SAVE THE DATE: EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARDS 2026
The 19th annual Excellence in Education Awards will be an unforgettable evening as we celebrate those in our community who are dedicated to enriching the lives of students and families in Stamford Public Schools. Community members, corporations, school administrators, teachers, parents, and other nonprofit agencies will gather to celebrate the power of public education.
2025 AWARD RECIPIENTS
SPEF Leadership Award
Matthew Quiñones
Matthew Quiñones has been selected to receive The SPEF Leadership Award for his role in establishing the Stamford Mentoring Program 15 years ago. Through his dedication, Matt has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students in Stamford, helping to build a foundation for mentorship and personal growth.
SPEF Community Giving Award
State Street
State Street has been selected to receive The SPEF Community Giving Award in recognition of its strong commitment to the Stamford community. Their generous support of SPEF’s Career Connected Mentoring Program has played a pivotal role for our high school students. Their ongoing dedication to empowering students and enriching the local community makes State Street an invaluable partner in ensuring equitable education access for everyone in Stamford.
SPEF Educator Award
Mandi Leale, Newfield Elementary School
Congratulations to Mandi Leale, the winner of the 2025 SPEF Educator Award! Mandi was nominated by the Newfield Parent-Teacher Organization, and was selected by SPEF’s Board of Directors as the winner.
SPEF THANKS THE FOLLOWING 2025 SPONSORS
PHOTO GALLERY FROM OUR PAST EVENTS
Excellence in Education 2024 Awards: March 21 at 5:30PM
The annual event was held at the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa and continued the tradition of bringing together community members, corporations, school administrators, teachers, parents, and other nonprofit agencies to celebrate the power of public education for students and families in Stamford.
SPEF honored the following 2024 award recipients:
| SPEF Educator Award | Patrice Moore, Hart Magnet Elementary School |
| SPEF Leadership Award | Susan Nabel (Posthumous) |
| SPEF Community Giving Award | Viking Global Foundation |
Excellence in Education 2023 Awards: April 27th at 5:30PM
The annual event was held at the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa and continued the tradition of bringing together community members, corporations, school administrators, teachers, parents, and other nonprofit agencies to celebrate the power of public education for students and families in Stamford.
SPEF honored the following 2023 award recipients:
| SPEF Educator Award | Wendy Tang, Hart Magnet Elementary School |
| SPEF Leadership in Literacy Award | Amy Beldotti, Associate Superintendent, Teaching and Learning |
| SPEF Leadership in Literacy Award | Alice Knapp, Chief Executive Officer, Ferguson Library |
| SPEF Community Giving Award | Reading is Fundamental (RIF) |