SHELTON — The Shelton Juneteenth Committee proudly hosted the 3rd Annual Shelton Juneteenth Celebration on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the Scinto Auditorium. Notably, Shelton served as the first Juneteenth event in Connecticut this year, officially kicking off celebrations across the state, in partnership with TEAM Inc., the NAACP, and the Fairfield County Juneteenth Committee.
In recognition of the 250th Anniversary of the United States, this year’s theme — “Freedom: Honoring the Past, Serving the Present, and Inspiring the Future” — highlighted both the historical significance of Juneteenth and the continued commitment to equity, unity, and progress across communities.
The event brought together community members, elected officials, students, and leaders from across Connecticut for an evening of reflection, celebration, and inspiration.
Event Highlights
- Juneteenth Scholarship Presentations, recognizing student excellence in academics, leadership, and service
- A Student Art Showcase, featuring K–12 students expressing themes of freedom, unity, and community
- Guest speakers representing education, civic leadership, and advocacy
- Performances by the Shelton High School Band, Jazz Band, and Drama Club, who rocked the stage with their talent and powerful voices—creating a shared moment of celebration and joy
- Reflections on the historical and modern significance of Juneteenth
- Uplifting moments of community recognition and celebration
Juneteenth Scholarship Award Recipients
The Shelton Juneteenth Celebration proudly recognized outstanding students who exemplify leadership, achievement, and commitment to their communities:
- Mahiya Sharma, Grade 11 — Shelton High School
- Anastazja Maciulewski, Grade 8 — Shelton Intermediate School
Scholarships were presented by Mrs. Juneteenth, Ashley Phillips, and Mr. Juneteenth, Chase Baker, alongside Michael Duncan, Chair of the Shelton Juneteenth Committee, and Jewel Logan, Vice Chair.
These students represent the promise of the future and embody the spirit of perseverance and excellence that Juneteenth continues to inspire.
Shelton Juneteenth Student Art Contest Winners
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of student artists whose work captured the spirit of this year’s theme through creativity and meaningful expression:
- Grade K–2: Olivia Shih, Grade 1 — Elizabeth Shelton School (ESS)
- Grade 3–4: Aubrey Thomas, Grade 4 — Elizabeth Shelton School (ESS)
- Grade 5–6: Aysha Alvarez, Grade 6 — Perry Hill School (PHS)
These young artists inspired attendees with their unique perspectives on freedom and community, reinforcing the importance of empowering the next generation through education and creative expression.
Honoring History and Inspiring the Future
A powerful moment of the evening connected the past to the present through the legacy of Sergeant Charles S. Tatten, a member of the 29th Colored Infantry, who marched to Galveston, Texas in service of freedom.
His story was brought to life by his great-great grandson, Mark Strickland, who shared a heartfelt reading of a letter written by Sgt. Tatten. In it, he reflected on the meaning of the American flag and the sacrifices made by soldiers in pursuit of freedom, offering a moving reminder of the courage and conviction that shaped our nation’s history. Mr. Strickland also read General Order No. 3, the historic proclamation that enforced the freedom of enslaved people in Texas, creating a powerful and emotional connection that brought the significance of Juneteenth to life for all in attendance.
Building on this reflection, Dr. Jacqueline McClean, Grand Marshal of Fairfield County Juneteenth, spoke to the importance of carrying that legacy forward. She delivered an inspiring message on the responsibility we share today to come together as a community, continue the work of progress, and ensure that our youth are educated, empowered, and inspired to lead the future.
Together, these moments served as a bridge between generations, reinforcing the enduring significance of Juneteenth and the collective responsibility to honor its legacy through action, unity, and purpose.
“Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is both a historic milestone and an ongoing responsibility. No community or country is perfect—but standing still is not an option. We all have a duty to strive toward becoming more perfect every single day. Shelton has turned a page from its past, and this is our moment to lead with purpose—to build a community where justice is not just spoken about but lived, where every person feels welcomed, and where we actively choose progress over comfort. This is how we honor the past, serve the present, and take meaningful action to inspire a better future for all.” Michael Duncan, Chair of the Shelton Juneteenth Committee
The Shelton Juneteenth Celebration continues to grow as a cornerstone event, setting the tone for Juneteenth observances across the state and reinforcing the importance of education, unity, and collective progress.
This celebration stands as a testament to what is possible when a community comes together with purpose, passion, and commitment. The Shelton Juneteenth Committee embodies the very spirit of this event, rooted in unity, service, and a shared belief in building a better future.
We proudly recognize the leadership and dedication of the Shelton Juneteenth Committee: Jewel Logan (Vice Chair), Kevin Atterberry, Ricardo Auguste, Kristen Santilli, Dina Marks, James Hill, Ronald Gydus, Douglas Williams, Kathy Riddle, Cailyn Cole and Ken Saranich, along with the many volunteers who gave their time and energy to make this vision a reality.
Their collective effort reflects more than planning an event, it represents a commitment to progress, to community, and to ensuring that the values of Juneteenth continue to inspire and uplift generations to come.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to Team Inc, N.A.A.C.P, Fairfield County Juneteenth Committee, Bob Scinto and R.D. Scinto for their generosity and continued support. Their commitment to the Shelton community played a meaningful role in making this event possible, and we are truly thankful for their partnership and belief in this celebration.