As the end of the school year approaches, both Westfield High School (WHS) and Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional High School (STGRHS) are preparing to give out the prestigious Bronze Tablet and Emerald Shield awards, respectively.
STGRHS narrowed the candidates to three finalists for the school’s Emerald Shield Award.
The three finalists were chosen by their peers from a field of 13 students nominated by the faculty. This award is given annually to the member of the graduating class who has made the greatest contribution to Southwick-Tolland Regional High School, in the opinion of the faculty and senior class.
The 13 nominated students are Jessica Baker, Alida Brown, Danica Brown, Mariah Collins, Austin DeCosmo, Victoria DeCosmo, Ryan Harper, Yandene Planter, Alexandra Platanitis, Conner Snow, Simone Thibault, Olivia White and Natalie Wolanski.
After the senior vote, the following finalists were chosen:
Mariah Collins
Mariah has been a four-year honor student, and an integral part of the STRHS extra-curricular community participating in Student Council, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Spanish Club, Health Career Club, Interact Club and serves as a Student Ambassador. Mariah has represented her class as Class President for all four years of high school. She is a member of the Varsity Soccer, Varsity Basketball and Track and Field teams. Mariah will attend the University of New Hampshire.
Ryan Harper
Ryan is a four-year high honors student and a National Honor Society member currently ranked 5th in the class. He is a recipient of a John & Abigail Adams Scholarship, Massachusetts Student-Athlete Citizenship Award, the STRHS Good Citizenship Award and Clarkson University Book Award. He is a four year member of the Soccer and Track teams serving as Senior Captain. Ryan has received Principal’s Awards for Excellence in both English and Math. Ryan will attend the Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University and major in Advertising.
Alexandra Platanitis
Alexandra is a four-year high honors student and a member of the National Honor Society. She is a four year Student Council Member serving as the Vice President her junior year and President her senior year. She is a Class Ambassador, a Freshman Advisor and a recipient of Commendations for Excellence. Outside of school, Allee is a part of the Mount Holyoke College equestrian team and was a Mass. 4H Horse Delegate for Eastern States as well as a Regional 4-H Reserve Champion. Allee will attend Mount Holyoke College.
The recipient will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on June 6, 2013.
WHS has three nominees for the Bronze Tablet who wrote their own thoughts on the award.
Nate Barnes
Hello my name is Nate Barnes and I am extremely honored to be nominated for such a prestigious award as the Bronze Tablet. The previous Bronze Tablet award winners have set the best example for any lower classmen to follow. People such as Dan Gaylord, Eric Wardner, Brittany Stefano and Renee Barouxis come to mind as past finalists and winners that were fine young role models to their peers and the rest of the community. These individuals achieved stunning academic records, athletic accomplishments but most of all had outstanding character traits. These students had one more thing in common: they contributed the most toward the welfare, good name, and progress of Westfield High School. In being nominated for this award, it’s my turn to “take the torch” and prove how I contributed.
Dictionary.com’s definition of welfare is the health, happiness, and fortunes of a group. One particular word that stands out to me in that definition is happiness. Every place I go, I try and bring a positive attitude that reflects the qualities of a respectful young man; a man that is both joyful and proud because of the school he represents. Whether on the athletic field, in the classroom, volunteering for NHS, and so forth, I have always tried to bring my best attitude to a group of people. As far as the good name and progress of Westfield High School, there are two words that come to mind: class act. I will never forget those words, spoken by a true mentor and friend of mine by the name of Coach “Moose” Matthews. He told the potential team candidates that very phrase on the first day of tryouts my freshman year; that statement rings true to this very day. I am reminded of that as I go to school each day with each and every encounter I have with someone, each field I step on, and each classroom I step in to. What it truly means to be a bomber is to cherish the people that you are with and make each other better people in every aspect of life. You see it doesn’t matter how many State Championships I have won, or how good my grades are, or how many hits I had last baseball season, what truly matters is being part of a school family that has a great reputation and is always moving forward. My goal was not to be remembered by WHS, but rather Westfield High School regarded highly because of the class act I portrayed.
