Newtown High School Conducts First Partners In Business Lunch

By Eliza Hallabeck

Multiple local businesses and organizations were recognized for their contributions through work experiences to the education of students in the TAP and special education courses at Newtown High School with a lunch on Thursday, June 18.

“You’ve given them real life experience,” said special education teacher Sherry Earle, “and we appreciate it.”

NHS students Megan Bernardi, Katherine Will, and Kyle Markham spoke during the lunch about their experiences with working in the area.

“I know my boss is not here right now,” said TAP student Kyle, who has been working at Dunkin’ Donuts, “but I would like to say thank you to him for all the experience he has given me.”

Katherine said through her experiences and time spent working with Education Connection and, earlier this year, Nutmeg Cleaners, has brought her closer to her goal of becoming a teacher.

Since starting her career at NHS, Megan said, “so much has changed with me and others” through the experience she has gained from working at Nutmeg Cleaners, Drywall Associates, and My Place Restaurant.

Food served during the lunch included quesadillas, watermelon salad, pasta salad, and wasabi tuna pita sandwiches prepared by the culinary students at the school.

Employment specialist Marcia Crocetto oversaw giving out the awards to the local businesses and people who have helped to create work opportunities for students in town.

Businesses and local organizations recognized during the lunch were Big Y, Charter Community Vision 21, SweetHART, My Place, Dunkin’ Donuts, Dry Wall Associates, Ed Connection, Nutmeg Cleaners, The Newtown Bee, Newtown Public Works, Stop & Shop, MTM Transportation, Newtown Youth & Family Services, the Newtown High School Library, NHS Guidance Department, Chartwells, the Newtown Senior Center, 5 Guys Burgers and Fries, Newtown Drug Center Pharmacy, Children’s Adventure Center, Misty Morning Day Care, Masonicare of Newtown, Liberty Computer Services, Reed Intermediate School, Edmond Town Hall, Tier One, Church Hill Physical Therapy, Mt Pleasant Hospital for Animals, Sheer Image Salon, and the Institute for American Indian Studies.

All of the participating businesses received certificates, and businesses that have been participating in the program for more than three years also received pins.

Special thanks and recognition was given during the lunch to employment specialist Mimi Riccio, Ms Crocetto, School-to-Career coordinator Peg Ragaini, Ms Earle, Fine & Applied Arts Department Chair Jay Daly, and NHS Principal Charles Dumais.

“We just appreciate you all so much,” Ms Riccio said during the lunch.