WHS Senior Connections Club Honored

Contributed

On November 7 in Hartford, Weston High School’s Senior Connections Club received the Connecticut Youth Services Association Youth Leadership Award, recognizing the students’ outstanding commitment to service, inclusion, and community connection.

The club, created as a partnership of the high school, the Weston Senior Center, and Weston Human Services, aims to ease isolation among seniors and give students a chance to learn empathy, respect, and civic engagement through real relationships. In regular meetings at the Senior Center, friendships form over games, technology help, and simple connection.

The effort was co-founded by high school seniors Ryan Bigin, Wesley Arees, and Billy Maglione. Gabe Miller, Rio Zullo, and Emmitt Capola form the next generation of members and leaders.

Kara Swezey, the group’s advisor and also the high school librarian, guides the collaboration between the school and the senior community. Anne Bigin serves as the Weston Senior Center connection, coordinating activities, communication, and visits between students and Weston’s senior residents.

The Connecticut Youth Services Association formed in 1972 to lead, strengthen, support, and advocate on behalf of youth service bureaus dedicated to the well-being of Connecticut’s youth and families. CYSA’s annual Youth Leadership Award goes to young people who make an outstanding contribution to their peers or community.