Guilford Students Receive Pathfinder Awards For Service, Character

GUILFORD, CT — Guilford High School and the Guilford Rotary Club recently recognized Ciara Davenport and Anthony Naples as recipients of the second Pathfinder Awards, which honor students who demonstrate character, compassion and service to others.

The Pathfinder Award is a partnership between Guilford High School’s Safe School Climate Committee and the Guilford Rotary Club and recognizes students who quietly make a positive difference in the lives of others.

"The Pathfinder Award was created to recognize students whose actions often go unnoticed but have a profound impact on our school community," Principal Julia Chaffe said in a news release. "In partnership with the Guilford Rotary and our Safe School Climate Committee, we are proud to celebrate students who consistently show up and do the right thing. Ciara and Anthony exemplify what it means to lead through character."

Anthony Naples was nominated by fellow hockey teammate Kellen Rinehart, who described him as a leader whose influence comes through service and empathy. Rinehart cited Naples’ willingness to help teammates in numerous ways and his support of others during difficult times.

"Anthony often flies under the radar," Rinehart wrote in his nomination. "He is never drawing attention to himself and always cares more about the people around him than himself. He is the one who leads by service and empathy."

Davenport was nominated by Chaffe for her leadership, commitment to inclusion, and service to both the school and the community. She serves as a student representative to the Board of Education, is a member of Leadership Congress, helps organize school events, volunteers as a youth lacrosse referee, and participates as a three-season athlete.

"Ciara's leadership is defined by its maturity and substance rather than pretense," Chaffe wrote in her nomination. "She consistently places the collective good of her school and community ahead of her own personal recognition."

The Guilford Rotary Club and Guilford High School congratulated Davenport and Naples on the recognition and thanked them for the example they set for their peers and the school community.