Head Start Program Hosts 30th Annual Banquet
On June 10, an event organized by the CFC Head Start Policy Council members was held at the Venus de Milo Restaurant in Swansea. Erin Lewis, Policy Council Chairperson, welcomed the attendees to the 30th 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. Erin Lewis, presented awards to the Policy Council Committee members in appreciation of their participation in this year’s Head Start Policy activities.
The current Head Start Policy Council Committee are:
Erin Lewis – Chairman
Ashley Sullivan – Vice Chairman
Carol Medeiros – Family Services Coordinator
Nathalie Charles – Treasurer
Lucy Resendes – Secretary
Christina Devoe – Representative to the Citizens for Citizens, Inc Board of Directors
Jacqueline Cummings: Community Representative
Neil Lynch – Head Start Director
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 46th year of operation.” He also told the parents that the toughest job they’ll ever have is being a parent but it’s the most rewarding job they’ll ever do”
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.
The Banquet Committee members are:
Erin Lewis, Dwane Lewis, Jessica Masse, Charlene Gonzalez, Jean Briggs, Nathalie Charles, Christina Devoe, Nelly Lima, Eric Laravee, Melanie Rosa, Maria Ouellette and Aida Trevera
Neil Lynch was joined by Head Start Assistant Director, Pamela Wildnauer to presented service awards to Head Start Staff:
The Head Start staff member with the longest service was Lucille Rissler forty years. Lucille received a silver and crystal bracelet for her long standing service to the program.
Lou Rissler Accepting her 40 year service award with Neil Lynch and Pam Wildnauer
After the award presentation and raffle were completed the attendees danced to the music provided by 25 year Head Start staff member a.k.a. DJ Barbara Menard.
