South Windsor High School recognized several outstanding faculty members with Portrait of an Educator honoring educators who demonstrated exemplary success in multiple aspects in their work. This award was presented to staff during their October staff meeting.
Ninth grade English teacher, Mrs. White, was recognized for fostering socially consciousness among students and staff.
“I liked the idea of encouraging young people to become the best versions of themselves,” White said.
White wants to keep passion strong for students. She knows there is so much to share with students: good writing, good writing skills and the chance for them to build lifelong friendships sitting next to someone in my English class.
“That makes me smile,” White said.
School counselor, Mrs. Brown-Quinn was also recognized for being socially conscious. She emphasized that the honor was simply being nominated.
“I enjoy working with students, families and staff,” Brown-Quinn said. “Working with students provides me with a daily dose of hope and joy. I am always in awe of ALL of the SWHS students. Each and every student I encounter has a positive impact on our high school community and I learn so much from our students.”
Brown-Quinn values her interactions with the entire community.
“I know that every staff member in the building is deserving of the recognition,” she explained. “I often say that I can only shine, because of all the stars around me. SWHS has an amazing staff and I am fortunate to be one of them.”
The commitment to student empowerment was celebrated across multiple departments.
Ninth grade English teacher, Mrs. Necci, was recognized for empowerment.
“Personally, it validates all of the hard work I’ve done so far to make sure that I am reaching all of my students’ needs by empowering them to demonstrate their learning,” Necci said.
Necci knows it is not one particular moment, but any time a student has an “ah-ha” moment and finally masters a challenging reading/writing skill.
“I feel celebratory for the student,” Necci said.
Special education teacher, Mrs. Charry, was also recognized for empowerment.
“I always encourage students and staff to stop by, ” Charry said. “It’s truly amazing to see the progress, the joy, and the love my students have for one another.”
Charry is inspired by the students’ countless successes and milestones. To her, they don’t seem small, whether participating in adaptive P.E. for the first time or using a device to ask for help.
“One of my favorite memories was hosting a personalized graduation ceremony for a student in my program last year,” she explained. “It was so special to watch him have his moment surrounded by family and friends. Security staff, current classmates, administrators, transition educators, and former teachers all came to celebrate. It was truly heartwarming to see how much love and support surrounded him, and to witness the lasting impact he had on everyone in our school community.”
In all, these faculty members were recognized for helping South Windsor High School flourish. They all love what they do and enjoy it and that is clear from the passion they bring into their classrooms every day. Everyone, students and educators alike, can take inspiration from these incredible educators.
