Board of Ed Recognizes Two New Canaan High School Seniors, 13 Retiring Educators

The Board of Education on Monday honored two graduating New Canaan High School seniors and 13 educators who are retiring after this academic year.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Kolek (who is herself retiring and earned kind words from Board Chair Hazel Hobbs during the meeting, held in the high school’s Wagner Room), spoke for a few minutes about both seniors who received Student Leadership Awards from the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education or “CABE,” as well as the teachers and administrators soon to retire.

Here’s a snippet from Kolek on each honoree.

Students

(CABE each year recognizes two students for distinguished leadership in school activities and daily lives, “And I have the pleasure of presenting those awards tonight,” Kolek said.)

• New Canaan High School senior Kit Mallozzi (also a NCHS Students Advocates Award winner, headed to Syracuse University in the fall): “One has only to talk to Kit for a few minutes and it’s clear, she’s one of the world’s great optimists. Her nomination submission portrays Kit as someone who embraces life, a friend to all and a ray of sunshine. Someone who greets each day with a smile.”
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  L-R: Board of Education Chair Hazel Hobbs, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Kolek, Jill Robey, Connecticut Association of Boards of Education Student Leadership Award winner Jack Robey (NCHS ’14), Tom Robey and New Canaan High School Principal Dr. Bryan Luizzi. Credit: Michael Dinan

  New Canaan High School senior Jack Robey (the “Jimmy Stewart of this generation,” Kolek said; he’s headed to Santa Clara University): “A leading citizen who understands the importance of leading a thoughtful, balanced and meaningful life. Someone who does not seek the spotlight but who serves as a beacon for the life he leads. Jack’s nomination describes him as a bright, creative student and a disciplined young man.”

Educators

(Kolek said prior to recognizing each person individually: “I think we all recognize that although it’s difficult to say goodbye to people, we know that their influence is going to carry on with us for many, many years.”)

Mary Lou Cantrell, South School teacher: “Miss Cantrell has taught several generations of families that have attended South School. She is the keeper of the flame and in many ways represents the best of South tradition. Her humor, caring, intellect and work ethic are part of ever fiber of her being.”

Deborah Cassens, East School teacher: “She was passionate about developing basic movement skills with young children. Her supervisors note that Deborah motivates students to develop the confidence, interest and skills that will inspire them to participate in physical activity outside of the classroom, thus promoting lifelong health.”

Ann Clay, Saxe Middle School teacher: “Ann is known for her tireless commitment, arriving at school early, often after having served late into the night as a member of the town Emergency Response Team … She not only works to grow her charges academically, but also as curious learners and responsible community citizens. Ann consistently challenges her students to both do their best and be their best.”

Lynn Hohl, Saxe Middle School teacher: “Lynn has been described as an exuberant learner and inspiring teacher who establishes and maintains high academic expectations of all of her students, and challenges them to do their best work at all stages of learning … Lynn is known for her genuine desire to bring out the best in each and every student. Her motto is ‘Failure is not an option.’ Lynn believes in educating the whole child and understands the connections among mind, body and spirit.”

Wendy Guda, New Canaan High School teacher (also very fondly remembered here by one former student): “Enthusiastic, skilled, devoted, filled with seemingly boundless energy, Wendy Guda is much appreciated and much respected as a teacher who takes a personal interest in the welfare of her students. Ms. Guda is known as a teacher who has invested in their success. Like so many celebrated coaches, Wendy sets high standards and holds high expectations for her students. Taking her class means learning not just about math, but what it takes to work hard and to think hard.”

Mary Ellen Lyons, East School teacher: “Mary Ellen’s students are invited into a world where music touches the heart and grows the intellect … Mary Ellen is a multidimensional and multitalented person. Originally trained as a licensed practical nurse, she is in her own right a very talented musician, a devoted educator, a creative innovator and a devout and devoted member of the East School family.”

Leslie Miles, New Canaan High School guidance director: “It is impossible to thank Leslie Miles, who as guidance director has been an unfailing advocate for students, their families, the school and our community. Leslie, your years of service have made a difference in countless lives and have contributed significantly to the pride and accomplishments that are celebrated by the school and our entire community.”

Stephanie Moore, Saxe Middle School teacher (also a New Canaan EMT): “Stephanie is known as someone who thrives on a challenge. Principal [Greg] Macedo describes her as a doer, as someone who constantly and consistently asks how she can extend learning and make it come alive for her students. Toward that end, Stephanie has organized various beyond-the-classroom experiences and is noted for her work at Mystic Seaport.”

Anne Mullin, East School teacher: “Ann’s supervisors remarked that because she knows her students so well, she’s able to enliven teaching by bringing additional learning materials, aligning to student interests and incorporating them into every daily lesson. In describing her, others note that she’s dedicated to carefully structuring lessons to fit students’ needs, and to ensuring that they contain high-level content, so that her students have something to achieve, something to reach for in mastering a concept or idea.”

Joanne LaVista, acting principal at West School: “I’m not sure Joanne knows how much she’s admired. She serves as a role model for many, and certainly for me personally. She’s demonstrated grace, strength and perseverance that allow her to remain optimistic and energized, even when confronted by challenges that others find overwhelming. I would say to Joanne that although you gave up the role of high school cheerleading coach some time ago, you remained a cheerleader for West and the district throughout the years. Joanne will say her core values and her commitment to families and students, motivate, guide and sustain her. But it’s these qualities that also motivate, guide and sustain those whose lives she touches. One has only to know her lovely daughter Allie to understand the power and influence Joanne possesses.”

Alexandra “Bunny” Potts, East School principal: “Everyone whose life has been touched by Alexandra Potts can attest to the fact that she is a gifted artist. Bunny envisions and creates beauty through any role she takes on, be it educator, advocate, parent, author or sketch artist. You have only to trace her career path to understand that she possesses a keen intellect, a prodigious work ethic, an array of talents fueled by her curious mind and the persistence and passion to pursue and achieve success in diverse and multiple goals … All who have had the good fortune of working with her or being taught by her, know that her work reflects the depth of her intellect and the quality of her art.”

Retiring New Canaan High School teacher Sydnye Cohen was not in attendance.

Following the meeting, LaVista—who started her career in education in New Canaan as a 22-year-old teacher at the former Center School (now a parking lot, ahem) was kind enough to say a few words to us about her experience at the school. Here’s a quick video with “Miss Amelung”: