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Note from the Editor: This is an article in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me. by: Andrew Strong
“My motto has always been whatever trouble I have that's going on in my life, I leave it at the door and I don't bring it into work.” Jonna Roberge is a paraprofessional in the Advanced Life Skills (ALS) program at Wethersfield High School. Not only does she love her job and help encourage her students, she also is an amazing person in school and out. When I interviewed Ms. Roberge, I realized that I wasn’t there for just an interview, I was there to meet a hero. Before Ms. Roberge became a paraprofessional, she served in the Air Force, and it changed her life. The Air Force helped her grow and mature, which helped shape her for who she is today. Ms. Roberge said, “Going into the military gave me an opportunity to mature, to grow up, to think about my strengths, my weaknesses, what to work on, and it made me feel responsible for somebody other than myself. I can then now see how it carried over into my life as a wife, as a mom, as a co-worker, and in this program working here at the high school.” During the interview, she had one of her students with her, and the love and respect he had for Ms. Roberge was clear. The positive impact that Ms. Roberge has on her students is incredible. Also, after the interview, Ms. Roberge continues to say hi to me every time in the halls, and asks how my day is going, and it makes me smile every time. I realized that Ms. Roberge can change a person's day around even by the little things. Ms. Roberge’s story is so important to share, because she not only is a hero to us in Wethersfield, but is a hero to our nation. Thank you for serving, and thank you for being a hero to us in Wethersfield.
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Note from the Editor: This is an article in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.
Using the interactive player above, you can hear WHS seniors Chris Daley, Josh Barbara, and Christyan Cimino sit down with school resource officer Eric Knapp. In this podcast, you will hear his thoughts, accomplishments, and ideas as a Wethersfield Hero nominee.
Note from the Editor: This is an article in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  by: Andrew McDonough, Micah O'Donnell, and Jay Socha
Mr. Joseph Calleri, a lifelong resident of Wethersfield, is a paraprofessional at Silas Deane Middle School. Calleri, or Mr. C, as he’s known by all of the students he works with, has been working in Wethersfield schools since 2003. More than anything, Mr. C enjoys interacting with students. Working with his students through their struggles and getting ‘positive feedback’ when they get a good grade is what Mr. C values most in his job. Middle school can be a very confusing, yet formative time. Keeping up with school work and maintaining good study habits is a different experience for all middle schoolers, all of whom are trying to navigate themselves in a new school, with new people, and new responsibilities. Having a friendly face like Mr. C to assist with school work and stress is so important for many kids. Speaking from experience, as a former student in his class, Mr. C made every class we had with him more enjoyable, since we knew we had a helping hand and voice of support nearby. “Sometimes they [his students] have their bad days, but that’s like everybody else…you encourage them, and you’re like tomorrow’s a better day”, Mr. C said. Mr. C, along with all paraprofessionals, played a vital role during Wethersfield’s distance learning, a time when communication between teachers and students was severed. Mr. C had to be there for his online students, and keep them in check throughout the school year. During distance learning, Mr. C noted that sometimes communicating with students was a near impossibility, as some would simply not join Google Meets. ‘‘It’s not that they don’t care, it’s just that they don’t have that motivation to get online’’. As high school students, we related immensely to the struggle of staying focused while at home, with so many distractions within arms reach. It was a difficult time, and Mr. C helped his students get through it. When asked if he had any advice, Mr. C encouraged students to ‘‘just keep trying.You just want to keep going and going and going. If you put in the effort and time, the grades will come.” After being asked how he would like to be remembered, Mr. C added, “That I was willing to help people out when they were in trouble”. On behalf of us, and all students who have worked with you, Mr. C, thank you. We’ll take your kindness, compassion, and generosity with us wherever we go. Note from the Editor: This is an article in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  By: Lena Uccello
At a young age, we all begin to envision what our future looks like. Some want to be a teacher, some a lawyer, and others, even an astronaut. Jamain Naidoo, a parent ambassador for the WECC (Wethersfield Early Childhood Collaborative) council, had these same dreams as a child. But, it was the trial and error of these visions that led this mom of 2 boys, and a strong advocate for families in town, to where she is today. It was when Jamain first connected with Kimberly Bobin, family and early childhood coordinator of WECC, that her involvement with the organization began. Jamain was looking to learn more about childcare options in town and after having a positive outcome she saw this program as a valuable resource and felt that not enough families in town knew what WECC was and how it could benefit them. However, it was not just the program itself that caught Jamain’s attention, it was the person in charge, Kimberly Bobin. Kim is an unbelievable resource; a kind hearted, caring member of our community who is always turning her wheels to find ways to incorporate change while actively listening for feedback. Her leadership style is a rare quality that’s hard to find, but according to Jamain, Kim checked all the boxes in this