CIAC
(Athletics Division)

High School Awards

Administrators

Principal of The Year

TThe Principal of the Year Program, sponsored annually by the Connecticut Association of Schools, was established to bring recognition to exemplary school principals and to increase public awareness of the critical role that principals play in the education of our youth. The program recognizes outstanding middle and high school principals who have succeeded in providing high quality learning opportunities for students. These administrators have demonstrated excellent leadership skills, a commitment to their staff and students, service to their communities, and contributions to the overall profession of educational leadership.

Each year nominations are solicited for a Middle School and High School Principal of the Year. The winners are chosen by the CAS Awards and Recognition Committee, a selection committee consisting of active and retired principals and assistant principals. The selections will be made in February of each year.

Both the middle and high school honorees will be recognized locally by CAS. They will also be honored nationally by NASSP and will represent Connecticut in the competition for National Principal of the Year, sponsored by NASSP and MetLife. (NASSP does not include elementary schools.) For additional information about the National Principal of the Year program, visit http://www.nassp.org/awards/09-01.cfm.

CRITERIA FOR AWARD

Collaborative Leadership
  • Involves teachers, staff members, parents, students, and the community in achieving the goals of the school
  • Provides direction or focus to achieve the school's goals as a member of the school's leadership team
  • Models continuous professional growth
  • Teaches, coaches, and assists others in professional development that focuses on student learning
  • Balances management tasks with instructional leadership tasks
  • Utilizes effective problem-solving techniques
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
  • Improves teaching and learning by implementing programs and improvement efforts
  • Observes, supervises, and evaluates teachers and instructional programs to maximize the learning opportunities for every student
  • Analyzes multiple sources of data to improve instructional practices and outcomes
  • Demonstrates knowledge of learning, teaching, research, and programs that maximize student performance
  • Facilitates in developing and maintaining co-curricular programs that complement the curriculum while fostering students' academic success
Personalization
  • Assists in establishing and maintaining a positive school climate that reflects high student and staff morale
  • Interacts professionally and tactfully with others
  • Assists in creating structures that enable teachers to develop an appreciation for each student's abilities
  • Acknowledges achievement or accomplishments of students and teachers
  • Communicates effectively orally and in writing
  • Models values, beliefs, and attitudes that inspire others to higher levels of performance

All candidates must be members of CAS and NASSP and have at least three years experience as a school principal.

The CAS Awards and Recognition Committee reserves the right to reject any and all candidates in a category if they do not fulfill the criteria for the award. In making its decisions, the Awards and Recognition Committee will consider each candidate's professional qualities as outlined in the application, his/her recommendations, and his/her professional contributions to CAS.

Assistant Principal of the Year

The Assistant Principal of the Year Program, sponsored annually by the Connecticut Association of Schools and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, was established in 1990 to bring recognition to the assistant principalship and to spotlight the critical role that assistant principals play in the education of our youth. The program recognizes outstanding school assistant principals who have succeeded in providing high quality learning opportunities for students. These administrators have demonstrated excellent leadership commitment to staff and students, service to their communities, and contributions to the overall profession of educational leadership.

Each year nominations are solicited for an Elementary, Middle Level, and High School Assistant Principal of the Year. The winners are chosen by the CAS Awards and Recognition Committee, a selection committee consisting of active and retired principals and assistant principals. The selections are made in December.

Either the middle or high school honoree will be recognized nationally by NASSP and will represent Connecticut in the competition for National Assistant Principal of the Year, sponsored by NASSP and Virco, Inc. (NASSP does not include elementary schools.) From the 52 state winners, three finalists are selected and become eligible to be named the National Assistant Principal of the Year. The national winner receives a $5,000 award from Virco. For additional information about the National Assistant Principal of the Year Award, please visit http://www.nassp.org/awards/09-02.cfm.

CRITERIA FOR AWARD

Candidates should demonstrate success in the following areas:

Collaborative Leadership
  • Involves teachers, staff members, parents, students, and the community in achieving the goals of the school
  • Provides direction or focus to achieve the school's goals as a member of the school's leadership team
  • Models continuous professional growth
  • Teaches, coaches, and assists others in professional development that focuses on student learning
  • Balances management tasks with instructional leadership tasks
  • Utilizes effective problem-solving techniques
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
  • Improves teaching and learning by implementing programs and improvement efforts
  • Observes, supervises, and evaluates teachers and instructional programs to maximize the learning opportunities for every student
  • Analyzes multiple sources of data to improve instructional practices and outcomes
  • Demonstrates knowledge of learning, teaching, research, and programs that maximize student performance
  • Facilitates in developing and maintaining cocurricular programs that complement the curriculum while fostering students' academic success
Personalization
  • Assists in establishing and maintaining a positive school climate that reflects high student and staff morale
  • Interacts professionally and tactfully with others
  • Assists in creating structures that enable teachers to develop an appreciation for each student's abilities
  • Acknowledges achievement or accomplishments of students and teachers
  • Communicates effectively orally and in writing
  • Models values, beliefs, and attitudes that inspire others to higher levels of performance
  • Assists in developing and maintaining dialogue with representatives of diverse community groups

All candidates must work in a CAS member school and have at least three years experience as an assistant principal (or the equivalent thereof).

