Six Holyoke Public Schools educators were surprised and honored on Friday, March 6 when Interim Superintendent Anthony Soto entered their classrooms bearing flowers, balloons, and a proclamation from Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia to let them know they were selected to receive Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Awards this year.
Since 2003, the award has been distributed annually to honor Western Massachusetts educators for their dedication and excellence. More than 100 Western Massachusetts educators are honored each year. This year’s Excellence in Teaching Award winners from Holyoke include:
Bevan Brunelle, teacher of theater, media, and senior seminar at Holyoke High School North
Rebeca Fuentes, PreK teacher at Kelly Elementary
Jennifer Haugsjaahabink, science teacher at Morgan Elementary
Matthew Lacasse, physical education teacher at McMahon Elementary
Julie Ortiz, school counselor at Sullivan Middle School
Laura Skwira, Therapeutic Intervention Program teacher for grades K-2 at Lawrence Elementary
Watch the video, below, to see the surprise visits, and learn more about the six HPS award recipients on the Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Awards webpage.