Reed Library and Media Specialist Sara Wasley thought the first day back from spring break to be one like any other. When she walked through the library doors on Monday, April 22, she was shocked to be welcomed back with a surprise award ceremony and cheer and applause from fellow Reed library staff, PTA members, and even students.

This was because the Reed PTA Board wanted to surprise her with the fact that she received an Outstanding Educational Leader Award from Connecticut PTA. According to Reed PTA Secretary Meredith Campbell Britton, these annual awards recognize educators, school professionals, and volunteers that demonstrate exceptional leadership for learning, community involvement, communication, and professionalism.

“We just are so proud of you, and we just think you’re so amazing,” Campbell Britton said. “We were so excited to nominate you and are so happy that Connecticut PTA agrees with us.”

Reed Library Administrative Assistant Sarah Beier helped gather letters of support from library patrons, students and adults alike, that nominated Wasley as an Outstanding Educational Leader. These included letters from Board of Education member John Vouros, Reed Principal Dr Matt Correia, Reed Assistant Principal Jenna Connors, and many more.

Reed PTA then wrote the application and sent it in to Connecticut PTA. According to their website, the Connecticut PTA's mission is "to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children."

For the special surprise award ceremony, Reed PTA members and library staff gave Wasley a bouquet of flowers, a congratulations card, stickers, and a folder with the letters of support that were written by students.

These students who wrote letters of support were apparently so excited according to Beier that they kept coming up to her and asking if she heard whether Wasley won the award or not. Beier mentioned that she "couldn't wait" to tell the students the good news.

When they wanted to take a group photo to memorialize the moment in The Bee, everyone gathered around a fake tree decoration dotted in white flower lights toward the back wall; one of Wasley's favorite spots in the library. “Oh my gosh, this is so amazing. Thank you all so, so much,” Wasley beamed. “This is just so sweet.”

There will be a ceremonial brunch held by the Connecticut PTA on Sunday, June 2 at La Bella Vista, 380 Farmwood Road in Waterbury to celebrate all of the 2024 Outstanding Educators. The brunch will start at 11 am and feature a wide variety of foods from appetizers such as sliced seasonal fruit and croissants to buffet items such as Belgian waffles and chicken francese, and much more.

All winners are considered guests of Connecticut PTA, while family and friends must register to attend. Registration forms for the Connecticut PTA 2024 Outstanding Educators Brunch are available online at ctpta.org/ct-pta-awards-dinner.

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.