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Wilmington, Del. – New Castle County Head Start, Inc. hosted its annual luncheon at the Chase Center on June 2nd to celebrate the completion of another successful year and recognize board and staff members for outstanding service.
Since 1995, the prestigious Ethel M. Cooper Outstanding Service Award has been awarded by the Board of Directors to individuals who make outstanding contributions to New Castle County Head Start and the greater community. This award embodies the spirit of Ethel M. Cooper who touched many lives in her lifetime commitment to better the lives of children in our community. This year’s Ethel M. Cooper award was presented to current board member David Facciolo of Claymont, Del. Facciolo is Managing Partner of Minster & Facciolo, LLC and is a longtime advocate for children and families in our community. In 1992, Facciolo initiated the current New Castle County Head Start, Inc. governance structure between parents on the Policy Council and members of the Board of Directors by establishing joint agency committees in order to improve communication and facilitate joint decision making. This new structure was ahead of its time and soon became a model for other Head Start organizations. In addition to his 20 years of service as a board member and volunteer at New Castle County Head Start, Inc., he has also served in volunteer positions at local non-profit organizations including Small Wonders of Delaware, Delaware Mentor Program, Children and Families First and Delaware Perinatal Association.
Since 2004, the Lucy H. Borda Award has been bestowed on the staff member who best represents the character of deceased staff member Lucy H. Borda. Lucy H. Borda held a strong belief in continued professional growth, regardless of personal challenges, and an ongoing determination to accomplish professional goals. This year’s award was presented to Diane Taylor of the Bear Center for her 25 years of service to New Castle County Head Start, Inc. Taylor started as a parent volunteer and then became a full time Head Start employee in 1985. She has served in nearly every center position including teacher, assistant teacher, family service worker and center coordinator. She received her associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Wilmington College and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
The Eunice A. Thomas Employee of the Year Award recognizes those whose individual efforts contributed to the program’s success throughout the year. Staff members from each of the nine Head Start centers and the administrative office voted for the person who best demonstrates a professional and positive attitude; and willingness to go out of his/her way to help others. This year’s winners are Lisa Schneider from the Administrative Office, Nayeli Nunez from the Absalom Jones Center, Bertina Sullivan from the Bear Center, Stephanie McManus from the Brandywine Center, Christine Scruggs from the Claymont Center, Mary Phillippi from the Lambson Center, Roxanne Lundberg from the Manor Park Center, Tashia Charles from the Marshallton Center, Maria Gonzalez from the Newark Center and Robin Pulliam from the Rose Hill Center.