Stamford Public Education Foundation's Excellence in Education Awards

STAMFORD, CT – July 6, 2022 – The Stamford Public Education Foundation brought together over 250 guests at its 15th annual Excellence in Education Awards on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at 600 Washington Boulevard. The event's theme was "Up on the Roof," inspired by the Drifters' 1962 hit, and offered guests breathtaking views of the City of Stamford from the rooftop terrace above the offices of NatWest, the presenting sponsor of the evening.

A glass of champagne welcomed community leaders and educators before strolling down the blue carpet, where smooth and rhythmic melodies by Project Music accompanied conversations of those who had not seen each other in person since before the beginning of COVID-19. A vibrant networking reception with a silent auction offering items donated by Rumble Boxing, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, Nordstrom, Rockrimmon Country Club, Closets by Design, the New York Yankees and more kept the crowd busy between grazings at gourmet culinary stations with donations of wine from Domaine Bousquet and beer from Two Roads Brewing.

At 6:30 p.m., the award ceremony began with Stamford High School’s Choral and Orchestral Director, Erin Ring-Howell, filling the room with an acapella performance of the National Anthem. SPEF CEO Lindsay Wyman and Stamford High School senior Selma Fuseni, the evening’s MCs, proceeded to introduce Stamford Public School's Teacher of the Year, Jonathan Ringel. After, Mayor Caroline Simmons presented and accepted the SPEF Leadership Award for Senator Patricia Billie Miller, who has tirelessly advocated for education reforms that help address and improve Connecticut's education opportunity gap. Next, Deloitte was recognized for its commitment and dedication to the community as Tim Kolber accepted the SPEF Community Giving Award on its behalf. Finally, Jennifer Argenio from Rogers International School was announced as the winner of the SPEF Educator Award, receiving the prize of a $1000 donation for her classroom. To bring the ceremony to an end, SPEF Academic Support Coach Julie Armstrong joined the stage with Stamford High student Bria Clark to deliver a heartwarming speech about how SPEF's programs have positively improved her education and life.

SPEF is incredibly grateful to the 2022 Excellence in Education Awards sponsors for their support for public education, including:

Presenting Sponsor: NatWest
Magna Cum Laude: Deloitte; First County Bank; Henkel; Pitney Bowes; Rubenstein Partners; Springworks Therapeutics
Cum Laude: Berkowitz & Hanna; Garden Homes; Stamford Health
Honors: Align; Bess and John Barnes; Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey; Gregory and Adams, PC; Nicole and Dan Sandford; the Stamford Bank & Trust; TechR2; Wofsen, Rosen, Kweskin, and Kuriansky, LLP

About SPEF: Founded in 1996, the mission of the Stamford Public Education Foundation is to elevate student success by delivering educational programs and solutions that promote equitable access to quality public education in Stamford. For further information, visit www.spefct.org