On Friday, April 26, 2024, six West Haven students were honored at the 19th Annual South Central Area Superintendents’ Association (SCASA) Student Awards Luncheon, held at La Bella Vista in Waterbury, Conn.
Representing West Haven were WHHS seniors Jason Calogine and Jenna Teshoney, Bailey eighth-graders Gianna Saldibar and Zienna Ziada, and Carrigan sixth-graders Antonio Pina and Emely Taveras.
The SCASA awards program allows area superintendents to recognize students’ accomplishments based on academic, extra-curricular, and community service criteria.
To learn more about each student, please read their bios below:
Jason Calogine reflects a plethora of attributes that depict a well-rounded, inquisitive, energetic, and dedicated young man. Jason is a member of the National Honor Society and has been awarded the Academic Achievement Award every spring. Jason has participated in all productions put on by the Theater Arts Society and was a Halo Award nominee in the Spring of 2023. He has performed numerous volunteer hours such as WHHS College Fair, WHHS Open House, Fund Raiser for the Jimmy Fund, and the Smilow Cancer Hospital. He has earned his black belt in karate and volunteers as an instructor in his school. He is a member of the Boys’ Indoor Track Team and the Boys’ Tennis Team. Jason is planning to study Cybersecurity at the University of New Haven.
Jenna Teshoney is an outstanding student and accomplished cheerleader who volunteers a great deal of time for her school community. She coaches competitive youth cheer for the local community team. She is currently a Peer Advocate and works tirelessly to better her community. She has been involved in the Toys for Joy Program and served as a mentor for incoming eighth-grade students. Jenna serves as the student Board of Education representative. She has held this position for two years. She has been inducted into the National Honor Society and is a member of the student council. She was instrumental in developing the Fil-A-Bag-Fuel-A-Mind program, which provides food for pantries located in the West Haven Public Schools. Jenna has been accepted to many colleges and plans to pursue a degree in Chemistry at the University of Connecticut - Storrs.
Gianna Saldibar is an active member of the Bailey Middle School community. She is a morning newscaster on “Good Morning Bailey,” being an enthusiastic voice first thing in the morning. She is also a member of “Fantastic Friends,” a social group engaging in many community-based activities. Gianna is also a dedicated scholar. As a student in Algebra 1, she will earn a high school math credit as an eighth grader. Gianna was selected to receive this honor because she is a role model for her peers and a positive member of our Bailey community.
Beyond her grace, poise, and discipline at the New Haven Ballet, Zienna Ziada shines at Bailey Middle School. Not only is she a dedicated dancer, but her heart also extends to serving her community. As a member of the Student Council, Bettering Bailey, and NJHS, she consistently seeks ways to improve the school experience for everyone. Zienna's passion for helping others extends beyond the classroom. She proudly wears the hat of a Peer Tutor, patiently guiding younger students in ELA classes. Her nurturing spirit does not stop there – she even combines her love for the arts with community outreach through her work with Connecticut Kids, highlighting her talents while inspiring others. Whether onstage, in council meetings, or helping a classmate, Zienna embodies the very essence of a Bailey Middle School leader. With dreams of becoming a professional dancer or a teacher, one thing is certain: this remarkable young woman has a bright future ahead, filled with grace, service, and a desire to inspire.
Antonio Pina is a very friendly, respectful, and responsible sixth grader ready to make the move to middle school and beyond. Outside of school, he likes to participate in both karate and boxing classes – along with the occasional NBA2K game on PlayStation. Antionio has been a Caring Cougar and recognized for outstanding attendance. He loves the WWE, along with his Math and Science classes, and might like to be a Police Officer one day. Antonio credits his great family, especially Mom and Dad, for being his role models and the reason he works so hard on his studies.
Emely Taveras is an extremely bright and personable young woman. This amazing student has twice been selected by her teachers and classmates as a Caring Cougar based on outstanding academics, character, and leadership - she truly is a role model for the entire school. Emily loves her Math and Science classes and is interested in Anatomy and Physiology. Along with taking care of her younger brother, this future Doctor loves baking, volleyball, and baseball. In a brief time, Emely has become a valued member of Carrigan School.