On May 18, Executive Director of the New England Laborers’/Cranston Public Schools Construction Career Academy hosted their annual Honors Night, recognizing the achievements and accomplishments of their students. In attendance were Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse, School Committee Chairperson Daniel Wall and Chairperson of the Board of Directors for NEL/CPS, Michael Traficante.

As Torres addressed the room of his students, their families and friends, he cited the theme for the evening, “The Road to Success,” and he emphasized that the road to success is always under construction; he expressed his pride for the students’ many accomplishments.

As Wall spoke to the students, he shared the importance of recognizing those in the room who had achieved and persevered, and he quoted Vince Lombardi, who said, “It is time for us all to stand and cheer for the doer, the achiever – the one who recognizes the challenges and does something about it”

“You are those doers and achievers and it is necessary that as a school and as a community we recognize you. We are inspired by what you’ve accomplished and excited by the potential you’ve shown,” said Wall.

Traficante told students their dreams were coming true and although the last year and a half was a tumultuous one, it made him particularly proud of their accomplishments. He cited a quote from his time in the Army as he reminded them to always be the best that they can be as they go forth in life.

As Nota-Masse addressed the students, she expressed her deep sense of pride in the students and all they had done.

“I don’t even know if you know how proud we are of you,” said Nota-Masse. “Your educational journey may have posed some difficulties for you. As superintendent I am proud of you, especially since these last two years have not been easy for you.”

She asked students to thank the teachers and staff as well as those around them for their support in their achievements.

“Without them, this all would not be possible,” Nota-Masse said. She presented her Superintendent of the Year scholarship to Xavier Pichardo. Additionally, Superintendent Awards for Academics were awarded to Owen Tourgeez, Dylan Cruz, Chase Iacono and Xavier Pichardo.

At the end of the evening, Pichardo was announced as the NEL/CPS Class of 2022 Valedictorian.

The following additional awards and honors were given out that evening:

Achievement Awards:

Armand E. Sabitoni Award for Achievement in Construction Technology: Luke Judge

Catherine M. Ciarlo Award: Xavier Pichardo

Superintendent’s Awards for Academics: Grade 9, Owen Tourgeez; Grade 10, Dylan Cruz; Grade 11, Chase Iacono; Grade 12, Xavier Pichardo.

Executive Director’s Award for Citizenship: Grade 9, Justin N. Reeves; Grade 10, Isaac I. Colon; Grade 11, Nicholas N. Aschettino; Grade 12, Alex Quinones.

Faculty Awards for Effort: Grade 9, Azucena Vanegas Espinal; Grade 10, Curtis G. Johnson Jr.; Grade 11, Rangely Gonzalez Gomez; Grade 12, Carlos M. Lopez.

The following scholarships were awarded:

Cranston Veterans Memorial Fund: Kattie Albeno

Cranston Teachers Alliance: Kattie Albeno

Cranston Hall of Fame Foundation: Xavier Pichardo

Cranston Rotary Club: Xavier Pichardo

The following students were recognized for Honors:

Freshmen: Jaryan Betances, Jeremy Calcagno, Victor Diaz, Fiona Felton, Andrew Lantigua, Gracie Leggett, Ari Marchetti, Aaron Morales, Angel Perez, Justin Reeves, Nayla Santos, Owen Tourgee, Azucena Vanegas Espinal.

Sophomores: Dylan Cruz, Marisa Gould, Derialexis Guelen, Andres Guzman, Curtis Johnson, Jr., Jimmy Ventura Puello, Brody Waterman. Juniors: Mackenzie Carreiro, Ryan Cartier, Jynessa Ferreira, Stone Ferretti, Dylan Gibb, Rangely Gonzalez Gomez, Jay-Juan Guillen-Watson, Jr., Chase Iacono, Kyle Magnone, Diego Nix, Jr., Jeremiah Olivo, Josnely Reyes, Koda Smith, Diego Vasquez. Seniors: Kattie Albeno, Talon Ciukaj, Macayla Frias, Carlos Lopez, Trenton Ortiz, Xavier Pichardo, Alex Quinones, Juan Carlos Reynolds.

Achievement Awards

Intro to 2D Art and Design: Dustin Boisvert

Intro to 3D Art and Design: Tanisha Coriano Ayala

Materials and Processes: Kattie Albeno

Construction Department: Grade 9, Nayalie Santiago; Grade 10, Curtis Johnson; Grade 11, Chase Iacono;

Grade 12, Derek DeJesus Morales.

Event Planning and Tourism: Grade 9: Fiona Felton, Grade 10: Isaac Colon, Grade 11: Mackenzie Carreiro

English Department: Grade 9: Christina Arias, Grade 10: Marisa Gould, Grade 11: Jynessa Ferreira, Grade 12: Xavier Pichardo

English Most Improved: Carlos Santiago

Literacy Achievement Award: Owen Tourgee

Literacy Most Improved: Rangely Gonzalez Gomez

Algebra 1: Andrew Lantigua

Algebra 2: Dylan Cruz, Rangely Gonzalez Gomez

Geometry: Jimmy Ventura Puello

Algebra 1 Part I: Ari Marchetti

Algebra 1 Part II: “Lily” Azucena Vanegas Espinal

Financial Literacy: Abrianna Quinones

Senior Math Topics: Kattie Albeno

Math Most Improved: Mala-kai Costa

Physical and Earth Science: Fiona Felton

Earth’s Chemistry: Rangely Gonzalez Gomez

Biology: Jynessa Ferreira

Science Recognition Award: Andrew Lantigua

Early U.S. History: Dylan Cruz

Modern U.S. History: Josnely Reyes

Modern World History: Isreal Opadiran

Civil Law: Chase Iacono

Social Studies Most Improved: Sean Nolan

Spanish 1: Owen Tourgee

Spanish 2: Dylan Cruz

World Language Most Improved: Jazmin Whitman Reyes

National Spanish Exam: Darlene Iglesias- Silver Medal, Christina Arias- Silver Medal, Nayla Santos- Silver Medal, Jeremy Calcagno- Honorable Mention, Samuel Cano Herrera- Honorable Mention, Matthew Rodriguez (Honorable Mention), Owen Tourgee (Honorable Mention).

Computer Aided Drafting: Diego Vasquez

Essential Technology Skills and Applications: Owen Tourgee

Computer Technology Most Improved: Jeremy Mercedes

Health/Physical Education: Grade 9, Victor Diaz, Aaron Morales; Grade 10 Dylan Cruz, Curtis Johnson; Grade 11, Joe Dorego, Chase Iacono; Grade 12, Domnick Alves, Victor Lopez.