CFC’s Head Start Program Hosts 29th Annual Banquet
On June 11, an event organized by the CFC Head Start Policy Council members was held at McGovern’s Family Restaurant in Fall River. Alicia Jansen, Policy Council Chairperson, welcomed the attendees to the 29th Head Start Program Annual Banquet and thanked everyone for their attendance and support of the Head Start Program. The Policy Council functions in an advisory role, similar to a board of directors, for the staff of the Head Start Program. Alicia Jansen, presented awards to the Policy Council members in appreciation of their participation in this year’s Head Start Policy activities.
Head Start Director, Neil Lynch presents a certificate of appreciation to Policy Council Chairperson Alicia Jansen
The current Head Start Policy Council officers are:
Alicia Jansen – Policy Council Chairperson
Wesley Yost – Policy Council Vice Chairperson
Jessica Masse – Policy Council Treasurer
Nichole Goodis – Policy Council Secretary
Other members of the Policy Council are:
Deborah Silva, Christina Devoe, David Melanson, Jessica Masse,
Kelly Pike, Maritza Rodriquez, Eric Larrivee, Dwane Lewis,
Nicole Leite, Robin Dechaine, Angie Pacheco, April Souza. and
Ada Pantoja
Citizens for Citizens, Inc.’s Executive Director, Mark A Sullivan, Jr., thanked the Policy Council members and Head Start parents for their continued involvement in the program and reminded them that, “They (the parents) are the best teachers for their children. Studies have demonstrated that children who enter and complete the Head Start Program perform better than other students when they enter kindergarten and succeeding grade levels. One of the reasons that the participating children do well is the parent participation component.” Mr. Sullivan also said that the “Head Start Program was one of the first programs that CFC operated, now in its 45th year of operation.”
Mr. Sullivan presented a twenty-five year service award to Neil Lynch, the Head Start Director. Neil thanked the staff and parents, and expressed his appreciation for their assistance during his tenure as Director of the Head Start Program. Neil Lynch also thanked the Banquet Committee members and all the volunteers who helped to make this annual event a success.
Neil Lynch receives twenty-five year award from CFC Executive Director Mark A. Sullivan, Jr
Neil Lynch was joined by Head Start Assistant Director, Pamela Wildnauer to present service awards to the following employees:
For five years service – Melissa Botelho, Dina Fonseca, Amy King and Breken Perry
For ten years service – Michelle Arpa, Cheryl Dennis, Rosa Resendes and Aida Trevera
For fifteen years service – Norma Monteiro
For twenty years service – William Hackett, Jr.
For twenty-five years of service – Elaine Gifford, Mary Leger, Sheila Cabral, Donna Morris, Janice Tremblay, and Linda Viveiros
For thirty years service – Sharon Gonsalves
For thirty-five years service– Helen Raposo
Ms. Raposo received an engraved desk clock to commemorate her service to the Head Start Program.
Helen Raposo proudly displays her engraved clock for thirty-five years of service
Alicia Jansen presented the following Policy Council members with appreciation awards:
Dwayne Lewis (The Good Guy Award)
Jessica Masse – Policy Council Treasurer
Jackie Cummings – Community Representative
Christina Devoe
Nicole Leite
After the award presentations were concluded, the attendees enjoyed dancing well into the night to music played by local DJ’s, Joan and Rick Mello.
