Chelsea Public Schools honors staff and students; district staff and student achievements highlighted

Superintendent Dr. Abayda opened the meeting's presentations by announcing the district’s inaugural 'Name, Strength, and Story' awards, designed to recognize staff who build strong relationships with students.

The committee honored Emmanuel Garcia, a crossing guard at Stockton and Spencer, after a community nomination praised his daily positivity and care for students. Denise Grama, an ELA teacher at Chelsea High School in her first year, was recognized for detailed lesson planning and student engagement. Jackie Boyd, internship coordinator and LaVita coordinator at the high school, was acknowledged for creating pathways that include flying lessons and a partnership noted with Alaska Airlines that is helping students pursue pilot licenses.

The superintendent and committee also publicly thanked Monica Lamboy, the district finance and operations leader, for her years of service and noted she will leave at the end of the month to become deputy city manager in Randolph; Lamboy agreed to assist during the transition to new leadership. Committee members repeatedly praised Lamboy's pandemic response, fiscal stewardship, and attention to equitable student spaces.

Student representatives reported on athletics and clubs, announced a series of fundraisers and a toy drive running through Dec. 18, and highlighted that three Chelsea High School students were matched to colleges through a national match process; Diana Salinas identified the matched students by name and said the scholarships included full four‑year support for at least one student.

The committee commended personnel and enrollment reports to the record and moved on to new business.