Citizen Contributions | Education
Photos Contributed by Jordyn Miller.
The following citizen contribution was submitted by Jordyn Miller, regional communications manager for the organization Educators for Excellence.
Throughout the months of April and May, Educators for Excellence-Connecticut (E4E-CT), a teacher-led organization, presented New Haven students and educators with Rising Star Awards to acknowledge their success and impact within the classroom. These teachers and students were nominated by colleagues and administrators who witnessed them making positive impacts on their classroom environments throughout the school year.
“We are aware of how hard educators throughout Connecticut work to ensure their students are having fun in the classroom while receiving the education they need to succeed,” said Daniel Pearson, executive director of Educators for Excellence - Connecticut. “Each year, we want these awards to act as small tokens of our appreciation for the hard work of these educators and students.”
Along with 20 New Haven students, educator awardees of this years’ Rising Star Awards included Tracy Cunningham of Hill Central Music Academy; Vyraven Nazareth of Highville Charter School; Maria Medianero, Amber Richitelli, Naomi Jones, and Marsela Rashidy of Davis Academy for Arts and Design Innovation; Paula Dwyer, Julia Pisani, Heather Alvarez, Tyler Ruoff of John S. Martinez Sea & Sky STEM Magnet School; Dziejma Donata of Clinton Avenue School; Esther Wallace of Elm City Montessori School; Michael Petrescu of Engineering Science University Magnet School; Mchelle Pileggi of Barnard Science and Technology School; Marie Ackerman of Worthington Hooker School; Michele Vaiuso of Wexler-Grant School; Ashleigh Sthal from Lincoln-Bassett Community School; and Naa Lomoley Sahin from Betsy Ross Arts Magnet School.
Tracy Cunningham, a teacher at Hill Central School was one of the 18 teachers to receive a Rising Star Award. Cuningham was nominated due to her presentation skills, physical presence in the classroom, and all-around kindness she demonstrates within her school community.
“It is an honor to be recognized by my colleagues. Their commitment and tireless efforts motivate me,” said Cunningham. “Creating a positive, uplifting environment for our students and families is paramount. I appreciate that E4E-CT acknowledges teachers for their hard work and resilience. They support teachers to make sure their voices are valued and put to action.”
Marsela Rashidy, a teacher at Davis Academy for Arts and Design Innovation, was another of the 18 nominated educators. Rashidy was nominated for the way she listens to her students, holds them to high standards, and offers alternative solutions to help them succeed.
“It was really special to receive the award because it felt like all the hard work I had put in this year was being recognized by my community!” Rashidy said.