Mia Morello and Olivia Bysiewicz

Middletown Public Schools is thrilled to announce that two students from Beman Middle School, Olivia Bysiewicz and Mia Morello, have been honored with the CABE Student Leadership Award. This recognition highlights their outstanding leadership skills and their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact within their school community.


The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) Student Leadership Awards Program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities, including the willingness to take on challenges, the capability to make difficult decisions, concern for others, the ability to work collaboratively, a strong dedication to project commitments, diplomacy, and a clear understanding of complex issues. Each year, two deserving students from every school in a CABE member district are selected to receive this esteemed award.


Olivia Bysiewicz, an 8th-grade student and President and Member of Beman Middle School’s chapter of the National Junior Honor Society, has exhibited exceptional leadership skills throughout her academic journey. With 12 years of experience in dance, Olivia's leadership extends beyond the classroom. She takes on the responsibility of teaching and demonstrating dance techniques to younger dancers, showcasing her willingness to support and guide others. Olivia's dedication to leadership and being a positive role model is evident in her active participation in the Principal's Advisory Board and her initiative in spearheading various community projects both within the school and the wider Middletown community.

Mia Morello, an 8th-grade student and the Vice President of the Beman Middle School Student Council, is an exemplary student, athlete, and leader. As Vice President, Mia excels in student communication and actively contributes to the Principal's Advisory Board, further developing her leadership abilities. Beyond the classroom, Mia's leadership shines on the soccer field, where she has been a member of the Beman soccer team for two years as well as a member of a local community team. Mia's presence as a guiding force during warmups and her commitment to ensuring her teammates feel a sense of belonging and perform at their best showcases her natural leadership skills. She consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of herself and actively strives to empower others to achieve their full potential, thereby making a positive impact on their lives.

The Middletown Public Schools community applauds Olivia Bysiewicz and Mia Morello for their exceptional achievements and their remarkable leadership qualities. Their commitment to personal growth, dedication to community service, and ability to inspire others make them exemplary role models for their peers and the wider Middletown community.

Please join us in congratulating Olivia Bysiewicz and Mia Morello on their well-deserved recognition and wishing them continued success in their future endeavors.