The school district’s 14 Profiles in Professionalism honorees for the 2024-25 school year were recognized at the Board of Education’s Tuesday, May 20, meeting in Reed Intermediate School’s library.

The award is a longstanding tradition in the district, where people can recognize a colleague, parent, or volunteer in any role or participatory fashion throughout the school district. These honorees are then celebrated at a special BOE meeting where comments about each honoree, written by those who nominated them, are read out loud.

The honorees are then called up to the front of the room and receive their signature Profiles in Professionalism award.

Both Superintendent of Schools Anne Uberti and BOE Chair Alison Plante referred to the night as one of their favorite meetings of the year. Uberti shared that they received many more nominees than what they have had in recent years.

“I think [that’s] a great testament to the collegial atmosphere here, and how colleagues recognize the hard work their friends and colleagues are putting in on a daily basis,” Uberti continued.

People filled every seat at the meeting, excited to celebrate the honorees for their hard work and dedication to the district.

‘Unmatched Dedication And Professionalism’

The first person recognized was Newtown High School parent volunteer Marie Armstrong, who was nominated by NHS Teachers Trent Harrison and Theresa Talluto along with the school’s principal Kim Longobucco. They called her the heart of the school’s theater costuming for over a decade, “bringing unmatched dedication, creativity, and professionalism to every production.”

Sandy Hook Elementary School nurse Mariza Borges was the next to be honored. Nominated by Sandy Hook Principal Kathy Gombos and Lead Teacher Kelly Maclaren, Borges “exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond in service to students, families, and staff” through her compassion, warm, vast knowledge, and responsiveness no matter the time of day.

Central office project coordinator Sarah Connell is the “embodiment of professionalism, positivity, and reliability,” according to her nomination from Assistant Superintendent of Schools Frank Purcaro and Director of Teaching and Learning Kara DiBartolo. They said Connell’s willingness to take on new challenges and problem solve make her an indispensable team member.

Next was technology support specialist Brian DiBella, who was nominated by NHS teacher Kiersten Raccio. She said Dibella is a valued and dependable member of the school district’s technology team, and is known for his responsiveness, clear and honest communication, and respectful and supportive demeanor.

Head O’Meadow Elementary School Lead Teacher Karen Dreger, nominated by HOM teacher Rosemarie Costello and school counselor Lisa Kilcourse, is someone who “goes above and beyond to support students, staff, and families, all while fostering a positive, inclusive school culture.”

Supporting Students And Staff

Security guard Glenn Kane received nominations from Gombos and Maclaren, who said that his professionalism and commitment to both safety and community make him an invaluable member of the SHS team. Between those traits and his calm and positive attitude, they said Kane — affectionately known as “Mr Glenn” — make him a deserving nominee.

Newtown Middle School PTA Vice President Jessie Kenney was also honored. She was nominated by James Jensen and NMS Principal Jim Ross, who said she exemplifies selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to the NMS community through coordinating book fairs, staff appreciation efforts, school-wide celebrations, and more.

Newtown High School FLEX teacher Colleen Kimball was nominated by Longobucco and NHS Assistant Principal David Roach. They said Kimball is known for her spirited advocacy and always putting students first, always approaching her work with compassion and tenacity. Her retirement, they said, “will leave a space that is deeply felt.”

Next to be honored was Hawley Elementary School teacher Kathy Leja, who was nominated by Hawley Principal Chris Moretti and Language Arts Consultant Patti Vitarelli. They said Leja has been a tireless advocate for her students in the decades she’s taught at Hawley, creating a nurturing classroom environment “where every child feels seen, valued, and capable of success.”

Middle Gate Elementary School Lead Teacher John Sullivan was jointly nominated by Middle Gate school counselor Melissa Arsenault, behavior interventionist Marlene Bucci, psychologist Heather Lucian, and Interim Principal Jenna Connors. They called Sullivan a true team player who brings dedication and energy to everything he does, adding that “his presence uplifts the school climate, and his sense of humor and kindness make him approachable and well-loved by both staff and students.”

Leading Through Support And Compassion

NHS counselor Jeff Tolson received nominations from executive assistant Kathy June and fellow NHS counselor Dan Farina, who said he is a dynamic and deeply valued member of the high school’s community. They spoke of his unwavering dedication, quick wit, and ability to instantly connect with students. June and Farina also said his commitment to students extends to the community, running the REACH summer program, leading a Parks and Recreation flag football, and more.

The next recipient was NMS Assistant Principal Brian Walsh. He was nominated by administrative assistants Lisa Petrovich and Sue Zimmerman, who noted his remarkable impact on the school’s culture and climate in only three years. They added, “His kindness, compassion, and infection energy create a sense of connection and positivity throughout the building.”

While unable to attend, Middle Gate paraeducator Lindsay Padua — nominated by Middle Gate teacher Leanne Connors and art teacher Jean Griffin — and Reed head custodian Darren Pierre — nominated by Reed Principal Matt Correia and custodian Joe Bavosa — also received Profiles In Professionalism awards.

Griffin and Connors said Padua “exemplifies compassion, patience, and professionalism in every aspect of her work,” adding that her gentle encouragement and unwavering belief in her students makes them feel valued and drives them to learn.

Correia and Bavosa said Pierre maintains Reed to the highest standard, often completing repairs and maintenance in-house — saving the district time and resources. They called Pierre an invaluable member of the school’s community, and that he has served as a mentor to students beyond his custodial duties, where his problem solving and communication are on full display.

The meeting was quickly called into a brief recess, and everyone rose from their seats and went to congratulate the honorees. Off to the side was a table lined with desserts such as cookies, eclairs, cannolis, and more catered by Chartwells.

Reports

For her Superintendent’s Report, Uberti said she was happy to announce that they have three candidates of choice for the elementary assistant principal positions. She formally forwarded her recommendations to the BOE the following day, as required by Board policy.

She called the process of selecting these candidates a “very rigorous process.” It involved over 15 interviewers, including teachers, principals, the director of people services, the assistant superintendent, three different BOE members, and Uberti herself.

“Throughout the process, these individuals demonstrated professionalism and a high degree of confidence in both general education and special education protocols and processes, and I look forward to them joining the team,” Uberti said.

She plans for the candidates to be presented to the BOE at its next meeting on Tuesday, June 3.

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