The Southington Town Council last week designated a day in honor of a 12-year-old resident's moving exhibition of honesty.
SOUTHINGTON, CT — A local youth's recent bout of honesty and integrity earned him his own special day and recognition from Southington's highest governing body.
Recently, Southington resident Michael J. Castiola, 12, was riding his bike in town when he bumped into a mailbox and broke it.
But he didn't get up and flee.
According to Southington Town Council Chairman Paul Chaplinsky at the last council meeting Aug. 11, Castiola "owned up to his actions and went to the door of the homeowner explaining what happened."
So moved was the homeowner that he raised the issue to the town, with Castiola's honesty making its way to the council agenda.
"Michael showed his character that day," Chaplinsky said, adding he wanted to acknowledge good people in the community like Michael."
For his honest deed, the council designated Aug. 11, 2025, as "Michael Castiola Day," and he was awarded a proclamation.
"Some of you might not know Michael. But some of you might know his story," Chaplinsky said, alluding to Castiola's honesty making its way through Southington social media circles.
Chaplinsky relayed the story to council members about a young 12-year-old summoning up the courage to knock on the door and tell the homeowner what happened.
"Of course, as a 12-year-old, he was nervous, and I'm sure a lot of thoughts went through his mind," said Chaplinsky.
"He went to the owner, and the owner was elated that he took the time to acknowledge that he may have made a mistake, and the owner was kind enough to let the community know."
When the story went viral locally, Chaplinsky said it was something he wanted to recognize.
"It warms my heart to have you here tonight," said Chaplinsky. "In the moment, your character came through. All too often, we don't have an opportunity to recognize the good people in the community."
Castiola and his family were on hand for the event, and they had their pictures taken with the council.
More amazing is that this is the second time someone in Castiola's family was honored by the council.
In January, the council recognized his grandmother, Gail Castiola.
She was an employee at the Southington Housing Authority and a longtime volunteer at Southington Community Services.
For the minutes of the Aug. 11, 2025 Southington Town Council meeting, click on this link.