Haddam-Killingworth Seniors Recognized for Service

HADDAM-KILLINGWORTH, Conn – Jasmine Byrne and Malone Revis received the 2021 Connie Bombaci Service Award during the Haddam-Killingworth High School's Senior Awards Ceremony on May 25th. This well-respected Award gained highly regarded recognition when created by former Superintendent Gary Mala and the Board of Education in 2006. Regional School District 17's purpose was to recognize Mrs. Bombaci's exceptional service to the school district over her years of commitment and devotion to the students, staff, and H-K community. Mrs. Bombaci passionately believed that all students learn to give back to others and share their time, talents, and themselves. This Award's purpose is to help ensure that the heart of "paying it forward" will continue to be present in our high school for many years to come.

This annual award recognizes a member of the graduating class who has demonstrated significant and genuine dedication to voluntary service to the Haddam-Killingworth High School and its community. An independent committee of select family and community members chooses the recipient. Because of the high caliber of the applicants this year, the committee members chose two extremely qualified beneficiaries.

Principal Donna Hayward spoke directly to the senior class during the ceremony on behalf of Mrs. Bombaci, reminding them that everyone must serve one another without expectation of personal gain but for lending the helping hand that makes a remarkable difference. Requirements to be considered for the Award include goals of continuing in a field that would further support others. Award winners may earn their education and training at the university or certification level.

This year's Award was presented to Jasmine Byrne and Malone Revis because of their outstanding efforts in helping and serving others. Both candidates dedicated themselves to almost 2s,000 combined hours of volunteering their talents and time to reach out and offer much-needed help to humans and animals alike.

Jasmine Byrne plans to attend the University of New Haven and earn her degree in forensic science. She states, "I love the idea of being able to use science in order to piece together information on a small scale." All of which will help serve the community in seeking pertinent information that will directly impact our safety at large. Among the many accolades, one included, "[She] gives me great faith in the youth of America. Her service to the communities of Haddam and Killingworth is well documented with a youth literacy program that she started." Jasmine also achieved the Girl Scouts Bronze Award by building over 100 birdhouses, the Silver for creating an educational exhibit and activity at Parmalee Farm to make yarn out of recycled plastic bags, and the Gold Torch Award establishing a long-lasting and sustainable education program. The Gold Torch is the Girl Scout's highest award, an extremely prestigious award.

Malone Revis will be attending the University of New Hampshire to achieve his goal of becoming an accredited zoologist to rescued and severely needy animals. Malone has already experienced a fantastic repertoire of opportunities to work with and save a wide variety of species. By working within the facilities, he has respectfully gained firsthand, hands-on experience that encouraged him to continue to ensure good animal welfare, conservation, and education. He ardently believes in second chances and quality of life no matter the species. "Malone has been a vital part of the Mystic Aquarium team and has shown incredible initiative as a docent, which earned him a competitive spot as a husbandry volunteer."

Funding for this Award is now made possible through profits received from Bombaci's international multi-award-winning book, Hogan's Hope: A Dear Hero’s Inspirational Quest for Love and Acceptance and its accompanied Christian edition and two children’s books. It's the inspirational story of an amazing deaf dog serving others as a certified therapy dog and paved the way for other deaf animals to be saved. Endorsed by Dateline NBC's correspondent, Dennis Murphy, and the foreword written by the renowned animal behaviorist, Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman of Tufts University, this book provides an excellent incentive for genuine acceptance, pure love, and worthiness, no matter what. Bombaci stated, "Hogan taught me how to live my life as a courageous journey and with unconditional service to others. I determined that his life was going to be 'A gift that keeps on giving.'"

(Photographs provided by the recipients, Jasmine Byrne and Malone Revis.)