On Thursday, October 21, 2021, CAS hosted its annual celebration of school leadership at Saint Clements Castle in Portland. This yearly event was established twenty 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:

Anjanette Belmonte, Henry James Memorial School
2020 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year

Nancy Dowling, Bunnell High School, Stratford
2020 High School Principal of the Year

Garrett Dukette, Ashford School
2020 Elementary School Asst. Principal of the Year

Todd Manuel, Trumbull High School
2020 High School Asst. Principal of the Year

Barbara Silverio, Pearson School, Winsted
2020 Elementary School Principal of the Year

Joy Wright, King Philip Middle School, West Hartford
2020 Middle 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’ 2020 Distinguished Administrators. Guests were greeted at the door with the stirring sounds of the Glastonbury High School Resident String Quartet directed by Nola Campbell.

Tiffany Caouette, principal of Pleasant Valley School and vice 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 bring innovation, inspiration and dignity to the work of educating our children – and you continued to do so unflinchingly amidst a pandemic,” said Tiffany. Commissioner of Education Charlene Russell-Tucker delivered heartfelt and inspiring remarks, congratulating the honorees and commending their successes in an ever-changing and ever-challenging role.

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, Peter Wright from Lifetouch.