To apply contact, kpacktor@casciac.org.

William Cieslukowski Outstanding First Year Principal Awards

To honor William Cieslukowski, a dedicated school principal and former president of the Elementary & Middle School Principals of Connecticut, this award recognizes a first year elementary, middle and high school principal who have had a positive impact on their school or school district. The recipients must demonstrate exemplary instructional and organizational leadership, a willingness to take risks, and the ability to overcome adversity.

Nominations may be made by superintendents, teachers, or colleague principals.

Click here to download an application.

Teachers

John Wallace Awards

The John Wallace Awards were established in memory of John Wallace, a dedicated school superintendent. Two awards are offered:
  1. The John Wallace Graduate Fellowship for eligible graduate students preparing to become elementary, middle or high school administrators;
  2. The John Wallace Scholarship for eligible undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in a teacher preparation program.
APPLICATION INFORMATION

Each applicant will complete an application and submit a reference letter from his/her professional supervisor.

The John Wallace Scholarships are for eligible undergraduate or graduate students studying in accredited higher education institutions.

The selected scholarship recipients will not complete his/her program in the year in which the scholarship is awarded.

The Wallace Scholarships are open to candidates who are associated with a CAS member school (either themselves or through a parent or guardian).

(NOTE: Wallace Scholarships are offered at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Application procedures and selection processes may vary among levels.)

Click here to download an application:

Students

Scholar Athlete Program

The Scholar-Athlete Program annually recognizes two high school seniors - one boy and one girl - from each member high school whose academic and athletic careers have been exemplary, whose personal standards and achievements are a model to others, and who possess high levels of integrity, self-discipline and courage.

Since its inception, the Annual Connecticut High School Scholar-Athlete Awards Program and Banquet has honored over four thousand outstanding graduating seniors in Connecticut high schools. It has become the premier annual event in Connecticut's education community, looked forward to by the 178 member high schools of Connecticut as the opportunity to recognize student excellence in academics, athletics and school and community leadership. Last year over 1,650 persons attended the Banquet.

Click here to see the 2007 Scholar-Athletes.

Governor's Scholars Program

Under the direction of Education Interim Commissioner, Dr. George Coleman, the Connecticut Association of Schools and Big Y® World Class Markets® have collaborated to sustain the Governor’s Scholars Program.

Now in its eleventh year, the purpose of the program is to recognize academically talented high school students in schools throughout the state, and present thirty students for special recognition to the Governor of Connecticut. All principals of CAS member high schools are given the opportunity to nominate one junior who ranks in the top two percent of his/her class. An essay on an assigned topic has to be completed. Members of the Governor's Scholars Committee, professional educators from throughout Connecticut, judge the completed applications and assign a composite score to each based on grade point average (20%), PSAT or SAT scores (20%), rank in class (20%), and the student essay (40%). The thirty students with the highest scores are selected as “Governor's Scholars” and will receive recognition as well as information on participation in courses and research projects at selected Connecticut colleges and universities.

The Governor's Scholars Program is made possible through the generosity of Big Y® World Class Markets®.

Fine Arts Recognition Program

The Connecticut High School Fine Arts Awards annually honors two outstanding seniors from each of the member schools in the state who excel in the performing or visual arts. They must possess the qualities of scholarship and leadership. Excelling in the performing or visual arts is of primary importance in the selection. Scholarship and Leadership are also supporting criteria.

The Fine Arts Recognition Banquet is made possible through the generous funding of the Westfield Corporation. Westfield's sponsorship of the Connecticut Association of Schools Arts Awards Program, now in its twelfth year, is part of Together, We Work Wonders, an outreach program that encompasses Westfield's charitable and philanthropic involvement in the national, regional and local communities. The mission of Together, We Work Wonders is to demonstrate Westfield's abiding commitment to community by providing a different, better and special relationship with each of the communities we serve. Westfield congratulates this year's recipients and is proud to be affiliated with CAS and this exciting event which recognizes the efforts of so many outstanding students.

The Westfield Corporation, one of the nation's leading owners of regional shopping centers, has a longstanding commitment to supporting educational initiatives and community works. Each year, thousands visit the Congressional Arts Competition at Westfield Connecticut Post and the Trumbull's Children's Art Expo at Westfield Trumbull. Elementary through high school students create a spirit of joy and festivity by exhibiting their artwork and performing dance, theater and music in our four Connecticut centers. Additionally, Westfield is a major supporter of the Girl Scouts of the USA. Each year, the Connecticut centers host Girl Scout Day, a fun & educational event that allows the scouts to showcase their achievements and celebrate the spirit of community.

