Dear AHS Families,

After 92 glorious days of being in school, we are officially into our Second Semester. While it is a chance for some students to reset with new teachers, new elective courses, or new goals, it is also the chance for some students to start thinking about the legacy they plan to leave at AHS and how they want to approach creating that legacy. At AHS we always seek out opportunities to help students navigate their own pathway to success, which we know looks different for every child. Every week, I strive to share examples of how our staff or students meet that goal. This week, we have two examples of students who have worked diligently to advance their academic and personal goals.

Today, we received notification that sophomore Spriha Dharan received the 2023 Scholastic Art & Writing Award from the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers for her short story entitled "The Unripe Mango." Her work was reviewed and recognized by a panel of creative professionals, and awarded for its outstanding merit in originality, technical skill, and the emergence of her personal voice and vision. Spriha worked with her teacher, Mr. Craig Southard. She will be invited to an awards ceremony in March to celebrate her achievement. Some notable writers and artists who have received this award over the years include Stephen King, Amanda Gorman, and Andy Warhol. Clearly, Spriha is incredibly talented.

Recently, we were also notified that Seniors Kendall Neamtz and Olivia Brown were named to the 2022-23 All State Academic Academic Team for Field Hockey in Class M by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association. A total of 23 girls from Class M schools around the state were given this honor. To be considered for selection, students must have a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher throughout high school, must be in good standing with their school community, and must exhibit outstanding character and citizenship in school, in competition and in the community. These are all qualities we hope to imbue in our students here at AHS and we are thrilled that our students are recognized throughout the state.

A few weeks ago, I mentioned some of our seniors who helped to organize a team at AHS to participate in the Relay for Life against cancer. They have assisted in creating the first Newsletter to help spread the word about the upcoming event. We will also be hosting a school wide assembly next week during our advisory time to allow one of the regional organizers to give our students more information.

Every week I share just how gratifying it is to be a part of this school community, and this week is no different. Our students and staff are always showing us how remarkable they are, and they continue to reveal why AHS is one of the top high schools in the state.

With pride,

Dr. Lockhart