Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 12/26/2023
HOLYOKE — As the 2023 calendar year closes for Holyoke Public Schools, the district found some time to celebrate a Sullivan School seventh-grade student and a Morgan School English teacher for excellence in the district.
Sullivan seventh-grader Xavier Rodrigue and Morgan fifth-grade English teacher Cecily Selden were recently given a surprise in-classroom visit from Superintendent Anthony Soto, who stopped by to present them with this year’s Superintendent’s Excellence Awards.
“Xavier represents the REACH values every day at Sullivan School. He advocates for himself and others by asking probing questions about our systems and how they affect change,” said Sullivan Dean of Students Cynthia Marquez, who nominated Xavier for the award. “He is constantly looking for ways to improve our school culture and is a role model for his peers.”
When visited by Soto, Rodrigue’s first reaction to the honor was a surprised, “really?” Soto then congratulated him and thanked him for the role he has played in his school community.
“I hear you’re a great advocate for yourself and a great advocate for your peers, you’re always looking for ways to improve the culture, so I just wanted to say congratulations,” Soto said.
Selden was nominated by grade 3 teacher Nana Boadu Ansah for her exceptional work ethic and dedication to her students.
“Cecily is the hardest working teacher I have ever worked with,” said Ansah when nominating Selden for the award. “When I first started at Morgan, right out of college, Cecily was my go-to support person. She helped me persist. She saw potential in me, just like she does every single student she comes across. She is a staunch advocate for Holyoke families and carries on every day with such love in her heart.”
Ansah added Selden is the type of teacher the city needs more of.
The superintendent’s awards for excellence are handed out as part of Soto’s commitment to highlighting staff and student excellence. Soto continues to make surprise presentations to staff members and students for the ongoing recognition program. Each recipient receives a personalized plaque and a $25 gift card according to the district’s website.