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Health & Fitness

Two NHS Students Earn 'Excellence in Youth Initiative Award'

Daniel Capone and Austin Scatena were recently awarded the Character Excellence in Youth Award by Waterbury Youth Services.

Dan is the son of Karen Faller Capone of Naugatuck. He is a 17 year old junior at Naugatuck High School and was nominated by his teacher Chip Aldrich.  

In his letter of recommendation, Mr. Aldrich wrote:  

"I have known Dan for the past two years; during this time, I have been impressed by Dan’s intrinsic motivation to succeed, both in and out of school. He is successful as a student, shows a strong work ethic and exercises sound judgment in his decisions. In extracurricular activities, Dan has competed on the NHS golf team for the past three years, as well as being involved in planning our recent Sandy Hook ceremony.  

Dan was deeply affected by the recent Sandy Hook tragedy, as his mother had family ties from Newtown. In addition to helping plan our NHS ceremony, he has sought to obtain permission for a teacher-student fundraiser benefiting the Sandy Hook students. Also, he has most recently trained for and competed in the Sandy Hook 5K benefit race that was held in Hartford."  

Dan began his many years in Boy Scouts when he was in first grade at Maple Hill. Then he became a Tiger Cub with Pack 110 that is sponsored by St. Vincent Ferrer Parish and is led by Scoutmaster Franklin Behlman. Dan continued in scouting as a long-time member of Boy Scout Troop 138 also in Naugatuck.  

Mr. Aldrich continues: "He recently performed his Eagle Scout project which involved clearing and opening up a hiking /camping trail in Beacon Falls. As parts of the project, Dan had to plan and obtain permission for the project, solicit volunteers, gain financing for materials, perform manual labor for the project, and then document all of the previous in accordance with Eagle Scout procedures. Based in part on his Eagle Scout achievement, he has recently been promoted to a leadership position within Troop 138.  

I feel that Dan would be an excellent candidate for your award for the reasons listed above, but also given one other fact.  Dan has the benefit of a strong family support system; however he lost his Dad some time ago. In some ways, I think this factor has required him to develop an increased ability to self-motivate. Dan has spoken with me about his plans for post-high school education and career. I have no doubt that he will achieve success in life, whatever his pursuits. He would be a fine representative for your organization."

Dan was awarded an Excellence in Youth Initiative Award at the Waterbury Youth Service awards ceremony on May 13, 2013.

Also honored was Naugatuck High School student Austin Scatena who was nominated by Col. Val Lofland because he is a member of the school's JROTC. Sincere congratulations to both young men.

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