More than sixty colleagues attended the spring membership reception on May 16, 2025, enjoying a short break from the whirlwind of end-of-year events and activities. Formerly a business meeting at which we executed the duties and responsibilities required by our Constitution, this annual event has been transformed into a relaxing, end-of-the-year reception and awards ceremony.

Amy Yost, principal of Mill Hill School and outgoing CAS President, opened the program with a heartfelt farewell, reflecting on the profound changes shaping public education—from legislative shifts and evolving priorities like mental health and school climate to emerging technologies like AI—while reaffirming the steadfast role of school leadership through it all. “Despite these sweeping changes, one thing remains constant: your leadership is the anchor. You show up. You lead. You innovate. You care,” said President Yost. Read her full remarks here. 

In his Executive Director’s Report, Dr. Glenn Lungarini discussed some of the highlights and challenges of the 2024-25 year, praising the officers and board members who fearlessly surmounted hurdles and embraced opportunities. He also announced CAS’ exciting new partnership with Cardona Solutions! 

Following Dr. Lungarini’s remarks, President Yost presented distinguished service plaques to outgoing board members. These individuals have either reached the end of their term or are leaving due to retirement or a job change. This year, eleven members were awarded plaques for their service (not all were in attendance):

• Diana Burns, Chapman Elementary School, Cheshire
• Annabelle Diaz-Santiago, Moser School, Rocky Hill
• Bob Garry, Hatton Elementary School, Southington
• Greg Gwudz, Leonard Tyl Middle School, Montville
• Kate Lawson, Portland High School
• Jenn McCurdy, Deans Mill School, Stonington
• Bo Ryan, Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Middle School, Bloomfield
• Heidi Szymanski, Pomperaug High School, Southbury
• Mary Kay Tshonas, Hall Memorial School, Willington
• Matt Walton, Old Saybrook Middle School
• Jim Wygonik, Lyme-Old Lyme High School

President Yost also welcomed members who, in the coming school year, will be new to an elected committee or board position (not all were in attendance):

• New to the CAS Board of Directors are: Colleen Bava, Kelly Lane Primary School, Granby; Garan Mullin, Adams Middle School, Guilford; Kenny Pierresaint, Torrington High School; John Ramos, Interdistrict Discovery Magnet School, Bridgeport; and Sean Tomany, University High School of Science and Engineering, Hartford.
• The CIAC Board of Control welcomes: Karen Mooney, Academy of Science and Innovation, New Britain; and, Paul Cavanna, Fairfield Warde High School.
• The High School Board has several new additions: Megan Lee, North Branford High School; Todd Manuel, Trumbull High School; Michelle Marion, CT IB Academy, East Hartford; and Frank Tatto, Bunnell High School, Stratford.
• New to the Middle Level Board are: Marco Tirillo, John Wallace Middle School, Newington; Kristina Wallace, Avon Middle School;  and Matthew Warner, Windsor Locks Middle School.
• The Elementary Board welcomes: Keshia Smith-Davis, Great Plains Elementary School, Danbury; Mario Ciccarini, Bradley School, Derby; Jen DeRagon, George Hersey Robertson Intermediate School, Coventry; and Shay Lewis, Acad. of Aerospace & Engineering Elementary School, Rocky Hill.
• The Student Activities Board has several new additions including: Russ Crist, Farmington High School; Kurt Ogren, Woodland Regional High School, Beacon Falls; and Kimberly Monroe, CREC Ana Grace Academy of the Arts, Bloomfield.
• The CLI Advisory Board has three new members including: Meghan Amado, William J Johnston Middle School, Colchester;  Bryan Kerachsky, Skinner Road School, Vernon; and Lisa Romano, Maple Hill Elementary School, Naugatuck.
• Returning to the Nominating Committee are: Mike Litke, Naubuc School Glastonbury; and Deane Renda, Whisconier Middle School, Brookfield.
• Re-joining the CAS Awards and Recognition are: Pam Lazaroski, Retired Principal; and Joe Masi, Har-Bur Middle School, Burlington; and,
• Vin DeNuzzo, East Haven High School, and T.J. Salutari, Hand High School in Madison, will be serving on the Eligibility Review Board.

The reception concluded with an awards ceremony honoring members who have made extraordinary contributions to the association. This year, three deserving individuals were presented a CAS Letter of Commendation: Kent Hurlburt, Gideon Welles School, Glastonbury; Matt Walton, Old Saybrook Middle School; and Tara Winch, Westbrook High School. Kim Longobucco, principal of Newtown High School, will also be honored with a Letter of Commendation but was unable to attend the ceremony.

The CAS Citation, the association’s highest honor, was awarded to Dr. Scott Nozik, principal of West Hill Elementary School in Rocky Hill. Scott has selflessly served the association since 2002.

The award presentations were made by Andre Hauser, principal of Amity Regional High School and member of the CAS Awards and Recognition Committee.