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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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].  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 [email protected].  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 [email protected].  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 [email protected].  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 [email protected].  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. 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 [email protected].  By: Ella Alger and Bella Tomaino
As much of a cliche as it is, when Rascal Flatts said “Life is a highway” they meant it. Through all the twists and turns and bends and breaks of the road, there can be some unexpected blessings along the way. The Covid-19 pandemic hasn’t been easy for any of us, but one person it tested the hardest was Wethersfield resident Julie Vardal. Vardal has lived in the town of Wethersfield her whole life. She grew up and was raised by a single mother and is also one herself with two kids. Prior to March 2020, Vardal was an at-home entrepreneur selling candles for almost 20 years, but when Covid got bad initially she was forced to change her career path. It can’t be easy to all of a sudden one day have to pick a new profession, but it was inevitable. Her first step was becoming a lunch lady. She didn’t mind it but one thing she definitely learned was the fact that she loved working with children. In her next work year, she transitioned to a paraprofessional position at Highcrest Elementary. Sometimes working with new people can present some awkwardness at first but not for Vardal. She walked into Mr. Fox’s classroom and right from the jump they clicked. When Mr. Fox submitted his application for Vardal to be a hero he said, “I consider her a co-teacher, not a paraprofessional.” This speaks volumes on behalf of Vardal to see that she takes her job to the next level. This past winter Mr. Fox had to go out on medical leave and with a substitute teacher shortage, Vardal had to step up to the plate. In many situations this would be an issue, however, Fox said “[I] have no worries at all about our students' learning and safety.” He also said, “I could not do this without her.” We got the privilege of going to Highcrest and meeting the infamous Vardal. Right when you walk in, you can tell how much the students respect her and how well everyone gets along. The kids played a card game and she went around helping and interacting. With Mr. Fox being out for the past couple of weeks and just coming off winter break, you’d think the kids would be a little behind but you can tell Vardal stepped up and did a tremendous job with the students. So yes, times can get tough, and struggles will present themselves, but persistence is key. Julie Vardal is a hero to the students, the school, and the community for the incredible things she did in her third-grade classroom. 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 [email protected].  Mrs. Mucinskas (left) and Mrs. Belanger (right) By: Liam Stec
In the Wethersfield community, there are many roles that people take on and manage. They vary in responsibilities, roles, and their effect, but nonetheless they are very important. While these may be behind the scenes, or out in the open, these roles should be acknowledged and praised, especially the ones that Wethersfield High School’s English and math teachers Kristen Mucinskas and Shannon Belanger have taken on. Mrs. Mucinskas began her teaching career at Wethersfield High School 25 years ago, saying “I feel like I was always called to teaching, I knew in high school I wanted to be a teacher.” While being a teacher hasn’t always been the easiest, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s something she’s put countless hours into, on top of all the other things she does for the school, such as overseeing everything ECE (UCONN’s Early College Experience program) and her work with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Mrs. Belanger, on the other hand, began her teaching career at Wethersfield High School 11 years ago, saying “I think in fourth grade I wanted to become a teacher, I really enjoyed my teacher, but I didn’t know what I wanted to teach.” It was not until college that she decided what she wanted to teach, saying “It was in college I realized that I missed math, so I decided to become a math teacher.” While she originally became a teacher to work with others and help teach concepts and help others gain a greater understanding, Mrs. Belanger has actually been doing this much longer than 10 years, helping her friends with their math homework when she was younger. Mrs. Belanger is also involved extracurricular activities, coaching the math team, being the sophomore class advisor her work with NEASC, and even working security at the hockey games. Among the hours invested by both teachers, one very important role that both teachers have invested time is being the Chairpeople of NEASC accreditation for Wethersfield High School. This is an organization that promotes and helps improve the quality and methods of