UConn Waterbury hosts Women's History Month celebration and awards banquet

The Waterbury Board of Education held a workshop and special meeting on April 3, 2025, focusing on recent community events and student achievements. The meeting began with a report on the Women's History Month celebration hosted by Madre Latina at UConn Waterbury on March 25. State Representative Jerry Reyes attended the event, which emphasized discussions on FAFSA and college admissions, particularly highlighting the offerings of UConn Waterbury.

Following this, the board recognized outstanding students at the Doctor Lawrence Shea Recognition Awards Banquet. Notable awards included the Accepting the Challenge of the Year Award presented to Sikora Richardson from Williams, the Youth of the Year Award awarded to Diana Perez Castro from Crosby, and the Attorney Eugene Difronzo Marathon Man Memorial Scholarship given to Mikhail Isaacs from WCA and Subhash Harapal from Kennedy. The board congratulated all recipients for their achievements.

The meeting also covered the success of WishFest 25, held on March 28, which featured paleontologist Jack Horner as a speaker. Horner shared his personal journey with dyslexia, recounting his struggles in school and his eventual success, including earning a degree from Princeton. His story resonated with students, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and creativity.

Additionally, approximately 1,000 students participated in follow-up sessions at UConn Waterbury, where they engaged with industry professionals in collaboration with the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board. The board expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the positive impact of these events on student engagement and learning opportunities.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to celebrating student achievements and fostering community partnerships that enhance educational experiences. Further discussions on future initiatives and events are anticipated in upcoming meetings.