Shannon Mlodzinski, principal of West Hartford’s Aiken Elementary School, was honored with the ‘Build No Fences’ Award at the 36th ‘Breakfast on the Bridge’ Wednesday morning.

By Ronni Newton

The annual Breakfast on the Bridge is a time-honored tradition – now in its 36th year – held each September just after the start of the new school year as a celebration of the work the Bridge Family Center does in support of the town’s families and children.

“The most special aspect of the Bridge Breakfast is gathering in a room full of people who all share a common goal – to provide excellent programs and services while doing our very best for our children and families,” said Doreen Tarascio, director of Development and Communications for the Bridge and the emcee of Wednesday’s event.

The annual breakfast is also the occasion where a member of the community is recognized for being a true collaborator and surprised with the “Build No Fences” award. This year’s honoree is Aiken Elementary School Principal Shannon Mlodzinski, who was shocked and thrilled to receive the award, and even more amazed when her husband and three children joined her in the West Hartford Town Hall auditorium for the celebration.

“My head is spinning,” Mlodzinski said. “I am completely overwhelmed, surprised, and so very honored to receive such a special award.”

She expressed her thanks to the Bridge, which has done so much in collaboration not only with Aiken but also the rest of the community. “I am so appreciative. It’s really such a team effort … and I am just so fortunate and so blessed. A day doesn’t go by when I’m not happy to drive to school, happy to be at work, happy to be in a town that really supports education and supports the kids. I work in an amazing school community,” Mlodzinski said.

She said she had no idea when she dropped her kids off at before-school care this morning that she would be seeing them just an hour later, and no idea how they kept it all a secret.

For the first time in its 36-year history, Bridge Executive Director Margaret Hann was at the last minute unable to attend the event, but Tarascio shared Hann’s planned remarks, noting that one year small flashlights were given out to those who attended the breakfast. “The idea was that our work at times resembled walking through a tunnel – not really knowing if we were heading in the right direction – until someone turned on a flashlight and said, ‘Keep going. You are going the right way. Don’t give up,'” Tarascio said.

“It has been said that consistency is what transforms average into excellence,” Tarascio said, and in presenting the award she said Mldodzinski exemplifies that in all she endeavors. Tarascio also read a few excerpts of reflections she had received from Mlodzinski’s colleagues and other community leaders.

“Shannon inspires all those around her to do their best for children, families, and one another,” shared Kelly Brouse, now assistant director of Pupil Services. “Shannon has been referred to as ‘saintly’ by some friends and colleagues because of her altruistic, genuine, compassionate approach to her work and her relationships with others,” always taking a “we can do this” approach.

Superintendent of Schools Paul Vicinus called her the “quintessential educational leader” who connects with students and families on a personal level and by forming a partnership, and someone who is “deeply committed to the mission to unlock the potential in every child, provide them a caring and inclusive environment to stimulate their growth, their sense of belonging, and their self development.”

Amy Raider, parent of a former Aiken student, also praised Mlodzinski for listening and ensuring her child got the help she needed. “Shannon not only knows the names of each student at Aiken Elementary, but she makes sure she ‘knows’ each student” and doesn’t shy away from difficult situations around social and racial inequities, she said.

The Bridge’s Director of Clinical Operations, Chris Dutton, praised Mlodzinki’s collaboration and partnership with their school-based team. “In addition to her partnership with the Bridge, Shannon and the Aiken community have also proven to keep the needs of the entire community in mind as they lead clothing, food, and supply drives that help those in our community that need it,” he said.

Megan Polte, director of Community and School Based Services said Mlodzinski has an “unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of her students and their families,” and an understanding of unique needs. She also praised Mlodzinki’s dedication that extends far beyond the school community.

All attendees at the breakfast introduced themselves – another tradition – and Peter Macdonald, president of the Bridge’s Board of Directors, also spoke to guests Wednesday morning.

“This is the kind of day that makes us feel so lucky,” Macdonald said, to live in a town where so many people do the noble work of taking care of children and families. “And the Bridge is a big part of it. … It’s been a long-standing, great partnership,” he said.

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