The year in our schools 2012

Third-grader Samantha McCaughan flashes a winning smile in late August as she is among those to be photographed by Principal Maryann Ness upon her arrival at Hill and Plain School for opening day of school in New Milford. Photo: Trish Haldin

'Odyssey of the mind' Nineteen Sherman School eighth-grade students captured first place at an Odyssey of the Mind tournament at Bristol Eastern High School. The local youths offered creative skits that solve different long-term problems and were honored for their peerless performances. Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational competition involving creative thinking and problem solving as a team, without traditional adult assistance. Adult coaching is provided, but the students are required to create and produce their presentation without adult assistance. The Sherman students' March 31, 2012 success qualifies them for international competition in Iowa. Among the Sherman eighth graders are, clockwise from the bottom, Clare Head, Maribeth Seeger, Kyra Danish, Alex Darinzo and Shannon Miller. Courtesy of Sherman School Photo: Contributed Photo

Dr. Pat Cosentino exudes enthusiasm in August, 2012 as she prepares for her first schol year as superintendent of schools for Region 12. Photo: Norm Cummings

Percussionists, from left to right, James Curley, Gabe Hack, Tanner George and Nick Noga strut their footwork in September during one of the New Milford High School marching band's much-applauded performances. Photo: Trish Haldin

Tommy Morse of New Preston becomes the eighth silbing in his family to graduation from Shepaug Valley High School in June 2012 when he receives his diploma during commencement exercises at the school in Washington. Moments after the ceremony, Uncle Tommy finds himself posing with six of his adoring nieces and enphews. Showing remarkable patience in front of the camera are, from left to right, Matthew Willmot of Bethel, son of Melissa (Morse) Willmott; twins Lily and Lorelai Reeb, daughters of Melanie (Morse) Reeb of Brookfield; Jackson Morse, son of Meghan Morse of New Preston; and Ava and Olivia Maltz, daughters of Mindy (Morse) Maltz of Newtown. Tommy's other nephew, Gregory, is in attendance but can't be corraled for the photo. Courtesy of Melanie Reeb Photo: Contributed Photo

A slide presentation depicting the tragic consequences of texting while driving delivers a powerful message to area students, their parents and others on hand during "Survive The Drive," hosted in November at Sherman School by the Sherman Traffic Safety Work Group and the Sherman PTO. Photo: Norm Cummings

Accompanied by pianist Amy Vinisko, New Milford High School junior Thomas Barkal shares his ability on the flute with patrons of the season's opening concert featuring NMHS students active in Hunt Hill Farm's new talent music initative at the Silo in March, 2012. Photo: Norm Cummings