 |
Windham, High School 2020 graduate Anthony Gugliuzza
will attend Endicott College where he will pursue a
degree in athletic training and play football with a
long range goal of becoming a physical therapist.
PHOTO BY ED PIERCE |
By Ed Pierce
Nobody better
exemplifies the spirit and resilience of the Class of 2020 graduates at Windham
High School than Anthony Gugliuzza.
He’s
intelligent, a skilled athlete, caring, respectful, a positive role model for
younger students and a genuine leader who knows where he’s headed in life, like
many of his classmates. Among his many accomplishments, Gugliuzza served as
Senior Class president, finished seventh overall academically in his graduating
class, taught Spanish to local kindergarten students, supported DARE (Drug
Abuse Resistance Education program) and competed in football, basketball and
lacrosse.
In the fall,
Gugliuzza, the son of AJ and Kristen Gugliuzza of Windham, will attend Endicott
College in Beverly, Massachusetts to pursue an accelerated degree in Sports
Science and Athletic Training with a concentration in Physical Therapy. He’ll
be suiting up for Endicott in football and ultimately hopes to become a physical
therapist or physician’s assistant someday.
“Anthony is
one of the most thoughtful, caring, and kind leaders I’ve had the pleasure of
coaching and working with. His positivity is infectious, and he is a selfless
leader,” said Philip Rosetti, Windham High School assistant principal. “He puts
the team first in everything. His work ethic and determination are excellent.
He wants to succeed in the classroom, on the athletic fields, and in life. What
really sets him apart is he is a leader that can connect with everybody and
this is achieved by his kindness to others. He is a tremendous person.”
Gugliuzza
says he’ll miss his time at Windham High and all of the classes he’s taken
there through the years.
“I’ve been
fortunate enough to take a lot of memorable classes over my high school career,
but if forced to choose one, I would have to say Leadership was my favorite,”
he said. “Not only did I take that class with two of my amazing coaches, I also
got the chance to hear from some equally remarkable speakers. Over the course
of this class, I learned a lot of important skills that I will have for the
rest of my life.”
He said that
he’s learned so much about himself while attending Windham High and feels
prepared to handle adversity or any challenges thrown his way in life.
“I’ve
definitely learned a lot. I think that for me, I use adversity as motivation
and fuel. I think at the end of the day, we all face adversity, but it’s how we
respond to it that truly defines who we are,” Gugliuzza said. “It’s not hard to
be a frontrunner. However, it is those who face challenges head on, those who
use hardships as a means to get stronger that are successful in life. My
parents always said that adversity is what make the victories much sweeter, and
they were right. I’ve lived it. The senior class has lived it, but in the end,
these minor setbacks will be minor details in the legacy we build. Adversity
breeds success and my time at Windham High School has certainly shown me that.”
According to
Gugliuzza, one thing stands out the most regarding his high school experience.
“The
best thing about Windham High School is the staff and how close they are and
the relationships they try to build with students,” he said. “They go above and
beyond and that’s evident with the graduation ceremonies.”
And,
he gives credit to other teachers he had along the way in RSU 14 schools that
helped prepare him to become a great student.
“I
really want to thank my math and science teacher at Windham Middle School, John
Condello,” Gugliuzza said. “I had to have foot surgery while I was a student at
the middle school and while recovering at home, Mr. Condello would come to my
house and teach me every day after school to keep me up to speed on my work. I
will not forget how much he cared.”
He
also praised his fifth-grade teacher, Sabrina Nickerson, whom he says was
instrumental in improving his academic skills and study habits.
“She
got me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to be better academically. It gave
me confidence going forward,” Gugliuzza said. “She’s the one who nominated me for
the People to People Leadership Program and from that experience I was able to go
to Washington, D.C.”
In high school, Gugliuzza had to put in plenty of long hours
studying each night after practicing for the sports teams he played on after
school and then was up by 7 a.m. each morning to be on time for his first class
of the day at 7:25 a.m.
“I’m sure there were plenty of great classes that I did not have
the opportunity to take,” he said. “However, I had some amazing teachers, so
any additional classes with them would have been great.”
Having
influential teachers as a younger student really assisted Gugliuzza to tap into
his full potential, he said.
“I
think my work ethic and approachable personality have given me the ability to
truly connect with my peers and teachers, thus allowing me to be successful
both in and out of the classroom,” Gugliuzza said. “My parents always taught me
from a young age to treat others with kindness, love, and respect and at the
end of the day, I think that it is this guidance and support that has shaped me
into who I am.”
His
mother, Kristen, said the Gugliuzza family take great pride in what their son
has been able to accomplish so far and are thrilled to see him graduate and
take the next step in his life at college.
“It means a lot. As a
parent you push them to realize their potential,” she said. “He’s a unique kid.
He’s smart and he’s compassionate. I do wish the graduation was under better
circumstances this year, but I’m mighty proud of my son.”
During his junior year,
Anthony joined his classmates on a school excursion to Salem, Massachusetts and
he said it was his favorite field trip he participated in as a student.
“It was really awesome to
walk around the city and see all of the historic landmarks with my friends,” he
said. “The atmosphere was really cool as well, given the fact that the Red Sox
were playing in Game One of the World Series later that night.”
In 10 years, Gugliuzza sees himself
as an established professional working in the medical field.
“I want to be a role model within my
community and have a positive impact on the lives of others,” he said.
With his plans for the
future clearly within reach, Gugliuzza said he believes that if he continues to
work hard and treat others with respect, he can achieve his dreams.
“Growing up, I’ve always
admired Tom Brady,” he said. “I’ve admired his work ethic and everything he
stands for, so I think one of my favorite expressions would have to be when he
said ‘If you don’t believe in yourself, why is anyone else going to believe in
you.’” <
He said that every year a select number of universities and
colleges in America partner with secondary schools such as Windham High to
recognize exceptional high school juniors and underclass students. 
