Celebrating Excellence in Education
Welcome to the Inspiration Awards, where we honor those who uplift our community through education. Join us in recognizing the outstanding individuals and organizations making a difference. Together, we can inspire others and foster a brighter future for all.
Celebrating Excellence: The Inspiration Awards
Twelve inspiring teachers, one administrator, community leaders, and one organization were honored for making a difference in the lives of Bridgeport students and families at the 31st Inspiration Awards on May 8th, 2025. Hosted by the Bridgeport Public Education Fund (BPEF) and Fairfield County’s Community Foundation (FCCF), the Inspiration Awards honor the good work being done in Bridgeport’s public schools.
The 2024 Inspiration Awards brought together more than 200 supporters from throughout the region at the Trumbull Marriott Hotel to recognize and honor Bridgeport teachers, administrators and institutions who have dedicated their time and passion to helping Bridgeport students succeed.
Award Winners
Explore the inspiring stories of our past award recipients, celebrating their achievements and contributions.
Thank you to our Presenting Partner:
Theodore & Margaret Beard Award
A highlight of the annual Inspiration Awards is the awarding of the The Theodore and Margaret Beard Excellence in Teaching Awards. Known as The Beard Teaching Awards, it’s among the largest education awards in the country. Recipients of this prestigious fund receive a $20,000 award for their ability to bring innovation, excitement and a love of learning to the classroom. The Beard Award prize is payable over three years as an incentive for recipients to remain in the district and provide resources to new Bridgeport teachers.
2024-2025 Theodore &Margaret Beard Excellence in Teaching Award
Raisa Mathew – Aquaculture School
Carrie Ramanauskas – John Winthrop School
2023-2024 Theodore & Margaret Beard Excellence in Teaching Award
Carla Ebmeyer – Aquaculture School
Erik Johnson – Park City Magnet School
Arthur & Gladys Lunin Humanitarian Award
The Arthur and Gladys Lunin Humanitarian Award, recognizes outstanding public and community service, mirroring the good works of Arthur and Gladys Lunin. Any individual who by his/her sacrifice, effort, and service to the Fairfield County Community deserves to be recognized and held up as an example for others to follow.
2024-2025 Arthur & Gladys Lunin Humanitarian Award
Pam Lewis – Connect-Us
Outstanding Teachers
This award was established in 1993 to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Bridgeport Public Education Fund. These teachers demonstrate leadership in the field of education and encourage other Bridgeport teachers to excel.
Teachers are nominated by a colleague who has been inspired by their candidate. Each recipient receives a crystal star and a $1,000 certificate entitling them to professional development enhancements for themselves or for the enrichment of their classroom and students.
2024-2025 OUTSTANDING TEACHERS
Laura Blodgett — Luis Marin Munoz School
Myrian Casetta — Warren Harding High School
Lena Guzman — Classical Studies Academy
Alexandra Julian — Florence Blackham School
Victoria Lametta — Bridgeport Military Academy
Gail McGuirk — Bryant School
Shannon Navarro — Beardsley School
Sara Parker— Geraldine Johnson School
2023-2024 OUTSTANDING TEACHERS
Melanie Cordeiro – Paul Laurence Dunbar School
John Cunningham – Waltersville School
Ashley Di lorio – Geraldine Johnson School
Kelly Prizio – High Horizons School
Carrie Ramanauskas – John Winthrop School
Sarah Richard – Luis Munoz Marin School
Jennifer Warfield – Paul Laurence Dunbar School
Tracey Wilkins – Luis Munoz Marin School
Thank you to our 2023-2024 Outstanding Teacher Sponsor:
George Bellinger Leadership Award
Recognizing that teachers aren’t the only ones making a difference in education, the Bridgeport Public Education Fund also honors school and community leaders who work to improve Bridgeport’s schools. The George Bellinger Leadership Award was established in 2004 to honor the memory of Bridgeport Public Education Fund board member and community leader, George Bellinger. This annual award is presented to a administrator in the Bridgeport Public Schools who best replicates the ability of George Bellinger to foster and recognize good leadership.
As a former member of BPEF’s Board of Directors, Mr. George Bellinger enjoyed being “Principal for a Day.” He was founder and President of Bar-Pat Manufacturing, became a Top 100 Black-owned business in the US. Bar-Pat manufactured parts for NASA and other corporations throughout the world.
2024-2025 George Bellinger Leadership Recipient:
Christopher Johnson – Fairchild Wheeler (IT) School
2023-2024 George Bellinger Leadership Recipient:
Francine Carbone – High Horizons School
Elizabeth M. Pfreim Civic Leadership Award
Named in honor of a Bridgeport philanthropist, one of the founders of the Bridgeport Public Education Fund, The Elizabeth M. Pfriem Civic Leadership Award recognizes community leaders who have made a long-term commitment to child advocacy and public education.
This special award is given to a recipient who best reflects visionary leadership and personal investment in the improvement of public education. The recipient receives a golden apple lapel pin symbolizing the quiet yet priceless work of Mrs. Pfriem.
2024-2025 Elizabeth M. Pfriem Civic Leadership recipient:
Eric Torres – Elevate Bridgeport
2023-2024 Elizabeth M. Pfriem Civic Leadership recipient:
Stephen Blume –Tango Flight/Bassick Partnership
Get Involved in Making a Difference
Your support can transform lives. Join our mission to enhance public education and empower our community. Whether you nominate a deserving individual, attend our upcoming event, or make a donation, every action counts.