Monument Mountain Regional HIgh Celebrates Four Seniors
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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Four members of Monument Mountain Regional High School's Class of 2027 were celebrated for their achievements at October's School Committee meeting at WEB Du Bois Regional Middle School.
Berkshire Hills Regional Superintendent Peter Dillon presented the awards on behalf of Principal Christopher Barnes and the high school's guidance team, recognizing students for their accomplishments and the many ways they make their school community proud.
"What a joy to recognize students for doing great work in so many different ways," said Dillon to a small crowd of family and friends, before speaking directly to the honorees: "We're super proud of you. Keep doing what you're doing, being role models for [all]."
Clay Steven received the Massachusetts of School Superintendents Association Award. Along with being the top-ranked student in the class of 2027, he is a member of the National Honor Society, a varsity soccer player, and an accomplished musician, specifically a guitarist, who plays in the school jazz ensemble. He also is the lighting designer and operator for both the Shakespeare Fall Festival and spring musical productions.
As a student leader, he has been a member of the Student Adult Advisory Board for all four years in high school, serving on the communications and celebrations committee. He is also a four-year member of Quiz Team. In the summers, Steven has worked as a counselor at Camp Becket Chimney Corners, where he has participated in service experiences in places like Auckland, New Zealand. Last June, he was the recipient of the Harvard Book Award and University of Rochester scholarship.
Banyan Bourla received the National School Development Council Award for Academic Growth and Student Leadership in Learning.
"Banyan is a perceptive and adventurous young man who has taken a rigorous selection of classes, building his capacity to think more deeply and challenge himself academically," said Dillon. "Banyan's teachers have described him as intelligent, self-motivated, personable, calm, and confident."
Bourla is taking Advanced Placement business finance through Virtual High School to explore business theory and spent additional, unpaid time at his job at Guido's Fresh Marketplace as an intern to learn how and why this multi-generational family business is so successful and a role model for other local businesses. He is a member part of the soccer team and mentors younger players, competes and works with a high level of consistency. He also represented the school at the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar at Bentley University.
Jasper Livak received the National School Development Council Award for Academic Growth and Student Leadership in Learning. A straight A student, Livak also is captain of the swim team, starting the sport at the age of 7. They took advantage of a nine-day marine biology course at the University of California at Berkeley this past summer and has strong interests that include environmental science, animal science/marine biology, art, and the humanities.
"They have earned the respect of staff and students alike by showing compassion and wisdom in their actions and words," Dillon said. "Teachers consistently state that Jasper is a courageous learner and never afraid to ask a question or state their perspective. Always prepared for class, Jasper has no use for procrastination. When curious about something, they dive in heart and soul."
Adalyn D'Aniello received the Daughters of the American Revolution Award for embodying the qualities the award recognizes: good citizenship, leadership, dependability and patriotism.
D'Aniello was noted for consistently demonstrating qualities that make her an exceptional individual, including quiet leadership, thoughtfulness, sense of humor and generosity inspires her peers. She is ranked fifth in her senior class and currently has no grade below a 96. Outside of school, her interests include volunteering at St. Peter's Church and other community functions, cooking, babysitting and spending time with her family. Addy plans to attend college to study health sciences.
"Whether participating in Unified Basketball, teaching and mentoring with the CLEO program with elementary school students or representing students with our Internship Program at the Wound Center in Great Barrington, Addy brings a caring comfort and calmness to every endeavor," said Dillon. "She is a role model who is one of the most humble and unassuming students I have had in my career."
Tags: academic award, MMRHS,
