By TAYLOR HARTZ
STAFF WRITER
As the school year came to a close, Southington Public Schools took the time to recognize the many parents who volunteered their time to help out teachers, faculty, and students during this past school year.
On June 2, the sixth annual Parent Volunteer Luncheon was held at Hawk’s Landing Country Club, recognizing more than 50 individuals for their service to local schools. The tradition was started in 2009 to recognize the support that parents provide in the classroom and in extracurricular activities at every grade level.
“Your efforts year after year gather us here in your honor,” John F. Kennedy Middle School Principal Rick Terrino told parents.
The luncheon, organized by Debi Albetis, executive assistant to the Superintendent of Schools, was hosted by Board of Education member Terri Carmody,
“There is just not an adequate way to thank you for all you do for our children,” said Carmody, who distributed a box of chocolates to each volunteer.
Volunteers at the luncheon included members of Parent Teach Organizations (PTO), Executive Board members for PTOs, retired teachers, classroom assistants, and volunteers with fundraising campaigns and programs such as Kelley Elementary School’s Art for a Cause.
“We as teachers are very appreciative of what you do,” said Dan Hart, a social studies teacher at SHS and member of the Southington Education Association.
“When you volunteer, you vote everyday on the type of community you would like to live in,” said Hart. “Thank you for voting with your heart. I’m proud to witness the time and dedication you put in.”
Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connellan addressed volunteers, thanking them for their countless hours of volunteerism and for making “a fantastic place to raise a family.”
“We have great kids here, and the reason we have great kids is because we have great parents,” said Connellan, “Everything that happens in our public schools is dependent on our families.”
After lunch, Carmody went to each table, where administrators recognized the honored volunteers from their school for all of their hard work.
The following volunteers were recognized at each school:
Alta—Maria Melillo and Karen Smith.
Southington High School—Steven Daniels, John Myers, Moira Myers, Liza Breutzmann, and Leslie Loose.
Joseph A. DePaolo Middle School—Todd Breutzman, Teresa Izzo, Mabeline Silve, Angela Heidgerd, and Concetta Scavone.
John F. Kennedy Middle School—Bette Ann Bailey, Wally Bailey, Kelly DelDebbio, Carla Perillo, and Dora Ruisecki.
Derynoski Elementary School—Casie Messina, Ann Flynn, Suzanna Soda, Lynelle Smailes, and Karen Corrado.
Flanders Elementary School—Leslie Bordiere, Jennifer Lanci, Tina Michaud, Raeshelle Percival, and Cassandra Fallon.
Hatton Elementary School—Nicholas Cutler, Josie Cannuli, Christi Chmura, Jennifer Gilmore, and Maxine Casale.
Kelley Elementary School—Kristi Josephson, Gina Palmieri, Jolene Drechsler, Maureen Vargas, and Heather Farr.
Plantsville Elementary School—Claudia Csuka, Michele Peters, Bonnie Plourde, Lisa Wrubelski, and Cathy Watson.
South End Elementary School—Dan Nivison, Ray Dischino, John Nitz, Colleen Clark, and Robyn Kroll.
Strong Elementary School—Angelique Bilodeau, Lauren Marino, Meredith Fenwick, Amy Cogswell, and Carrie Brunalli.
Thalberg Elementary School—Paul Coppola, Heather Coppola, Ashley Nutting, Rachael Gonzalez, and Joanna Tokarzewski.