New Haven Independent

Hillhouse High teacher Jack Paulishen sent in these photos from the event, where other New Haveners were honored, too. AIDS community healer Elsie Cofield, for instance, got a lifetime achievement award.

New Haven civil rights attorney Michael Jefferson, who heads the commission, ran the show.

And Career High’s girls’ basketball team (coached by Kevin Walton, pictured), was honored for athletic achievement. (Click here for a story about the team.)

Here’s a write-up about Toddchelle Young, from a commission press release:

“Toddchelle Young’s senior year of high school includes a full load of advanced placement courses; Literature and Composition, Calculus, Government and Politics, and Spanish V. She finished the semester with an A average, securing her place as Hillhouse High School’s valedictorian, locking in a 3.95 grade point average. Her career goal is to become a physician with Spanish language proficiency.

“She is a Choate Rosemary Hall Connecticut Scholar, member of both the National Honor and National Spanish Societies, Hillhouse basketball and tennis teammate, as well as Math League leader. Toddchelle is the Student Council’s Sergeant at Arms and was Class President during her freshman and sophomore years.

“In 2007, she was the first-place winner of New Haven’s Citywide Science Fair. She was also honored by the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, New Haven Board of Education and New Haven Public Schools during American Education Week. The event celebrates students’ academic success, demonstrated leadership, and concern for the community.

“As a member of Leadership Education and Athletics in Partnership (LEAP), Toddchelle mentors and tutors young children, and is a community fundraising and food drive volunteer. Her participation in Solar Youth, a community-based nonprofit, aided efforts to recycle and remove trash to promote cleaner and safer environments.

“Last year, Toddchelle also completed the rigorous training necessary to earn Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification. Since then she has contributed to her community through volunteer service as an EMT with the New Haven Fire Department’s Emergency Unit.”