By Sarah Opdahl

On Thursday, May 25, New Fairfield Public School employees met to celebrate the school year’s end. The event was an opportunity to issue awards, honor retirees, and for colleagues to mingle. Superintendent Ken Craw was happy to announce Casey Aiezza, an elementary physical education teacher, was chosen as the district’s 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year. Aiezza will be joined by district Paraprofessional of the Year Anthony DiNardo in competing at the state level.

Speaking about Aiezza was a charged moment for fellow physical education teacher, Jack Hudak. He spoke about the care she shows through her attention to detail and her rapport with countless students. In keeping with tradition, colleague Michelle Brown prese nted Aiezza with a white rose bush. The white rose bush was chosen to represent the teaching profession—the white blossom symbolizes the purity of education and the innocence of children. Pupil Personnel Services Director Katherine Matz lauded DiNardo for having worked tirelessly this year in challenging circumstances with “pretty significant pressure.”

Current Teacher-of-the-Year Kyle Schmitt started the event by saying, “We’re here to recognize those who went above and beyond the scope of their positions, acting as pivotal parts of their school communities and a s role models not only for the students of this district, but for their colleagues as well…Thank you for your hard work, your dedication, your energy, and your moxie, because Lord knows we needed it this year.” Including Aiezza and DiNardo, the following employees were chosen for Building Awards:

New Fairfield High School – Teacher of the Year: Brian Moffitt, Science Teacher; Paraprofessional of the Year: Susan Chernyk; Staff Member of the Year: Grace Smyth, Administrative Assistant

New Fairfield Middle School – Teacher of the Year: Sarah Devine, Mathematics Teacher; Paraprofessional of the Year: Louisiana Diaz; Staff Member of the Year: Vaughn Hansford, Head Custodian

Meeting House Hill School: Teacher of the Year: Casey Aiezza, Physical Education Teacher; Paraprofessional of the Year: Anthony DiNardo; Staff Member of the Year: Sarah Gelish, School Psychologist

Consolidated: Teacher of the Year: Kelly Vedovato, ELC Preschool Teacher; Paraprofessional of the Year: Mary Ryan; Staff Member of the Year: Cathy Ross, Head Custodian

Announcing MHHS’s Staff Member of the Year as Sarah Gelish, who passed away during the year, was an emotional moment for presenter Principal Allyson Story and for the crowd. Her parents were at the event with Sarah’s young daughter  to receive her award. Craw was happy to announce, the Spirit of New Fairfield Award is now the “Sarah Gelish Spirit of New Fairfield Award,” in honor of “her dedication, her can-do attitude, and the kindness that she spread…that will live on,” he said. This year’s award was given to the dedicated bus drivers of New Fairfield.

Craw went on to introduce the district’s seven retirees who, among them, have worked a total of 157 years of service in the district. They include from the high school: Leonard Costagliola, Social Studies; Michelle Dawson, English; and paraprofessional Clare Raneri. The middle school’s retiree is Social Studies teacher Victoria Coffey and at the elementary level the retirees include: Lisa Abrams, Special Education; Audrey Hill, Reading Specialist; and, Angela Hubertus, Computer Technician. The principals from each school sp oke fondly about the retiree s and wished them well in the future.

Many service awards were issued to staff who have been in the district for at leas t 5 years or a series of 5-year increments. Six staff members were recognized for 25 years of service in the district.

Craw acknowledged the remark able effort and dedication staff have shown this year, especially given the many new challenges that have presented themselves post-pandemic. He noted the reality of burnout and has hope for a restful, fun summer ahead for all staff members.