Shelton High School held its 34th Annual Awards Assembly on Thursday, June 2, in the school’s auditorium. Dr. Beth Smith, Headmaster, opened the program speaking to the core values of the school requiring students to meet high academic and behavioral expectations. She recognized and congratulated the staff, students, parents, and the community for working collaboratively to ensure that this program continues. After the Pledge of Allegiance led by Student Council President Jillian Ortoli, greetings were given by Guidance Curriculum Leader Kathy Riddle.

Senior Class President Henry Jiang welcomed guests. Dr. Beth Smith, joined by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Clouet and Board of Education Chairman Mark Holden, then presented an honorary diploma for Kristjan Ndoj to his brother, Elvis.

Smith commented, “In March, 2014, tragedy struck Shelton High School, when Kristjan Ndoj was senselessly murdered. Kristjan was an inquisitive young man, eager to learn, with an infectious smile, stunning dimples and sparkling green eyes that lit up the room whenever he entered. Kristjan, a member of the Class of 2016, would have graduated this year.”

Greetings were given by Holden, Clouet and Mayor Lauretti. Students were then presented with individual awards over one hundred dollars, a total award amount of $537,000. One hundred fifty-three students were honored for displaying qualities of scholarship, leadership, citizenship, sportsmanship and responsibility. The award recipients were nominated for these awards by their teachers, school counselors, administrators, coaches and club advisors. Two weeks ago the Book and Achievement Award Ceremony was held before our entire student body, family and community members. Awards $100 and under totaling over $8,000, as wellas the university and college book awards and certificates of recognition, were presented to 174 students.