Community Impact Team Announces 2024 Trusted Adult Award Winners

The North Reading Community Impact Team’s Youth Substance Use Prevention Coalition and is pleased to announce its 2024 Trusted Adult Award winners. School Psychologist Mattison and educator Katherine Bray from the North Reading Middle School, First Grade Hood School educator Annmarie Wright, Flint Memorial Library Assistant Director Tyler Hixon, and North Reading Robotics volunteer coach Karen Moberg were each recognized this year with multiple nominations. The program generated fifty nominations of adults who live or work in North Reading.

Mr. Mattison was praised for his approachability for young people. One nomination read, “Mr. Mattison is a normal guy who you can openly talk to and not feel like it is an adult. He always gives great advice, not so much as how a teacher would, but more like someone I can relate to. Mr. Mattison is an amazing person.” Middle School Principal Dr. Cathy O’Connell added, “I’m so happy, and not surprised at all that Mr. Mattison is being recognized. I see his impact every day.”

O’Connell added that educator Katherine Bray’s empathy show in her interactions with students. “Ms. Bray’s energy radiates kindness,” O’Connell explained. One nomination specifically said, “Ms. Bray is very enthusiastic inside and outside of the classroom. She shows a true interest in her students'

well-being and cares about us all. I feel comfortable sharing any topics with Ms. Bray because she's understanding, caring, and is considerate with how to help you.”

At the Hood School, Principal Dr. Glen McKay commented, “Mrs. Wright is a dedicated, friendly and outgoing member of our community who always shares her deep pride for the larger North Reading community.” One former student explained her nomination for Mrs. Wright, “She is a kind person, helps cheer me up when I’m feeling down and I love her lending library house. She has made a big impact in my life by identifying my dyslexia early and working patiently with me.”

One of Assistant Library Director Tyler Hixon’s many nominators wrote, “He is my trusted adult because he is one of the kindest adults I know. He runs the DND (Dungeons and Dragons) club at the local library and he makes it consistently the highlight of my week.” Flint Memorial Library Director Sharon Kelleher added, “Tyler's programs have created a fun, safe space for teens. He encompasses the perfect balance of supporting, encouraging, and genuinely caring. I am thrilled that he is being recognized for his positive impact.”

Youth Services Director Eleanor Richard coordinated the nomination process and was especially impressed with North Reading Robotics volunteer coach Karen Moberg’s nominations. “It was clear to the committee that her dedication to the robotics program makes a difference to the students she works with.” She added, “She volunteers her time to make sure these students have a place to test their engineering skills.” One nomination included, “She is always someone we can rely on to help us as a team. Not only this, but Karen takes time to help us outside the club, whether it’s fighting for us in our school, or helping us individually with problems we face. We could not appreciate her more for all she does.”

The North Reading Community Impact Team’s Youth Substance Use Prevention Coalition has led the efforts to recognize adults in the community for their positive impact since 2015. This year, the Coalition partnered with the Youth Services Committee to review and select award recipients. The Coalition would like to thank the Youth Services Committee volunteers for carefully examining the fifty nominations and recognize Youth Services Director Eleanor Richard for her coordination of this award program. Coalition Director Amy Luckiewicz noted, “It was great to have a collaboration this year among the Coalition and Youth Services Committee. Eleanor did a great job of coordinating the awards and tracking nominations. We can’t wait to do it again next year!”