On Wednesday, October 23, 2019, CAS hosted its annual celebration of school leadership at Saint Clements Castle in Portland. The event was conceived nineteen years ago following a resolution by the CAS Board of Directors to find ways to recognize and pay tribute to individual school leaders as well as to promote the profession of school administration. These six outstanding school leaders were honored at this year’s event:

Gordon Beinstein, Western Middle School, Greenwich
2019 Middle School Principal of the Year

Joseph Blake, Coventry High School
2019 High School Principal of the Year

Eric Conrad, Franklin Elementary School, Stratford
2019 Elementary School Asst. Principal of the Year

Dina Marks, Shelton Intermediate School
2019 Middle School Asst. Principal of the Year

Dana Paredes, West Haven High School
2019 High School Asst. Principal of the Year

Alicia Sweet Dawe, West Vine Street School, Stonington
2019 Elementary School Principal of the Year

One hundred fifty educators, friends, and family members packed the Waterford Ballroom at Saint Clements to join in honoring CAS’ 2019 Distinguished Administrators. Guests were greeted at the door with the stirring sounds of the Glastonbury High School Resident String Quartet directed by Nola Campbell.

Donna Hayward, principal of Haddam-Killingworth High School and president of CAS, warmly welcomed guests and praised the accomplishments of the six honorees. “In the midst of declining resources, accountability pressures and the myriad demands of your profession, you continue to bring innovation, inspiration and dignity to the work of educating our children,” said Donna. Commissioner of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona, himself a former Elementary School Principal of the Year, offered high-spirited and enthusiastic congratulations to the honorees, raising the energy level in the room and creating an atmosphere of excitement and celebration.

Following the welcoming speeches, each of the six distinguished administrators was entertained with a short slideshow containing pictures and quotes from friends and colleagues. All honorees received a plaque, a book and, thanks to the generosity of Jostens, a custom-designed ring to commemorate their achievement.

Many thanks to our official photographer, Lifetouch.