learning, allowing for students K-12 to receive the best education possible. This is a heavily intensive role for both Mrs. Mucinskas and Mrs. Belanger, spending hours alone organizing meetings, going to other schools and accrediting other schools (going to, approving, and sharing the schools methods of education), and meeting with each other to brainstorm possible ideas to make our school and community better. When asked of why they do it, Mrs. Belanger responded that both as a teacher and a member of NEASC, “I really enjoy making and impact as well as helping kids,” which is exactly what NEASC is about, helping kids and giving them the best education possible. However, both Mrs. Mucinskas and Mrs. Belanger both acknowledge that this wouldn’t be possible without the support Wethersfield High School has provided. “Our staff has been amazing, and we’ve asked a lot from our staff, and people [the staff] have been really supportive,” said Mrs. Mucinskas. Mrs. Mucinskas and Mrs. Belanger have done a great service to not only our community and school, but Connecticut as a whole with what they’ve accomplished with NEASC. Wethersfield is very lucky to have two teachers like them who are not only great teachers, but role models for future teachers as well.  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 [email protected].  by: George Zack
If you’re at all familiar with the town of Wethersfield, you have probably heard the name Ken Lesser before. Ken Lesser has been one of the most active members of the Wethersfield community, dedicating much of the past ten years to virtually every corner of the town, and working with the schools, residents, and even politicians to make this town a better place. And why does he do this? To give back to the community he loves. Lesser has lived in Wethersfield for over a decade, and he has always been giving back in his own way. Six or seven years ago, he began to ramp things up. Around 2016, Lesser helped start the Wethersfield Mayor’s Charity Ball, which raises money for multiple charities in the town, especially for those who are considered food insecure. According to Lesser, “We have almost 25% [of our kids considered food insecure], and I thought that was a really high number in our middle class town, so from there I started the Wethersfield mayor’s charity ball to raise money for hungry kids.” The Ball also raises money for senior citizens in town, as well as providing preschool scholarships for families who cannot afford to send their children to preschool, and according to Lesser, the Mayor’s Charity Ball has “raised in six years, over $120,000.” As he says this, a subtle expression of joy and pride begins to show on his face. A few years later, Lesser decided that one of the best ways he could continue providing for and giving back to the community was by becoming a member of the town council, where he would have more resources and a wider reach to sustain his work, and he ended up running in the 2017 town election, where he won a seat. “I ran to make a difference. I believe politics is all about helping people, and when you are in office you have the chance to help people with different things, and I like giving back to the community I live in and to try and make it a better place”. Lesser wants his community work to benefit everybody, and when he was elected to Town Council, he took leaps and bounds towards doing so. Lesser reflects on this saying, “Being in elected office really is a nice opportunity to learn more about the town. We get lots of reports about different things going on in town, and it gives me, and all of us serving, an opportunity to try and enact good things that help everybody in town.” Lesser feels the most impactful thing he was able to accomplish while on Town Council was helping lead and create the Wethersfield Veterans Commission. According to Lesser, there are over 1300 veterans in town, and while on the council he learned many of them were considered poor or in need of a variety of services. Naturally, he wanted to do something about it, and so with the help of his colleagues, the Wethersfield Veterans Commission was born. “I was the advocate, sponsor, and driving force for that because I believe we need to help our veterans as much as possible, and that’s why the Commission was started”. Lesser’s contributions to the town don’t end there. Lesser was appointed to the Wethersfield Board of Education in 2019, and has been on ever since. He has worked closely with the WHS community, acting as coordinator for the youth career advisory board, and also as one of the driving forces behind the leadership club here as well. Lesser hopes that his work on the career advisory board providing lunch and learns, job shadowing, and internships for students will give them a glimpse into what could be their future. As head of the leadership club, Lesser works with students to help them discover their natural leadership skills and nurture them to make each student a leading and also serving member of their community. This all culminates at the end of the year in the club’s yearly project. Last year, students made care packages for senior citizens in town to help them stay safe during the pandemic, while also providing them with necessities to save them a few trips to the store. This area of both leading and serving in the community is Lesser’s area of specialty, and spreading his knowledge and experience with the next generation in the leadership club is what he considers to be his most important accomplishment as a member of the Wethersfield Board of Education. Ken Lesser has played a big role in shaping much of the great community work that has, and is still being done in Wethersfield. He has truly reached every person in some way shape or form, and will continue to create an impression on the town that lasts for generations to come. If Ken Lesser isn’t a Wethersfield Hero, I don’t know who is. 