To honor and celebrate the 14 graduating seniors in the Horizons at New Canaan Country School (NCCS) Class of 2026, staff, board members, alumni, and families gathered for a graduation and Alumni Association induction ceremony at Country School on Saturday, June 6. Bankwell sponsored the graduation event for the seventh consecutive year.
Jennifer Bentley, Director of Student and Family Programming, opened the ceremony by highlighting the deep meaning behind the milestone. “Today is not only a celebration of graduation, but also a celebration of perseverance, growth, community, and possibility," Bentley said.
Berto Nieves, Horizons Interim Executive Director, also shared inspiring words with the graduates. “As we look forward to the future, whether you are heading to college, going to trade school, or entering the workforce, you carry the foundation built from the program," Nieves said. "The world is waiting for the unique perspective each of you brings.”
Class speaker Prince Roc shared fond memories of the students' time together, from learning how to swim to going to a Broadway show. Over the years, they had been through experiences that not only impacted their summers but the rest of their lives, truly becoming a “Horizons family.”
Several significant awards were presented during the ceremony to recognize outstanding student achievements:
The Leah Kimmet College Aid Award, presented by Ginny Pracilio, Horizons Director of Office Administration and Development Services, honored former Horizons Executive Director Leah Kimmet. This award recognizes a graduating high school senior for outstanding kindness, enthusiasm, and dedication to others. Tania Labaze, a graduate of Norwalk High School, received the award. Labaze plans to attend the University of Connecticut in the fall to major in digital marketing.
The Annie Cohen Scholarship Award was also presented by Pracilio. This award celebrates the spirit of service and the impact of quiet leadership, recognizing a student who demonstrates a commitment to Horizons' vision of building a more just and equitable society through volunteerism. This year's recipient is Vincent Huang, a graduate of Westhill High School, who was praised for leading through reliability, kindness, and a consistent commitment to supporting those around them. Huang will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall, majoring in electrical engineering.
The Jackie Roberson Valedictorian Award, presented by Horizons Senior Program Dean of Students and Culture Jackie Roberson, recognizes the student with the highest cumulative GPA throughout their high school years, known for their integrity and active participation. This year's recipient is Steven Gonzalez, a graduate of Stamford High School. Gonzalez achieved the highest weighted GPA in the class and will attend Boston University in the fall to major in business administration.
The Serenbetz Family Foundation College Scholarships were established in 2023 by The Serenbetz Family Foundation, a longtime supporter of Horizons at NCCS. These two four-year college scholarships are awarded annually, with criteria inspired by the life and legacy of former Academic Director Lavone Roberson, who exemplified courage, resilience, determination, and a deep sense of purpose. Whitney Mallozzi, Horizons Director of Communications, Development and Grants, presented the awards to Katherine Milian and Prince Roc. Milian, a graduate of Masuk High School, plans to attend the University of New Haven to major in health sciences and pediatric dental hygiene. Roc, a graduate of Norwalk High School, plans to attend Lehigh University and major in astrophysics.
Following the awards, Andrea Cantos (Director of Admissions, Data & Family Engagement), Leigh Kennedy (Board Chair), and Katy Walsh Banks (Director of Academic Success) presented certificates and honor cords to the graduating class. Each member of the Class of 2026 also shared their personal six-word memoirs and future plans with the audience.
The event’s alumni speaker was Taylor Stokes, a Horizons alumna from the Class of 2013 who currently serves as a Senior Operations Manager at Newsela. Stokes spoke about her own journey, which exemplified the power of perseverance, leadership, and opportunity. She then led the graduates in the recitation of the Alumni Association Oath, officially welcoming them into the Horizons Alumni Association.
In a touching closing gesture, all students presented a plant to their families, recognizing the love and support that helped them reach this significant milestone.
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