YMCA Honors Southington Service Leaders

YMCA CEO Mark Pooler announces the awards PHILIP THIBODEAU PHOTOS

Once a year, the Southington-Cheshire YMCA bestows five awards on individuals or groups who have done exceptional work to improve our community.

On Thursday, Bethany Rosin, President of the Y’s Board of Directors, and Y CEO Mark Pooler, stood up before a crowd in the lobby of the building downtown to announce the winners.

Youth Leadership: Emily Bafuma And Ava LeBlanc

Two high school students were presented with the Youth Leadership Award: Emily Bafuma and Ava LeBlanc.

Bafuma is a staff member at the YMCA and an accomplished soccer player, whose achievements on and off the field have recently been highlighted by the Outsider. This coming fall she will be attending Roger Williams College in Rhode Island.

LeBlanc participates in the Key Club, Choirs, and has been an active member of the local STEPS drug-abuse prevention program.

“It just means so much,” LeBlanc said of the award, “to be a role model for youth, and a leader, and an advocate who people look to.”

Of STEPS she said, “It really is the support system for our community. We are showing up as a community when people need it most. When they misuse substances, then there is someone to show up for them. It doesn’t mean you’re not a person. We’re there for you, to make a connection.”

SHS students Ava LeBlanc and Emily Bafuma

Youth Development: SHS Marching Band And Color Guard

The Youth Development Award went to the SHS Blue Knights Marching Band and Color Guard. The reasons for the choice, Pooler said, were twofold:

“The SHS Blue Knights Marching Band and Color Guard is one of the largest and most accomplished teams in town, in the state and in the nation. They are a group of students and supporters that have been extremely successful for many years. In fact, this year’s Marching Band placed first at States and second overall at Nationals, and the Color Guard was named Best Guard and Best Overall Performance at Nationals.”

“While those accomplishments are impressive and we are all proud of them, the reason they are receiving the Youth Development Award is more about what they do for our youth on a day-to-day basis. There are just under 100 members of this team who are committed to a common cause, learning teamwork skills, dedicated to practice, practice and more practice. These teens are being taught what it means to set goals, work hard, work together, be leaders and supporters and the true meaning of community.”

Receiving the award on behalf of the Band and Color Guard was band Director Sara Ossias, who commented, “The biggest takeaway from this is how kids learn to work together. Our staff is really good at taking it one step at a time to make sure the kids understand and create a product we can all be proud of at the end.”

Band Director Sara Ossias

Healthy Living: Center for Healthy Aging

This year's Healthy Living Award went to the Hartford Healthcare Center for Healthy Aging (CHA). Now in its 21^st year, the CHA supports residents as they age and offers resources to families – for free. The team at the Center consists of a professional dementia specialist, Patty O’Brian, resource coordinator Michelle Lavoie, and transitional care nurses Lillian Swan and Beth Hunt. More than 560 people in town have benefited from their services, including 300 aging residents.

CHA Manager Jennifer McCaughey joined her four teammates for the recognition.

The Center for Healthy Aging team

Social Responsibility Award: Arc of Southington

The Arc of Southington received the YMCA’s Social Responsibility Award, with CEO Trish Gibney coming to the podium on behalf of her team, which also includes Lyn Lorenzo and Carolyn Williams.

Arc is a nonprofit that has been around for more than 70 years and serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their families. As Pooler noted, “The organization began as a group of parents sharing their information and experiences on raising individuals with these types of disabilities… What began as a support group has evolved into a dedicated human service agency providing advocacy, education, information, and an array of quality and individualized support to people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities: Supportive Housing, Residential Support, Individualized Home Support, Non-vocational Day Programs, Recreational Programs, Advocacy Efforts and more.”

Arc CEO Trish Gibney

Person Of The Year: Terry Gomez Lombardi

Finally, Terri Gomez Lombardi was proclaimed winner of the YMCA Person of the Year Award. Terri has led, supported, or been involved with a long list of service organizations in or near town, including The Main Street Community Foundation, Safe Harbor of Southington, Bread For Life, St. Dominic’s Church, the YMCA Board, and various bodies of Town government, including the Library, the Board of Education, Karen Smith Academy, Southington Community Services, the Veterans Committee, and several high school sports teams.

Terri has come a long way from an early life that was marked by instability and disruption. The experience of starting with almost nothing and gaining everything one could reasonably hope for in life is what fuels her desire to give back.