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 [email protected].  A Webb student and Kimberly Bobin (permission granted for photo) by: Riley D'amato
“My mom is from Mexico, but I grew up only speaking English, and feeling like there was a whole piece of culture that I missed. When I would go to Mexico, I would feel uncomfortable that I didn't know the language. And I had this one aunt that would always smile at me and always hug me and always make me feel welcome. I got to learn what the felt like, that it didn't matter that we didn’t speak the language, there was always one person that made me feel welcome.” And these memories and events of her childhood shaped Kim Bobin into exactly the Wethersfield Hero she is today. Now she is working with families to learn English. As the Family and early childhood coordinator of wethersfield, Mrs. Bobin teaches in an interactive way by helping adults who don't speak or speak very little of the language, to schedule doctors appointments and fill out job applications. While with the kids, they learn basics like shapes and clothes, preparing them for kindergarten overall. These families can feel as isolated like Mrs. Bobin felt when she was in Mexico. To add on top of that, the COVID pandemic did not help that isolation at all. Families had little contact with people outside of their little pod and there weren't opportunities to expand that small bubble. To combat this she said, “During COVID, we do outside playgroups, so then when they see me and they are not sure who that lady is, I sing one of the songs we do. And they make the connection, ‘oh this is the lady from zoom’, and i think that is the best part, when their little eyes light up.” And that connection allows them to have a love for learning and a want to learn at a young age. She also said, “My favorite part of being with the kids is, on Zoom, I tried to learn to say hello in the different languages. What I do is on Thursdays I log into the adult education class and the babies are on zoom. There are 2 babies from Bosnia, I say good morning, dobro jutro (good morning in Bosnian). And the mom goes to get the babies and they gasp.” And the special thing about this program is it intertwines child learning and adult learning into one. When the children learn, the adults learn, and vice versa. And the larger portions of these students are younger and are more sizable now than ever. When Mrs. Bobin started, there were about 175 kids in k-6 who spoke foreign languages, now 8-10% of the total student population does. This growth is something that makes this program so important. These kids getting ready for kindergarten without, or a minimal language barrier is such a big thing for them to stay on par and exceed expectations in school. With the work that Mrs. Bobin does on a daily basis for the town and families in our Wethersfield community, many families can smile a little wider and feel a whole lot more welcome. 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 [email protected].  by: Yvonna Rodriguez
No matter when you attended Wethersfield High School, there is one voice students past and present can pick out of a crowd. That is the voice of gym teacher and coach Richard Scoppetto, better known to his students as Sco. Mr. Sco has been a part of the Wethersfield community for longer than most current WHS students (and some teachers) have been alive. Not even he himself knows exactly when he joined our community. While trying to pinpoint the start of his teaching career, he said, “I'm not sure when I started at Wethersfield High School. I started at Deane [Silas Deane Middle School] when it was a junior high and I student taught there and then I filled in for Joseph Cottone, the one they named the field [Joseph T. Cottone Field] after because he got sick.” Mr. Sco is the epitome of dedication. He spoke to me about the effort he went through in some of his earlier teaching years. “I was the first teacher to teach special Ed here and PE. So I'd be at Deane, come here to teach a class then go back to Deane then come back here all in one day,” he said. His dedication to his job became even clearer to see when he said that he has only had 7 sick days in the last 48 years. While the exact start of his teaching career is unknown, what is known is the lasting impact he has had on Wethersfield High School students past and present. I spoke to members of WHS to try to understand the depth of