High school health teacher Jennifer Pomponio presented Olivia Giordano with the “Champion” award from her department. On Wednesday, November 18, 2009, thirteen Garden City High School students were honored with a breakfast as the first recipients of the school’s new “Breakfast for Champions” program. Parents of honorees were invited to share in the breakfast celebrating their child’s achievement. In addition, the event was attended by district and high school administrators, and high school teachers. Most notable were the moving testimonials from nominating teachers about the student recipients as they were presented with special certificates.

“The purpose of the ‘Breakfast for Champions’ is to recognize students who have made a significant contribution to our school,” commented high school principal Nanine Cuttitta. “These students have touched the lives of others by making a difference. They have demonstrated excellent character and conduct. They make Garden City High School a great place to go to school. We also recognize their parents and thank them for raising such wonderful children.

Anthony Ienna was presented the “Champion” award for the Science Department by Dr. Steven Gordon. “We are always looking for new ways to celebrate our students’ successes and to recognize their contributions. Each department selected a champion and each champion was presented by a teacher. That teacher told us why their champion deserved this recognition. We are very proud of all of our ‘Champions’ and thank them for their efforts!”

An additional “Breakfast for Champions” will be held in the spring to honor more students for their contributions to the high school community.

Angelo Carpentier, a senior who excels in photography, received the Art Department award from teacher Claire Ellerman.
Pictured here are the first recipients of the high school’s new “Breakfast for Champions” certificates with Principal Nanine Cuttitta (back row, far right).
Senior Colin Ripp was the “Champion” selected by the Physical Education Department. The certificate was presented to Colin by teacher Raymond Chaputian.
Catherine Oriani presented the English Department’s “Champion” certificate to senior Michelle Velez.
Carolyn Gardner was the “Champion” recipient for the high school Business Department and ccepted her award from teacher Eugene Rochler.
Junior Alex Woinich was the “Champion” selected by the Family & Consumer Science Department and presented his award by teacher Patricia Muller.
Christopher Ajemian was the recipient of the World Languages “Champion” award, presented to him by Latin teacher Linda Fabrizio.
Junior Meghan Murphy was the recipient of the Counseling Center award presented by 6-12 Guidance Department Coordinator Kitty Klein.
The “Champion” certificate for Social Studies was presented by Kevin O’Hagan to senior Kelly Allen.
For the “Champion” certificate from the Mathematics Department, senior Ryan Gallant accepted his prize from 6-12 Mathematics Curriculum Coordinator, Stu Dods.
Nancy Slater presented a “Champion” award to senior Patrick Gaffney from the Special Education Department.
From the Music Department, Katherine Masters accepted her award from Marching Band teacher Brandon Psenicka.