by Regina Birdsell, Assistant Executive Director

Robert Nagashima, Principal, Wakelee Elementary School, Wolcott - Outstanding First Year Principal, Elementary	Dr. Dominic Spera, Principal, Marine Science Magnet High School, Groton - Co-Outstanding First Year Principal, High School
Kristina Martineau, Principal, Valley Regional High School, Deep River - Co-Outstanding First Year Principal, High School	Deborah Beaudoin, Canton Intermediate School, CAS Exemplary Educator - Elementary School
Autumn Baltimore, Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy, CAS Exemplary Educator - Middle School	Jeanne Manfredi, Lyme-Old Lyme High School, CAS Exemplary Educator - High School
Naubuc School, Glastonbury, CAS Elementary School of the Year	East Lyme Middle School, CAS Middle School of the Year
Left to right: Elaine Fleischer, Kathy Raymond, Lori Lenz, Hilary Clark, Niki Larson and Elizabeth Read from Chester Elementary School	Fran Kennedy, CAS President

The Connecticut Association of Schools’ Recognition of Excellence in Education Celebration was held at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington on November 27, 2012. Over 550 guests were in attendance to honor deserving schools, programs and individuals. Glastonbury’s Naubuc School and East Lyme Middle School were recognized as the CAS Elementary School of the Year and the CAS Middle School of the Year, respectively. Also recognized were the CAS Outstanding First Year Principals and Exemplary Educators for 2012-2013.

Kevin Hogan, news bureau chief for WFSB, served as master of ceremonies for the event; and Dr. Karissa Niehoff, CAS Executive Director, delivered the welcoming remarks. In her comments she stated, “At CAS, we believe recognition of excellence is so important, not only to highlight outstanding individuals and school teams, but also to promote best practices and to encourage others to strive for excellence-to follow your example on their own path to excellence. Congratulations again, for all that you have already accomplished, and for the great work, the excellence, that you are continuing to inspire!”

The culminating event of the evening was the presentation of the CAS Recognition of Excellence in Education Awards to teachers and staff from schools across the state. These individuals were selected for public recognition for the time and talents they have shared and for the commitment to excellence they have demonstrated.

The CAS Recognition of Excellence in Education celebration was made possible by the generosity of Horace Mann Insurance.The culminating event of the evening was the presentation of the CAS Recognition of Excellence in Education Awards. The Connecticut Association of Schools proudly celebrates this event and publicly acknowledges the outstanding work of teachers and staff for the contributions they have made to our schools across the state. CAS thanks all of the teachers and staffs for sharing their time, talents, and commitment to providing quality education in their schools.

Kevin Hogan, News Bureau Chief for WFSB was the Master of Ceremonies, and Dr. Karissa Niehoff, CAS Executive Director, gave the welcoming for the event. In her comments she stated, “At CAS, we believe recognition of excellence is so important, not only to highlight outstanding individuals and school teams, but also to promote best practices and to encourage others to strive for excellence-to follow your example on their own path to excellence. So CAS is recognizing you, our honorees, not so much for being “excellent people” and “excellent schools” but more for being “people of excellence” and “schools of excellence.” Congratulations again, for all that you have already accomplished, and for the great work, the excellence, that you are continuing to inspire!

The CAS Recognition of Excellence in Education celebration was made possible by The Connecticut Association of Schools and the generosity of Horace Mann Insurance.