his impact on our community. Andrea Moyano, a senior at WHS who has had Mr. Sco as both a teacher and a coach, says he has impacted her life greatly over the years as her tennis coach. “Sco would often say to the team ‘not think, do’ or something along those lines,” she said, “he would try to get us out of our heads because we would overthink and mess up hits we could do in our sleep. I definitely try to use that in all aspects of life, especially moments when I'm really stressed or anxious.” Joining a sports team in high school is hard, but it's even harder when it's a sport you haven't played before. That was the case for senior Alani Adams when she decided to join the tennis team last year. “Sco impacted my life by making me believe in myself when I didn't think I could learn a new sport,” she said, “he inspired me to keep trying and keep learning.” Siobhan DeGray, an English teacher here at WHS and a member of the 2001 graduating class, was fortunate enough to have had Mr. Sco as both a teacher and a soccer coach. “Class was always interesting,” she said, “He never shied away from difficult or uncomfortable questions during health class.” Someone who has been in teaching this long clearly must love their job, and after speaking with Mr. Sco it's clear to see that he enjoys teaching more than anything. “I come to work and have fun every day,” he told me, “I've never thought of retiring. Maybe when the fun goes I go.” Towards the end of my interview Mr. Sco spoke to me about teaching as a whole, and the impact it has had on him. “I learn every day, but not from me. I dont think ive learned anything in the last 20 years from me. But I learn from these teachers and I learn from the students every day,” he said. Mr. Sco is a pillar in the Wethersfield community and the impact he has had on our community will be everlasting. 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 [email protected]. by: Rosario Tine and Michael Laperriere Wethersfield High School is full of extraordinary staff members who make up the community of the school. Each staff member brings their own unique touch into WHS. They try their hardest to make WHS a safe and welcoming community to all and provide each and every student the best 4 years of their life. There isn't a lack of effort from teachers to make a connection with students, however there are two members of the staff that Michael Laperriere and Ross Tine would like to spotlight, Mr Maltese and Mr. Martin.  Mr. Maltese Trumpets and drums from the marching band echo in one ear, while rowdy students chant ¨Let's go Eagles” in the other. It’s all in a day's work for Mr. Michael Maltese. Mr. Maltese is Wethersfield High School’s assistant principal and athletic director who does a lot of the behind the scenes work that most kids don’t see. Almost every student in the school will recognize Maltese, not only as a figure of authority, but as a leader and mentor. Maltese has been an icon at Wethersfield High School for 10 years now, heavily involved in the Athletics Department. Most students participate in a sport at WHS, which makes a strong community. When asking Maltese about the athletic aspect of Wethersfield High School community, he said, “Well I think athletics or any clubs and extracurricular activities gives students a chance to show community and school pride, you get to exemplify what it means to be part of something greater than yourself.” Being a part of a group such as a sports team is crucial to the high school experience, it can be an outlet from many problems that a high school student might face. Maltese is passionate about student development and he believes that athletics is a great way to shape a student into a better person, “We are teaching many things beyond the sport itself. We are teaching life skills, teaching how to have teamwork, and how to act win or lose .'' Being a student-athlete is never easy with juggling schoolwork while competing everyday can be a struggle, but having these skills taught through sports certainly makes a student a more responsible individual. Being at this school for as long as a decade, there are sure to be personal highlights and accomplishments he has experienced though his tenure here, when asking him this he had this to say, “We were building a unified sports program which didn’t exist when I came to Wethersfield High School, giving a chance to some individuals who may not be able to be on a competitive varsity team, a chance to play with other people and compete in front of a crowd and seeing the pure joy on those individuals' faces is something I would be most proud of.” Unfortunately, since COVID-19 broke out in late 2019, the unified sports program has been put to a pause, hopefully as more vaccinations are distributed the program is incorporated back into the school. Maltese isn’t just a staff member at Wethersfield High School, he goes above and beyond to make sure each and every student has an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than themselves. His dedication to working may go unnoticed by some. Maltese is certainly a key part at WHS, we thank Maltese for all he does here.  Mr.Martin
