For the third year, The West Norwalk Association presented a scholarship to two fine scholars who also made considerable contributions to their school community and the city. We had six West Norwalk seniors apply and were extremely pleased with the caliber of students graduating from our neighborhood high school.
Sara Florie van der Els, who lives on Betmarlea Road, is a scholar athlete. She played on the McMahon varsity La Cross, Cross Country, Track and Field and tennis teamsand won the FCIAC Scholar Athlete Award for 2014. In addition to this, Sara was President of the National Honor Society and earned High Honors for all 4 years in high school. As part of her duties for the Honor Society, she was in charge of organizing scheduling for the tutoring program for freshman students and was a tutor herself. As an active member of the Senators Community Foundation, Sara took part in many activities to help prevent child abuse and animal cruelty. In this organization, she performed in a Cabaret Night and stood on the streets of South Norwalk with signs and flyers to raise awareness of human trafficking and abuse. Clearly, Sara will be a fine addition to Quinnupiac University where she will major in liberal arts.
Our second recipient, Stephen Joseph Galyas, lives on Priscilla Road and will be attending Fairfield University where he will major in Computer Science. While maintaining a grade point average of over 4.0, he has also contributed to his school and church communities. He was Vice President of Tri-Music Honor Society, Secretary of the Key Club, a volunteer tutor at Brookside Elementary School, helped teachers and students with technology questions, and aided both the McMahon Orchestra and Drama Departments with sound and set up for their productions. He volunteered hundreds of hours a year in helping the teachers prepare for concerts and the annual drama production. In addition, he was a member of the All-City Orchestra for 4 years, won the Columbia Book Award in 2013, was a member of the National Society for High School Scholars, and earned High Honors for all four high school years.
The Board of Directors of the WNA is proud to recognize these outstanding graduates of the class of 2014.