Business Community Thanked At Luncheon

By Nancy K. Crevier

Members of the Newtown and Danbury business communities, and three Newtown High School student guests, feasted on mini croissants stuffed with chicken salad, orzo salad, grilled sandwiches filled with fresh vegetables and mozzarella cheese, Italian bread salad, peanut butter cookies, and brownies on Thursday, June 3, at the Second Annual Partners In Business Lunch hosted by the school as a means of thanking the businesses for providing internship experiences to NHS students this past year.

“We don’t always take the time to recognize all the help we get at the school,” admitted NHS Principal Charles Dumais, who added that the luncheon was just a small token of the appreciation the school feels. “Every time we take advantage [of a business-student relationship] it turns out to be a shining star,” he said.

Dr Sherry Earle, head of the NHS special education department, also addressed the luncheon guests.

“You have responded in ways that are so positive to the kids,” she said, noting that work experience can be life-changing for young people. “We couldn’t do these things without your support,” Dr Earle said. She also thanked NHS employment specialists and job coaches Marcia Crocetto and Mimi Riccio for the “magic” they work in matching business and student opportunities.

Three students who took part in internships this past school year were invited to speak at the luncheon as well. Miles Aldrich spoke of appreciating the respect shown him by his employer, The Big Y Supermarket, where he has worked for three years.

“His co-workers love Miles, and the customers love him,” said Big Y Supermarket manager Joe Fetcho. “We’re very proud of him for all of the awards Miles has won at school and at work, where he was Employee of the Month this past May.”

“The thing about Devon is that he breaks all of the stereotypes,” Newtown Youth & Family Services Executive Director Beth Agen said about intern Devon Sapelli. “He is so well-mannered and thoughtful, and acts like the utmost professional at all times,” she said. Devon said that he liked that the job “gives me something to do, and teaches responsibility.”

“Tier One is a really good job,” said NHS senior Robert Mayer, who has interned at the local precision machining and assembly plant on Peck’s Lane and who will work full-time for the company following graduation. “I really like the hands-on work. There’s so much I can learn,” said Rob of the job that he also called “the beginning of a new career for me.”

Tier One owner Rick Hall and Jim Bailey of Tier One have both had the pleasure of working with Rob, they said.

“He’s a great kid and a quick learner, and meticulous,” important traits in a position that requires close examination of parts for any flaws before the piece is shipped to a customer, said Mr Hall.

“He’s a joy to work with,” agreed Mr Bailey, “and I know he enjoys his job.”

Marcia Crocetto was pleased to hand out certificates for outstanding leadership and commitment to the community to The Big Y, My Place Restaurant, Nutmeg Cleaners, The Newtown Bee, Newtown Public Works, MTM, Newtown Youth & Family Services, Newtown High School Library Media Center, Five Guys Burgers, Misty Morning Day Care, Tier One, Church Hill Physical Therapy, Shear Image Salon, Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro, The Inn at Newtown, Newtown Savings Bank, Laurie Klein Photography, and Morning Star Books, all of whom had taken part in the program this school year.

“Our theme this year is TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More,” said Ms Crocetto, “and it really is true.”

Two special awards were given to Tier One, the newest partnership member, and to Nutmeg Dry Cleaners of Danbury, a partner for eight years. The glass trophy awarded Tier One was etched with a tribute reading, “Working together, everyone contributes a signature strength. Our collaboration allows us to achieve amazing results, making us more successful than we could ever imagine.”

“It Takes Teamwork: From the local diner to the corporate office, success comes from the collaboration of teams,” begins the engraving on the plaque awarded Nutmeg Dry Cleaners. “When we work together, we learn from each other, support one another, and accomplish more. You bring a value to our team that no one else could, and for that, we’re grateful.”

The luncheon is a way to thank the businesses for opening up experiences to high school students, said Ms Crocetto, and to express the deep gratitude the school feels.