Students stress about an assignment by saying phrases such as, “Oh no Martin, this is due at the end of class?!?” Or just because of the daily teenage challenges they face. It’s all a daily occurrence for Mr. John Bernard Martin III (JBM3) Waking up at 5:30 in the morning Martin gets ready for the first of his many jobs, being a Crossfit coach. Then at 7 o'clock, he goes straight to Wethersfield High School ready to teach. Even with all the demand Martin faces as a teacher, he still manages to find time to help his students Martin has been an English teacher here at Wethersfield High School for 9 years. To him, one of the most notable things he has experienced in this school system is the large amount of support he consistently receives from the staff, even noting “This is the first school I ever felt at home in.” The previous school districts Mr. Martin had worked in had left him yearning for a community that he can call his own, something that he found at Wethersfield. But getting to be everyone's favorite teacher and person hasn't always been easy for Martin. “When I got here I was not a good teacher, I often look back at what I taught and how I taught it and especially how long things took, and I'm so ashamed that I laugh.” This is very surprising given his accolades and work outside of the school, but ultimately it shows his humbleness and his ability to recognize his flaws and especially do everything to amend his flaws. “I'm ultimately competitive.” He goes on to elaborate his drive to be the best teacher he can be and fight for kids to enjoy the content that he's teaching, while at the same time is competitive with himself to become a better teacher and person. Through his hard work and determination, he earned the district's teacher of the year award and a state finalist for the award in 2020. When asked why he became a teacher and why he has such a profound impact on Wethersfield High School and its students, he said, “High school was not a fun four years for me and often times, I felt like I wasn't good enough, but it was the teachers that I had that helped me to see what I failed to see in myself.” Martin has been on a mission to ensure that each and every student feels worthy and feels as if they are good enough. Through his bubbly personality and hard working nature, you can walk through the halls of WHS and see why students love him. The number of kids that go into his room just to talk is astounding. It's a wonder he has time to get any work done, but the students at Wethersfield High School truly know Martin as a Hero, whether it be academically or socially.  By: Jordan Schenkel and Ryan Mazur
Mrs. Lyth is more than just a normal, every day teacher, she focuses on helping kids who are struggling to manage their work loads during high school. She gives assistance on homework if needed and helps students create templates to organize their work and make their thought processes clearer. And no matter what she does it all with a smile and happy attitude, even on Mondays. Mrs. Lyth sets a very good example on how to be proactive for yourself whether you need help with things in school or out of school. Mrs. Lyth also sets a very good example of how to work efficiently and save time. She will also read over any essays and will give suggestions as to what you should edit to make your essay even better. After years of teaching at Wethersfield High School, her kind and helpful attitude has built up many friendly relationships between the teachers and students. In an interview with Mrs. Lyth, she told how she enjoys teaching here saying, “I love teaching here, I like the high school level because I feel like students can be more independent and take ownership of their learning.” These opinions of Mrs. Lyth are not just from other teachers, the many students she helps to succeed all think very highly of her, especially her dedication to her job and her interest in teaching; which enforces this helpful attitude that creates these positive reactions from students. When asked why she wanted to become a teacher Mrs. Lyth responded, I wanted to become a teacher so that I could help people, students, young adults, be contributing members to their community and do the best that they can do.” The evidence is clear, Mrs. Lyth is one of the nicest teachers you could meet. She is helpful and likes to inspire kids to do their best and sucede in their futures and her drive to help people be the best that they can be only enforces this. She is liked by the fellow teachers she works with and by the many students she takes care of. So I think I speak for us all when I say thank you Mrs. Lyth for everything that you have done for us and this school.  