Staff Spotlight: Shannon Kennedy-Cabral, Boles Rookie of the Year Award Recipient
Congratulations to Shannon Kennedy-Cabral, who was surprised with the Dr. Russell S. Boles, Jr. Rookie of the Year Award at Latham Centers’ Annual Staff Awards Ceremony in November. Matthew O’Sullivan (Assistant Principal) presented the award in an all-staff celebration via Zoom:
“This year I have the honor of presenting the Russell S. Boles, Jr. Rookie of the Year Award to a staff member that has shown to be a great staff from the moment she started. The staff that has rightfully earned this award is Teacher Shannon Kennedy-Cabral! Shannon started with us as a student from Bridgewater State University, doing her Practicum. She began at Latham as an aide, doing her student teaching, and we saw her grow so much into the role of Classroom Teacher. …You had all the options when you graduated college of where you wanted to teach, and you decided to stay here at Latham because you knew this was the place for you, and that you would have a great impact – and you have been rocking it! …Shannon has been recognized by students, families, staff, and administration on her dedication and work ethic. Her optimism and outlook has benefited so many others. Even after only being here for a short time, everyone quickly recognized her as caring, strong, and dedicated to all around her. Shannon is always willing to help everyone out, whether you are new and need help learning the ropes or have been around and just need a good laugh. Shannon has proven on several occasions to go above and beyond for the students and staff here at Latham. She is always there to help, without even asking. She is a solid presence, liked by all the students and staff by lighting up the room whenever around with her smile and fun personality. The creativity and structure she has brought to her classroom not only drastically improved the lives of her students, but also all students on campus. No one deserves this award more than you, Shannon! Congratulations and it is a pleasure to have you a part of our Latham team!”
Latham staff nominated many colleagues for this award — Staff Spotlight Series: Latham’s 2021 Staff Awards (Part 1) – Latham Centers – one additional Rookie of the Year Award spotlight will follow in an upcoming blog.
Pictured: Shannon with the Rookie of the Year Award and the heartfelt applause during the all-staff awards celebration.
About the award: Russell Boles was a great man and a true friend to everyone at Latham Centers. He served as a member of the Latham Board of Directors from 1999 to 2010. Even though Dr. Boles had officially retired from the board, he continued to be a force in the development of our school and our adult programs until his passing in 2019 at the age of 96.
Dr. Boles was instrumental in the growth on campus and he was always interested in the success of our students and staff. He was one of Latham’s biggest cheerleaders — always upbeat, ready to tackle any issue impacting the school or our programs, and always going above and beyond to ensure Latham’s success. We lost a champion in Dr. Boles, and a very dear friend, but his legacy of service and kindness is carried forward by his family. We are so grateful to count them among our dear friends.
It is therefore fitting that this award in his name honors the new staff person who epitomizes the professionalism and grace that Russell Boles demonstrated.