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Wallingford Board honors students, educators and district teams
Summary
The Wallingford Board of Education on Nov. 24 recognized NSDC student awardees, state‑champion athletes and staff awardees including the district Paraeducator and Teacher of the Year. Students reported community service, fundraisers and a 2,496‑can food drive.
The Wallingford Board of Education on Monday recognized students, staff and district teams for academic, athletic and service achievements.
Superintendent Danielle Belizzi opened the awards segment by saying, “We’re proud tonight to recognize the outstanding achievements of students who have been honored with the National School Development Council Award,” and invited school principals to introduce recipients. Principal Joe Corso presented Vincent D’Amico and Abigail Laffin as NSDC award recipients for Lyman Hall, citing high GPAs and a range of academic honors. Principal remarks highlighted students’ leadership roles, service and academic awards.
Coach Keith Kargan and the board recognized Sheehan High School’s girls swim team for a Class S state championship: “I’m so proud of this team,” Kargan said, describing the season and the relay victory that also re‑set a school record. The board also honored the Mark T. Sheehan marching band and color guard for winning the Connecticut Class 2A championship with a score of 90.7; band director David Giardina described an intensive rehearsal and competition schedule.
The board presented district awards to staff. Principal Zachary Monroe introduced Cynthia Reyes of Cook Hill as Paraeducator of the Year, noting Reyes’s 1:1 paraeducator duties in 2024–25 and recent transition to a kindergarten paraeducator role. Ryan Heath, a bilingual/multilingual teacher and the district Teacher of the Year, told the board: “Being named teacher of the year is one of the most humbling experiences I’ve had as a teacher,” thanking colleagues, families and students and describing his work with English learners.
Student representatives gave brief reports on school activities and community service. A Sheehan student reported the student council’s election‑day bake sale raised “over $1,500,” and students reported collecting 2,496 cans in a district can drive to support local families.
The recognitions capped a largely celebratory portion of the agenda. The board moved on to committee reports and routine business after the presentations.
What happens next: the board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Dec. 22 in the Town Council Chambers; several honored students and staff will be publicly recognized and remain active in upcoming events and activities.
