Mom inspiresaward winner 
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
Vanessa Taylor, chosen as the state’s 2026 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year, stood alone at the podium middle school’s auditorium thanking all who supported her. Her voice trembled with emotion but she was not alone — her mother/best friend/booster was standing beside her in spirit.
Later, showing her ring with a photo of her and her mother together, she related that her mom was her best friend and was always telling her she could do it. She always told her she could do it; be herself; don’t be afraid to take risks. “My mom said ‘You are the key to your success. You can choose your path. You’re the only one who has the key’.”
And she embodies that philosophy and passes it on to the students she helps. 
That philosophy makes Taylor an extraordinary paraeducator, according to staff and state Department of Education officials.
Taylor was one of 10 nominees and she wasn’t sure if she would get the award.
But according to Jessica Ocasio, from the state Department of Education, there was no doubt Taylor would get the honor. Ocasio said the team came to the elementary school and talked to teachers and administrators to get a sense of the impact Taylor has on her students. When they saw Taylor in action, there was “no question” she was the top paraeducator, Ocasio said.
Taylor said the honor is “so overwhelming.” “I love the students and I love coming to work every day,” she said. 
School Superintendent Steven Rioux called it an extraordinary day, “honoring someone who represents the very best of our school community.” Mayor Barney Seney also acknowledged how special Taylor is. State Representative Chris Stewart presented Taylor with a state citation.
The award, presented annually by the Connecticut State Department of Education and the School Paraprofessional Advisory Council, honors paraeducators who demonstrate exceptional dedication, skill, and compassion in supporting students and teachers. It is named in memory of Anne Marie Murphy, a paraeducator who heroically gave her life protecting students during the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in 2012.
Charlene Russell-Tucker, commissioner of education, said “Paraeducators are an essential pillar of our education system.” Paraeducators help students reach their full potential. “They are fiercely committed to our students and make sure they get everything that they need.”
Russell-Tucker noted that Taylor had served in the military, was honorably discharged and then “fortunately for all of us, she also wanted to serve in another way.” Taylor started at a daycare. “Our theme this year,” Russell-Tucker  said, is “unlocking lifelong potential and this person embodies this theme and strongly believes in the potential of every student.” She reminds students that they “never truly know what they’re capable of.”
Taylor said  her mother is her biggest inspiration and I carry her with me and share it with students.” “My mom is always with me.”

captions, page 8:

Vanessa Taylor holding flowers. Behind her is Jessica Ocasio. More photos Wed. night on our FB page. Linda Lemmon photos.

Taylor with her family.