Trumbull's Mary Sherlach Gets a Counseling Center

Mary Sherlach gave her life for her students but her memory will live on since the Trumbull Counseling Center now bears her name.

Sherlach was honored Saturday by town officials and members of town boards and bodies in a ceremony.

Her husband, Bill Sherlach, said although he's lived other places, "This is truly our hometown."

"The support we've received from the town is absolutely phenomenal. This to me stands as one of the highest honors she could receive. This place will truly be an outstanding success," Sherlach said. "I can't be prouder of being a citizen of this town."

Helping others was Sherlach's passion, said Town Treasurer John Ponzio, standing in front of the center. Ponzio said he has known the Sherlachs for years.

"Nothing could ever truly honor Mary for her work" than naming the counseling center after her, he said. "Out town is blessed to have known Mary."

The naming is a "logical step in the progression of Mary's career," he added.

First Selectman Tim Herbst also praised Sherlach. "No words can describe the love we feel for the Sherlach family," Herbst said. "The courage, the determination the family has shown serves as an inspiration to us all."

The center will serve as a model for the state, according to Herbst.

He noted that a memorial golf tournament will be held June 24 to raise money to help students who cannot afford mental health services, the first selectman said.