Excellence in Education Awards 2023
Thank you to all who attended the 16th Annual Excellence in Education Awards.
The evening featured a networking reception with a silent auction, musical performances, delicious hors d’oeuvres paired with specially selected wine and beer, and, of course, the award ceremony.
This year’s event celebrated our community’s commitment to literacy and the importance of inspiring a passion for reading in all students. We are thrilled to have honored the following friends of SPEF with the SPEF Leadership in Literacy Award, which recognizes those who serve the Stamford community and go above and beyond in their support of public education and specifically, children’s literacy. In addition to these three awards, we announced the nominees and winner of the SPEF Educator Award!
2023 AWARD RECIPIENTS
SPEF Leadership in Literacy Award
Amy Beldotti
Associate Superintendent,
Teaching and Learning,
Stamford Public Schools
SPEF Leadership in Literacy Award
Alice Knapp
Chief Executive Officer
Ferguson Library
SPEF Leadership in Literacy Award
Reading Is Fundamental
RIF is recognized for its commitment, especially in the area of education, and for its generosity in helping SPEF pursue its mission.
SPEF Educator Award
Wendy Tang, Hart Magnet Elementary School
Congratulations to Wendy Tang, the winner of the 2023 SPEF Educator Award! Wendy was nominated by the Hart Magnet Parent-Teacher Organization, and was selected by SPEF’s Board of Directors as the winner.
CONGRATULATIONS!
The following educators were nominated for the SPEF Educator Award because of their dedication to enhancing student learning with enrichment, embracing community collaboration, demonstrating a commitment to professional development, and supporting the greater Stamford community. We congratulate them as nominees and appreciate all their hard work as educators.
Kimberly Smith, Academy of Information Technology & Engineering
Simone Zwany, APPLES Pre-K Program
Peter Hadley, Cloonan Middle School
Pamela Woodside, Davenport Ridge Elementary School
Joy Bodnar, Dolan Middle School
Mary Huminski, Julia A. Stark Elementary School
Chelsea Romaniello, K.T. Murphy Elementary School
Alix Meza, Newfield Elementary School
Donald Barbour, Northeast Elementary School
Kristin Bivona, Rippowam Middle School
Michele Malave, Rogers International School
Patricia Kellogg, Roxbury Elementary School
Lindsey Lamb, Scofield Magnet Middle School
Jeff Gruetzner, Springdale Elementary School
Andrena Forlenzo, Stamford High School
Kimberly Balch, Stillmeadow Elementary School
Jonathan Kolman, Strawberry Hill Elementary School
James Agostino, Toquam Magnet Elementary School
Tim Vale, Turn of River Middle School
Danielle Marenholz, Westhill High School
James Hart, Westover Magnet Elementary School
SPEF THANKS THE 2023 SPONSORS
Thank you to our sponsors that made the night a success!
Excellence in Education 2022 Awards: June 1 at 6PM
The annual event was held at the unique Rooftop Terrace @ 600 Washington Boulevard 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 2022 award recipients:
| SPEF Educator Award | Jennifer Argenio, Rogers International School |
| SPEF Leadership Award | Patricia Billie Miller, State Senator |
| SPEF Community Giving Award | Deloitte |
| Stamford Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year Award | Jonathan Ringel, Stamford High School |
Excellence in Education 2021 Awards: March 25th at 6PM
The annual event was held virtually in 2021 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 2021 award recipients:
| SPEF Educator Award | Katie Welsh Luciana Lira Betsy DeSantis Ryan Carey Fred Kelley |
| SPEF Leadership Award | Jack Bryant (posthumous) |
| SPEF Philanthropy Award | Gartner |
| Stamford Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year Award | Donna Kaiser |
Excellence in Education 2022 Photos (Awards)
Excellence in Education 2022 Photos (Cocktails and Conversation)
Special Thanks to our Photographers: Denice Laveris, Lew Finkel, Cristian Pimienta