SERC Annual Awards to be in New Britain; Mayor Sanchez to Deliver Opening Remarks

New Britain Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D) is to deliver opening remarks tonight for the State Education Resource Center (SERC) 2nd Annual Awards Night at the New Britain Museum of American Art.

The event, which begins at 5:30 pm at 56 Lexington St., aims to celebrate “individuals making positive changes in the education of Connecticut children.” The program, introduced by SERC Executive Director Dr Ingrid M. Canady, will also feature remarks from Desi Nesmith of CREC.

SERC says the evening will honor winners of the 2026 George A Coleman Award and the 2026 Parental Involvement Recognition Award. According to the agency, the Parental Involvement honors will be presented to Shannon Bullard, Lourdes Delgado, Jennifer Forman, and Mary Salemi. The George A Coleman Award honorees include Yvette Cole, the Goodwin University Magnet School System, Luanelly Iglesias, Kathleen Mack, and Christina Williams.

The Awards Night is co-sponsored by the Connecticut Statewide Family Engagement Center.

Describing itself as a “quasi-public agency providing resources, professional development, and a centralized library to educators, families, and community members in  collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Education and other partners.” SERC says its core mission is “grounded in a deep and unwavering commitment to equity and social justice.” SERC says they believe “every student deserves access to educational opportunities that honor and reflect their unique identities, abilities, and experiences.”