The Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District is proud to announce that American Legion Gaudette-Kirk Post 138 has selected Christine (Chrissy) Lavin as its John Mulkern Educator of the Year. The post’s announcement states that “Chrissy goes far above and beyond her responsibilities as a 5th and 6th Grade math teacher in the East Brookfield Elementary School. Her math teaching efforts have consistently kept her students performing in the top 20% on state achievement tests, but it's her extra efforts to ensure that all students, their families, the school staff, and the community at large thrive in a welcoming and supportive community that we are recognizing her for this award.
The award cites a full two-pages of services Ms. Lavin performs as a matter of character, with no expectation of compensation or recognition. Beyond this list of services to her school and community the citation goes on to say “Even more notable for the purposes of this award is Chrissy's commitment to civic and community engagement for herself and her students. Most noteworthy in this regard is Ms. Lavin's commitment to broadening students' understanding of local, state and national community. She not only models community commitment, she builds students' understanding of it by organizing and facilitating many community events.” For example, “She organizes East Brookfield Elementary students' capstone learning experience by helping the students fundraise and learn from their 6th grade trip to Washington DC. Ms. Lavin makes sure all students are given the opportunity to experience first-hand the history, majesty and workings of the United States of America. The trip includes visits to many monuments and museums, government buildings and institutions, and other points of interests. Meetings with our members of Congress at the Capitol Building and participating in the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery are always highlights of the trip her students take with them forever. Students learn what it means to be proud, benevolent American citizens through the lessons Christine Lavin provides them, the example she sets for them, and her tireless commitment to our local and national communities.”
Ms. Lavin’s Post 138 recognition serves as a nomination for the American Legion’s Massachusetts Educator of the Year award. The post concluded its nomination with a statement to the state-wide selection committee; “We wish you all the best in your search for state-wide Educator of the Year, but we believe you will find none better than Ms. Christine Lavin.”
“I speak for all of us within the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District when I say, 'we couldn’t agree more with the American Legion. Congratulations, Ms. Christine Lavin on this well-deserved recognition! Our learning community could not be more proud of you and the skill and professionalism you demonstrate daily as a member of our faculty," said Superintendent of Schools Paul Haughey.