John (right) and Gina (left) in front of Salute Restaurant at Tide kick off event. By: Lena Uccello In March 2021, two Wethersfield High School teachers, John and Gina Gallivan, started the Tide (Together, Inspired and Devoted to Encouraging) Cancer Foundation. Based in Connecticut and throughout a variety of local hospitals, this non-profit continues to support young women coping with cancer. Co-founder Gina Gallivan wanted to give back the love and support she had gotten before. “Being a two time cancer survivor and recognizing how wonderful it was to receive care packages, help with meals, nice little things to brighten the day throughout treatment, I knew that once I got better I really wanted to do this for other people,” said Gina. When starting this foundation, the couple’s main goal was to make, donate and deliver care packages to women battling cancer all around the state, and that is what they continue to do. “We’re trying to provide them some comfort, some care, knowing that people care about them, to help ease the challenges of treatment and recovery,” said Mrs. Gallivan. This past June, the couple held their first kick off event at Salute Restaurant in Hartford, Conn. Being one of the foundation’s sponsors, the restaurant covered the cost of food and also supplied them with their patio for the day. And aside from hosting fundraising events the foundation has also begun creating ties with many cancer/medical centers. “We partnered with two hospitals so far, Hartford Hospital, their cancer center, where Mrs. Gallivan had some treatment done. And St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, where another woman on our board had her treatment done,” said John.  It is through these health and medical centers that the packages are able to be delivered and distributed amongst patients. In July, the foundation’s committee made a special delivery to the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center and just last week took another visit to St. Francis. Though they only started 6 months ago, both John and Gina have already made a huge impact on the lives of many women battling cancer. They are happy with where the foundation has gone, but can’t wait to see where it will go. They say, as of right now, their main objective is to become more well known, not just here in Wethersfield but all across Connecticut. The more the word is spread the more women that can be helped. “That’s the biggest goal, is that there are plenty of people who are dealing with cancer right now. Most of whom have no idea that our foundation even exists. So, our challenge I guess will be to raise awareness of the organization, so that more people will take advantage of the care package offering we have,” said Mr. Gallivan.  Tide stands for Together, Inspired and Devoted to Encouraging women coping with cancer all across Connecticut.
As stated on the Tide Cancer Foundation site, “Our organization’s name is inspired by the healing power of the ocean. The ebb and flow of the tide reminds us that renewal and rejuvenation are part of the cycle of life, and that each of us is part of something magnificent and wonderful, something life-giving and purposeful.” The Gallivans purpose has been to make a difference in the lives of those around them, specifically in women fighting this horrific disease. This could be your purpose too, all you have to do is reach out and help. There is a limitless supply of good we can do in this world and John and Gina have become part of it. To learn more about the Tide Cancer Foundation visit: https://www.tidecancerfoundation.org/  by: Tyler Burgos
Susanne Brush, a teacher and mother in Wethersfield, Connecticut, has been selected as Wethersfield Public School’s Teacher of the Year for her great display of being what some may say is a hero. Mrs. Brush is a very outgoing person and loves her job of being a teacher. But, in this case she was more of a counselor for one student who needed help transitioning schools. Everyone knows transitioning between elementary to middle school can be extremely difficult for some students, but one student was lucky enough to have reached out to a person with a big and caring heart. Mrs. Brush, a second grade teacher from Highcrest Elementary, was contacted by a previous student to help them with transitioning into Silas Deane Middle School because the student was nervous about the new school and surroundings. The transition between 6th to 7th grade is difficult especially when it involves moving schools. It was clear in our conversation that, while Brush is an great teacher, she took on the role of “counselor” as well. Mrs. Brush said, “The 7th grade student had reached out to me saying he was having trouble acclimating to SDMS. so, when Ii had time I talked with his teacher about being able to meet with him during lunch.” On top of that, she continues her day of teaching her students and then coming home to her kids as well, always being open and willing to help her students and kids with any questions. However, Mrs. Brush is not just a teacher, she said she enjoys “walks, running, going to the gym and watching my girls’ sports events.” She is always actively involved with her family and is always willing to help another person succeed. “I also stay after school to tutor sometimes and help kids when they need help.” When wrapping up, Mrs Brush said, “I didn't really think it [helping this student with the school transition] was a big deal, I always try to make a point to be there for students whenever they need help. That also goes for middle school and high school as well.” You can truly say that Susanne Brush is the real life wonder woman, living every day with passion and her willingness to help others in need.  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 [email protected].  by: Chase Millen and Noah Terzo
