Beth Bye, a West Hartford resident and commissioner of Connecticut’s Office of Early Childhood, will facilitate the April 18 event that will also serve as a benefit for the education programs at Hartford Stage.

Submitted by Jenni French, Watkinson School

Watkinson School, Hartford’s oldest co-ed independent day school for grades 6-12/PG, announces the return of “Freshly Squeezed,” which will be facilitated by Connecticut’s Commissioner of Early Childhood Beth Bye on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

“We’re Counting On Young People to Change the World.”

How often do you hear this undeserved burden laid on young people? Yet, something’s got to give – environmentally, economically, interpersonally – and young people will play an important part. What skills will be essential for them to lead, make change, and play the role they can to heal systemic issues? Who is helping them to develop these skills? Young people are powerful and perhaps the world’s greatest asset. Together, let’s examine what happens when organizations get serious about educating young people to be smart, have courage, and lead boldly, with heart.

Panelists include:

• Jacquelyn Santiago Nazario – a champion for youth equity, a dynamic youth development trainer, and CEO of Compass Youth Collaborative
• Teri Schrader – a nationally-regarded expert in progressive schooling and Watkinson’s Head of School
• Yolande Spears – a veteran Arts-in-Education professional and SVP of Education at The Bushnell.

Based on the premise that everyone loves a juicy conversation and in the best tradition of Connecticut conversation, Watkinson School continues its 10-year-old series of nimble, participatory and personal discussions. These low-cost lectures not only feature smart panelists discussing fascinating topics, they also include an optional pre-show community dinner in Watkinson School’s Feringa Dining Hall. All of the revenue from ticket sales benefits the education programs at Hartford Stage. The discussion series is generously sponsored by Fiducient Advisors.

“We are so eager for parents, community leaders, educators – everyone who cares about the challenges we’re facing these days – to have the opportunity to think and talk together,” said Schrader.

The forum is at 7 p.m. and is preceded by an optional pre-show light meal at 5:30 p.m. prepared by Chef Jon Birney.

Pricing Options:

• Forum with dinner and 1 wine voucher: $25
• Forum (no dinner): $10

The panel discussion is held in the Foisie Family Amphitheater at Watkinson School. Seating is very limited and general admission, so order today. Purchase tickets online or by calling 860-570-8160.

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