Volume 18, Number 25
www.northhavencitizen.com
NORTH HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
Class of 2023 sets sail By Nicole Zappone The Citizen
While many graduation ceremonies across the state this month were reworked due to rain, or the threat of it, the 210 members of the North Haven High School Class of 2023 collected their diplomas outdoors under clear skies on June 15. Scenes from North Haven High School’s 2023 commencement exercises. Photos by Nicole Zappone “Many people say that today is the day we start our journey,” valedictorian Victoria Pachnik said in her commencement address. “Personally, I disagree. Our journey began a long time ago. Today simply happens to be the day our journey splits into over 200 unique paths as we open a new chapter of our lives.” See Graduation, A8
Pride gathering leaves organizers ‘beaming’ Citizen report
The rain predicted didn’t arrive, and North Haven’s inaugural Pride celebration featuring entertainment, arts, crafts and food from local eateries drew a crowd to the town green on June 17. The group North Haven Pride worked with local officials to plan the event. “We are so humble in the face of what you all brought to the green this past Saturday,” North Haven Pride stated in a social media post. A view from high above the town green during North Haven’s inaugural Photo by CT Drone Source See Pride, A4 Pride celebration, Saturday, June 17.
Friday, June 23, 2023
Quinnipiac Chamber honors community leaders By Kate Ramunni Record-Journal staff
WALLINGFORD — While the main speaker was unable to make it, the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce still honored its award winners at its annual dinner, held June 14 at The Farms Country Club. Rand Pecknold, the coach of the NCAA Division I National Champion Quinnipiac University hockey team, was scheduled to give the keynote speech and accept the Business Leadership Award at the event, but had a family emergency, chamber Executive Director Ray Andrewsen said. That didn’t stop the chamber from celebrating Pecknold, the team and its national championship. It also honored its own with its annual awards. The Nonprofit of the Year award went to the Spanish Community of Wallingford, which provides a variety of services to the Hispanic community. “It’s a true honor to be recognized,” said SCOW Executive Director Adriana Rodriguez. “We have been very busy,” she said, especially during the pandemic, when the organization gave out 3,000 COVID-19 test kits and sanitizer, and held over 100 vaccination clinics. Rodriguez credited her staff with the organization's success. "Together we have make a difference," she said. The Diversity and Inclusion Award went to North Haven-based Area Cooperative Educational Services. See Chamber, A9