The outgoing sports broadcaster of all sports at Wethersfield high school for all sports that is loved by everyone. He started his broadcasting career during his freshman year due to the fact that he always looked up to his father who was a broadcaster himself. It seems like he is going to have a future in broadcasting due to the fact that he loves doing it, and when asked if he would like to do it as a profession, he replied, “I’d like it to be my job and/or profession. I love doing it, and I feel like I make my dad proud.” His family, his father especially, are huge inspirations to him and they make him want to make them proud. Jimmie is loved by everyone playing sports for the high school, along with the players’ families. Along with broadcasting, he also does the play-by-play from every sideline and posts them for the family members that can’t make it to the games. During COVID restrictions, this was vital, as many families could not attend games like they have in the past. But it’s not just the job he loves, he also loves WHS student-athletes. He said, “All the guys on the team are really cool and nice. My family loves what I do and supports it.” He enjoys broadcasting not only because he wants it to be his profession, but also because he enjoys watching all of his fellow classmates play every day while doing it. He loves being part of the team and is glad he got this opportunity. Not only does he do the announcements for the home games, but sometimes he even hops on the bus with the team and takes the ride to some of the away games to do play-by-play there as well. He broadcasts for almost all of the high school sports from spring sports like baseball, winter sports like basketball, as well as the fall sports like soccer, among several others. While Jimmie is not only making his family proud, he is also making many new friends, as well as entertaining all of the players' families at the same time. Without Jimmie through these tough COVID times, a lot of the parents would be a lot less informed of their child's sports, since they may not be able to attend. All of these reasons show why Jimmie is a true 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 [email protected].  by: Morgan Sargis
Katie Cognata is a 1st grade teacher from Hamner Elementary, and is teaching and supporting first graders through a pandemic. She is making sure everyone of her students is learning and stays engaged while also following the rules of COVID. One of the questions I asked Mrs. Cognata was how did social distancing affect your teaching, and she said, “They need a lot more support, or just a hug, and finding other ways to give the kids the emotional support they need.” What I remember from elementary school is totally different from what these kids are experiencing, they have to learn to be separated from each other, and right now they can't get that physical support, so it can be a challenge for them. Another question I asked her was how good her kids were with masks, since even some of the high schoolers don't even wear the mask right. Cognata said, “They were really good, I laugh because I think the kids are better with masks than some adults are sometimes. At the beginning we had mask breaks, but sometimes the masks were too big and would slip down, but they would pull it right back up.” With this answer she gave me I found so crazy how all these little kids can be so good at doing this one thing that keeps everyone safe, and are way better than some adults out there. Another question I wanted to know was if she had any new routines in her classroom she had to do because of COVID, this was her response: “in 1st grade, we are trying to teach the kids to be independent, so in past years I would have kids take control of the lunch count, and a lot of materials were shared, and that's where it had to change since we can't share materials.” One last question I had was how adjusting to virtual and hybrid teaching was difficult to adjust. ”It was definitely challenging, because with first graders, you can tell if they are losing attention and walk over, but working at home I can't do that, and there are more distractions at home. There are things I can control in the classroom, but not at home.” I could definitely relate to this question because I know when I was virtual, since I had my phone right next to me, and the teacher wasn't there to tell me to put my phone away, it would be such a distraction, and made me not do so well, so I know what these kids are feeling when virtual. A big thank you to Katie Cognata for helping the students by putting in the work and adjusting to a whole new way of teaching that no one has ever experienced before, and making the most out of it. Katie is just one of the many teachers in Wethersfield Public Schools that are giving it their all and overall just being supportive with this crazy school year.  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 [email protected].  by: Ava Ahmetovic
