On Thursday, October 24, 2024, CAS hosted its annual celebration of school leadership at the TPC River Highlands in Cromwell. This yearly event was established twenty-three 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:

Jarrid Clifton, Timothy Edwards MS, South Windsor
2024 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year

Scott Jeffrey, Highland Elementary School, Cheshire
2024 Elementary School Principal of the Year

Paul Lucke, Seymour High School
2024 High School Assistant Principal of the Year

Kurt Ogren, Woodland Regional HS, Beacon Falls
2024 High School Principal of the Year

Nicole Vibert, West Farms Upper Elementary School
2024 Elementary School Assistant Principal of the Year

Dr. Kristy Zaleta, Rogers Park Middle School, Danbury
2024 Middle School Principal of the Year

More than two hundred educators, friends, and family members packed the Highlands View at the TPC to join in honoring CAS’ 2024 Distinguished Administrators. Guests were greeted at the door with the mellifluous sounds of the Glastonbury High School Resident String Quartet directed by Nola Campbell.

Dr. Glenn Lungarini, CAS Executive Director, 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 Amy Yost, principal of Cook Hill Elementary School, extended warm and enthusiastic congratulations to the evening’s honorees, commending their behind-the-scenes efforts to create conditions that allow others to be successful. “These outstanding leaders foster a culture of learning, curiosity, and personal growth, setting the standards for excellence, integrity, and inclusivity,” said President Yost.

Dr. Charles Hewes, the Deputy Commissioner for Academics and Innovation for the CT State Department of Education, delivered heartfelt and inspiring remarks, congratulating the honorees and applauding their unique successes in an ever-changing and ever-challenging role.

Each of the six 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 photographer, Peter Wright, from Lifetouch.