WOODBURY — Effort doesn’t always come down to recognition — but on May 29, Nonnewaug students earned it anyways. 

Nonnewaug held its 2025 academic awards ceremony, an annual event where students from all grade levels are honored for their achievements in certain classes and specialties.

“[It’s important] to recognize students’ accomplishments throughout the year,” senior Emma Bigman, who won Excellence in Veterinary Science, said. “It’s important that there’s awards in all different areas to show every student has different strengths.”

Nonnewaug principal Mykal Kuslis agrees wabout the importance of awards night.

“I do think awards night is kind of unique to Nonnewaug,” Kuslis said.  “A lot of the awards [offered here], even though I’ve been in other schools, I’ve never heard of them. Some of the national awards, I don’t know if every school necessarily gives those out. So I do think it’s really great that we can recognize different students for different things.”

One of those awards was from the U.S. Marine Corps. It was for a student who represented athleticism and leadership. Nonnewaug senior Ellie McDonald earned this honor.

“It feels great,” McDonald said. ”I never expected I would get that award, and I don’t really know how, but I like that they think I have those qualities, and I believe that I also do have those qualities, so I’m pretty happy.” 

Another honor at the awards ceremony was the CIAC Scholar-Athlete Award, and seniors Gavin Sandor and Kelly Farrell were rewarded.

“It was really nice because I put a lot of work in school and athletics,” Farrell said, “so it was nice to be recognized.” 

Overall, the awards ceremony is a great opportunity for Nonnewaug students to be commended for their efforts in and out of school.

“Obviously our kids get recognized at scholarship night and agriscience FFA banquet, but at awards night I think we really do a good job recognizing kids across the spectrum,” Kuslis said. “I think it’s really neat the way we celebrate students.”