Paraeducator Of The Year
Shari Baillargeon
DePaolo Middle School
2025-2026

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 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
