Latest news with #WestfieldHighSchool
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Westfield High School Valedictorian: Justin Romanelli
WESTFIELD — Westfield High School Valedictorian Justin Romanelli was putting the finishing touches on his speech the day before graduation, and practicing to get it ready. Asked what he wrote about, he said, 'Primarily, the idea of what is permanent versus what is temporary, how it's important to recognize which one is which, and how they impact [our lives].' Romanelli said he was looking forward to giving the speech. 'I wouldn't say I'm comfortable, but I'm looking forward to it. It's a great opportunity for me to do it publicly — it's not something I've been exposed to in the past,' he said, adding that he was also very nervous. Romanelli will be studying computer science and technology at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, in the fall. He said he plans to study coding but isn't sure exactly where it will lead, although his best guess is software development. The race for valedictorian was very tight this year, with Brandon Guyott, the school's salutatorian, a close second. Romanelli and Guyott are co-founders of the Coding Club at WHS and in the Robotics Club together. The duo also collaborated for the second year on their science fair project, 'Optimizing an After-Market Prototype That Operates a Window Remotely,' which earned second place at regionals, and an honorable mention in the state science fair. Guyott, who Romanelli calls 'his best friend,' is also heading to Rensselaer in the fall. Romanelli said during his four years at WHS, besides the Robotics and Coding Clubs, he was on the Student Council and in the Key Club, which he credits with making him who he is today. Romanelli's awards include Excellence in Computer Science, Excellence in Mathematics, and Excellence in Spanish. He also recently earned the MA State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction for Spanish, for which he was recognized in a ceremony at WHS in May. Romanelli said WHS has helped him to expand his interests. 'Westfield High School, at least for me, has been a great school. I've been able to approach different classes and different clubs without many barriers, [which has] helped me to branch out more and find new things,' he said. Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Westfield High School announces Bronze Tablet nominees for the Class of 2025
WESTFIELD — Eight Westfield High School students have been nominated for The Bronze Tablet, awarded annually at the Senior Assembly to the member of the graduating class who has done the most for the welfare, good name, and progress of the school. The student's name is permanently engraved on a bronze tablet and added to the plaque, which stands prominently in the main entrance to the school near the auditorium. The winner is determined each year by a vote of the senior class from the list of students nominated by the faculty. All eight of this year's nominees said they were honored to have been nominated by their teachers and the staff for the award. Jillian Battles Western New England University — Health & Political Sciences Jillian Battles said she has always known that she wanted to be a family physician specializing in pediatrics. At the same time, community service has been a major part of her life. She started her own service project, Jillian's Bags for Bravery, making 800 care bags for troops and veterans for four years and raising nearly $40,000 from local businesses and community members. Jillian volunteered as an assistant swim coach at the YMCA and took part in their Leaders Club. She participated all four years on the WHS Varsity Swim Team, serving as captain in her senior year. She is also on the Varsity Tennis Team, serving as captain in her junior and senior years. She is in the National Honor Society, Best Buddies, Future Medical Professionals Club, Space and Astronomy Club, Current Issues Club, Morgan's Message, and the Key Club, serving as president in her senior year. Jillian was named the Sons of Erin colleen in 2025. She has received the President's Gold Volunteer Service Award, numerous VFW and American Legion awards, the Department of Veterans Affairs Certificate of Appreciation, official citations from the city of Westfield, state Rep. Kelly Pease and state Sen. John Velis, the Kiwanis Good Citizen Award, and most recently, the Ray Hershel Scholarship. 'Together, we can all make a wall of kindness that can prevail over all that's wrong in the world,' Jillian said. Luke Bulan University of Massachusetts Amherst — Nursing & Biomedical Engineering Luke Bulan said his first class on his first day at WHS was Show Choir, where he was welcomed by 'the warmest group of people I have yet to know even now.' He said 'a switch was flipped inside of me,' and he went on to serve as vice president and president of the Show Choir in his junior and senior years. This year he was selected as a member of the Massachusetts Music Educators All-State Chorus. In his sophomore year, Luke started a project for the WHS Science Fair based in the medical field. 