HAMDEN -- Hamden's teachers of the year received kudos Tuesday at the annual Hamden Public Schools and Hamden Education Foundation's fourth annual “Celebration of Excellence” at Hamden High School.

Superintendent of Schools Fran Rabinowitz and Diane Marinaro, president of the Hamden Education Association, honored educators who had received special recognition for their accomplishments during the last school year. Also recognized were teachers who had mentored Hamden’s newest teachers by sharing their knowledge and experience, they said in a prepared statement.

The following 10 teachers were honored as exemplary teachers representing their respective schools, and received awards donated by the Hamden Chamber of Commerce and individual businesses:

Bear Path School, Teacher Mary Dunn, award donated by Betty Wetmore- Council-At-Large;

Church Street School, Teacher Andrea Livolsi, award donated by Calcagni Associates;

Dunbar Hill School, Teacher Janet Manukas, award donated by Hamden Youth Services;

Helen Street School, Teacher Joanne Kaklamanos, award donated by Press Cuozzo Realtors;

Shepherd Glen School, Teacher Romie Kopjanski, award by Eye Center of Southern CT;

Spring Glen, Teacher Patrick Sullivan, award by Joiya Day Spa and Hair Design;

West Woods, Teacher Betsy Barker, award from Little Fish Studios Web Design;

Hamden Middle, Teacher Eileen Roach, award from Quinnipiac Bank and Trust;

Hamden High, Teacher Amanda Forcucci, award from Hamden Chamber of Commerce.

Hamden Teacher of the Year Michael Cebula received his award from Specialty Wire and Cord Sets, Inc.

The businesses were thanked for helping to make the occasion memorable, the statement said. The Hamden High School culinary arts program, directed by teacher Greg Amter, provided the refreshments.

Hamden Public Schools and the Hamden Education Association are proud to host the Third Annual “Celebration of Excellence.”  This exciting event will take place on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Hamden High School, Room C-107.

This celebration will honor educators who have received special recognition for their outstanding accomplishments during the last school year.  Also being recognized are teachers who have mentored Hamden’s newest teachers by sharing their knowledge and experience.  Supporting and inspiring their colleagues, these mentors have demonstrated a true commitment to education.

In addition, 11 teachers will be honored as exemplary teachers representing their respective schools, including Larry Stein from Ridge Hill who has been chosen as Hamden’s Teacher of the Year.  These outstanding educators will be presented with awards donated by the Hamden Chamber of Commerce and individual Hamden businesses.