North Haven Rotary Club Honors NHHS Students of the Month

Assistant Principal Sandra Preneta introduced two North Haven High School “Students of the Month” for the opening of the school year to the local Rotary club recently stating that together they had far surpassed the required 40 hours of community service over their four years with a total of 700 hours accumulated between them. She went on to say that “Both students have outstanding academic records and have challenged themselves by taking honors and advanced placement courses throughout their high school career. In addition, they are both stellar athletes and incredible role models for their peers.”

Accompanied by her mother, Antoinette, and her sibling Kylie, Fallon McKeon stated that her parents “have always stressed the importance of giving back to the community,” adding, "I have dedicated a great deal of time to serving my school and community throughout my middle and high school career.” Listing numerous awards and activities (CAS School Leader; 4 years as class treasurer; VP of National Honor Society; Best Buddies since grade 6; Swim Team - 4 years, and captain this year; Junior Board for the Ronald McDonald House; and recipient of the 2012 St. Michael’s College Book Award for ‘Academic Achievement with a Social Conscience’) she closed with words of gratitude saying, “It is because of people like you who place such an emphasis on service that students like myself can make a difference in the lives of others.”

Eric Lofquist was joined at the Breakfast Nook Restaurant festivities by his parents, Helene and Stanley; his grandmother, Katherine Lofquist; and his sister, Rebecca. He began by thanking the service club for the special recognition and proudly pointed to his personal accumulation of over 400 hours of community service while stating, “I have really enjoyed helping different people anddifferent organizations accomplish good things in this community.” Reviewing his personal list (counselor at St. Therese Day Camp - 3 summers; assisting Police Benevolent Association,including Community Safety Day as well as a Tag Sale for breast cancer awareness;-volunteering at Benhaven [serves children to adults dealing with autism] teaching sign language to anadult; a member of the Math, Spanish, Latin, and the National Honor Societies; Soccer Team -  4 years, despite a season with injury) he concluded his remarks saying, “ Volunteerism is importantto me; so when I hear the Rotary Club's motto, ’service above self,’ I take it to heart.”

Sandra Preneta summed it up well saying, “It is impressive to see how well they manage so many activities, and the rigors of challenging courses; yet still find the time to devote themselves to helping out in the community.”