“And the Peacemaker Awards goes to…” Were we attending the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo, Norway? Or perhaps we were in New York, attending the Gandhi Peace Award ceremony. Actually, neither is the case. We were at the Mertens Theater, where the University of Bridgeport’ School of Education hosted the first ever BHEA sponsored “Bridgeport Public Schools Excellence in Education Awards” program on Monday, May 22, 2017 at 7:00PM.
BHEA stands for the Bridgeport Higher Education Alliance. Four local colleges and universities – Sacred Heart University, Fairfield University, Housatonic Community College, and the University of Bridgeport – who are also proud members of AACTE-CT, participate in this alliance in various ways, promoting “education beyond high school for all Bridgeport youth.” This awards assembly was the result of a year-long planning committee’s vision to acknowledge excellence in the Bridgeport Schools in one of several unique areas. Students could be awarded the Peacemaker, Spirit, Most Improved, or Academic Awards. Adults were eligible for the Mentoring, “Going the Extra Mile” – Teacher, Paraprofessional, “Going the Extra Mile” – Whole School, and Parent/Guardian – Whole School Awards. All awardees were nominated by others in their school communities who recognized this excellence.
(Top) Dean Allen Cook presents an award to a young Bridgeport student, while Dr. Linda Paslov and Mrs. Amy Marshall prepare to shake her hand. (Bottom) A high school student also receives an award. (Photo credit: Lena Paslov)
Dr. Allen Cook, Dean of UB’s School of Education, assisted by Ms. Christine Harkins, presented 98 awards to students, teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents from the following eight schools: Barnum School, Curiale School, Roosevelt School, Bridgeport Learning Center, Bridgeport Military Academy, Career & Craftsmanship School, Central High School, and Fairchild Wheeler Inter-district Magnet School – Aerospace program. Dr. Linda Paslov served as the mistress of ceremonies. Mrs. Amy Marshall, Executive Director of Elementary Education,the designee of Interim Superintendent Dr. Aresta Johnson, provided a greeting.