Congratulations to the following Suffield High School students who were recent recipients of the North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce (NCCCC) Kindness Award: Dymond Nelson, Valerie Torrez-Flores and Jackson Dapo.
From left to right: NCCCC Executive Director, Karen Campbell, Connecticut State Representative Tami Zawistowski, Dymond Nelson, SHS Class of 2026, Valerie Torrez-Flores, SHS Class of 2025, Jackson Dapo, SHS Class of 2025, T. Meyer Associates (Award Sponsor), Theresa Meyer, SPS Superintendent Matthew Dunba
The North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce recognizes an SHS student each month who has demonstrated exceptional kindness. For November, junior Dymond Nelson received the honor after nominations from SHS faculty and staff. Mr. Rypysc, wrote, “Dymond is an amazing person. She is always positive and kind. You can’t be around her for 30 seconds without her making you laugh. She has a GREAT sense of humor. One of her many acts of kindness was when the junior class was short a female student for the tug of war challenge at the pep rally. Dymond stepped up and joined the team. They ended up winning!” Mrs. Silva, wrote, “Dymond is such an incredible young lady. Her upbeat personality will bring a smile to anyone in her orbit. I am lucky to know her and feel she deserves this award. She is, as her name implies, a unique and special person.” Mrs. Flagg, wrote, “Dymond is an amazing young lady. When she walks in to a room, she brings joy and smiles to everyone! She works hard and realizes what it takes to be ahead of it all. She deserves to be recognized for her hard work and her abilities to bring a welcoming smile to all!”
Congratulations, Dymond! The NCCCC is making a donation in Dymond’s honor to the Ebony Horsewomen Inc. If you would like to make a donation, please go to: www.ebonyhorsewomen.org
Senior Valerie Torrez-Flores received the Kindness Award for December. Mrs. Sullivan, wrote, “Valerie demonstrates kindness each day in our classroom. She is warm and welcoming to everyone she encounters, like a bright light. She is thoughtful and inclusive. During coffee drop off with ALP students, she is the student who shares most about what we are learning. She takes the time to simplify the material and explain our topic in a thoughtful and sensitive manner, allowing visiting students to feel included in our learning. I am impressed everyday by her inherent kindness.” Congratulations, Val! The NCCCC is making a donation in Val’s honor to Save the Children El Salvador. If you would like to make a donation, please go to: www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/el-salvador
Fellow senior Jackson Dapo received the Kindness Award for January. Mrs. Insero wrote, “Jackson Dapo deserves a Kindness Award for his exemplary actions in taking the initiative to clean the cafeteria when others had left it in disarray. While most students had left, leaving the space cluttered with trash, Jackson stayed behind without being asked. He quietly began picking up the trash, ensuring the cafeteria was left in a tidy condition for the next group. His selflessness and attention to the needs of others demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and care for his community. By choosing to help when no one was watching, Jackson not only improved the environment for everyone but also set a powerful example of integrity and kindness. His actions reflect a deep respect for shared spaces and the well-being of his peers, making him an outstanding candidate for this award.” Congratulations, Jackson! The NCCCC is making a donation in Jackson’s honor to the Bob Woodruff Foundation. If you would like to make a donation, please go to www.bobwoodrufffoundation.org.
Congratulations Dymond, Val and Jackson for demonstrating exceptional kindness and setting a great example for others!