The Board of Education celebrated its 2016-17 Profiles in Professionalism awardees at its meeting on May 16.

Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, said the Profiles in Professionalism award program embodies what he hopes the district represents. The intent behind nominating the honorees for the award is to highlight those who are humble and kind in their work.

"There were dozens and dozens of folks that were all worthy," said Dr Erardi. "What we have this evening are 12 honorees that represent so many other staff members."

Each of the honorees were announced and brought before the board individually. Dr Erardi and Assistant Superintendent of Schools Jean Evans Davila took turns reading the nomination letters for each awardee. Each honoree received a commemorative glass award.

As released by the school district, this year's Profiles in Professionalism awardees were Interim Director of Human Resources Dr David Abbey, Head O' Meadow Elementary School teacher Lisa Dievert, Middle Gate Elementary School PTA President Deborah DeBlasi, Sandy Hook Elementary School cataloging assistant Benjamin Ford, Hawley School paraeducator Marianne Grimaldi, Newtown High School teacher Eugene Hall, Middle Gate School paraeducator Darlene Jones, Reed Intermediate School administrative assistant to the principal Betty McFadden, Central Office secretary Meg Reilly, coordinator of inventory and inter-office communication Dennis Stratford, Reed Intermediate School teacher Carla Tischio, and Newtown Middle School Security Officer Peter Zaksewicz.

With all of the 2016-2017 Profiles in Professionalism awardees standing behind the school board's tables for the evening at Reed, Dr Erardi called them the 2017 "distinguished class."

The first year of honorees was named for the 2014-15 school year. Board of Education Chair Keith Alexander said Dr Erardi brought the Profiles in Professionalism award program to the district. Individually recognizing district members for their efforts, Mr Alexander said, highlights "how much you guys do for us."

"All of you are fantastic and it is wonderful to bring out individuals and point out how great they are and how much we need you," said Mr Alexander.