The highlight of Westfield's community works has been Westfield Works Wonders, a holiday shopping event launched in Connecticut in 1997 as an annual celebration to raise needed funds for more than 350 schools, hospitals and charities statewide. Since its inception, Westfield Works Wonders has raised millions of dollars for non-profit groups across the nation.

Westfield is actively committed to local schools and is proud to partner with CAS to provide a forum to recognize and demonstrate the importance of arts in education.

Click here for an arts banquet reservation form.

Bruce Eagleson Memorial Scholarships Award

The Bruce Eagleson Memorial Scholarships are awarded to eleven high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the arts. The awards are given in honor of Bruce Eagleson, Westfield Corporation's former East Coast Vice-President of Management and one of the originators of the annual CAS Arts Awards Banquet. He died on September 11, 2001 while working for Westfield at the World Trade Center. A respected leader, Bruce was a fierce advocate for students and an enthusiastic supporter of the arts. The first place winner will receive a $2,500 award. Ten runners-up will each receive an award of $1,000.

Any senior may apply for the Bruce Eagleson Memorial Scholarship award. The recipient of this award must be a senior graduating from a CAS member high school and must be entering into a higher education program leading to a degree in either the visual or performing arts. For additional information or an application, click here.

Schools

Thomas R. Flanagan Student Activity Memorial Grant
Sponsored by Big Y World Class Markets

Thomas Flanagan was the long-term principal of Waterford High School, whose untimely death in June of 1979 brought sadness to all who had come to know and love this good man.

Tom was a member of the Program Committee, the Basketball Committee and the Football Committee, but he was most closely identified with the S.A.B.C. during its years of transition and growth. He gradually began to change the direction of the Board from one that reacted to one that also created. His knowledge of S.A.B.C. responsibilities and the diligence and good humor he brought to his work were models for all of us.

Tom was also a highly respected member of the N.A.S.S.P. Standing Committee for Student Activities. In 1976 received C.A.S.' highest honor, a Citation.

Tom was a special person, a good person. The Thomas R. Flanagan Student Activities Memorial Grants are dedicated in his memory.

I. Sponsorship:

The Connecticut Association of Schools' Student Activities Board of Control sponsors these mini-grants, in accordance with Article II of its by-laws to "encourage" the development and effective operation of student activities other than athletes in member schools.

II. Objectives:

a. To stimulate the growth and improvement of student activities.
b. To provide recognition of outstanding student activities.

III. Mini-Grant Proposal Expectations:

a. The proposal must clearly indicate how the activity stimulates, broadens or improves student activities at the member school(s).
b. Activities being recognized must meet general S.A.B.C. guidelines for approved student activities.
c. Applications will be accepted only from C.A.S. member schools and/or C.A.S. recognized student activity associations.
d. Funding requests are held to a minimum of $200.00 and maximum of $1,000.00.

IV. Considerations:

All proposals meeting the above expectations will be evaluated on the following considerations:

a. The benefits to the participating member school(s) and/or community(ies).
b. The number of students involved in the activity (actual number and percentage of school's population).
c. The potential of the activity to continue.

V. Criteria:

a. The activity must be educationally sound, worthwhile and stimulating to the students and the school.
b. The activity must not place undue burdens or obligations on students, their families, teachers or school.
c. The activity shall not be commercial or sectarian in nature; nor shall it offer propaganda or advertisement for any product, company or organization.
d. The activity must not exclude any student because of race, handicap, creed or sex.
e. The activity must be well planned and organized and must provide for the adequate supervision and welfare of participating students at all times.
f. Awards and prizes for the activity must be adequate in number and quality.
g. The activity shall not be a contest.
h. The activity must be a new or creative idea going beyond traditional programs.

VI. Qualification Process:

a. Proposals recommended for final consideration may require an in-person presentation and review.
b. Groups or individuals receiving a grant may be required to provide a follow-up report describing how the grant funds are utilized.

Click here to download an application.

Miscellaneous

Distinguished Friend of Education Awards

The Distinguished Friend of Education Awards, established in 1983, honor a person and an organization or corporation for outstanding service to education in Connecticut.

Individual Award

The individual shall:
  • be a person from outside the field of elementary or secondary education.
  • be a person who has no direct involvement in education through his or her employment.
  • be a person noted for a strong contribution of education at the local, state, regional or national level.
  • have made this contribution over an extended period of time, or an extraordinary contribution within a limited period.
Organization or Corporation Award

The organization or corporation shall:
  • have no direct involvement in education through the employment of its members.
  • be noted for a strong contribution to education at the local, state, regional or national level.
  • have made this contribution over an extended period of time or an extraordinary contribution within a limited period.
  • Examples of eligible corporations or organizations would include Rotary, Exchange Club, Stanley Works, Pfizer Inc., etc.
If you wish to nominate an individual or an organization/corporation, please contact Karen Packtor at kpacktor@casciac.org.