- 2020 Neag School Alumni Awards
- Jessica Stargardter: Outstanding Early Career Professional
- Christine L. Carver: Outstanding School Superintendent
- Daniel J. Crispino: Outstanding School Administrator
- Jeffrey Corbishley: Outstanding School Educator
- Robin M. Schader: Outstanding Professional
- Marcia A. B. Delcourt: Outstanding Higher Education Professional
- Bert Wachtelhausen: Distinguished Alumna
- Alumni Board Scholarship Award
- Rogers Educational Innovation Award
- Zirkel Distinguished Teaching Award
2020 Neag School Outstanding School Administrator
Daniel J. Crispino ’15 6th Year, who began his career in education as a first-grade teacher, today serves as director of school leadership for Meriden (Conn.) Public Schools, where he coaches and supports elementary administrators in goal setting, planning, development, implementation, and monitoring of action plans. Prior to that, he held several administrative positions, including that of principal, at John Barry Elementary School. In 2019, he was recognized with several awards, among them the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership, presented by the U.S. Department of Education. Under Crispino’s leadership, Barry Elementary also was recognized as a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School and named by the Connecticut State Department of Education as a School of Distinction for its high academic growth.
“I am continually impressed by Dan’s positive interaction with students and parents. I have observed him working with parents and the community, involving them in school as he has increased attendance at parent programs and providing parents with numerous strategies for helping their child at home. His positive communication with students motivates them, promotes a growth mindset, and instills the belief that they can be
successful in school and life.”— Mark Benigni, Superintendent, Meriden Public Schools
Acceptance Speech from Daniel
“Dan has supported talent development across the building, provided academic support across all teams, revised several systems and operations, and created a sustainable climate and culture in and around John Barry’s walls.”
— Lauren Bernacchia,
Grade 5 Teacher, John Barry Elementary School
“To be specific when discussing Mr. Crispino as a leader, if you spend even five minutes with him, you understand very quickly the level of passion he has for what he does; he loves this school, he loves these kids. I know he wouldn’t be OK with anything but absolute success from the students, the teachers, and the families as a whole. ... He has earned respect from everyone as a relatable and transparent leader, principal, role model, and father.”
— Paula Carabetta,
Parent, John Barry Elementary School
