Seymour senior mentors honored at statewide banquet

Senior mentors from Bungay Elementary School in Seymour were recognized last week at an awards banquet held by the Connecticut Association of Schools. 
The banquet was held at Aqua Turf in Southington.

Pictured standing from left are: Mary Lavoie, assistant principal, James Freund, guest, Kathy Freund, senior mentor co-coordinator, Pat Coughlin, senior mentor, John McGinn, senior mentor, Lucille McGinn, senior mentor co-coordinator, Mary Finkle, senior mentor, Barbara Turley, senior mentor, Fred Stanek, guest, Mary Sue Feige, principal.

Seated from left are: Sue Bendler, senior mentor, Carolyn Rykowski, senior mentor, Shirley Bowen, senior mentor, Beverly Bomba, senior mentor, Beryl Capewell-Valerio, senior mentor, Karen Stanek, senior mentor, Diane Berritto, senior mentor, Rae Abbey, senior mentor.


CAS proudly celebrates this event annually to publicly acknowledge the work of parents and other volunteers for their contributions to schools across the state. 
More than 600 participants from 100 elementary, middle, and high schools were treated to a four-course meal and were entertained by pianist Kim Quinn from Rocky Hill.

Honorees were presented with certificates and corsages to commemorate their service. Additionally each school has a plaque with the volunteers’ names for display in their building. 

Jeremy Race, Vice President for Junior Achievement of Southwest New England, was the keynote speaker. 

He said, “My challenge to all of you here tonight is simple. If our collective goal is to provide students with an all-encompassing, well-rounded education they need to be competitive in today’s society, then I say seek out volunteer partnerships as often as possible. Because you never know what those partnerships can lead to for your school and your students.”

He applauded the honorees for their service and ended his remarks stating, “I truly believe that volunteers can be the key difference maker in young peoples’ lives and to all of the volunteers here with us tonight, never underestimate the power and influence you can have on young people by giving of your time and talents.”

The Senior Mentor Program at Bungay Elementary School has been in existence for almost 20 years. This program allows select students in grades kindergarten through two additional help with reading.

Mentors meet once a week with their assigned students for a 20-minute session.  During this time reading and discussion take place. 

Not only do the mentor and student take turns reading to each other, but a bond is also formed that benefits both of them. 

The mentors are nurturing and attentive to the student. They take great pride in knowing their contribution will make a difference in the life of the child.

The Senior Mentor Program is a win-win situation for everyone.

This information is taken from a press release from Bungay Elementary School.