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Norwalk Education Foundation honors district educators at 9th annual Excellence in Education awards
Summary
The Norwalk Education Foundation’s 9th annual Excellence in Education awards celebrated teachers and support staff from across Norwalk Public Schools, with honorees selected by peers and tributes to district leaders including Superintendent Dr. Alexandra Estraa.
The Norwalk Education Foundation held its 9th annual Excellence in Education and Educational Support Awards to recognize teachers and support staff chosen by peers from across Norwalk Public Schools. Lawrence Pastor, executive director of the Norwalk Education Foundation, opened the program and thanked district offices, union representatives and volunteers for organizing the evening.
Dr. Alexandra Estraa, superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools, addressed the audience and described the honorees as "exceptional," noting the ceremony was her final Excellence in Education event after six years with the district. "I'm truly honored to recognize such an exceptional group of award recipients," she said.
Pastor explained the awards process: nominees were chosen by peers in a selection process that began in December 2025 and final selections were made by school governance councils. Videos honoring winners were shown by school; honorees then joined organizers onstage for photographs and presentation of plaques.
Winners announced during the evening included Nicole Stockfish, named Brian McMahon High School's Excellence in Education Award winner; Carmen De Jesus, Brian McMahon's paired support educator honoree; Samantha Yerman, recognized for her work as a school psychologist; and a range of teachers, paraeducators and support staff across middle and elementary schools. Nominators highlighted nominees' roles in restoring programs, building student supports, strengthening bilingual instruction and leading extracurricular initiatives.
Mary Gordon, president of the Norwalk Federation of Teachers, offered brief remarks thanking organizers and emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the district's schools. The NEF also recognized the Ritter Family as the event's Distinguished Friends of Norwalk; a representative sent remarks in their absence.
The ceremony concluded with thanks to attendees and an announced reception; Pastor noted that follow-up emails about participation would be sent to attendees. The evening emphasized peer recognition and community support for educators rather than district policy or formal board action.
