The non-profit affiliate celebrates the conclusion of school year programming with awards and a special performance

MERIDEN, CT, June 8, 2026—Girls Inc. of Central Connecticut (GICCT) celebrated the conclusion of their 2025-2026 school year programming last month with their Annual End-of-Year Celebration at Nathan Hale Elementary School in Meriden, CT.

Members, their families, and staff gathered on May 19th, to acknowledge outstanding participants and volunteers, as well as enjoy a dance adaptation of “Annie” performed by participants of the Afterschool and Evening Experience programs.

The 2026 Award recipients:

• Volunteers of the Parent Advisory Council – Ayra Garcia, Margaret Hamilton, Jenny Martorelli, Tara Ortega, Christine Salguero, Jasmine Sherald, Vanessa Torres
• Member Volunteers – Jessica Beardsley, McKayla Hamilton, Brooke Ortega
• Gymnastics Awards – Brooklyn Coburn, Scarlet Laferriere, Leela Mudumbi, Adriana Natlo, Amelia Perez, Ivy Ruiz
• Spirit of Girls Inc. Award – Anna Moro
• Rising Leader Award – Shandyelise Roman
• Senior Recognition Award – Gisele Cardona
• Strong Award – Brooklyn Coburn, Iris Talley Watford
• Smart Award – Jessica Beardsley
• Bold Award – Victoria Salguero
• Strong, Smart, and Bold Girl of the Year Award – Brooke Ortega

The awards portion of the event also included the presentation of the 2026 Maureen Bilger Scholarship Award, to this year’s recipient, Madison Lionello. Graduating from Platt High School at the end of the semester, Madison participated in Girls Inc. as a summer camper in elementary school, citing that experience as an encouragement to pursue a career path in a scientific field. “My [Girls Inc.] experience has given me the confidence to move towards greater independence,” Madison says, “knowing that I am capable of achieving my goals and giving back to my community, just as Girls Inc. gave to me.”

The Maureen Bilger Scholarship, named for former executive director of the affiliate, is awarded in the amount of $1,000 to a graduating senior who is current or previous member of Girls Inc. They must articulate how their Girls Inc. experience has helped them grow healthy, educated, and independent, as well as detail how they will carry that experience into post-high school plans. GICCT is honored to have had the 2026 Scholarship funded by a generous donation from community member and longtime supporter of Girls Inc., Barbara Zemetis.

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About Girls Inc. of Meriden and Central CT

In partnership with schools, community-based organizations, and at Girls Inc. centers, Girls Inc. focuses on the development of the whole girl. Girls learn to value themselves, take risks, and discover and develop their inherent strengths. The combination of long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and evidence-based programming equips girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent. Each day, Girls Inc. inspires ALL girls to be strong, smart, and bold.

Girls Inc. of Meriden and Central CT Website

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