To be given by the to a deserving individual, in honor of Bill Petit, his
family, and all the good works they do for Plainville.
2009 Be the Change Award
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
PHS Cafeteria
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world," - Gandhi
This simple yet powerful quote helped shape the life of Michaela Petit and will help
shape the lives of many more young people in the coming years. An annual award to recognize outstanding Plainville High
School students and their contributions to the community has been established by the Class of 1974 to honor the memory of
Jennifer Hawke-Petit, Hayley and Michaela. The Be the Change Award was named by Dr. William
Petit, a member of the class of 1974, to honor his family and carry on their good works to generations to come.
Plainville High School students are required to complete 10 hours of community service
before graduation. A community service fair held at Plainville High School in December introduced students to the many
possibilities available to them to "be the change" in their community. The award will recognize students who make outstanding
contributions through good works.
The 2009 Be The Change Award ceremony will be held Wednesday,
May 20, 2009 at the PHS cafeteria. Barbara Aivaz Willard is putting together a committee to help with the event
in February. If you would like to help with the event, contact Barbara.
NOTE: PHS 1974 is currently collecting contributions for the scholarship fund.
Please contact Barbara Aivaz Willard if you would like to donate.
The 2008 Be The Change Award ceremony
was combined with the awarding of PHS 1974 scholarships, was held on Tuesday, June 3, at 7:00pm in the PHS cafeteria.
Many people attended to show their support for Dr. Bill and the Petit family, and to celebrate the accomplishments and dedication
of the winners.
The 2008 PHS Class of '74 Scholarship winners were:
- Nicholas Edgerton - Springfield College, Biology Major
- Elizabeth Sisson - Bentley College, Marketing Major
- Sarah Tanner - Fairfield University, Business Major
The 2008 Be the Change award winners were:
- Ryan Pelletier - $1,000 award and $500 to the charity of his choice.
Ryan designated the Hayley's Hope and Michaela's Miracle fund for MS as his choices.
- Annalicia Huey - $500 award and $500 to the charity of her choice
Group Project - a tie, with each group getting $500 to designate to the
charity of their choice:
- Bicycle Restoration project: Alex Lemanski, Teddy Znuj, Billy Keating; teacher
- Dean Esposti. The team restored 10 bicycles from the police impound to a like-new condition and donated them to needy
children in the community
- CANstruction team - 14 students from Mrs. Laura Kulpa's architectural class.
The team held several fundraisers topurchase nearly 2,500 cans of food which were then used to design and build a structure
(Guitar Hero) created solely from canned foods. Their project won the Connecticut State award. All canned foods were
donated to the local food pantry.
For more information, or to join the committee, contact Barbara Aivaz Willard or Bonnie
West Mazurek.