The year 2021 has brought many negative things to light in the Wethersfield community, but there were many who rose to the occasion to make the year better. Introducing Carrie Anzidei, founder of The Crimson Team Kindness Club and teacher at SDMS. She is also a teacher at SDMS. For those wondering what the club is, she explains: “Crimson Team Kindness Club is a way for students to create, implement and be kind in a socially distant manner during the Pandemic. Our club has been involved in several projects such as sending homemade holiday cards to active servicemen and women who were serving abroad (we partnered with Kids4Vets---Mrs. Sally Distoli made that possible), wrote out holiday cards to Seniors in the Wethersfield community to spread some holiday cheer, and coordinated a small food drive just with kind members dropping food at the town hall. “ Their biggest contribution is proudly donating to the Humane Society drive. With no exaggeration, Mrs. Anzidei’s car was completely full with donations! Mrs. Anzidei takes pride in how her students took on the leadership role. The students, she says, “are the real driving force of this club and each week at our Friday meetings. They set the agenda and discuss potential kindness ideas; which is very impressive to watch how they coordinate and respectfully give their input.” Again, she is proud to be in coordination with the following students: Catherine, Jenevieve, Denisa, Sophia, Madison, Grace, Natalie, Emily and Sara. In the future, the Team Crimson Kindness Club will be looking to do a school-wide food drive, they also want to continue to spread the word about their group and kindness. The original idea behind this club is that Mrs. Anziedei feared for how her students would not have much interaction with others being isolated in their homes. She made a calendar and linked it to all the Crimson Team at SDMS. She stated, “It was really important to the teachers to be able to provide that outlet for our students and it was all voluntary to attend if they wanted to join us.” At the moment they have 9 members, and they are always open to new members for the crimson team. Mrs. Anzidei represents what a hero truly is. In this community, she really is an amazing teacher, mother, and 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 [email protected].  By Owen Gagne
Pam Harrison is an incredible person and truly a hero to our small town of Wethersfield. Although she is currently employed as a staff member in our public school system, Ms. Harrison also does volunteer work with the Youth Advisory Board. Through this group, she organized a 5k race named HUGS with proceeds going towards “campership'' which is financial aid for families who can’t afford to send their children to camps in the summer. Ms. Harrison’s assistance in the coordination of this event was crucial to its success. She says “I’m a runner and I’ve seen so many races go virtual this year, so I thought we could do something like that”. She has completed two marathons and numerous half marathons and thought it would be the perfect event. With her knowledge of virtual races and connections throughout the town, she was able to organize the HUGS 5k race to collect some fundraiser money over Valentine's Day weekend. “I’ve been on the Youth Advisory Board for about 7-8 years now. It’s a great place to be involved in our community”, said Ms. Harrison. As a member of the Youth Advisory Board, Ms. Harrison helps think of unique fundraiser ideas such as raffle night, an event at Wood N’ Tap, and the 5k race. They work alongside the Town Hall Social and Youth Services at times as well which allows for use of certain facilities or opportunities otherwise unavailable. The group meets monthly to brainstorm ideas as to how they can make Wethersfield a better place for its students. What made this event so inspirational was the fact that all proceeds were donated to the Town Hall Social and Youth Services’s campership fund. Ms. Harrison said, “Any Wethersfield student whose family may need some financial assistance can receive a scholarship or “campership” because it is used for summer camp”. She knows that lots of kids in town do not have the same opportunities as others, therefore she works to assist the less fortunate. The passion to help others in her community transpired from the joy she feels when knowing she can give back to the community. Being part of the Wethersfield school system, along with being a resident for many years, she feels “it is a nice way to see things from a different angle. Usually I am just looking at high school students, but this way I can see the whole continuum of what we can do for kids”. She also has relations with other Wethersfield residents who benefit from her services as part of the Youth Advisory Board, which helps motivate her to do more. As stated earlier, Ms. Harrison is an amazing person who deserves to be recognized as a hero to her Wethersfield community. Her volunteer work with the Youth Advisory Board and everything she does to benefit the children of her community is a truly admirable characteristic. It was an honor to interview this Wethersfield hero who has helped so many. |
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