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Paraeducator Of The Year

Shari Baillargeon

DePaolo Middle School
2025-2026

Paraeducator of the year holding flowers with other school staff

Shari started in Southington in August 1998!!! Her entire career has been dedicated to the students at DePaolo Middle School! She started as a part-time para in 1998, then went full-time in September 2000.

Shari was nominated by colleagues: Raquel Afragola, Erin Bard, Lindsay Davenport, and Angelina Donato

  • Shari has not only made a lasting impact on the students she supports but has also been an invaluable asset to the staff and the entire learning environment.
  • Has the ability to build genuine rapport with both students and staff.
  • Is the kind of paraeducator who doesn’t wait to be asked – she takes initiative.
  • Addresses situations before others realize they require attention.
  • Offers academic support, preps materials for a lab, checks in with students who are having tough days and is fully invested in the success of every child.
  • Exemplifies professionalism and ethical conduct in every aspect of her work.
  • Is dependable, punctual, and accountable.
  • Brings a consistent presence and reliability that make a meaningful difference for the team and students alike.Paraeducator of the year holding flowers with other school staff

Paraeducator of the Year Recipients

  • 2025-2026 Shari Baillargeon
  • 2024-2025 Mike Serafino
  • 2023-2024 Dawn Dickau -SPS Paraeducator of the Year and Connecticut's 2024 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year.
  • 2022-2023 Donna Bowes
  • 2021-2022 Lydia Holbrook
  • 2020-2021 Suzanne Topper
  • 2019-2020 Caroline Turek
  • 2018-2019 Anne Lippincott
  • 2017-2018 Edit Costanzo
  • 2016-2017 Deb Stevens
  • 2015-2016 Andrea Cerboni
  • 2014-2015 Deb Bender
  • 2013-2014 Cathy Riccio
  • 2012-2013 Barbara Perretta