AWARD WINNER Annmarie Wright was teaching her first-graders at the Hood School when she was surprised with her Trusted Adult Award as several colleagues cheered her on. (Courtesy Photo)

 

 

NORTH READING — The North Reading Community Impact Team’s Youth Substance Use Prevention Coalition and the Youth Services Committee teamed up this spring to present its Trusted Adult Awards to five community members to celebrate the positive impact they have on the lives of local youths.

The winners of the 2024 Trusted Adult Awards were cited for their “support and mentorship of our community’s youth.” They received the group’s classic engraved glass star award along with a certificate of appreciation.

School psychologist Justin Mattison and teacher Katherine Bray from the North Reading Middle School, first grade Hood School teacher Annmarie Wright, Flint Memorial Library Assistant Director Tyler Hixon, and North Reading Robotics volunteer coach Karen Moberg were recognized this year with each receiving multiple, heartfelt nominations.

The program generated 50 nominations in recognition of the adults who live or work in North Reading and who have had a positive impact on the town’s youth.

 

FLINT MEMORIAL LIBRARY Director Sharon Kelleher (left) and Youth Services Director Eleanor Richard (right) presented Tyler Hixon with his Trusted Adult glass star award, certificate, and a note of thanks from a student. (Courtesy Photo)

 


MIDDLE SCHOOL HONOREES

Mattison was praised for his approachability to young people. One nomination stated: “Mr. Mattison is a normal guy who you can openly talk to and not feel like it is an adult. He always gives great advice, not so much as how a teacher would, but more like someone I can relate to. Mr. Mattison is an amazing person.”

Middle School Principal Dr. Cathy O’Connell added, “I’m so happy, and not surprised at all, that Mr. Mattison is being recognized. I see his impact every day.”

O’Connell said the empathy shown by Katherine Bray in her interactions with students is demonstrated daily. “Ms. Bray’s energy radiates kindness,” O’Connell explained. One nomination specifically stated: “Ms. Bray is very enthusiastic inside and outside of the classroom. She shows a true interest in her students’ well-being and cares about us all. I feel comfortable sharing any topics with Ms. Bray because she’s understanding, caring, and is considerate with how to help you.”

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL administrators and Coalition members surprised the two winners from NRMS with their Trusted Adult star awards. From left: Assistant Principal Laura Oliveto, Youth Services Director Eleanor Richard, Principal Dr. Cathy O’Connell, award winners Katherine Bray and Justin Mattison, and Coalition Director Amy Luckiewicz. (Courtesy Photo)

 


HOOD SCHOOL HONOREE

At the Hood School presentation, Principal Dr. Glen McKay commented, “Mrs. Wright is a dedicated, friendly and outgoing member of our community who always shares her deep pride for the larger North Reading community.”

One former Hood School student explained the reasoning behind her nomination for Mrs. Wright aptly: “She is a kind person, helps cheer me up when I’m feeling down and I love her lending library house. She has made a big impact in my life by identifying my dyslexia early and working patiently with me.”

FLINT MEMORIAL LIBRARY HONOREE

One of Assistant Library Director Tyler Hixon’s many nominators wrote: “He is my trusted adult because he is one of the kindest adults I know. He runs the DND (Dungeons and Dragons) Club at the local library and he makes it consistently the highlight of my week.”

Flint Memorial Library Director Sharon Kelleher added, “Tyler’s programs have created a fun, safe space for teens. He encompasses the perfect balance of supporting, encouraging, and genuinely caring. I am thrilled that he is being recognized for his positive impact!”

 

YOUTH SERVICES DIRECTOR Eleanor Richard (left) and Youth Services Committee Chair Peter Majane (right) presented Robotics Coach Karen Moberg with her Trusted Adult recognition award at her office at the Hillview Country Club. (Courtesy Photo)

 


COMMUNITY AT-LARGE HONOREE

Youth Services Director Eleanor Richard coordinated the nomination process for the 2024 Trusted Adult Awards and was especially impressed with the nominations received for North Reading Robotics volunteer coach Karen Moberg. “It was clear to the committee that her dedication to the robotics program makes a difference to the students she works with,” Richard said, adding, “She volunteers her time to make sure these students have a place to test their engineering skills.”

One nomination recognizing Moberg stated: “She is always someone we can rely on to help us as a team. Not only this, but Karen takes time to help us outside the club, whether it’s fighting for us in our school, or helping us individually with problems we face. We could not appreciate her more for all she does.”

A TRADITION SINCE 2015

The North Reading Community Impact Team’s Youth Substance Use Prevention Coalition has led the efforts to recognize adults in the community for their positive impact since 2015. This year, the Coalition partnered with the Youth Services Committee to review and select award recipients.

The Coalition would like to thank the Youth Services Committee volunteers for carefully examining the 50 nominations and recognize Youth Services Director Eleanor Richard for her coordination of this award program.

As noted by Coalition Director Amy Luckiewicz, “It was great to have a collaboration this year among the Coalition and Youth Services Committee. Eleanor did a great job of coordinating the awards and tracking nominations. We can’t wait to do it again next year!”