PTA Council Essence Awards Shine a Light on Volunteers

The PTA Council held their Essence Awards ceremony on Thursday, emceed by PTAC Essence Committee Co-Chairs Dani Rossi and Kerri Gruss, likely acknowledged thousands of volunteer hours.

The Essence committee, made up of Kristen Hawreluk, Bob Chaney, Mandi Drayer and Veronica Chiavaroli, made tough choices.

There are countless  PTA volunteers from the families of nearly 9,000 students attending the town’s 15 public schools, and all of them make a difference in the community.

This year there were six nominees representing eight nominations from the community, (in alphabetical order):  Tom Casazzone, John Fisher, Liz Rutledge, Katrina Sabeti, Lisa Sylvester and Heather Woodworth.

The 2025 PTA Council Award for Excellence in Voluntarism went to Tom Casazzone.

Lisa Sylvester, who was awarded 2025 PTA Lifetime Award for Excellence in Voluntarism, said, “I don’t feel I should be the only one to receive this…There are so many volunteers in town behind the scene. I want to share this with everyone who was nominated. I share this with everybody.”

In 2017, the Lifetime Essence Award was created that specifically honors an active, long-standing impactful PTA volunteer who has contributed over the course of many years through a variety of positions and schools.

 

Greenwich Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones spoke about the huge positive impact PTA volunteers have on the public schools every day.

“I want to thank you for the hours and hours and hours you put in. Our principals are so grateful to have their PTAs. It’s not only the fundraising and the resources that you bring, but the way that you impact the culture of the schools, it makes such a big difference. I know you give up a lot of time and family time to do this,” Jones said. “We appreciate you so very much.”

Tom Casazzone began volunteering in 2017 at North Street School through the Watchdog Dad Program that allowed fathers to volunteer at the school providing additional support and supervision in multiple classrooms. his service provided a positive male role model for many and provided a first glimpse into his many years of volunteering ahead.

Currently he is North Street’s PTA Treasurer and previously served as president and VP of programs. He is also the backbone of the NSS and CMS musical productions.

For the past eight years, Casazzone has served as the producer of NSS On Stage, a treasured tradition at the school.

Recently he partnered with a veteran educator  to pursue a grant from the Greenwich Alliance for Education with the goal of installing a communication boards in every playground in the district with tools to foster inclusion and and connection with students who have communication differences.

John Fisher served as PTA Council president for two years.

“He didn’t just fill the role. He brought his signature energy, humor and steadiness to another important year,” Ms Gruss said, noting that he was nominated by Janet McMahon. “John has brought unmatched energy, clarity and calm to a role that demands all three. His leadership is marked by a rare combination of diplomacy and drive.”

“His weekly PTAC news you can use has become essential reading,” Gruss added. “He also brings levity and diplomacy to even the most difficult BOE, RTM and BET meetings. Whether it is a perfectly timed zinger or a lighthearted prop, John has a gift for keeping people grounded and focused on what really matters –  our GPS community.”

Fisher has also been an indispensable advisor to the 8th grade Washington, DC trip scholarship fund, guiding the team through writing an RFP  through a critical vendor selection process.

Fisher was not eligible to receive an Essence award due to his current role on PTAC executive board, but his impact was deemed so meaningful that the committee decided not to let the moment pass without recognizing him.

Ms Gruss noted that Mr. Fisher would soon step into a new role with the Greenwich High School PTA.

Liz Rutledge from New Lebanon School PTA was described as its heartbeat, putting her time, talent and heart into every corner of the school, first as PTA co president and now as secretary.

She stepped up during the height of the pandemic in 2020 and helped the community not just functioning, but thriving. She organized online and outdoor gatherings that lifted spirits and helped families stay connected when they needed it most.

After the pandemic, she brought in new events like Boosterthon, Halloween fundraisers, and Custodian Appreciation Day, while also expanding beloved traditions like the Spaghetti Dinner and Teacher Appreciation Week.

“But what sets Liz apart isn’t just what she organizes—it’s how she leads,” Rossi said. “With warmth, positivity, and unwavering dedication, Liz makes everyone feel welcome. As one parent put it: “I was invited to join the PTA on day one. It changed everything—today, PTA moms like Liz are the ones I text when I need advice, or just a little support. She created that space.”

Katrina Sabeti, Treasurer of ISD’s PTA was the next nominee.

“Beyond the bookkeeping, Katrina has done so much to open the lines of
communication with other VPs on the PTA board as well as happily serving
as a beacon of knowledge for new treasurers after she rolled off,” Ms Rossi said. “Katrina would take the time to ensure each VP understood the lines of their budget and what they could do with their allocated funds.”

Ms Rossi said Ms Sabeti went a step further to make sure she was available for future treasurers to ensure seamless transitions.

“Even though Katrina left the ISD Treasurer position many years ago, they are still utilizing her knowledge, making the job easier and more manageable,” she added.

Ms Sabeti now serves as PTAC Treasurer and has instituted periodic meetings for all the GPS treasurers, has helped set up QuickBooks accounting software, answers Membership Toolkit questions, IRS and CT PTA questions and conducts financial analysis.

Lisa Sylvester was nominated by Monica Huang, Ralph Mayo, Valerie Rimmer and Alison Hoenig.

Ms Rossi said that from her early volunteer days at Glenville Bingo Night to her current role as Co-President of the GHS PTA, Ms Sylvester has been a driving force in every school she’s touched.

“She’s served in nearly every PTA role imaginable, bringing with her not only boundless enthusiasm, but also unmatched creativity, focus, and heart,” she said. “At GHS, she didn’t just fill a position—she redefined it. Lisa launched Big Red News, a vibrant and much-loved newsletter that keeps parents
connected and celebrates the full spirit of student life. She extended
Teacher Appreciation Week into a year-round celebration. She brought
back the Gingerbread House Competition. And she helped lead vital
schoolwide initiatives—from communications to safety to fundraising.”

In his nomination, GHS principal Ralph Mayo wrote, As Principal Ralph Mayo wrote, “Lisa has been one of the most effective PTA Presidents I’ve worked with in my 21 years as a building principal.”

Gruss added, “Lisa, your work has left a lasting legacy—not just in what you’ve built, but in the culture you’ve helped shape. Nominated by the entire GHS PTA Executive Board—a reflection of the deep admiration and gratitude of those who have worked most closely with you—we are beyond proud this morning to honor that legacy.”

The final nominee was Heather Woodworth from ISD. Ms Gruss said that in the 2 years Ms Woodworth had volunteered at ISD,, she had led and supported more than 50 different enrichment initiatives for students in kindergarten through 5th grade, including author visits, classical cafe musicians, and field trips.

“She has helped coordinate school wide assemblies such as a hip-hop
residency, a Chinese acrobat, and a theatrical production of Charlotte’s
Web,” Gruss said. “Her knowledge of grade-wise curriculum is second to none and she has a unique way of ensuring that ISD’s IB curriculum is also reflected in every activity for our students.”