category. “Kim is just phenomenal. She is an amazing human who is always willing to help others and is constantly working to ensure all our really cool ideas that come to fruition or at the very least land on the desks of those who can truly change our town for the better. And she’s always open to feedback which is really one of the best things about her. That’s the leadership style you want in a program that’s still growing and becoming its own,” said Naidoo. It was because of this council and group of advocates, much like herself, that Jamain found her home and put down her roots. She found comfort in this small town and finally discovered what it was she wanted to do. This was no longer a childhood vision, it was reality. It was about 15 years ago when Naidoo decided to leave her birthplace of South Africa and move here to the United States. A new life, new people, a new town, and an entirely new country were ahead, but she was ready. Now, when asked if immigrating to a whole new world with no friends or family was challenging, Naidoo’s first words were, “Oh my gosh, yes!” She found it difficult to meet new people and to find moms who had similar interests as her. But, though the adaptation was quite hard to grasp in the beginning, Naidoo now says it feels like she’s been here forever. As part of the newly added parent ambassador committee of WECC, come next year, Jamain plans to be more deeply involved within her position. She recognizes that along with herself, every other parent in town has kids in our school system. So, this being said, anything that seems beneficial for the students, Naidoo feels the need to advocate for. In upcoming years, she hopes to see more change on a wider scale in our community, to focus on areas such as mental health, and mental health services within the schools. But, most importantly, this strong-minded and determined woman, hopes her voice continues to be heard and understood. You know, it’s funny how things work out. Fifteen years ago, when Jamain immigrated to the US, not once did she think she’d end up here. She just came and was “winging” it, still trying to find ways to lay down her roots and make a difference. Now, all these years later, her career is ever-evolving and with that, so is her life. As goes the quote Jamain Naidoo has and continues to live by, “Life is like a camera, focus on what’s important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives and if things don't work out take another shot.” Leaving everything and immigrating to the United States was no easy transition, but Naidoo kept that metaphorical camera by her side, and took as many shots needed to become who she truly is today...a Wethersfield hero. Note from the Editor: This is an article in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  By: Grace DeMonte
In the time of a global pandemic, healthcare workers should be appreciated-- especially school nurses. Kathleen Maffuid is a school nurse at Emerson Williams, recently having transferred from WHS. She first attended Clemson University, obtaining a business degree, then attended UConn for a nursing degree. Mrs. Maffuid says “I went into the medical field because I really wanted to help people and enjoyed studying science and anatomy. I didn't know I wanted to be a nurse immediately though and had started pursuing other possible career opportunities before I finally entered nursing school.” She started her career working in the medical/surgical unit of the hospital, then transitioned into school nursing because she wanted to work in public health. Every day working as a school nurse is different, but always busy. Some students have daily medication administration needs, some have ongoing injuries that need to be monitored, and others see the nurse for spontaneous injuries or illnesses. Every student that visits the health office needs to be documented, along with parent phone calls. School nurses also perform annual vision, hearing, and scoliosis screenings depending on grade level. Along with treating students, school nurses also have a lot of emails and daily communications to catch up on. Despite this, Mrs. Maffuid says “What I enjoy most about my job as a school nurse is being able to be a part of the school community and to provide care to the students and staff”. COVID-19 has had a big impact on school nursing. Mrs. Maffuid says, “Conducting contact tracing due to a positive case in the school is time consuming as it requires lots of phone calls and emails to communicate with staff members and parents”. Her advice on how to stay covid-free is firstly to get vaccinated and to get your booster shot. She also says to stay home if you aren’t feeling well and “practice the three W's (wear your mask, wash your hands, watch your distance) when in public”. Otherwise, students should try to get enough sleep, eat healthy, and get at least 30 minutes of exercise/activity daily. School nurses have been overwhelmed with responsibilities recently, and everyone should appreciate the work they do now more than ever. They don’t always get much recognition, but school nurses do a lot to protect students and Wethersfield is very grateful for them. Mrs. Maffuid is a Wethersfield hero because of all the hard work she does to ensure the safety of all students and staff members. Next time you visit the school nurses, be sure to thank them and let them know they’re appreciated. Note from the Editor: This is an article in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  By: Alanna DePinto and Allie Leahy
