Principal Mary Sue Feige of Bungay Elementary School is pictured here with our Senior Mentors as they were honored at the Connecticut Association of Schools Volunteer Banquet at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington on March 12.
CAS proudly celebrates this event annually to publicly acknowledge the work of parents and other volunteers for their contributions to schools across the state. Over 600 participants from 100 elementary, middle, and high schools were treated to a four-course meal and were entertained by pianist Kim Quinn from Rocky Hill.
Honorees were presented with certificates and corsages to commemorate their service. Additionally each school has a plaque with the volunteers’ names for display in their building.
Jeremy Race, Vice President for Junior Achievement of Southwest New England, was the keynote speaker. In his keynote he stated, “My challenge to all of you here tonight is simple. If our collective goal is to provide students with an all-encompassing, well-rounded education they need to be competitive in today’s society, then I say seek out volunteer partnerships as often as possible. Because you never know what those partnerships can lead to for your school and your students.”
He applauded the honorees for their service and ended his remarks stating, “I truly believe that volunteers can be the key difference maker in young peoples’ lives and to all of the volunteers here with us tonight, never underestimate the power and influence you can have on young people by giving of your time and talents.”
The Senior Mentor Program at Bungay Elementary School has been in existence for almost 20 years. This program allows select students in grades kindergarten through two additional help with reading. Our Mentors meet once a week with their assigned students for a twenty minute session. During this time reading and discussion take place. Not only do the Mentor and student take turns reading to each other, but a bond is also formed that benefits both of them.
The Mentors are nurturing and attentive to the student. They take great pride in knowing their contribution will make a difference in the life of the child. The Senior Mentor program is a win-win situation for everyone!
Also acknowledged at Tuesday’s event was the 2013 recipient of the CAS Distinguished Friends of Education Award — Mr. Kenneth Kitchings of Old Lyme, Connecticut. Established in 1983, this award honors a person, organization, or corporation for outstanding service to education in Connecticut.
The Connecticut Association of Schools and their corporate partner, Horace Mann Insurance, along with the CAS official photographers G & B Photography, join Dr. Race in celebrating the contributions of volunteers who share their time, talents, and commitment to quality education in Connecticut schools.
Pictured from Bungay Elementary School from top to bottom, left to right are:
Mary Lavoie, Assistant Principal
James Freund, Guest
Kathy Freund, Senior Mentor Co-Coordinator
Pat Coughlin, Senior Mentor
John McGinn, Senior Mentor
Lucille McGinn, Senior Mentor Co-Coordinator
Mary Finkle, Senior Mentor
Barbara Turley, Senior Mentor
Fred Stanek, Guest
Mary Sue Feige, Principal
Sue Bendler, Senior Mentor
Carolyn Rykowski, Senior Mentor
Shirley Bowen, Senior Mentor
Beverly Bomba, Senior Mentor
Beryl Capewell-Valerio, Senior Mentor
Karen Stanek, Senior Mentor
Diane Berritto, Senior Mentor
Rae Abbey, Senior Mentor