The Newport Public Education Foundation is set to honor four recipients of its annual Noreen Stonor Drexel Education Awards at its upcoming Evening for Education event. The awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the students of Newport’s public schools.
This year’s honorees include Newport Community School as Partner in Education, Aida Neary as Friend of Education, and Conexion Latina as Unsung Heroines. Additionally, Kathryn Caruolo, a multi-language learner teacher at Pell Elementary School, will be recognized as the 2024-2025 Newport Public Schools teacher of the year.
“This year’s award recipients represent what is so special about our public schools and our city,” said Kim Behan, president of the foundation. “It is always amazing when our community members and organizations step up to the challenge of supporting our students and educators.”
The Evening for Education, presented by the Bazarsky Family Foundation, is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Oct. 17 at Innovate Newport, located at 513 Broadway. Tickets are $75 and include drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres.
Newport Community School, founded in 2001, provides comprehensive academic and social support for youth to adult learners in Newport County. The organization administers in-school, after-school and summer programming to Thompson Middle School and Rogers High School students and their families.
Aida Neary, recognized as Friend of Education, has demonstrated her commitment to Newport’s public schools as a member of the Newport School Committee and School Building Committee. As director of community educational partnerships at Salve Regina University, she founded the Pathways program, a collaboration between the university and Newport Public Schools.
Conexion Latina, honored as Unsung Heroines, was established to support the needs of Newport’s growing Hispanic/Latino community. The organization partners with social services, education and government agencies to strengthen access to resources and create pathways to increase Hispanic representation throughout Newport.
Kathryn Caruolo, named Teacher of the Year, has been a multi language learner teacher and first grade teacher at Pell Elementary School since 2013. She was recognized as an excellent role model and supporter of Newport’s multi language learners and their families, and has mentored many future teachers.
“We encourage educators, parents and friends to join us for An Evening for Education to celebrate our award recipients and to learn more about how the foundation directly and positively impacts the students of Newport’s public schools,” Behan said.
The Newport Public Education Foundation, an all-volunteer nonprofit, empowers teachers, administrators and community partners to provide enriching educational experiences for the students of Newport’s public schools. Since its founding in 1991, the foundation has awarded more than $770,000 to support Newport’s students and educators.
Sponsorship opportunities for the event are available. Those interested in purchasing tickets or learning more about available sponsorships can visit bit.ly/2024E4E.
The foundation’s commitment to supporting Newport’s public schools is evident in its long-standing tradition of recognizing outstanding contributors to education. By honoring these individuals and organizations, the Newport Public Education Foundation continues to highlight the importance of community involvement in shaping the educational landscape of Newport.
