Excellence in Education Awards Night

The Excellence in Education Awards is an annual celebration recognizing the outstanding educators and staff members who make a lasting impact on students in the Consolidated School District of New Britain. This special evening brings together educators, families, community partners, and local leaders to honor those whose dedication, innovation, and commitment help our students thrive every day.

This Year's Honorees

Each year, the Excellence in Education Awards celebrate the individuals who make a lasting impact on our students, schools, and community. These honorees represent the very best of CSDNB, educators and staff who lead with passion, demonstrate unwavering commitment, and go above and beyond to support student success.

Awardee RSVP

Honoree Picture Schedule

Program Picture Schedule for Paraeducators of the Year and Teachers of the Year.

Please be prepared for the CSDNB Communications team to come to your school on this date/time to take your photo for this year's event.

Date	Time	School
April 2, 2026	10:00-10:30 AM	Holmes
April 2, 2026	10:30-11:00 AM	Pulaski
April 2, 2026	11:00-11:30 AM	Jefferson
April 2, 2026	11:30-12:00 PM	DiLoreto
April 3, 2026	10:00-10:30 AM	Gaffney
April 3, 2026	10:30-11:00 AM	Lincoln
April 3, 2026	11:00-11:30 AM	Slade/Catalyst
April 3, 2026	11:30-12:00 PM	Vance
April 17, 2026	10:00-10:30 AM	Northend
April 17, 2026	10:30-11:00 AM	NBHS
April 17, 2026	11:00-11:30 AM	SCA
April 17, 2026	11:30-12:00 PM	Brookside
April 23, 2026	10:00-10:30 AM	Smith
April 23, 2026	10:30-11:00 AM	RELC
April 23, 2026	11:00-11:30 AM	Chamberlain
April 23, 2026	11:30-12:00 PM	Smalley

*Adult Education nominees will be scheduled to come to Gates Building for their photo.

Above and Beyond Awards

The Above and Beyond Award honors staff members from schools and departments across the district who have made exceptional contributions during the year or demonstrate sustained excellence over time.

School	Honoree
Adult Education	Mary Segarra
Chamberlain	Denee Kerr
DiLoreto	Celine Hines
Gaffney	Nick Colagiovanni
Holmes	Paula Cormier
Jefferson	Marisha Watts
Lincoln	Karen Allen
NBHS	Natalie Torres
Northend	Danielle Pomerleau
Pulaski	Yesenia Mercedes
RELC	Mallory Jackson
SCA	Deborah Circosta
Slade	Jolee Iannantuoni
Vance	Ivette Garcia

Beacon of Excellence Awards

Beacon of Excellence - Employee Excellence Award

This award is given in recognition of your many years of dedicated service to our schools. Your unwavering commitment, kindness, and hard work have made a lasting impact on our students, staff, and community.

Beacon of Excellence - Outstanding School Achievement

This school has demonstrated exceptional growth through an outstanding level of commitment to student success. Through innovative programs, strong collaboration, and a focus on personalized learning, it has created new opportunities that inspire both students and educators. This level of dedication to excellence has elevated academic achievement and strengthened the school community.

Beacon of Excellence - Education & Community Partnership Award

This award is given in recognition of the exceptional contributions you have made in the field of education, and the impact you have made on the lives of those you serve throughout our community.

Beacon of Excellence - Education & Community Service Award

This award is given in recognition of your commitment to enhancing our educational environments. Your unwavering contributions have made a lasting impact on our students and in our schools.

Paraeducator of the Year Awards

School	Honoree
Catalyst Academy	Jesus Perez Sanchez*
Chamberlain	Angelis Santana
DiLoreto	Jeffrey Tilton
Gaffney	Brendaly Marmol
Holmes	Tina Benacquisto
Jefferson	Somers McCray
Lincoln	Rosemary Cook
NBHS	Paula Eshoo*
Northend	Irene Volyanik
Pulaski	Yahaira Flores
RELC	Dominika Colbourne
Slade	Tydell Samuel
Smalley	Sonja Wenzel*
Smith	Pamela Shepard
Vance	Jeanette Kennerly*

Individuals with a * are nominated to win the Districtwide Paraeducator of the Year Award on May 14, 2026.

Teacher of the Year Awards

School	Honoree
Adult Education	Filomena Mascolo
Brookside	Michelle Abraham
Catalyst Academy	Fornita Kincy
Chamberlain	Monica Gambino
DiLoreto	Sarah Bell
Gaffney	Kelly Mowchan
HALS	John Richard
Holmes	Emily Zimmerman
Jefferson	Marlene Calandra
Lincoln	Marisa Sullivan
NBHS	Alyssa Hughes*
Northend	Jenna Sayers
Pulaski	Jovanna Bailey*
RELC	Candice Carnegie-Palmer
SCA	Christopher Gaetano
Slade	Delphine Marden
Smalley	Amanda Andrews*
Smith	Katie-Lynne Recinos
Vance	Chrisanthy Psaras*

Individuals with a * are nominated to win the Districtwide Teacher of the Year Award on May 14, 2026.

Torch Awards

The Torch Award honors school employees who embody one or more of our Torch Core Values. The work of these individuals illuminates the path for others and strengthens our schools beyond their formal job responsibilities.

School	Honoree
Chamberlain	Crystal Diaz
DiLoreto	Marissa Scarano
Gaffney	Jessica Hunter
Holmes	Nathan Ayuso
Jefferson	Rebecca Critelli
Lincoln	Anthony Padilla
Northend	Meghan Taylor
Pulaski	Kara Lanz
RELC	Garrett Shaw
SCA	Karie Ottavi
Slade	Richard Campanale
Vance	Kathleen Murphy

Honoring our Retirees

We proudly recognize the dedicated individuals who are concluding their careers with CSDNB this year. Our retirees have made a lasting impact on our students, schools, and community through years of service, commitment, and care. Their contributions have helped shape the experiences of countless students and colleagues, leaving a legacy that will continue to be felt for years to come.

Retiree RSVP

Retiree RSVP

Event Details

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Time: 6 PM

Location: New Britain High School

Purchase a Program Advertisement

Do you have a family member or work bestie who is being honored at the CSDNB Excellence in Education Ceremony? Show them some love! Shout out any of our honorees with a custom program ad! Your ad will be printed in the event program booklet for all to see. Act now, space is limited!

100% of ad funding directly supports students at New Britain High School through the New Britain Academies Foundation.

Purchase a Program Ad