Non-Profit Organization Aims to Boost Norwalk, Conn., Education Opportunities
By Chris Bosak, The Hour, Norwalk, Conn.
Jan. 24–NORWALK — Students at Brien McMahon High School were encouraged to draw links between The Twilight Zone and classical literature. Brookside Elementary students draw learning inspiration from a working conservation art garden made in part from recycled materials.
These are just two of the projects within the Norwalk public school system that would not have been possible without the Norwalk Education Foundation (NEF), an independent non-profit organization dedicated to improving learning opportunities for Norwalk children and improving the quality of teaching within the system.
The foundation is funded largely by donations from businesses and individuals within the community. At the 5th Annual Awards Breakfast of Business Partners in Education on Tuesday morning at Fat Cat Joe, NEF honored two local businesses — GE Commercial Finance and Fat Cat Pie Company — that have made significant contributions to the organization.
“Good schools require many things,” said Lauren Rosato, executive director of NEF. “It takes good educators, and administration, but it also takes a community that cares and Norwalk’s business community really supports education. It’s an important and long-standing partnership.”
The event, presented by NEF and the Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, drew about 50 people, including Mayor Richard Moccia, former Mayor Alex Knopp, state representatives Larry Cafero and Chris Perone, Norwalk common councilman Herb Grant, teachers in the Norwalk school system, and several representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and business community at large.
Salvatore Corda, schools superintendent, presented a short, but impassioned, speech about the state of education in Norwalk. He cited the incredible diversity of Norwalk and the inherent challenges and opportunities involved in educating the youth of such a city.
“Norwalk public schools does an outstanding job in addressing what will be necessary for competing in a global economy,” he said, citing as an example Brien McMahon High School’s Center for Global Studies. “We’re developing in young people the ability to access information and the skills to develop relationships. If you work hard, opportunities will be there for you. It’s our job to make sure students understand that.”
Cafero also embraced the diversity of students in Norwalk.
“Go to a holiday concert and a quarter of the school is there,” he said.
“Black, white, rich, poor — that’s the strength of Norwalk. It makes parents like myself proud.”
GE Commercial Finance was honored for developing a five-year plan for NEF and its consistent financial assistance. It was represented by Jen Beihl, Sandy Bria and Jema Cooper.
“Education is the primary focus for GE globally in terms of volunteerism,” Beihl said, adding that GE employees also donate their time to skill sets to help NEF.
Fat Cat Pie Company was recognized for its participation in DineOut for Education and for providing a venue for NEF meetings.
“For many in NEF, this is a home away from home,” Rosato said. “They are very enthusiastic supporters of NEF.”
Tony Ancona of Fat Cat Pie Company accepted the award along with business partner Massimo Tulio.
“We’re helping them fight the good fight,” Ancona said after the ceremony.
“What’s more important than education? In a country that’s so well-to-do, we should have the best education system.”
Mayor Moccia said providing a good public education is part of the job description for many city employees, but not for others in the business community at large.
“These people don’t have to do it, but they do,” he said. “That’s what makes this community so special. They give their time and money because they believe in Norwalk.”
ON THE WEB
www.norwalkeducation.org
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