Windham Tech Athlete Recognized by CIAC

It’s not often that the directors at CIAC personally recognize a student, but for Windham Tech junior, Luis Camacho, hard work and integrity brought such an opportunity. It all began with an English assignment in which Luis was asked to write a persuasive letter on a topic that concerned him.

As an athlete, one of Luis’s concerns is the prevalence of performance-enhancing drugs among students. He directed his comments to Joe Tonelli, Associate Director at CIAC. In a carefully worded letter, Luis implored Mr. Tonelli to issue stronger penalties for student athletes and coaches who use or promote steroids.

Mr. Tonelli was delighted by Luis’s letter, which he described as “insightful.” His response to Luis indicated that “the CIAC Board of Control … recently approved a Chemical Health Policy that calls for a suspension of 180 school days for any student athlete found by his or her school system to be using steroids.” Mr. Tonelli anticipated that this new regulation should pass. He even suggested, in response to Luis’s letter, that the CIAC would not be opposed to random testing of athletes, if the schools they service strongly favored its adoption.

Before long, Joe issued Luis an invitation to come to the main office of CIAC in Cheshire, in order to recognize his contribution as a concerned citizen. On Tuesday, May 22, Athletic Director Steve Cervizzi accompanied Luis to the office to receive the recognition.

Mr. Tonelli and Executive Director of CIAC, Michael Savage wanted to meet Luis in person to commend him. Just as with the letter, Mr. Savage and Mr. Tonelli were equally impressed with Luis as a fine young gentleman and all shared stories about former athletes and acquaintances that brought about many memories and laughs that intrigued Luis. Mr. Savage presented Luis with a certificate that concluded a great day!

Submitted by Nory Oakes and Steve Cervizzi