins agreed and said the STGRHS Class of 2015 has always worked well together.
“We don’t have bullying or those kinds of issues,” Collins said.
