West Hartford resident Sara Avery was presented with Northwest Catholic’s 2020 Excellence in Teaching Award.

Submitted by Maureen Scudder, Northwest Catholic High School

Every year a Northwest Catholic teacher is presented with the school’s Excellence in Teaching Award. The award alternates between the Rev. Henry C. Frascadore Award and the Dr. Michael S. Griffin Award.

In December 2020, at the school’s socially-distanced holiday celebration, Ms. Sara Avery, chair of the Performing Arts Department and English teacher, was honored with this very special award.

The Fr. Henry C. Frascadore Teaching Award is given to a member of the Northwest Catholic community who exemplifies the extraordinary vision established by Fr. Frascadore during his legendary tenure at the school. It was under Fr. Frascadore that so much of Northwest Catholic’s tenacious pursuit of excellence was established. The honoree is nominated by his or her peers and recognized for contributions made both inside and outside the classroom. The recipient’s extraordinary contributions further the mission, values, and ideals of Northwest Catholic.

Northwest Catholic Interim President Fr. Michael Dolan said this about Fr. Frascadore: “He is a poet, an educator, and a priest filled with enthusiasm for showing others a path to deeper meaning in life. My admiration for his accomplishments continues to grow in the time I’ve spent among the Northwest Catholic community.”

Fr. Dolan went on to congratulate Avery for earning the Rev. Henry C. Frascadore Excellence in Teaching Award, saying, “Working in close proximity to Ms. Avery’s classroom, I am fortunate to catch snippets her captivating teaching and her students’ enthusiastic response. She brings English and the arts to life for her classes, which is wonderful to witness.”

Principal Christopher Stuck echoed Fr. Dolan’s accolades. Stuck said, “This year’s winner, Ms. Sara Avery, has been described by her colleagues as a leader and team player who is innovative, creative, compassionate, and able to take on the role of both player and coach. She holds high standards in the classroom while remaining down-to-earth. Students leave Ms. Avery’s classroom feeling supported both academically and as people.” Stuck concluded, “Ms. Avery serves as a role model and mentor to students and has committed time, energy, blood, sweat, and tears to directing plays and musicals that we’ve all enjoyed over her 16 years at the school.”

Northwest Catholic High School congratulates Avery for earning the Rev. Henry C. Frascadore Excellence in Teaching Award!

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.