CAS Celebrates Top School Leaders

On Thursday, October 20, 2022, CAS hosted its annual celebration of school leadership at Saint Clements Castle in Portland. This yearly event was established twenty-one 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:

Mark Ambruso, Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School
2022 Middle School Principal of the Year

Cynthia Callahan, John A. Langford School, East Hartford
2022 Elementary School Principal of the Year

Donna Hayward, Haddam-Killingworth High School, Region 17
2022 High School Principal of the Year

Jamahl Hines, Conard High School, West Hartford
2022 High School Asst. Principal of the Year

Dana Perez, Rogers Park Middle School
2022 Middle School Asst. Principal of the Year

Lauren Reid, Bungay School, Seymour
2022 Elementary School Asst. Principal of the Year

More than one hundred fifty educators, friends, and family members packed the Waterford Ballroom at Saint Clements to join in honoring CAS’ 2022 Distinguished Administrators. Guests were greeted at the door with the stirring sounds of the Glastonbury High School Resident String Quartet directed by Nola Campbell.

Dr. Glenn Lungarini, executive director 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,” said Dr. Lungarini.

CAS President Dr. Michael Litke, principal of Glastonbury’s Naubuc School, extended warm and enthusiastic congratulations to the evening’s honorees, commending their behind-the-scenes efforts to bring out the best in their staff members, students, families and school communities. “The best leaders create the conditions that allow others to be successful,” said Dr. Litke. “Your vision, the systems you put in place, the resources and support you provide foster a strong culture and a rich learning environment.”

CSDE Chief Talent Officer Irene Parisi delivered heartfelt and inspiring remarks, congratulating the honorees and applauding 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 photographers, Peter Wright and David Dinsdale, from Lifetouch.