With public school systems across the state preparing for the new academic year, the Southern community is proud to salute two Southern graduates who were honored by the Connecticut PTA at its annual Outstanding Educators Awards banquet on May 6. The event celebrate school leaders, teachers, support staff, and volunteers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to students, families, and their local PTA.
- Joseph Apicella, 6th Yr. ’10, of Orange Avenue Elementary School in Milford, received the Dawn Hochsprung Outstanding Elementary School Principal Award. The award is named in memory of Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, M.S. ’97, 6th Yr. ’98, the heroic principal of Sandy Hook Elementary School who was killed while trying to protect her students during the tragic Dec. 14, 2012, school shooting in Newtown.
- Cora Muñoz, M.S. ’12, of Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven, was named the Outstanding High School Assistant Principal.
Founded in 1893 as a teachers college, Southern remains a leader in education. Southern graduates are regularly recognized with district, state, regional, and national honors. Among them is Damon Lewis, M.S. ’04, who was named the 2025–26 National Principal of the Year at the middle school level for his leadership at Norwalk’s Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy. Also honored at the national level, Jahana Hayes, ’05, was named National Teacher of the Year in 2016 before being elected to the U.S. Congress, representing Connecticut.
Do you know a Southern graduate who has recently been recognized as an award-winning educator? Please share the information with Southern by completing this form.
