Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Names Inaugural Difference Makers For October 2024

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones on Monday announced that 37 GPS employees have been named GPS’s first "Difference Maker" award recipients as staff members who have made an overwhelming impact on the lives of others inside and outside of the town's schools.

"Each and every one of our buildings at Greenwich Public Schools are filled with amazing and talented educators and support staff," Jones said in a news release from the school district. "The inaugural class of Difference Makers are a special group, recognized by their peers and student family members, who are committed to [developing] students’ academic, personal, and interpersonal capacities."

The Greenwich Public Schools "Difference Maker" award is presented monthly to full or part-time employees who, through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit, have made exceptional and lasting contributions to the GPS community through one life-changing event, extraordinary long-lasting efforts, or making a difference in the lives of others every single day, according to the school district.

GPS families, students, co-workers, or community members can nominate their difference maker online and it is open to all employees of GPS, full or part-time, in good standing. It excludes contractors or employees of other town agencies. Nominators can be staff, families, students, or community members.

Here are the inaugural Difference Makers for October 2024:

Greenwich High School

• Richard Baxley (science teacher)
• Laura Boyd (assistant dean)
• Elizabeth Cardini (Special Education teacher)
• Sachem Hodgson (school counselor)
• Kimberly Pennings (English teacher)
• Benjamin Quesnel (art teacher)
• Gillian Thompson (Special Education teacher)

Central Middle School

• Ashley Dawson (social worker)
• Christopher Krumeich (professional assistant)

Eastern Middle School

• Sara Fawcett (Special Education teacher)
• Theodora Gittens (administrative assistant)

Western Middle School

• Angela Fitzsimmons (math teacher)
• Johanna Kolar (math teacher)

Cos Cob School

• Meghan Lattimer (fourth grade teacher)

Glenville School

• Allison Cutrone (professional assistant)
• Helena Sturzinger (administrative assistant)

Hamilton Avenue School

• Catherine Byrne (fifth grade teacher)
• Christopher Eaton (professional assistant)
• Janette James (second grade teacher)
• Christian Monson (professional assistant)

International School at Dundee

• Pamela Lamanna (professional assistant)
• Emma Shtufaj (first grade teacher)

Julian Curtiss and New Lebanon Schools

• Debra Perry (administrative assistant)
• Emilia Rivera (ESL teacher)

North Street School

• Jessica Baker (ALP teacher)
• Jessica McEvily (assistant principal)
• Luisa Pellegrino (UL teacher)
• Susan Zerman (ALP teacher)

Old Greenwich School

• Sarah Perez (math interventionist)
• Donna Tigano (professional assistant)
• Kathryn Warzoha (PreK and SpEd teacher)
• Jennifer Webb (fourth grade teacher)

Parkway School

• Richard Young (head custodian)

Riverside School

• Barry Hoffman (music teacher)
• Jessica Rosa (Special Education teacher)

Central Office

• Jason Kim (academic services manager)