Ellington High School Student Named Explorer of the Year

Written by Chris Dehnel

Ellington High School senior Cody Fongemie said he decided to take a bold step when he joined the Vernon Police Explorers. 

And he said the Explorers, in turn, helped him, take a bold step toward his career path.

Fongemie, the captain of the Explorers,  was named Explorer of the Year on Monday at the program's annual awards dinner at the Rockville Elks Club. In remarks made to his colleagues, advisers and Police Chief James Kenny, he talked about a crash-course in manhood, lifetime relationships and the bonds of "brotherhood."

And he talked about the preparation he received for a big move he is making over the summer. Fongemie has enrolled in Valley Forge Military Academy and College in Wayne, PA, where he will study government and politics and military science in an accelerated ROTC program he hopes will turn into a career as an Army Ranger. 

The School is just one of five in the nation to offer the Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program, an accelerated leadership path that can earn students a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army upon graduating as a sophomore.

Fongemie not only received the organization's top honor, but several others as well, including the Service Award, the Community Service Award and a special presentation commending him for his service. 

The Explorers, under the direction of Lt. William Meier and Carl Slicer and the advisement of Sgt. Kerry Reynolds and Sgt. Luke Gallant and Officer Robert Marra, traditionally work with young people from Vernon and Ellington. This year, there is also a member from Tolland. 

Promoted to lieutenant was Megan Pare of Ellington. 

Promoted to sergeant was Nathan Manley of Ellington. 

Rachel Hardy of Ellington, whose Dad, Mel, is a retired Vernon police lieutenant and current member of the Capitol police force, received the Hoffman/Slicer Scholarship. 

Receiving Tenure Awards were Raul Cruz of Vernon, Sean Milligan of Ellington, Mike Hardy of Ellington, Cameron Schmelter of Vernon, Michael Carroll of Tolland and Sam Marcotte of Vernon. 

Community Service Awards went to Mike Hardy, Cruz, Manley, Pare and Isabel Ortiz of Vernon. 

Pare and Jared Fongemie received the Perfect Attendance Award.