A student and faculty member from West Hartford were both honored with the Mary Jane Petruccelli Award.

Nathaniel Pinkes ’17 (left) and Dr. Jennifer O’Brien, Chair of the Science Department at Watkinson School. Submitted photos

Submitted

Watkinson School, Hartford’s oldest coed independent day school for grades 6-PG, is proud to announce two West Hartford residents were given prestigious Watkinson awards this past week.

In memory of Mary Jane Petruccelli (’75), the Mary Jane Petruccelli Student Award was first given in 1977, by her classmates, friends and family. It is awarded to a member of the junior class, elected by the senior class, who represents the following characteristics Mary Jane brought to Watkinson: enthusiasm, openness, generosity, warmth and tolerance. This year’s student award was presented to Nathaniel Pinkes (’17).

The recipient of the Mary Jane Petrucelli Faculty Award is determined by a vote of the entire student body and is awarded to a faculty member who shows strong concern for and empathy toward students, demonstrates an outstanding commitment to education and to Watkinson, goes beyond the requirement of his or her job as a counselor and advisor to students and is exceptional in giving energy, time, humor, and caring. The 2016 faculty award recipient is Dr. Jennifer O’Brien, Chair of the Science Department at Watkinson School.

Watkinson School is a co-educational day school for grades 6-PG.  Founded in 1881, Watkinson is Hartford’s oldest independent school.