NEW CANAAN, CT — On June 1, 2026, Michael Telesco and Niyathi Iyengar, two seniors at New Canaan High School (NCHS), were recently recognized by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) as recipients of the 2026 Student Leadership Awards. This award is presented to one male and one female out of 300+ graduating students in the New Canaan High School Class of 2026.
Each year, two students are nominated to receive this prestigious award through direct recommendation from their school principal. At NCHS, Principal William Egan nominated this year’s recipients in recognition of their demonstrated leadership capabilities, both inside and outside the classroom, including:
Willingness to take on challenges
Capability to make difficult decisions
Concern for others
Ability to work with others
Willingness to commit to a project
Diplomacy
Ability to understand issues clearly
Ability to honor a commitment
Michael Telesco is an accomplished student researcher whose work in astronomy and astrophysics has earned recognition at an exceptional level. He became the second youngest person ever to discover a nebula and has since collaborated with university researchers on exoplanet discovery projects utilizing machine learning. His research has been published and presented professionally, with his most recent work currently being submitted to Nature, one of the world’s most prestigious scientific journals. Beyond his research, Michael has demonstrated strong leadership at NCHS through his involvement in the Motorsport Engineering Club, Astrophysics Club, and Film Club. He is also a Gold Key recipient in the Connecticut Regional Scholastic Art Awards for his photography capturing a solar eclipse, further showcasing his ability to connect science, engineering, and creative storytelling in ways that inspire and engage fellow students.
Niyathi Iyengar is a US National Chemistry Olympiad Semifinalist, National Merit Semifinalist, licensed EMT, and accomplished musician who has consistently distinguished herself through academic excellence, leadership, and service. As a leader of the NCHS Science Team, she has challenged herself through some of the school’s most rigorous coursework while mentoring and supporting fellow students. Outside the classroom, Niyathi serves as a licensed EMT in the Stamford Hospital Emergency Department, assisting patients with a wide range of medical needs, including emergency response situations. In the arts, she serves as Concertmaster and Assistant Conductor of the NCHS Orchestra and performs with the Norwalk Youth Symphony Orchestra, using her talents as a violinist to mentor younger musicians and lead by example within the music program.
The 2026 CABE Student Leadership Award winners were presented their recognitions by Superintendent Dr. Bryan Luizzi and the New Canaan Board of Education at the June 1, 2026 Board of Education meeting. At the event, Dr. Luizzi said, “It became clear that our two award winners best exemplify all that CABE is looking to honor. They’re both truly superb representatives of the New Canaan High School Class of 2026.”
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Dr. Bryan Luizzi, Superintendent of Schools (left) stand with Michael Telesco and Niyathi Iyengar and their parent(s) alongside BOE Chair, Phil Hogan (right)