NEW LONDON — Superintendent Winfried Feneberg is pleased to announce Kearsarge Regional High School’s June Student of the Month.
Tessa Marinello, a sophomore from Sutton, was selected as the Kearsarge Regional High School’s June Student of the Month based on nominations from faculty. Faculty described Marinello as a driven individual who is a supportive classmate, who encourages others to challenge themselves and their understanding of complex global issues, and who is always willing to collaborate.
“Tessa is a caring student who recognizes opportunities to help others around her,” said Assistant Principal Christopher Geraghty. “She doesn’t shy away from a challenge and is willing to go out of her way to collaborate with peers that may not always have the support of others.”
Students of the Month are recognized for their positive moral character and their contributions to the school community, both on and off campus.
During the 2021-2022 school year, Marinello collaborated with another student to create Kearsarge Helping Ukraine. Members created an awareness presentation about the war in Ukraine, and their fundraising efforts allowed them to send more than $1,000 to refugee relief programs. Marinello hopes to continue this group into the next school year to help other humanitarian efforts.
Marinello believes that Kearsarge Regional High School has provided a good learning environment for students where they can have a partnership with their teachers. “Students are able to impact what is happening in the school,” she said. “It’s important that I can talk with my teachers about how I learn and it can be a conversation where I have a voice in how I’m learning.”
Marinello is a well-rounded student who participates in several extra-curricular activities. She is a member of the school’s basketball and soccer teams, plays year-round Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball, loves to hike and rock climb regularly, and is an avid reader, particularly of science fiction.
While Marinello is not sure what career she would like to pursue after high school, she is certain she wants to continue to help others.
“I want to work in a field where I can apply math and science to impact people’s lives in a positive way.” She plans to continue to volunteer on a regular basis, and also has a personal goal of writing a novel someday.
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