Seymour Board honors student 'Champions,' alumni and longtime coaches

The Seymour Board of Education opened its Oct. 7 meeting with a moment of silence for Joseph Missan and then spent the early portion of the evening recognizing students and community members.

Mary Sufi, director of curriculum and instruction, presented the district’s monthly "Seymour Champions" awards, citing creativity and classroom leadership. She called Fabian Gutierrez, Dustin Leo, Amari, Penelope, Ellie Gersen and Addie Dylan to the stage and read nominations submitted by teachers, noting their art, problem solving and leadership in class. "It is a great pleasure to announce" the honorees, Sufi said.

Board members also recognized a previously selected distinguished alumnus, Michael, who was named in 2020 and again in 2021 but had not previously received a plaque. Speakers noted his work with American Legion Post 10 and his role in past graduation flag ceremonies.

The board paid tribute to a recently retired Spanish teacher with 28 years of service, praising his dedication and classroom traditions. Members also highlighted the accomplishments of volleyball coach Kathy Federo, celebrating a milestone of more than 500 coaching wins and multiple state recognitions.

Later in the meeting the board moved to add and read a resolution honoring the Seymour High School Sports Hall of Fame class of 2024. The board recited the resolution listing inductees and extended congratulations to the group and a named special recognition recipient.

The recognitions provided most of the meeting’s early agenda time; the board read nominations, invited families forward for photos and thanked volunteers and staff involved in student programs. The board did not take action beyond reading and adopting the resolution honoring the Hall of Fame inductees during the meeting.

The board is expected to continue routine recognitions at future meetings as student and staff nominations are received.