Chelsea School Committee honors unified sports team, teacher awardees and retiring staff member

The Chelsea School Committee used part of its Dec. 4 meeting to recognize student achievement, community partnerships and long service.

Unified sports: Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer Adam Delaney introduced the district’s first unified sports teams (affiliated with Special Olympics) and lauded Athletic Coordinator Amanda Alpert and the coaches for creating inclusive basketball opportunities. Several student athletes and partner athletes were called to be recognized and photographed.

Teacher and partner awards: The committee presented a “Name, Strength and Story” award to Chelsea High teacher Sam Chirco after students nominated him and offered testimonials about his class routines and care for students. The committee also recognized Chelsea Bridal Youth Football & Cheer for its coaching and community engagement and named club coaches and volunteers during the meeting.

Staff retirement and member service: The district presented an outstanding service award to Joseph Cooney for roughly 33 years of service working on district buildings and grounds and overseeing several facility upgrades, and the committee presented a service award to departing school committee member Yesenia Alfaro for 10 years of service. Members delivered tributes and Alfaro responded that she intends to remain active in community work.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 116; topfinish SEG 2056.