West Haven High School is proud to recognize senior David Cuellar as a West Haven Rotary Club Student of the Month. David has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, earning a 4.41 weighted GPA. He is a Global Distinction Scholarship recipient at the University of Connecticut, awarded $10,000 per year for a total of $40,000 over four years. Throughout high school, he has received High Honors and Outstanding Achievement recognition and is a member of the National Honor Society.
David has distinguished himself through strong leadership and involvement across a wide range of activities. He is the founder, president, and coach of the West Haven High School Mock Trial Club, where he leads members in learning courtroom procedures, organizes fundraisers, and prepares the team for competition. When unable to secure a coach, David took on the responsibility himself, demonstrating initiative and commitment to his peers. He has also served as a varsity debate leader through Yale University programs, helping his team develop arguments and achieve multiple competitive successes.
In addition, David participates in Model United Nations, Student Government, and the National Honor Society, contributing to school initiatives and representing student interests. He is also president of the Ping Pong Club, managing its operations and growth. Outside of academics, David is a dedicated musician, serving as a bass guitarist for school ensembles and his own band while mentoring younger players.
David balances his school involvement with significant responsibilities outside the classroom. He works as a legal assistant at Aitschuler and Altschuler Law Offices, supporting daily operations and assisting with client files. He has also worked in the restaurant industry. At home, David plays a major role in supporting his family by helping care for his siblings and assisting with household responsibilities, demonstrating strong time management and dedication.
His community involvement includes volunteering at local events such as the Apple Fest, assisting with school cleanup efforts, and tutoring students through National Honor Society programs. Despite a demanding schedule, he remains committed to giving back and supporting others.
David credits his motivation to his early experiences growing up in a community where basic resources were not always guaranteed. Those experiences shaped his belief that strong communities are built by people who step up and support one another. He strives to fill gaps where he sees need, whether through leadership, service, or mentorship. David believes that even in well-functioning communities, there is always an opportunity to make a difference.
Congratulations, David, on this well-deserved recognition!
West Haven High School is proud to recognize senior Chloe Payne as a West Haven Rotary Club Student of the Month. Chloe has earned a 4.1 weighted GPA and ranks 81 out of 495 students. She has been named to High Honors and Honor Roll during her high school career and has also been recognized as Athlete of the Week. Chloe is a member of the National Honor Society and a two-time recipient of the Rotary Club Student Athlete Award.
Chloe has been actively involved in athletics throughout high school, competing in volleyball, basketball, and softball. She played JV volleyball and JV basketball before moving into varsity softball and varsity volleyball, where she continued to contribute as a dedicated teammate and consistent competitor.
In addition to athletics, Chloe is involved in Spanish Club, Campus Ministry, National Honor Society, Rotary Club, and Travel Club Volleyball. Her participation reflects a strong commitment to both school involvement and service-based leadership.
Chloe’s community service includes work with Heads Up! Hartford, where she serves on the Youth Advisory Board and has taken part in food drives, senior home activities, farm support, furniture moving, and donations to local food pantries. Through Campus Ministry, she has worked with elementary students and participated in service days. She has also volunteered with Filling in the Blanks, helping prepare food bags for students experiencing food insecurity, and with First Congregational Church in West Haven, assisting in the preparation and distribution of food bags for families in need.
Chloe shared that her motivation comes from a commitment to kindness, respect, and helping others. She believes community is built through trust, support, and people choosing to show up for one another. For her, even small acts of service can make a meaningful impact, and she values the opportunity to contribute positively to the community around her.
Congratulations, Chloe!