Colleen Keane is a teacher, mentor, caregiver and most importantly a Mom! Ms.Keane is a Wethersfield resident who does so much for the community. She cares for children whose parents are busy working, teaching to be exact. She started the daycare 18 years ago, when her daughter and WHS alumni Abbey was just one year old!. Not only does Ms.Keane watch over the children, she teaches them. She has a background in healthcare, so she is able to help the children in certain aspects of their development, like fine motor skills, reading, writing, and so much more! “I worked at a hospital for special care in New Britain, It’s a rehab hospital that specializes in people with brain injury and spinal cord injury, I was pregnant with Abbey at the time, and Conor was in the daycare on site there, I was debating whether I wanted to, or could financially stay home, it was more about that” She goes onto say how she was going to go back to school for special education, but it became a dual certification, in that case she would have to take an entire year of to student teach, which she wasn’t ready to do. “This (home daycare) was kinda the next best thing to be on that type of schedule and be able to educate the little kids that I have.” She finds teaching these things important because while the child's parents are at work, they are unable to assist in their development of these essential skills. Ms.Keane does not do this alone! She is a single mother, with 3 children of her own! Conor (22), Abbey (19) and Riley (15). She gets a lot of support from her own kids when caring for the children in the daycare. “When it comes to daycare they absolutely love it, they’ve always helped me out with the kids… it has been a juggle along the way, i’m a single mom, so the meetings in the evenings has always kinda been a juggle, but they (her kids) know how important this is to me.” “I’ve also seen that now they’ve started to volunteer and do things in the community because they see the impact on what I have done and what I get from it, so it's a win win for both ends.” Ms.Keane’s daycare is not the only way she has gotten involved in the Wethersfield community. When Connor went to Charles Wright Elementary, Ms .Keane got involved in PTO and held the position of president. When Connor started to play football, she got involved with the league committee and when Connor kept playing in high school she got involved with the Football boosters as well. Ms. Keane did similar things for all of her children. Getting involved with the Swim and Dive boosters when Abbey was at WHS and now actively being involved with the Soccer boosters for Riley. Ms. Keane sees the groups she has been a part of as mini families of their own, and she is always ready to offer her help to them. Ms. Keane told us she reached out to Melissa Whitaker, the one making sure football games run smoothly, and said if they ever needed help and were short handed at a game she (Ms.Keane) would be there. When asked Ms. Keane why she does volunteering like this, her response was, “I do it because I love it and I love the kids, I love the comradery of it all.” With everything Ms. Keane does, she truly is a Wethersfield hero. Note from the Editor: This is an article in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  Coach Jachym in his MLS playing days for the NE Revolution. Source: Adidas/CTRevs by: Rei Betoja and Antonio Contreras
Rob Jachym is no stranger in the Connecticut soccer scene, and especially in the Wethersfield community. From a professional soccer player to one of the most recognized coaches in the state of Connecticut, Mr Jachym has created a legacy for himself so much so that some people could even call him a hero. Robert Jachym moved from Poland to the United States in 1979 at the age of 5 years old. His left foot began to terrorize his opponents when he started at Maloney High School in Meriden, Connecticut. Being named an All-American in 1991 is what led him to his next step at the University of Hartford, where he was a second team All-American and graduated in 1996. “[Jachym] is one of the most competitive people I’ve ever met, no matter what he does he always does 100%,” said college roommate Antonio (Tony) Leone. The dynamic duo are still friends to this day, so if anyone knows Rob, it's Mr. Leone. With only one step left in a professional career, he was drafted by the Columbus Crew at the 3rd overall pick in the inaugural draft in 1997 . After 7 years in the MLS as well as the USL and 63 goals later, it was the end to Jachym’s playing career and the beginning to a new chapter. Wethersfield did not understand how lucky they were when Rob Jachym became an assistant coach for the boys soccer team. But years later, it is relevant how he has changed the Wethersfield soccer culture as a whole. “I think this year's championship is a great example of what he has done,” Mr. Leone said. Rob led this year's team to another State Championship, the 5th under Rob and the 16th in the program's history, which is the most in the state. But Rob reaches out past the varsity program and into the community of Wethersfield as a whole. Rob Jachym runs the Revolution Academy, which is a soccer summer camp that travels through the state of Connecticut, but for one week near the end of August it makes a stop to the town of Wethersfield. A great number of those who lifted that trophy this year attended that camp as a kid and one of them being myself. This has made Rob somewhat of a celebrity in town. “ We couldn’t go into Dunkin Donuts without the people mentioning good luck Rob good luck boys keep it going coach.” A hero can be defined as a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Mr. Leone went one to say “It’s also great for the town players at the younger levels to have something to aspire to.” A hero nonetheless. Kids in this town grow up idealizing him and aspire to play on that field, under those lights, and maybe even one day live one of those trophies. So when it comes down to if Rob Jachym is a hero, the answer is obvious. He took over the head coach role in the year of 2000 and the rest is history. Success was no problem for Rob and the eagles as in the first 9 years as a head coach he already won 4 state titles. He had already made a name for himself as a player but was becoming even a bigger figure as a coach. This legendary status was set in stone when he was inducted into the Connecticut soccer hall of fame in 2010. |
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Photos used under Creative Commons from governortomwolf, Marianne Bevis, shixart1985, verchmarco, shixart1985