“I was born in Cuba and arrived here as part of an operation," she said. "They put me on the plane and brought me to a refugee camp and various American foster families. It was a great deal of struggle; eventually my mother got out. That journey taught me a lot. I had to grow up fast. And, I met this man,” she said, gesturing to her proud husband, Bill Lombardi, “in 1975 at Central Connecticut (State College).”

“This Y has become part of our family. The people are part of our family. Look at the caring and love. Everyone chips in. I’m not looking for accolades: it’s what you have here in your heart. It’s about giving more than receiving.”

Terri Gomez Lombardi with her husband Bill Lombardi

The various winners will be formally recognized at the Aqua Turf on February 25, 2026, when the YMCA holds its 97^th Annual Meeting and Recognition Dinner.

Southington Board of Ed Considers Archery & Other New Course Offerings

The pitched roofs of South End Elementary have developed leaks PHILIP THIBODEAU PHOTO

Southington students may have the choice to learn about human geography, pottery, equine science, and EMT skills in future courses – but the addition of archery to a physical education unit brought up questions of safety at the December 11 Board of Education meeting.

The archery course was endorsed by Southington physical education teacher Anthony Loomis during the public comment section of the meeting, and teachers Amy Gagnon and Lisa Galske also spoke in support of it.

Galske, who introduced herself as a former executive director of the Connecticut Association of Health and Physical Educators, suggested that one of the benefits of adding archery to the physical education curriculum is that the activity can “engage everybody” in a class.

Gagnon added that archery is a positive form of physical activity for students who are not “good movers.” Archery “levels the playing field” for students who are not natural athletes, but can be “a lifetime activity supported in a safe environment by certified professionals,” she stated.

Loomis prefaced his remarks by highlighting the paramount importance of student safety for all physical education teachers. “That’s what we are most concerned about,” he said, adding “I only do activities that I know could enhance a student’s life and help them and make them better.”

Speaking against the archery unit was retired law enforcement officer Antonio Cusano, who said he is currently a school safety officer at Southington High School. He urged the Board “to conduct a comprehensive review of the program, its risks and its alignment with existing policies.” He pointed out that bows and arrows are, by definition, weapons capable of causing serious bodily harm and death. Furthermore, he stated that the proposed archery unit did not comply with state and national “established safety standards” for school safety.

Cusano expressed dissatisfaction with the curriculum team, who apparently did not consult him on the proposal. “The pattern of disregarding feedback, including from security professionals, has directly contributed to a climate of mistrust and apprehension,” Cusano said.

Board member Bob Brown explained that the archery unit and others are at the “first read” level, meaning the Board will not vote to approve it until it is first approved in committee.

Chairwoman Terri Carmody said that several new courses are being considered for approval at the committee level; she asked Board members to review the material and ask questions at the next meeting.

Board member Joe Baczewski questioned the shortage of opportunities for discussion, which he said had existed during his previous seven years on the Board.

Student Cell Phone Use

The use of cell phones by students has become a controversial topic around the nation. Although not on the agenda, Board member Sean Carson asked whether the Board of Education or the District planned to address the topic. Assistant Superintendent Frank Pepe replied that Digital Learning Coordinator, Rebecca Savelkoul, had been tasked with looking into it, as part of her other duties.

Pepe and Superintendent Steven Madancy hosted a series of workshops last summer where parents and educators discussed Jonathan Haidt’s book “The Anxious Generation,” which describes and documents the challenges that social media pose for the mental health and well-being of adolescents and teenagers.

How to implement controls on cell phone use at the policy level, Pepe suggested, remains a challenging question. Describing his time as principal at DePaolo Middle School, he said the practice was to have students keep phones in their lockers during the school day, not with them. But he said a firm written policy would require more work from the Board and District alike. Such a policy would have to first go through the Policy and Procedures sub-committee.

“If you want us to examine that, then we’re at your service,” Pepe said.

School Roof Leaks; Other Updates

As part of the Superintendent’s report, Madancy described issues with the South End Elementary School roof, which has been leaky for some time and poses maintenance issues due its pitched design. He said that a dispute between the installer and the manufacturer meant it wasn’t clear who was ultimately responsible for the flaws, but that the shingle company has since gone out of business. The roof, he added, is also too new to qualify for state-level reimbursement, and efforts at litigating were not successful. He reported that Southington Town Manager Alex Ricciardone had agreed to add the school to the capital improvement plan, should the Board recommend it.

Superintendent Madancy also gave an update on the Pupil Services Director position, for which the District is now seeking applicants. He mentioned too that the budget books for the upcoming fiscal year would likely be ready for the Board at its January 8 meeting.

The Board did vote to approve the Superintendent’s Report for 2024-25, which will be available via the school system website. Several members praised its contents and presentation and recommended parents and community members take the time to read it once it becomes available online.

Southington Falls To Greenwich In Class LL Final

The Blue Knights take the field at New Britain's Veterans Stadium CT DRONE SOURCE PHOTOS

After a 2-3 start to the season, Southington football went on a seven game win streak to reach the Class LL State Tournament finals. The Blue Knights’ campaign ended there at the hands of the Greenwich Cardinals, who came out on top, 45-6.

“Greenwich is a really good team,” head coach Rob Levesque said. “We knew they were good, we knew we had to execute better than we ever have. We didn’t. We had some turnovers, we gave them momentum early. We got banged up again, but that doesn’t mean anything, they’re a good team. Hats off to them. We ran into a good team and didn’t have our best game. The scoreboard looks like that when that happens.”

The Blue Knights got very close to the top this season, overpowering several strong teams along the way. On Saturday, however, the Cardinals proved to be more than the Knights could handle.

Teams leaders at the coin flip

Game Recap

After a series of first downs, Greenwich broke off a long run to reach the one-yard line. Two plays later, they scored via another rush and converted the two-point try to go up 8-0.

It wasn’t long before the Cardinals got the ball back. On Southington’s next possession, faced with a third-and-18, junior quarterback Luke Prozzo threw an interception near the line of scrimmage. Greenwich would soon capitalize on that mistake with a seven-yard touchdown run, taking a 15-0 lead after the extra point.

Southington seemed to be getting the momentum back when junior Walker Mierzejewski came away with an interception. Prozzo found junior Leif Renehan for a first down. But the Blue Knights’ drive stalled after sophomore Ben Beaulieu took a big hit in the backfield. He was slow to get up, but left the field on his own power and later made his return to the game.

Southington was forced to punt. Greenwich brought the pressure, coming away with a block. Soon thereafter senior Mason Nardi checked the Cardinals’ momentum, coming away with an interception following a big hit.

On the Blue Knights’ next possession, however, the injury bug bit again. Prozzo got hit hard in the backfield and stayed on the ground. Eventually he walked off the field on his own power, but he did not return to the game. Sophomore Jacoby Roman came in as quarterback.

After a punt, Greenwich took over possession in Southington territory. A deep pass brought the Cardinals down to the one-yard line before Greenwich scored a rushing touchdown. The extra point made it 22-0.

On the next drive Southington moved up the field on a late hit penalty against Greenwich. A fake punt on fourth-and-11 was unsuccessful, however, and Greenwich took over. The Cardinals used a long run, a 13-yard touchdown pass and the extra point to take a 29-0 lead into halftime.

On the Cardinals’ first possession of the second half, Connor Orange made a key stop on defense. But Southington fumbled a snap and lost the ball. Greenwich soon took advantage with a three-yard touchdown run to move their lead to 36-0.

Despite the deficit, the Blue Knights kept fighting. Roman found Mierzejewski for a long pass down the field. Beaulieu ran in a touchdown that was called back for holding. Yet Southington still found a way, as Roman hit Beaulieu for an 11-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was blocked, making the score 36-6.

RB Ben Beaulieu takes it in for the score

The ensuing onside kick was recovered by Greenwich. They kicked a 27-yard field goal to take a 39-6 lead into the fourth quarter.

Southington kept up the fight, as Orange recovered a fumble in the backfield. However, the Blue Knights’ drive ended after an incomplete pass on fourth-and-six. Greenwich missed a 42-yard field goal on their next possession, but then intercepted Roman to get the ball right back.

The Cardinals scored one more time on a 14-yard run. While the extra point was blocked, Greenwich secured the Class LL title with their 45-6 win.

