Prendergast School Assistant Principal Honored

ANSONIA – A testimonial honoring Sherrod McNeill, the 2015 Connecticut winner of the National Distinguished Elementary Assistant Principal award, was held at Ansonia High School on April 29, with more than 75 family, friends and colleagues in attendance. Mr. McNeill is in his third year as assistant principal of Prendergast School.

He was nominated for the honor by Prendergast Principal Joseph Apicella, who presented Mr. McNeill with a book of congratulations from the entire staff, many of whom were in attendance at the program. In addition to the testimonial program hosted by the Ansonia Board of Education, Mr. McNeill will be honored by the Connecticut Association of Schools in a recognition event in October 2015. 

Dr. Carol Merlone, Superintendent of Schools, served as Master of Ceremonies. Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti presented a proclamation, while State Sen. Joseph Crisco and State Rep. Linda Gentile presented a citation from the Connecticut General Assembly. Ansonia Middle School Co-Principal Terri Goldson and William Nimons, president of the Board of Education, also offered their congratulations. Diane Stroman, a member of the Valley Community Foundation Board of Directors, announced that a $250 award would be made in Mr. McNeill’s name to the non-profit of his choice. 

“When I speak of Sherrod,” Dr. Merlone said, “I think of the words of Eric Harvey, president and founder of Walk the Talk: ‘For every person in every organization, there comes a moment when he or she must have the courage to step forward and meet the needs of the time. Regardless of whether your time is now or in the future, you must be prepared and willing to seize the moment as a courageous leader.’

“Mr. McNeill is this leader. He seizes the moment every time it presents itself, within the school setting or out in the community,” Dr. Merlone continued. “At Prendergast School, Mr. McNeill lives his dream of making a difference in the lives of both students and teachers.”

A reception was held in the high school atrium, in conjunction with the testimonial. In addition to the speakers, Mr. McNeill also thanked several others who were in attendance, includeing: Aldermen Lorie Vaccaro and Charles Stowe,  retired teacher Marvin Franks, and his family.

This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools