The Plainville High School Class of 1974 and the Petit Family Foundation announced the recipients of the 2009 Be the Change Awards. The awards are given in honor of Jennifer Hawke-Petit, Hayley Elizabeth Petit and Michaela Rose Petit to a member or members of the Plainville High School student body who make the effort physically and emotionally to help others through kindness, idealism and activism.

This year’s recipients were Whitley Dozier, Kristen Carroccia, the team of Steven Boutin and Amanda Lea, and Elizabeth Moriarty.

Dozier, a senior, was recognized for her work with “Spread the Word to End the Word,” a national campaign to stop the unkind and thoughtless use of the words “retard” or “retarded.” Her efforts to raise awareness of the hurtful effects of these words have been successful, officials said. Whitley is also an organizer of the Unified Sports Program at PHS and an active volunteer with Special Olympics. Committee members said what’s important to Dozier is that others see these individuals for the special individuals that they are rather than judging them by perceived disabilities. She received a $1,500 award, $500 of which will be donated in her honor to the CT Unified Sports Program.

Carroccia, also a senior, was instrumental in organizing an extremely successful four-hour anti-bullying workshop for the PHS student body. A member of the Anti-Defamation League since her sophomore year, Kristen was determined to stand up for victims and put an end to bullying. By the end of the bullying workshop, she noticed a different side of her student body; she observed that they had a respect for each other’s differences, committee members said. Carroccia received a $1,000 award, $500 of which will be donated in her honor to the Anti-Defamation League of CT.

Boutin, a senior, and Lea, a junior, worked with students in the PHS CREC Class, who have multiple disabilities and health issues, and are unable to participate in a typical high school day. Brought together by teachers Dean Esposti and Beth Healy, the group constructed 15 bluebird houses, which were later donated to the Tomasso Nature Park. An observer noted the project brought much joy to students and they valued the time they spent with Boutin and Lea, committee members said. The team received a $1,000 award, which was donated in their honor to PARC — Family-Centered Services for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Moriarty received the PHS Class of 1974 Alumni Scholarship in the amount of $500. Daughter of Craig and Jennifer Naparstek, she plans to attend the University of Connecticut where she will major in accounting.

The recipients were honored at a ceremony held May 20 at the high school. Also recognized that evening were nominees Antonio Ettorre, Evan Guimond, Will Fascendini and Jon Favreau for their work constructing the Hall of Athletic Achievement at the high school and seven members of the Environmental Club for their weekly efforts in collecting recyclable materials for disposal in the proper receptacles at the school. A reception catered by faculty member Kathy Hein and her culinary arts students immediately followed the ceremony.