'This decision changed the course of my life. My ongoing neonatal care blanket project is my greatest accomplishment, as I have poured three years into developing it, and it is something with such a great potential to help so many people someday when it is fully realized.' He began volunteering at Baystate Medical Center in the Student Ambassador Program, and continued his volunteer work at Baystate Noble in the years that followed. At WHS, he served on the Quiz Team, Key Club, varsity tennis, as a manager for the boys and girls volleyball teams, and has won many music, science and engineering awards. 'Thanks to these choices, I'm committed to a path in life that will revolve around caring for others, and I have Westfield High School to thank for providing the setting for me to freely make these choices.' Sydney Drugan Bridgewater State University — Environmental Geosciences Sydney Drugan joined the Student Council as a freshman, hoping to make a lasting impact. 'Through countless events, fundraisers, and leadership opportunities, I'm proud to say I've helped do just that,' she said. Sydney is an Executive Board member and this year's Executive Board president, helping to lead discussions with administrators to ensure student voices are heard. Sydney also served the Class of 2025 as class president in her freshman and sophomore years, and as class historian for the past two years. She said she has worked to keep their class connected, engaged, and excited about school through events and experiences they'll remember well after graduation. In the WHS engineering program, Sydney was part of a team that won the 2022 Mass STEM Week Challenge, which awarded a $10,000 scholarship to the engineering department, inspiring her to pursue a future in geoscience and engineering. In 2024, Sydney was named the Sons of Erin Westfield colleen. She is also involved in the Miss America Organization, and has 17 years of competitive dance experience. 'The lessons I've learned here will continue to guide me in everything I do beyond high school, and I'll always carry them with me,' she said. Brandon Guyott Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute — Computer Science 'I have always felt the desire to give back to the community that has given me so much,' said Guyott. He joined the Key Club as a freshman, volunteering at the Soup Kitchen and other events such as the Rays of Hope cancer walk and the CHD luminaria display. During his time on the Student Council he helped with the organization of school events like Spirit Week. In the past two years, he has been a member of the National Honor Society, doing many hours of volunteer work and tutoring. Also as a freshman, Guyott joined the WHS Robotics Club out of his passion for technology, and served as vice president for two years. In his junior year, he founded the WHS Coding Club. 'Being the president of Coding Club has strengthened the skills that were burgeoning under my leadership position in Robotics Club, and I have had so much fun working on digital dice games and building little HTML websites, among other projects over the past couple years.' He said running both of these clubs helped him realize the value of communication and feedback. 'Being a student at Westfield High School has been an enjoyable experience in large part because of the vibrant community,' he said. Emery Smith University of Massachusetts Amherst — Animal Science | Pre-Vet Emery Smith said her involvement in extracurriculars didn't begin until her sophomore year when she ran for class historian and became class president in her junior and senior years, earning her a spot on the Executive Board of the Student Council. She also joined Letters for Rose, the National Honor Society, Key Club, Debate Club, and Conservation Club. 'What truly motivated me to start joining clubs, sports teams, and eventually take on leadership roles in both of those areas, was the spirit and pride my fellow classmates, colleagues, and teammates showed when it came to representing the black and red,' she said. As a member of the varsity soccer team for four years, Emery served as team captain her senior year, earning the trust of her coaches and teammates, and helping to run soccer clinics for middle school girls. She also spent three years on the track team, where she played in the All Western Meet all three years. In the broader community, Emery contributed 200-plus hours of volunteering with the Westfield Homeless Cat project and AJ Stables, and worked at High Meadows summer camp, teaching kids the basics and importance of the equine industry. Emery plans to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst in animal science with a pre vet track, in hopes of attending four years of veterinary school and finishing off with a doctorate in veterinary medicine. Sophie Svantesson Providence College — Biology & Pre-Vet After experiences in sports and on the Math Team as a freshman at WHS, Sophie Svantesson joined the Student Council in her sophomore year and was elected vice president, a position she has held since. Earning a spot on the Executive Board, she helped to plan events that every individual could enjoy. 