“We’re Bomber’s! We’re a class act and that’s how it’s always gonna be”
Robert (Bobby) LaFlamme
When I ask myself what I have done for the welfare, good name, and progress of Westfield High School, I feel like I am reliving my high school experience all over again. Everything that we have each done for our school has brought us all closer together. The pride that our school has comes from the effort we put into making it a place that will always hold a special place in our hearts due to the things we’ve learned, the ways we’ve grown, and the friends we’ve made. The unique activities that I’ve had the privilege of participating in over the past four years have made me not only hope that I am deserving of the Bronze Tablet, but that I have left a lasting impression on Westfield High School.
Although I have been involved in various class events, sports, academics, and clubs at Westfield High School, I hope that people know that I did not just participate in all of these activities just for the sake of doing them; there was, and still is, a purpose. My intentions were to help strengthen the name of Westfield High School by trying my best academically, participating in clubs so that they may continue for many years to come, and, most importantly, partaking in events that would support and help my fellow classmates so that everyone would enjoy their high school experience. Even though I was not always successful in my efforts, I am proud to say that I made an effort; I wanted people to notice that I wasn’t just doing things that would benefit myself, but I was doing things that would benefit the entire school. Not everyone is noticed for what they have done for our school which is why I am so grateful and humbled to even be considered for the Bronze Tablet. My ultimate goal has not been to play every sport, or to have everyone like me, or to even participate in everything that our school has to offer; these are just small aspects in the grand scheme of what I’ve been trying to achieve. Although it is sometimes nice to be noticed for my accomplishments, I’d much rather be regarded as someone who has made a difference that will last for many years to come in a place that will always be a part of who we are.
Amelia Tooker
My name is Amelia Tooker and I am the president of the senior class. I have held the position of class president for all four years at Westfield High school. I have been involved with the schools soccer, basketball and softball programs. Being a WHS athlete since my freshman year has truly influenced my high school experience. As a freshman goalkeeper I led my soccer team to an undefeated season, as well as being a captain of my team during my sophomore year. Throughout the duration of my high school career I have represented Westfield High in numerous ways. I am proud to be so involved with the school and the Westfield community. Over the past four years I believe I have helped change and shape Westfield High for the better. I am truly grateful for having led my class with respect and dedication. Looking back, the past four years have truly come and gone and I am extremely pleased with my involvement each year. My experiences and qualifications throughout the years have brought me to new heights. The events I have participated in and the lessons I have learned at Westfield High School are what I plan to incorporate into my bright future. As Nelson Mandela said, “a good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination”.
Throughout my four years I have been a part of many school activities, organizations and clubs. The school Ambassadors Club was a great way for me to donate my time at the start of my freshman year. Holding the position of Class president for four years, the Principles Council was a good way to bring together the presidents that act for the student body. Freshman year I was honored to be a part of the Bridges Program, which is brought to us by the National Conference for Community and Justice. Participating in the Prom Gown Extravaganza, I was a liaison my freshman and sophomore year. This program helped provide cost affective gowns and accessories for girls during prom season. I was a member of the Mock Trial club where I participated in trial competitions. Participating in the Stock Market Challenge at Western New England University taught me how to multitask and provided me with yet another opportunity to represent our school. Throughout my years at WHS I have taken advanced and honors classes to help expand my education. I have been a physical education student leader during my sophomore, junior and senior year, and was also as a student assistant to many teachers and the office staff. I have participated in the “A mile in Your Shoes: A Walk for Change” my junior year to benefit the Kinship Fund at WHS. My junior and senior year I have been honored to be an executive member of the Student Athletic Advisory Board (SAAB) here at Westfield High School. By attending the athletic conference at Gillette Stadium I learned many things to improve our spirit and athletic programs at the high school and in the community. Senior year has certainly been a busy time. During the annual Powder Puff football game the officers and I headed the idea to donate the funds raised to the National Alzheimer’s Association. As a WHS athlete I have coached and trained elementary aged children in the Westfield community. Nobel Hospital has had me as a volunteer in the emergency department and gift shop. I have worked at St Mary’s Parish as a reader and greeter and have donated my time at the Westfield soup kitchen. I also assist the elderly with seasonal cleanup. Amelia Park Ice Arena and The Amelia Park Children’s Museum are both locations where I have volunteered to face paint and clean the properties. All of these activities, clubs and volunteer opportunities have helped me grow as a person during my high school years.
