Fairfield PTA Council Honors Educators, Community Members With Annual Awards

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Fairfield PTA Council this week resumed its long-standing tradition of honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the town’s public schools and community.

During Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, the council presented its 2025 awards to three recipients for their leadership and service to Fairfield’s students, educators, and families.

Kristen Bruno, director of Fairfield’s Early Childhood Center, received the Alis B. McGrath Friend of Education Award, which recognizes leadership that extends beyond the classroom into the broader community. Bruno was acknowledged for her role in launching the district’s first full-day pre-kindergarten programs at Warde, Stratfield, and Holland Hill schools.

"Kristen’s unwavering advocacy for ECC students and SEPTA families has had an immeasurable impact on our district and community," said outgoing PTA Council President Elly Fatehi during the presentation. "We are honored to recognize her, and fortunate to have her leadership in Fairfield."

Shannon Pascone, a first-grade teacher at Dwight Elementary School and PTA co-president at Stratfield, was awarded the Deanna O. Kiernan Award. Named for a former PTA Council president, the award honors individuals who promote public education and support the PTA mission. Pascone was recognized for her involvement across multiple schools and for helping organize this year’s Kickball Fundraiser benefiting the Spear family and The Tommy Fund for Childhood Cancer.

"Shannon’s day begins and ends with education—on both sides of town," said incoming PTA Council President Laura Veneman. "She is a passionate advocate for students and a champion of teacher morale."

Jennifer Jacobsen, a Fairfield Board of Education member since 2017, received the National PTA Life Achievement Award, the organization’s highest honor. Lauren Effron, the PTA Council president-elect, described Jacobsen as "a model of public service" during the ceremony.

Jacobsen has also been active at the state level, co-founding the Connecticut Alliance for Privacy in Education and contributing to the passage of Public Act 16-189, which established protections for student data privacy. Her local advocacy includes leadership roles with the Fairfield CARES Community Coalition and the Prevention Training & Technical Assistance Service Center.

"This award reflects Jennifer’s deep commitment to Fairfield’s children — not just in the classroom, but in every part of their lives," Veneman said. "We’re proud to see her efforts recognized on a national stage."

Board of Education member and PTA liaison Katie Flynn praised the recipients, calling the awards “a testament to the countless hours our volunteers give to support Fairfield’s schools.”

The council also extended congratulations to the Fairfield Public Schools Class of 2025 and offered best wishes for the summer.

The awards presentation can be viewed online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myIsW3ozlB8.