Westport Teacher To Receive State Peace Award

WESTPORT, CT — Faith Sweeney, a gifted program teacher at Coleytown Middle School and the district’s No Place for Hate coordinator, has been selected to receive the Connecticut Education Association’s Mahatma Gandhi-Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Award, district officials announced.

According to the Connecticut Education Association, the award recognizes an individual who has developed or implemented a program in a school or community that advances peace education, promotes cooperation, supports peaceful conflict resolution, and expands opportunities for students and educators.

Sweeney has helped lead Westport Public Schools’ No Place for Hate initiative, a districtwide program focused on identity, bias, bullying prevention and school climate.

"Faith Sweeney has helped lead work that strengthens belonging, empathy, and respect across our schools. This recognition speaks to her dedication to students and to the kind of school community we are always striving to build," said Schools Superintendent Thomas Scarice in a statement. "Her work reflects the very best of Westport Public Schools and our commitment to building inclusive, caring learning communities."

On the Westport Public Schools website, Sweeney said the initiative works well within the district's commitment to creating an accepting and tolerant environment.

"This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment where every student can thrive," Sweeney was quoted. "By engaging our entire school community in this important work, we're not just talking about respect and understanding – we're actively building the kind of schools we want to see."

The award will be presented June 18 at the Connecticut Education Association’s Night of Distinction event at the organization’s headquarters in Hartford.

More information about the No Place for Hate initiative is available on the Westport Public Schools website.