District Awards

The David A. Brumer Excellence in Education Award was established during the 1999-2000 academic year in memory of Mr. Brumer. Mr. Brumer was a Seymour Board of Education Chairman from 1994 until his untimely passing in April, 1998. In  his capacity as Board Chairman, Mr. Brumer showed his abilities as a visionary, a motivator, and an individual devoted to making the Seymour Schools the best that they possibly could be. During his short tenure, he established open communications with the Board of Education, procured more funding for operating the Seymour Schools, and brought the district into the world of educational technology. His involvement in all phases of the schools' operations was endless. It is only fitting that this annual award be established and awarded in his memory.

This award is to be given to an individual devoted to making the Seymour Schools the best that they can be, an individual who assists in the education of the children of the Town of Seymour in an outstanding and exemplary manner. This individual should be a resident of the Town of Seymour or any member of the staff employed by the Seymour Board of Education or a student in the Seymour Public Schools. This individual should share the ideals of David A. Brumer who valued community serve and community participation in the Seymour Public Schools.

RECIPIENTS

The Vincentena Kobasa Excellence in Teaching Award was established by the Seymour Board of Education in the 2002-2003 academic year. Mrs. Kobasa was a retired Seymour teacher who served on the Board of Education. Mrs. Kobasa was a tireless individual who devoted much of her time in community service both in Seymour and other New Haven County Agencies. It is only fitting that this annual award be established in honor of her memory.

To be given to an individual who is a retired teacher or a current teacher employed by the Seymour Board of Education who has displayed extraordinary efforts on behalf of students during his/her career, who has made a difference to his/her students and who values educational excellence. The individual shares the ideals of Vincentena Kobasa by displaying involvement in the entire school community and/or community outside of school.

RECIPIENTS

The John J. Gallagher Memorial Athletic Award was established during the 2000-2001 academic year by the Seymour Board of Education in memory of Mr. John Gallagher who was an avid supporter of Seymour High School’s athletic programming. Mr. Gallagher passed away in November 2000, one week after celebrating his 100^th birthday. Up to his 99^th year, he always attended Seymour High School’s athletic activities. In his memory, the Board of Education would like to honor an individual who is an avid supporter of the Seymour athletic programming.

To be given to an individual who has assisted in the support and development of athletics within the schools and the community-at-large. This individual should be a resident of the Town of Seymour or any member of the staff employed by the Seymour Board of Education or a student in the Seymour Public Schools.

RECIPIENTS

The Thomas J. Petruny Memorial Education and Environment Award was established in 2010 in memory of Thomas J. Petruny who passed away on July 5, 2009 shortly after his retirement as Superintendent of Schools in Seymour. After growing up in Seymour and graduating from Seymour High School, Mr. Petruny taught middle school students and served as Assistant Principal in Monroe. In 1994, Mr. Petruny returned to Seymour to accept the position of Assistant Superintendent. He was subsequently appointed and served as Superintendent of Schools in Seymour until his retirement in 2007. Mr. Petruny was very interested in preseveration of the environment and was an avid outdoorsman. The Seymour Board of Education would like to honor a Middle School student who shares the ideals of Mr. Petruny who valued environmental education, preservation of the environment and outdoor activities.

To be given to a Seymour Middle School student who has displayed a strong interest in environmental education and/or activities involving the environment and its preservation. This student must share the ideals of Thomas J. Petruny who valued environmental education, preservation of the environment and outdoor activities.

RECIPIENTS

The Karen R. Stanek “Once A Wildcat, Always A Wildcat” Award is to be given to a current student, or graduate of the Seymour School System, who shows that they take pride in their school and community. This individual should represent Seymour in the best light through academics, athletics, or volunteer service. This individual should model leadership and teamwork with Wildcat spirit, who also embodies the meaning behind the motto, “Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat!”