Schools

These Stoughton High Knights are Golden

Stoughton High presented Golden Knight Awards to five members of the Class of 2011 at Tuesday Evening's Class Night Exercises.

Continuing a tradition started in 1994, the faculty presented Golden Knight Awards Tuesday evening to five members of this year’s graduating class, who have made “significant contributions to the school community.”

Emily Barber, Damani Barboza, Melanie McFadyen, Tahira Peralta and Marissa Petersile were this year’s recipients. They were honored on the stage of the SHS auditorium during the Class Night celebration.

“We know that you will agree that the Class of 2011’s Golden Knights embody some of the best qualities and represent some of the finest traditions at Stoughton High School,” Stoughton High principal Matt Colantonio said during his remarks Tuesday evening.

Find out what's happening in Stoughtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

All five honorees were lauded by multiple members of the faculty for their determination, maturity, high character and ability to overcome adversity, while serving as a role model for all students.

“Golden Knight nominees may be students who have emerged as class leaders in various areas,” according to the nomination form, “or they may be unsung heroes who deserve recognition. Above all, the Golden Knight Award emphasizes character and service.”

Find out what's happening in Stoughtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Barber was described as someone who “has grown from a quiet freshman to a senior who speaks her mind as a true leader,” by Alyssa Dancey of the Fine Arts Department.

“She is truly a selfless person, the type of student who looks for and brings out the best in everyone,” Dancey continued.

Kim Kellogg of the math department said Barboza, “truly has the ability to light up a room with his demeanor and presence.” Eleven faculty members in total nominated him.

John Dension of the English Department said Melanie McFadyen “does not linger on the sidelines but takes action, leading by her intense commitment to getting things done.  When she commits to a cause, it is about the cause.  It is not about the glory, it is about her passion.”

In her recommendation of Tahira Peralta, Janet Sullivan, director of the science department said, “We all face hard times in our lives. Tahira epitomizes what we all hope to do in difficult times – persevere with class and integrity.” Peralta came to Stoughton after the January 2010 Haiti earthquake.

Julia Robinson of the guidance department said Petersile is “well rounded, dedicated, and diligent.”

“Marissa’s energy is enviable as she commits herself fully to each and every one of her endeavors,” Robinson continued.

The Golden Knight Awards have been underwritten by the Stoughton Cooperative Bank since 1997. Members of the Stoughton High faculty nominate students for this honor. Patricia Foley of the math department is the staff chairperson for the Golden Knight Award.

Joining Foley on stage to help hand out the awards was Derek Small, a faculty member at SHS, and a recipient of the first Golden Knight award in 1994. 

Read the complete set of remarks (as presented at Class Night) about each recipient below. Video footage of the ceremony is available in the media gallery above.


Emily Barber

Dan Davey, of the Fine Arts Department describes the first recipient of this year’s Golden Knight Award as “a model student and leader who consistently demonstrates the determination and enthusiasm needed to be successful.  The confident leadership that she exhibits on a daily basis inspires students to rise to elevated expectations.  She is the type of person who puts the good of the whole above herself.”

Mrs. Alyssa Dancey, also of the Fine Arts Department adds “She has grown from a quiet freshman to a senior who speaks her mind as a true leader.  She is truly a selfless person, the type of student who looks for and brings out the best in everyone.  She is always challenging herself to achieve goals beyond anyone’s expectations.  I feel that I am a better person just having known her.” 

“Talented, graceful, optimistic, and respectful” are just a few of the words that came to mind as Mr. Bob Dacey, of the Mathematics Department described this Golden Knight recipient.

She was also nominated by Mrs. Terri Croghan, Peer Mediation Coordinator and Ms. Marilyn Berman, of the Social Studies Department.  She took on a leadership role in the peer mediation program and served as a mentor to new mediators, helping with training and participating in outreach activities to improve the sense of community within the school and advocate for the use of the SHS Mediation program.  Mrs. Croghan describes Emily has a “young woman with integrity who is true to herself.”  

Damani Barboza

Mrs. Jill Goldberg, of the English Department describes the second Golden Knight Award recipient. “He is immensely talented, humble and hardworking.  He acts as a positive influence to those around him.  A hard worker, who has faced adversity in every step of his life, he values school and education, but also knows the worth of hard work.  He treats everyone with respect and will always offer you a smile and a compliment.”