Beaulieu cuts as Cardinal defenders loom

QB Luke Prozzo looks for an open receiver as RT Ahmed Mamoon (57) blocks

Senior Send Off

Southington’s senior class played a crucial role in their run to the Class LL finals. When they entered their bye week at 2-3, Southington had a decision to make. What kind of team did they want to be? The seniors helped fix the Blue Knights’ mistakes and dictate their winning attitude to end the season.

“I’m proud of how they stepped up,” Levesque said of the seniors. “We could’ve given up after New Britain. They ground out those seven straight wins. They got to the state championship and the right to play the last snap of football in Connecticut. They earned that right.”

Linebacker Daniel Corrado has seen the highs and lows of Southington football, from 3-7 in 2024 to Class LL runner-up in 2025. Through it all one thing never changed: Southington battled as one, like a family.

“It’s really nice to be a part of this family here,” Corrado said. “This is a family. We work hard all year round, and we work through that family.”

Watching Southington’s turnaround after their loss to New Britain had a profound impact on Corrado. He will forever remember a senior season marked by a seven-game win streak that ran all the way to finals. But for Corrado, that never would have come about if the Blue Knights didn’t become as close as they are.

“We all work together,” Corrado said. “We found our rhythm. This team is really close knit.”

Southington’s senior class features: Tyler Koski, William Cumberlidge, Beckett Colby, Rosco Cook, Jaxiel Rivera, Mason Nardi, Kevin Hamilton, Daniel Corrado, Darien Rivera, Benjamin Cassan, Adin Abaza, Rocco Calabrese, Ahmed Mamoon, Matthew Musshorn, Brandon Haley, Evan Kirk, Corey Kosienski, Caden Powers, Samuel Tokarzewski and Tanveer Singh.

WR Jaxiel Rivera turns upfield

WR Rosco Cook takes the kickoff return

For Those Who Remain

Southington will see many of their key contributors return for the 2026 season. When they do, Levesque is expecting the Blue Knights to use their Class LL tournament experience to their advantage.

“We’ve been here,” Levesque said. “We understand what it means to run the gauntlet. To play all those games in so few days and keep your focus at the same time. These kids did that, even though we fell short. They ground it out and they prepared. They were ready to do this.”

Among the returners will be both quarterbacks, Luke Prozzo and Jacoby Roman, as well as star running back Ben Beaulieu. Against Greenwich, Prozzo completed 8-of-13 passes for 46 yards and an interception. Roman completed 9-of-21 passes for 87 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Beaulieu ran for 25 yards on 14 carries, while tying Jaxiel Rivera for the team-lead with 27 receiving yards on three catches. The running back had just won CTInsider's Player of the Week for his five-touchdown performance against NFA

Roman was thrown into the fire when Prozzo suffered his injury. He had won games for Southington earlier in the season during a previous Prozzo injury, but the Class LL finals was a different beast. Despite the loss, Roman came away with a better understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

“My nerves were a little high. Big stakes in this game,” Roman said. “First time for me, starting quarterback in the state championship. It didn’t go our way. But we’ll be here again though. We’ll be here again for sure.”

As he prepares for his junior season, Roman says he’ll be focusing on doing a better job of getting the ball to his receivers. He knows the Blue Knights have plenty of playmakers on their roster. If he is put into the starting role again, Roman is confident success will come if he can get them the ball in space.

Looking back at the Blue Knights’ campaign, the sophomore quarterback can’t help but notice just how far the team had come. It didn’t end as Southington had hoped, but Roman is confident it’ll only make the Blue Knights stronger in the long run.

“It means a lot,” Roman said. “We flipped the script after New Britain. We went on that big win streak. We shut out Cheshire. We had a lot of momentum going into the playoffs, and that’s what happens. We made it all the way to the state championship at 7-3. We did a lot of good stuff this season. We’re looking forward to it next year. We’re going to be back.”

There were numerous memorable moments in Southington’s run to the finals. They shut out Cheshire on Thanksgiving, then dropped 42 points on NFA in the quarterfinals. For all those touchdowns and takeaways, the key was how the Blue Knights approached things mentally.

No matter how high the hurdle, Southington was ready to leap it. Their comeback proved how much this year’s team was willing to fight.

“Mentally they started to believe and buy into what it means to be a competitive football player,” Levesque said. “Not just talk about it but to be it. They really started to come together as a unit. Sometimes with young guys that can be a challenge. But they really became a tight knit group.”

In the trenches with the Blue Knights' defense