Brookfield Schools Recognize Teachers of the Year, Retirees

The Brookfield school district honored its four teachers of the year, 10 retirees and six staff members with 25 years of service this week at its annual recognition reception.

Brookfield High School (BHS) special education teacher Marty Settle was recognized as the district’s teacher of the year during the event, which attracted about 180 people to the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury.

Board of Education (BOE) Chairman Ray DiStephan said in an interview that he has been impressed with Settle’s presentations to the BOE members.

“You can see why he’s so well liked and well respected,” he said.

Settle will now be a contestant for Connecticut’s state teacher of the year award.

The other teacher of the year finalists in the district were Doreen Dupill of Center Elementary School (CES), Kim Tolle of Huckleberry Hill Elementary School (HHES) and David Wallinski of Whisconier Middle School (WMS).

Each of the finalists was reviewed by a committee of educators.

The retirees were Mary Clare Sullivan of CES; Marcia Bartow and Anna Lee Serrano of HHES; Betty Gannon of WMS; and Diane Holskin, Gene Newell, Carl DeVoe, Donna Didsbury and Nancy Siecienski of BHS; and Jack Devine, a consultant at the Town School Office.

Recognized for 25 years of service were Barry Huber and Norma Plue of HHES; Celeste Darling and June Gordon of WMS; and Diane Holskin and Al Klucsik of BHS.

The recognition reception, which is traditionally held in early June, began in the 1980s under then-Superintendent Mike Perrone.

Anthony Bivona, the current superintendent, was master of ceremonies at this year’s event. Former superintendents John Goetz and Jay Chittum were among the attendees.