Awards & Recognition

Celebrating Southern’s Distinguished Education Alumni 

Message from the Dean 

At Southern Connecticut State University’s College of Education, we are deeply proud of the extraordinary impact our alumni continue to make in classrooms, schools and communities across the state and beyond. Each recognition and award earned by our graduates is a reflection of the passion, dedication, and leadership they bring to the field of education.  

This page serves as a celebration of your accomplishments and a reminder that the work you do matters. Whether recognized at the district, state, or national level, your success uplifts our shared mission to foster equity, excellence, and innovation in education. 

We honor you – and we thank you for continuing to carry Southern’s legacy forward. 

Christopher E. Trombly, Ph.D. 

Dean, College of Education 

Southern Connecticut State University 

About this Page 

This page highlights alumni of Southern’s College of Education who have been honored for their outstanding contributions to the field of education. From statewide recognition to district-level awards, these accomplishments reflect the depth of talent, leadership, and service within our alumni community. 

2025 Honorees
Julia Miller

Julia Miller

Sixth-Year Certification, Educational Leadership ’23

Connecticut Teacher of the Year 2025
Recognized by the Connecticut State Department of Education

Abby Owen

Abby Owen

B.S. Education '11, M.S. '17

Stratford Teacher of the Year 2025
Recognized by Stratford Public Schools

Alexandra Drezek

Alexandra Drezek

B.S. English Secondary Education ’21

Derby Middle School Teacher of the Year 2025
Recognized by Derby Public Schools

Christine Davis

Christine Davis

B.S. English ’96; M.S. English '05; Sixth-Year Certificate, Educational Leadership '14

Ansonia Teacher of the Year 2025
Recognized by Ansonia Public Schools

2024 Honorees
Joseph McCrary

Joseph Macary

Sixth-Year Certificate, Educational Leadership ’07

Superintendent of the Year 2024
Recognized by the Connecticut Association of Public Schools Superintendents (CAPSS)

Kurt Ogren

Kurt Ogren

Sixth-Year Certificate, Educational Leadership ’01

Principal of the Year 2024
Recognized by the Connecticut Association of Schools

Rhonan Mokriski

Rhonan Mokriski 

M.S. History ’97

Connecticut History Teacher of the Year 2024
Recognized by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Southern Connecticut State University College of Education Logo

Lauren Palaski

B.S. Secondary Mathematics Education, '09; M.S. Math Ed., '17

North Branford Teacher of the Year 2024 
Recognized by North Branford Public Schools

2022 Honorees
Rebecca J. Wilson

Rebecca J. Wilson

Ed.D. Counselor Education & Supervision, '24

Administrator of the Year 2022
Recognized by the Connecticut Association for Counselor Education and Supervision

2020 Honorees
Federico Fiondello

Federico Fiondella

Sixth-Year Certificate, Educational Leadership, ’18

Connecticut History Teacher of the Year 2020
Recognized by the Gilderman Lehrman Institute of American History

 

Have You Recently Been Recognized?

If you’re a graduate of Southern’s College of Education and have received an award or professional recognition, we’d love to celebrate your accomplishments.  

Please email us at collegeofeducation@southernct.edu with your name, graduation year, details about your honor, and any relevant photos or links.