Press Release

March 17, 2009

Norwalk, CT---The Natalia Rodriguez Scholarship Fund committee announced a fundraiser that will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at West Rocks Middle School from 6-8 PM. Donations will be collected at the door -- $5.00 per adult and $2.00 per child.

Ms. Natalia Rodriguez passed away on June 15 after a 33-year career serving Norwalk Public Schools. In her most recent position, Ms. Rodriguez held the position of bilingual parent coordinator in central office. In this position, she assisted new families getting adjusted to Norwalk schools. Throughout the years, she helped hundreds of families coming from countries around the world to figure out how to register their children for school, how to get the required immunizations, and how to access community services.

“This is the first year of the scholarship and so the purpose of this event is to raise funds so that we may award scholarships to deserving students,” notes public relations officer Sheri McCready.

“Natalia always went above and beyond the call of duty to nurture and advocate for students and ELL families. It is my hope, that through this scholarship, we can identify students with similar attributes and provide needed support so they can reach their fullest potential. We need more people like Natalia today and in the future,” said Bruce Morris, director of human relations.

“I will always remember Natalia’s welcoming heart to all of the families entering the Norwalk Public School system,” commented Dr. Lynne Moore, principal of West Rocks Middle School.

The Scholarship Committee intends to award a $1000 scholarship to a graduate from Brien McMahon High School, Briggs High School and Norwalk High School. In order to obtain the $1,000 scholarship, prospective scholarship recipients must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher; he/she must be a current or former ELL student; he/she must demonstrate community involvement; and he/she must have the ability to demonstrate leadership and motivational skills.

The members of the Norwalk Public Schools Natalia Rodriguez ELL Scholarship Committee include Bruce Morris, Rosa Murray, Migdalia Rivas, Dr. Lynne Moore, Shirley Mosby, Yvonne Rodriguez, Chester Dawson, Helene Becker and Sheri McCready.

Student recognized for exemplary volunteer service

Druha Karunakaran, a Brien McMahon High School student was recognized for volunteer service. Druha has been honored for his exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award. The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country, was presented by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. Druha participated in the Spirit of Community program this year as a representative of Brien McMahon High School.

Sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program recognizes young people across America for outstanding community service activities.

Category: Announcements