'This position allowed me to expand my leadership and embrace the spirit of WHS,' she said. She participated in dozens of volunteering opportunities, her favorite being working with children on youth holiday breakfasts at Shaker Country Club. Sophie said that Westfield's soccer program developed her leadership to its full potential. 'As the goalkeeper, it's my responsibility to oversee the entire playing field, a role that has taught me the importance of maintaining high self-confidence while also properly communicating.' She was named a captain in her junior and senior seasons and received various awards. These skills and experiences also provided opportunities in the community, including coaching a local youth team, running soccer clinics, and becoming a paid goalkeeper instructor. Sophie was also a part of WHS softball teams that has won numerous awards, including the 2022 state championship. Her academic awards include Dartmouth College Book Award and Highest Honor Roll. 'Westfield High School has given me lifelong friends,' she said. Logan Szenda Roger Williams University — Environmental Engineering When Logan Szenda first entered high school, he focused on academics and swimming, contributing to the WHS team winning runner-up in the Western Mass championship in his freshman and sophomore years, and competing at states. He became lifeguard certified and began his first job as a lifeguard at the Westfield YMCA for two summers. As a junior, his swim team won first place in a relay and performed well at states, and Logan became recognized as a Connecticut Scholar Athlete for his good academics and involvement in club swimming. As a senior, Logan qualified for YMCA Nationals for club swimming. 'That was a goal that I had to work incredibly hard to achieve,' he said. Szenda said it wasn't until his junior year that he started to branch out, beginning with a nomination for the National Honors Society. He became involved with clubs, starting with Key Club and Letters for Rose. 'I learned that I loved being involved with my school and community,' he said. In his senior year, Logan became treasurer of NHS, a Global Glimpse ambassador and a member of Dear Lina and Best Buddies. 'I have learned to not wait for an opportunity to come but to open the door before anyone knocks, because sometimes you might be waiting for a while or someone may never knock.' Ceileigh Thomson University of Massachusetts Lowell — Music Ceileigh Thompson said the true center and heart of her journey has always been music. She served as a drum major and executive assistant of the WHS band, and has been enrolled in every band class throughout high school, participating in the jazz ensemble, pit band and various small groups. Ceileigh also represents WHS as principal trombonist in the Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestra, and is a seven-year participant in the MMEA-WD ensembles, including concert band, orchestra and jazz band. Ceileigh said she feels honored to represent Westfield on the regional and state-wide level, and of having had the opportunity to mentor young musicians in the Westfield School Programs. As the Tri-M Music Honor Society vice president, she assists in making it possible for young musicians to have access to resources, she said. Outside of music, Ceileigh is a four- year member of the swim and dive team, recently serving as captain. She is a member of the National Honor Society and a staff member for the school newspaper, 'The Bomber Blaze,' as well as participating in the Space and Astronomy Club, Key Club and Best Buddies. This fall, she will pursue music studies at UMass Lowell. 'I want to be able to support and teach future generations and give the same opportunities I grew up with. I have seen first hand how music can allow people to feel expression and be an outlet. My mentors have given this to me, and I feel the need to give back,' Ceileigh said. Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Sixteen WHS students receive Global Seal of Biliteracy in ceremony
WESTFIELD — Westfield High School recently announced that 16 students have been awarded the prestigious Global Seal of Biliteracy, an international language certificate that recognizes and celebrates their level of proficiency in two or more languages. During a ceremony on May 22 in Westfield High School, Meyleen Sierra, the Seal of Bilteracy Coordinator, said this is the first time that the school district has recognized the students in a ceremony. She said the school started the program last year as an opportunity for students to showcase their language skills by participating in exams for the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy. This year for the first time, the students also participated in exams for the Global Seal of Biliteracy, which she said crosses borders. The students being recognized will earn a seal on their high school diploma, and a special cord to wear at graduation. Sierra said the Global Seal is an international recognition that sets students apart. She then welcomed the students being recognized to the stage, while the Show Choir sang the national anthem. The nine students who received the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy included Pavlo Balandiuk for Russian and Ukrainian; Ruslana