Details Announced For 18th Annual SPEF Excellence In Education Awards In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — The Stamford Public Education Foundation will host its 18th annual Excellence in Education Awards on April 24 at the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa.

The event, which draws educators, corporate professionals, community members and parents, aims to recognize contributions to Stamford’s public education system and highlight the city’s investment in student success. This year’s ceremony also marks the 15th anniversary of the Stamford Mentoring Program.

The evening includes a networking reception, silent auction, student musical performances, hors d’oeuvres and the presentation of several awards.

SPEF will present its Leadership Award to Matthew Quiñones and the Community Giving Award to State Street. The recipient of the SPEF Educator Award, sponsored by Optimum, will also be announced. The award honors one of 22 educators nominated by Parent-Teacher Organizations representing each of Stamford’s public schools. The winner is selected by SPEF’s board of directors.

All nominees will receive a $200 donation to DonorsChoose, courtesy of Optimum. The winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize.

Nominees for the 2024 SPEF Educator Award include:

• APPLES Pre-K: Kendra Brown
• Davenport Ridge Elementary: Giuseppina Dudics
• Hart Magnet Elementary: Mark Martini
• Julia A. Stark Elementary: Sarah Santasiero
• K.T. Murphy Elementary: Sara Nied
• Newfield Elementary: Mandi Leale
• Northeast Elementary: Laurie Lubowitz
• Rogers International School: Virginia Maher
• Roxbury Elementary: Paul Riccio
• Springdale Elementary: Jessica Slocum
• Stillmeadow Elementary: Kelley Dugan
• Strawberry Hill School: Dena Booker
• Toquam Magnet Elementary: Dr. Nikimya Ligon
• Westover Magnet Elementary: Larissa Weir
• Cloonan Middle School: James Humphrey
• Dolan Middle School: Robert Brown
• Rippowam Middle School: Emma Cuttitta-Mazzella
• Scofield Magnet Middle School: Jim Forde
• Turn of River Middle School: Brian Butera
• Academy of Information Technology & Engineering: Derek Stout
• Stamford High School: Joann Carde
• Westhill High School: Carley Grant

Proceeds from the event support SPEF programs serving under-resourced students, including mentoring, tutoring, kindergarten readiness, parent leadership training and book distribution.

Tickets are available at www.spefct.org or by calling 203-965-7733.

Founded in 1996, SPEF’s mission is to promote equitable access to quality public education in Stamford by delivering educational programs and solutions.