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Caitlin Kukta Earns Melissa J. Schlag Good Citizen Educational Scholarship 2024

We are proud to present H-K Senior Caitlin Jean Kukta of Higganum, with the Melissa J. Schlag Award for 2024. Caitlin, our third $1,500 scholarship recipient reminds us of Melissa in that she is already proving herself as a prolific, multi-media communicator. Through her high school years, Caitlin not only wrote for the school’s newspaper, The Cougar Chronicle and produced H-K news programs and hosted the 2023 H-K Holiday Show, but she interned and covered stories for the FOX 61 student news program.

In her scholarship essay, Caitlin wrote, “Receiving and providing reliable information and news stories is very important to me especially during a time where misinformation and blatant lies are easily spread and manipulated in ways that can become dangerous for those who believe it. Throughout my time participating in my school and local newspaper and television news programs, I have always made it my mission to obtain the most reliable information before I produce a story on any event.  When doing (ENG) projects for the FOX 61 student news program, I do as much research as I can and conduct interviews that help me see the whole story so I can be sure to provide the most reliable information.“

See Caitlin’s news story covering the area’s free prom dress event on FOX 61.

Caitlin wants to use her skills “to spread awareness about invisible disabilities and stigma around them. “…as an individual who has struggled with chronic illness and invisible disabilities, I believe it is important for more awareness to be brought to the fact they exist and help stop the discrimination many people face simply because they do not look “disabled.” See Caitlin’s recent article to a local on-line newspaper entitled, “A Walk to Highlight Veteran’s Suicide Awareness. “

Caitlin has won a number of awards including Excellence in Broadcast and Journalism, First Place at the Eastern Connecticut State University film festival, and high honors during her senior year. We thank you, Caitlin, for your courage and intention to make the world a better place, as you further your studies and report honest and accurate news. Caitlin is heading to Southern Connecticut State University in the fall to study journalism and to become a television news journalist.

 Read more at https://friendsofmelissaschlag.wordpress.com!

Featured

Welcome to the new Friends of Melissa Schlag website!

You can scan the code and get right to the site!

Join us this weekend!

Tree Planting in Memory of Melissa Schlag at Eagles Landing State Park

(Clark’s Creek) this Saturday, October 17th @ 1 p.m.

Friends, an American Chestnut tree will planted in Melissa’s memory at Eagles Landing Park (Clark’s Creek) on Sunday, October 17 at 1 p.m. Melissa was instrumental in saving Eagles Landing State Park on the Connecticut River and Clark’s Creek for public enjoyment instead of allowing it to fall into private development. (Stop the Swap). Park at Eagles Landing and then walk up across the train tracks for the tree planting. Directions to Eagles Landing.

Reagan Aronson, Recipient of the Melissa J. Schlag Scholarship 2026

The Melissa J. Schlag Good Citizenship Education Award, a $1,500 scholarship, was presented to Reagan Aronson of Higganum on June 8, 2026.

Reagan has demonstrated a strong commitment to journalism, public service, and informed citizenship throughout her high school career. Her leadership and work in Haddam-Killingworth High School’s broadcast media studio, along with her advanced studies in journalism and civics, have inspired her to continue pursuing these values by studying Political Journalism at American University this fall.

According to her guidance counselor, Emily Baerlein, “Reagan will not back down from a challenge in the classroom or in her life. Reagan has undertaken an extremely rigorous course schedule in high school, including managing our TV studio. At times, she has felt overwhelmed with everything on her plate, but she always perseveres, does the absolute best that she can do, and learns new skills along the way.”

Reagan chose to take AP U.S. Government and Politics online. “This is a very independent endeavor for Reagan; none of her peers at our school are enrolled in the class, and she is completing Advanced Placement work on her own. If Reagan wants to engage in a topic academically, she commits herself to learning at the highest level that she can,” Baerlein said.

Perhaps nothing encapsulates Reagan as a student more than her experience in HK’s TV studio. Reagan produced and directed HK’s live annual holiday show this year, a local tradition that typically raises tens of thousands of dollars for charity. She was also selected as a student vlogger for EF Tours, creating a short film documenting her trip to France. In addition, Reagan served as a reporter for the Cougar Chronicle, HK’s school newspaper, where she regularly contributed articles that inform and engage her fellow students.

Beyond her academic and journalistic pursuits, Reagan has demonstrated exceptional initiative and community involvement. She volunteered at the Special Olympics Volleyball Fundraiser, helping support athletes and promote inclusion. As a member of the Yale Polo Team, she balanced the demands of competitive athletics with her academic responsibilities. Reagan also launched her own photography business, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and dedication to serving her community.

Reagan seeks to ask important questions, challenge misinformation, uncover the truth, and help others better understand the world around them. She is committed to informing the public and encouraging critical thinking.

We commend Reagan’s curiosity, integrity, leadership, and dedication to making a positive difference through honest and responsible journalism, community service, and civic engagement. We are confident that she will carry forward the values Melissa championed throughout her life.

Meet Libby Riggs, Our 2022 Incredible Scholarship Recipient!

We could not be more pleased to honor H-K Senior Libby Riggs, with our second $1,500 Melissa J. Schlag Good Citizenship Education Award. Libby’s incredible, ambitious, high school career exemplifies a tireless, selfless go-getter, a community-minded, caring person. One of her teachers wrote, “Regardless of the task, when Libby works toward a goal, she gets fire in her eyes; ultimately, nothing gets in her way.”

Wow! That reminds us so much of our Melissa. Here is a snapshot of Libby’s accomplishments:

Libby founded and is executive director of Perceptions International, an organization with a strong media presence—a podcast and website— that amplifies the voices of young artists, writers and musicians with disabilities. Perceptions International was funded by the U.S. Department of State in conjunction with the University of Iowa’s Between the Lines Peace and Writing Experience program.

Libby was a high school intern at the Climate Museum, collaborating with peers to research, discuss and create art projects centered around climate justice.  At H-K, she founded the Disability Advocacy Club, to help educate students and staff about the concept of disability through disabled art, literature, film and culture. She served on the leadership team of the Human Relations Club, working to give everyone a safe and welcoming environment. She was the editor of Reflections, the school’s literary magazine, a varsity swimmer, a member of the Drama Club and Jazz Band.

In the community, Libby was a Brainerd Memorial Library Volunteer and Teen Advisory Board member.  Last, but not least, Libby is an accomplished Girl Scout just like our Melissa was! We thank you, Libby, for your courage and intention to make the world a better place as you explore English, political science and climate justice in college next year. 

 Read more at https://friendsofmelissaschlag.wordpress.com!

The Melissa J. Schlag memorial bracelet will inspire you & benefit the H-K scholarship!

For a limited time, Friends of Melissa Schlag are offering the Melissa (Missy) Schlag memorial bracelet, NEVERTHELESS, SHE PERSISTED –with Melissa’s full name etched on the inside– for a donation of $40 per bracelet. Half of your donation will support the Melissa J. Schlag scholarship. The unisex cuffs are beautifully made from stainless steel, designed never fade, rust, or tarnish. Folks who have theirs already appreciate the quality and value. Contact Tanja Moriarty, 860-614-5158 or email friendsofmelissa@yahoo.com to reserve yours.