The Berlin
Cit itiz ize en
Volume 15, Number 20
Berlin’s Only Hometown Newspaper
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Arthur B. Powers Municipal Complex is dedicated By Olivia L. Lawrence The Berlin Citizen
A crowd of nearly 200 turned out May 14 for the dedication of the Arthur B. Powers Municipal Complex which encompasses town hall and other nearby government facilities. Senator Richard Blumen-
thal called Powers “a friend…Art Powers has taught me so much about (the) passion and compassion” that is needed to lead. Besides Blumenthal, Lieutenant governor Nancy Wyman, state Senator Terry Gerratana, former state Senator Donald DeFronzo, representatives Joe Aresimowicz
Citizen photos by Olivia L. Lawrence
Senator Richard Blumenthal and Art Powers at the May 14 dedication ceremony honoring Powers.
and Cathy Abercrombie, along with local officials, family and friends, were among those who turned out to honor Powers. Powers served as mayor for 20 years during a period of rapid growth in Berlin during which schools, recreation facilities, infrastructure, the town charter and other progress was made. “Art was, and still is, the town of Berlin,” said Mayor Adam Salina. “You are my hero,” said Rebecca Tibball, Power’s daughter. “Anyone who can last this long in politics – it’s a miracle, Art has given so much,” Wyman said. “Art Powers embodies political courage,” Blumenthal said. “There’s nothing more difficult than leading a local community.” Powers was also called the
Powers sits front and center during the event holding his grandson Jack Tibball, 2, on his lap. most influential person in Berlin during the 20th Century and a leader who always wanted to make Berlin a better place. After receiving accolades from dignitaries, Powers recounted accomplishments
during his political career including the building of town hall which he said some locals called “Powers’ pagoda.” Now the entire town complex will bear Powers’ name.
See Powers, page 10
Valedictorian, salutatorian named for BHS class of 2011 Caitlyn Budnick The Berlin High School valedictorian for the class of 2011 is Caitlyn Budnick, daughter of Lori Budnick and Steven Budnick. Taking honors and ad- Budnick vanced placement courses throughout her tenure, Caitlyn has met with much success. She augmented her academic rigor with five years of French language and a four-year interest in chorus. Caitlyn is a juniorelected member of the National Honor Society. Recog-
nized for her academic achievements, Caitlyn was the junior recipient of the Rensselaer Medal, Smith College Book Award and the Society of Women Engineers award for her excellence in math and science. Caitlyn is a People to People Student Ambassador Alumni and participant in Close Up, Washington D.C. Caitlyn is involved in Madrigals, jazz and select women’s choirs. She has performed in BHS musical theater and drama club productions each year. Caitlyn volunteers her time at the Hospital for Special Care and is one of five senior coordinators for the BHS UpBeat Peer Leadership Program. This fall, Caitlyn will
attend Emerson College in Boston, Mass. to pursue a degree in writing, literature and publishing.
Ryan J. Morrison Ryan J. Morrison, son of Scott and Kate Morrison, has been named salutatorian for the class of 2011. Ryan has maximized his academic opportunities at Berlin High School, enrolling in the most challenging Morrison program of study available to students and earning a cumulative average of 100.56. Some of Ryan’s
courses include: honors advanced placement United States history; honors advanced placement/University of Connecticut biology, honors advanced placement/UCONN English 12, honors advanced placement/UCONN calculus, honors UCONN statistics, and honors UCONN discrete math. Ryan was a junior-elected member of both the National Honor Society and Boys State, reflecting his superior academic achievement, strong involvement in the school and community, leadership, and good character. Both recognitions are held in highest regard among faculty and students. Ryan is also an integral member of both the
high school marching band and symphonic band. Ryan is secretary of his class and senior board member of the high school Upbeat PeerLeadership program. He has also received a number of awards throughout the past four years as a student, some of which are: The Dartmouth Book Award; Berlin High School Faculty Top 10th and 11th Grade Student Awards; and the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award. Outside of school, Ryan has been appointed with Eagle Scout honors and participates in martial arts. This fall, Ryan plans to study chemistry at Stonehill College in Massachusetts.