At the Wednesday May 11, 2022, school board meeting, the Moultonborough School Board recognized a community member and 3 district teachers for their contributions to the schools and students of Moultonborough. Each year the district recognizes a community member for their distinguished public service, which has been of great benefit to countless children within the Moultonborough Community, a Champion for Children. This year’s recipient is James Proko. The district wants to thank Mr. Proko for his countless volunteer and coaching hours over the years, his advocacy for education, and his serious commitment to providing a positive adult role model to our students. Superintendent of School Patrick Andrew said as he presented the award, “This year you made it an easy and obvious decision.”
Each year the district also recognizes a teacher at each school for distinguishing themselves as an educator for all children, a life long learner, and a contributor to the school and local community. These year’s recipients of the Distinguished Educator Award are Whitney Sullivan (MA – HS), Chip Nyhan (MA-ML), and MaryEllen Connell (MCS).
Ms. Sullivan is just finishing her 10th year teaching at Moultonborough Academy and has distinguished herself as a leader and a committed professional among our students and among her colleagues at MA. She is a well-regarded, creative, and student-focused classroom teacher, who makes theoretical ideas, real for her students. She is also known for her consistency, reliability and all around good sense of humor. For these reasons, she is honored as a 2021-2022 Distinguished Educator.
Chip Nyan is a Middle Level Social Studies teacher. Mr Nyhan has worked in many teaching roles over his 26 years of service to the district, including Social Studies, Health, Math, Government/Economics, and the Alternative Program for high schools seeking an alternative diploma. He has coached Golf, Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Softball, and Soccer. He has supervised Student Government, Youth in Government Program, the Page Program, Fishing Club (before it became a team), and Class Advisor.
MaryEllen Connell is the Central School music teacher. Mrs. Connell has been making music in our schools for 35 years. Even after 35 years, she is still innovating her approach to teaching music. She not only taught music in her classroom, but brought music to MCS students with so many amazing musical experiences from square dancing to choral concerts, from the beloved potato races to welcoming Spring with song. These musical moments will live on and on in the hearts and minds of all of us.
Moultonborough School District thanks our Champion for Children James Proko, and our Distinguished Educators for their contributions to our school community.