Cherepanova for Russian; Mark Chyruk for Russian and Ukrainian; Dereck Melendez-Camacho for Spanish; Denys Prymych for Russian and Ukrainian; Ajaliz Ramos for Spanish; Justin Romanelli for Spanish - Romanelli also earned the MA State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction; Savelii Vashchenko for Russian and Ukrainian and Matthew Vinces for Spanish. Sixteen students earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy which validates language skills and expands future opportunities for its recipients. It offers three levels of certification: Functional Fluency, Working Fluency, and Professional Fluency, each serving a meaningful purpose in this increasingly diverse and interconnected world. Available in over 100 languages, the Global Seal of Biliteracy has been issued by employers, universities, and secondary schools in over 30 countries and five continents. 'Our students have worked hard to develop their language skills, and we are thrilled to see their efforts recognized with the Global Seal of Biliteracy,' said Sierra. 'This certification not only celebrates their accomplishments but also opens doors for them in academia and the global job market.' The students being recognized will earn a seal on their high school diploma, and a special cord to wear at graduation. Sierra said the Global Seal is an international recognition that sets students apart. Recipients of the Global Seal of Biliteracy included Pavlo Balandiuk for Russian and Ukrainian; Jaiden Caban for Spanish; Ruslana Cherepanova for Russian, and Mark Chyruk for Russian and Ukrainian, and Mykyta Lushchynskyi for Russian and Ukrainian. Balandiuk, Chyruk and Lushchynskyi both also received a medal and Global Seal Certificate for working fluency. Also receiving the Global Seal of Biliteracy were Makenzie Mailloux for Spanish; Dereck Melendez-Camacho for Spanish; Megan Moran for Spanish; Denys Prymych for Russian and Ukrainian; Ajaliz Ramos for Spanish; Natasha Rivera for Spanish; Nayshalis Rosario-Lopez for Spanish; Justin Romanelli for Spanish; Sophie Svantesson for Spanish; Savelii Vashchenko for Russian and Ukrainian, and Matthew Vinces for Spanish. Prymych, Romanelli and Vashchenko also received a medal and Global Seal Certificate for working fluency. In his remarks, Principal Charles Jendrysik said, 'In life, it's important to distinguish yourselves.' He said having skill and proficiency in multiple more opportunities, and is also a sign of being a culturally aware citizen in the community who embraces various cultures in a meaningful way. 'It's an honor to stand before you. This is a truly remarkable achievement,' said Anna Antropova, supervisor of the English language learner program. She said not only did the students learn the culture, but the ability to speak, read and write in multiple languages. She said the achievement belongs to them and their families, and to their teachers Meyleen Sierra and Amy Satkowski. Antropova said all of the students being recognized had the mindset, 'I can learn. We look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish,' she said. Sierra then introduced student keynote speaker Sophie Svantesson, Class of 2025. Svantesson said she started studying Spanish in 7th grade, 'and discovered my passion for learning languages.' She said she was grateful at having the opportunity to travel to Spain in 2024, where she was immersed in the language. She said she plans to continue Spanish while studying biology at Providence College in the fall. Svantesson then repeated her remarks in Spanish. After the ceremony, the students and their families were invited for refreshments in the cafeteria where they spoke about the honor. 'I think it's pretty important for jobs. For example, I have multiple languages — it's better than knowing only English,' said Savelli Vashchenko. Vashchenko, a junior, said next year he plans to enter the Westfield Promise early college program and keep up his good grades. He said he is interested in studying business in the future. Denys Prymych, whose family came with him to the ceremony, said learning languages is interesting for him. Prymych is interested in going into the aviation program at CT Aero Tech for aircraft mechanics and then flight school. He said he already has 10 hours of flight training. 'Something different,' he said. Ajaliz Ramos, who received a State and Global Certificate of Biliteracy for Spanish, said she is glad that WHS is recognizing these students, who 'put in a lot of work. It's great that we embrace people who take in another language and another culture,' she said. Ramos will be attending Westfield State University for finance. Anna Camacho, who came to see her son Dereck Melendez-Camacho earn the recognition, said, 'I'm very happy to see the students recognized. It's very important.' Antropovo said she is hoping the ceremony will grow every year. She said one of her children received the award in another district, a ceremony that she attended as a parent, and recommended WHS implement it for their bilingual students.. 'They certainly have what it takes,' she said. For more information about the Global Seal of Biliteracy, visit Read the original article on MassLive.
