Schools

Newtown Student Among Those Honored in Fairfield Tuesday

Written by Caitlin Mazzola.

On the heels of Memorial Day, Fairfield on Tuesday recognized six students who are joining the military upon graduation.

The Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors held its second annual salute recognizing soon-to-be high graduates enlisted in the Armed Forces.

"It's a great service that you're doing, and its heartfelt," Judy Higgins, member of the Board of Realtors and Tuesday's master of ceremonies, said.

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes presented each student with an American flag during the ceremony in the Senior Center's auditorium.

"In your hearts you are saying something profoundly mature and profoundly deep," Himes said. "You are saying you will stand in harm's way for your country."

For Fairfield Prep senior and Newtown native Matthew Rahtelli, that "profound" call to service is what led him to join the Army ROTC at Manhattan College.

"Many people have given their time. I decided to give my time," he said.

Fellow Prep student Christopher Bayer of Redding is also joining an Army ROTC program -- he's going to the University of Virginia.

Bayer's father was an army officer, and the young Bayer said he always knew he'd serve in the military.

Service runs in Fairfield Warde student Julio Galindo's family, too. His older brother is in the Army. After visiting his brother at his base in Hawaii, Galindo knew he wanted to serve his country as well -- though he chose to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. 

Jayson Amaroso, a Fairfield Ludlowe student, also enlisted in the Marines. 

He decided to enlist "for the love I have for the military."

Ludlowe student and future Marine James Classy had already left for bootcamp and was unable to attend the ceremony. Fellow Ludlowe student and future Marine Shayna Watford was also unable to attend Tuesday.


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