After 32 years serving West Hartford and First Church Nursery School families, Annette Trigila retired on June 19, 2015.

By Joy Taylor and Amy Melvin

Retired First Church Nursery School teacher Annette Trigila with her CT Citation in honor of her 32 years of service. Photo credit: Amy Melvin

Annette Trigila was honored at the Annual First Church Nursery School Family Picnic on the front lawn of 12 South Main St. on June 25, 2015 by First Church staff, colleagues, and nursery school students past and present, as well as child advocates from the state.

To mark the occasion, Trigila was presented with a General Assembly Official Citation prepared by State Sen. Beth Bye, State Rep. Andrew M. Fleishchmann, State Rep. Brian Becker, and State Rep. Joe Verrengia.

The citation stated: “Let it hereby be known that: The Connecticut General Assembly hereby offers its sincerest congratulations to Annette Trigila In recognition of your commitment to West Hartford’s young minds throughout your thirty-two year career as a preschool teacher at the First Church Nursery School. The guidance, knowledge, and kindness which you have shared with generations of preschool students are truly an inspiration. Thank you for your hard work as an educator, and congratulations on your well-deserved retirement.” It was signed by President Pro Tempore, Martin M. Looney; Speaker of the House, Brendan Sharkey and Secretary of the State, Denise W. Merrill.

First Church Nursery School Director Ruthie Johnson and Annette Trigila, in honor of Annette’s retirement. Photo credit: Amy Melvin

It has been said that Trigila has been a teacher’s teacher. She understands the heart of the child and translates that to families. She has taught children how to work cooperatively and how to learn with each other’s differing needs. Her classroom has been inclusive and sensitive to those needs. Annette lovingly nurtured – literally – generations of West Hartford children with a spirit of excellence!

Nursery School Director Ruthie Johnson shared some of Trigila’s basic reminders: “Drink water it’s good for your kidneys, smell the roses, and blow out the candles.”

Children continuously surrounded Annette during the presentation honoring her. She will truly be missed!

The nursery school website can be found here.

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Photo credit: Amy Melvin