CBS News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
New Jersey teen victimized by AI porn attends "Take it Down Act" signing at White House
N.J. teen victimized by AI porn attends "Take it Down Act" signing N.J. teen victimized by AI porn attends "Take it Down Act" signing N.J. teen victimized by AI porn attends "Take it Down Act" signing President Trump has signed the "Take it Down Act", which bans people from publishing nonconsensual sexual images, like artificial intelligence deepfakes and revenge porn. The White House invited Francesca Mani, a New Jersey high student who was victimized by deepfake porn, to Monday's bill signing ceremony after she spent years advocating for the bill. New Jersey teen victimized by deepfake porn spent years advocating for "Take it Down Act" In 2023, Mani's family told CBS News New York that boys at Westfield High School used an AI app to create nude images using the faces of real girls, including Francesca. Her family has been fighting for reforms ever since. Mr. Trump's signature means people who distribute sexual images of someone without their consent can now face up to three years in prison or fines from the federal government. It includes AI-generated deepfakes, which are forged images created with a real person's face. "I mean, it feels absolutely exhilarating. I mean, I have been supporting this law and advocating for it for almost two years now, and I am just so happy. I just want to say thank you to the first lady and President Trump, and all the politicians who have acted in a decisive way, in a bipartisan way," Mani said in an interview from the White House Rose Garden. Back in 2023, boys at Westfield High School allegedly used an artificial intelligence app to create fake nude images using the faces of female classmates, including Francesca Mani. Photo provided The president acknowledge Mani's struggle during the signing ceremony. "Also with us are several other brave Americans whose lives were rocked by online harassment, including Francesca Mani," the president said. Mani joined first lady Melania Trump at a press conference in March where they both called for stronger protections from AI-generated deepfake pornography. "We affirm that the wellbeing of our children is central to our future of our families in America," the first lady said Monday. Revenge porn bill outlines criminal penalties Under the "Take it Down Act," criminal penalties for sharing nonconsensual sexually explicit images are immediately in effect. A part of the law that requires social media companies to remove the images within 48 hours of a victim's request goes into effect next year. Critics said the bill could be weaponized to remove legitimate images protected by free speech. Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie said it was ripe for abuse with unintended consequences, but it passed the House of Representatives 409-2. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law laying out criminal penalties for producing and sharing non-consensual deepfake images in April.
CBS News
30-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
New Jersey teen who was victim of deepfake pornography invited to White House for bill signing
A New Jersey teenager who made national headlines after becoming a victim of deepfake pornography has now been invited to a bill signing at the White House with President Trump. Back in 2023, boys at Westfield High School allegedly used an artificial intelligence app to create fake nude images using the faces of female classmates, including Dorota Mani's daughter, Francesca. Since then, the Manis have been fighting for reforms to protect people from similar situations. Bill criminalizes publication of sexual images without consent Those reforms include the "Take It Down Act" – a bill Congress sent to Trump's desk this week to criminalize the publication of fake or real sexual images of someone without their consent. The bill also requires social media sites to remove such content within two days of getting a notice from a victim. "It's a very important step forward, but there's much more to be done. And another aspect is education in our schools that will not only teach our children of how to protect their image, but also how to use this technology ethically," Dorota Mani said. Francesca Mani joined First Lady Melania Trump at a conference in March of this year where they both called for stronger protections from AI-generated deepfake pornography. "It's not been easy," Dorota Mani said. "I feel very proud as a mother that my daughter had the stamina to stand up for herself." New Jersey law also penalizes non-consensual deepfakes Some critics have warned the bill could be weaponized to remove legitimate images protected by free speech. Congressman Thomas Massie, of Kentucky, posted on X that it was "ripe for abuse, with unintended consequences," but it still passed 409 to 2. "It makes me feel proud to see and know that our politicians can work decisively in a bipartisan fashion to support our children and women," Dorota Mani said. Earlier this month, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law laying out criminal penalties for producing and sharing non-consensual deepfake images. A date for the bill signing at the White House has not yet been set.
