Simsbury BOE Acknowledges Contributions

The Simsbury Board of Education acknowledged several contributions to local schools at its meeting Tuesday night.

First and foremost was the late Patty-Lou Peters, who dedicated more than 30 years to local schools, the last 18 years as vice principal of Henry James Memorial School. 

Matthew T. Curtis, Superintendent of Schools, began the meeting with a few words about Peters, followed by a moment of silence.

It was an emotional moment Tuesday as several in attendance had attended her Mass of Christian burial just that morning.

Board chair Lydia Tedone held a flower she received at the service.

“She is with us and will be remembered,” Tedone said.

The board also recognized several others during the meeting.

One was Ron Perrault, who is retiring after 21 years at the helm of Tootin’ Hills Elementary School.

“I can’t capture Ron’s impact in the few minutes we have here,” Curtis said, adding that among Perrault’s most impressive aspects is “his amazing ability to sense a strength in someone and set that person up for success.”

Perrault was also recently named the Chamber of Commerce 2012-2013 educator of the year.

Perrault said he was honored, especially when he saw a list of previous recipients of that honor. 

“I really was humbled and continue to be,” he said.

He also thanked the board for trusting him with the “incredible responsibility” of being a principal.

“It will be the proudest experience of my entire life,” he said.

Also honored at the meeting were three Simsbury High senior wrestlers who not only had a successful season on the mat but all maintained a 3.7 or better grade average. All are studying engineering next year. 

“These guys are really the cream of the crop when we talk about student athletes,” coach Ernie Goodwin said.

The students, named to the National High School Coaches Association All Academic Wrestling Team, are:

• Benjamin Durst, who is headed to the University of South Carolina to study biomedical engineering.
• John DePasquale, who will study mechanical engineering at the University of Connecticut.
• Christian Kaljulaid, who is headed to Union College to study mechanical engineering.

At the meeting, Goodwin also acknowledged Maddie Nicholson, who won a New England titles in the discus. Goodwin is also managing editor of the Simsbury High School Pinnacle and presented yearbooks to board members on Tuesday night.