On Thursday, October 15, 2026, CAS hosted its annual celebration of school leadership at Saint Clements Castle in Portland. This yearly event is designed to recognize individual school leaders as well as to celebrate the profession of school administration. These six award-winning school leaders were honored at this year’s event:

• Lea DiStefano, Eli Whitney Elementary School, Stratford
  2026 Elementary School Assistant Principal of the Year
• Diurca Lugo-Tomasella, Roberto Clemente International Dual Language School, Waterbury
  2026 Elementary School Principal of the Year
• Dr. Dana Mulligan, Woodland Regional High School, Beacon Falls
  2026 High School Assistant Principal of the Year
• Chris Palmieri, DePaolo Middle School, Southington
  2026 Middle School Principal of the Year
• Anthony “T.J.” Salutari, Daniel Hand High School, Madison
  2026 High School Principal of the Year
• Mark Summa, Avon Middle School
  2026 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year

Nearly two hundred educators, friends, and family members packed the Waterford Ballroom at Saint Clements Castle to join in honoring CAS’ 2026 Assistant Principals of the Year and Principals of the Year.  Upon arrival, guests were greeted by the warm, inviting sound of the Avon Middle School String Quintet featuring Maison Han, Donato Mancini, Yiqing Tang and Aiden Xu.

The awards ceremony opened with welcoming and congratulatory remarks from three distinguished leaders in education: Dr. Glenn Lungarini, Executive Director of the Connecticut Association of Schools; Dr. Charles Hewes, Deputy Commissioner for Academics & Innovation at the Connecticut State Department of Education; and Dr. Miguel Cardona, 12th U.S. Secretary of Education and President of Cardona Solutions. Their remarks celebrated the outstanding contributions of Connecticut’s Principals and Assistant Principals of the Year and underscored the vital role school leaders play in fostering student success, strengthening school communities, and advancing educational excellence throughout the state.

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 Lifetouch for generously providing its expert photography services.