“A cheerleader for his classmates”, writes Mrs. Kim Kellogg of the Mathematics Department.  “He truly has the ability to light up a room with his demeanor and presence.  He prides himself on being part of the Stoughton High Community.”

Ms. Ianthe Marini, of the Fine Arts Department also nominated this student.  “He shines as a beacon of light amongst his peers, is consistently friendly and inclusive, and makes those around him want to perform to the best of their abilities.  A deserving young man who demonstrates resilience and fortitude that most people many years older than him cannot demonstrate.  He is an inspiration to all to never let the hard times define us, but to rise to the occasion with grace, dignity, quiet courage, and a big infectious smile.”

Mrs. Sue Rockwood, of the English Department adds, “His optimism, kindness and compassion permeate throughout the classroom.  We thank Damani for his inspiring personality!”


Melanie McFadyen

The third Golden Knight Award recipient “is an outstanding candidate who has grown into a most remarkable role model,” writes Mr. Joe Bridgeforth, of the Social Studies Department.

“She emits confidence and a sense of true purpose and identity in all that she does.”,  adds Mrs. Elyssa Schneider, of the World Language Department.  This Golden recipient “truly embodies what it means to be a leader and an advocate. She shows tremendous initiative for tobacco programming and campaigns, as well as for other projects promoting healthy behaviors in teens on the school-wide level.  She is extremely enthusiastic about every initiative that she takes on and communicates this enthusiasm to her peers and thus excites them to work together to promote positive decision making for their own classmates and beyond.”

In his nomination, Mr. John Denison, also of the English Department describes this recipient as a student who “does not linger on the sidelines but takes action, leading by her intense commitment to getting things done.  When she commits to a cause, it is about the cause.  It is not about the glory, it is about her passion.  An independent thinker, a truly unique individual, Melanie represents a brilliant piece of the Fabric at Stoughton High School.”


Tahira Peralta

In a glowing recommendation, Mr. Eric Shuel, of the English Department, nominated the forth Golden Knight Award recipient.  “Her drive, dedication, care for others, and optimism in the face of crisis make her a role model for her peers.” writes Mr. Shuel.  This recipient has assisted new ELL students in their orientation to their new school and helped translate numerous times.  She has volunteered on many occasions to speak in the community and at Stoughton High School about her experiences and adjusting to American culture, never refusing an invitation to speak and educate her classmates and teachers.  Mr. Shuel continues, “Her self motivation, her ability to focus on her schoolwork and her goal of going to college when dealing with all the outside issues she was struggling with, while coming to school each day with a smile and positive attitude have been truly amazing to witness.”

Mr. David Krol, of the Business and technology Department describes this Golden Knight recipient as “a self motivated, young woman who is always willing to do the extra work needed to achieve her goals.  She provides a role model for all students given her dedication to personal success and involvement in school and community initiatives.”

“She is always prepared for class, eager to learn, generous to a fault, and humble in her own abilities and accomplishments”, writes Ms. Janet Sullivan, of the Science Department. “She demonstrates great patience and understanding when working with fellow classmates and is quick to offer a helping hand to anyone in need.  A modest person of few words, one would never know the difficulties this Golden knight recipient has had to overcome.  She is truly a person of fine character and a role model for other students to follow.  We all face hard times in our lives. Tahira epitomizes what we all hope to do in difficult times – persevere with class and integrity.”


Marissa Petersile

Mrs. Kim Kellogg, of the Mathematics Department describes the final Golden Knight Award recipient as “a hard working young woman who truly wants to make a difference in her school community.  She takes pride in her school and that shows in everything she does.  She encourages her classmates to do the same, leading by example.”

Mrs. Terri Croghan, Peer Mediation Coordinator and Ms. Marilyn Berman, of the Social Studies Department add “It’s impossible to measure the extent of her contributions to the school community.  She conducted mediations during class time requiring her to make up missed work and nonetheless, she continued to demonstrate academic excellence.”

Mrs. Julia Robinson, of the Guidance Department describes this Golden Knight Award recipient as “a tremendous asset to Stoughton High School” Mrs. Robinson continues, “She is extremely passionate about wanting to help society and those who are less fortunate and I have no doubt she will be helping those around her for years.  She is well rounded, dedicated, and diligent.  Her resume displays a compassionate and versatile young woman who continues to give to the school and community.  Marissa’s energy is enviable as she commits herself fully to each and every one of her endeavors.”


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Stoughton