Sacha Kelly, left, and Ollie-Rubiah Oliver, right, with Desi Nesmith.

The Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) has honored two Alma Exley Scholars as Teachers of the Year at their schools. Bestowing the honor was Desi Nesmith, executive director of CREC, also an Alma Exley Scholar.

Recognized were Ollie-Rubiah Oliver, who teaches at the Farmington Valley Diagnostic Center in Simsbury, and Sacha Kelly, a mathematics teacher at the Academy of Science and Innovation in New Britain. The Alma Exley Scholarship Program honored Ms. Oliver in 2001 and Ms. Kelly in 2008. Mr. Nesmith was honored in 2000.

Honored with 19 Other Teachers

Mr. Nesmith feted them at a luncheon at the Pond House in Elizabeth Park in West Hartford along with 19 other Teachers of the Year from CREC schools. More than 12,000 students from 40+ towns in the Hartford Region attend 22 CREC schools in Hartford and 12 surrounding towns.

“It is a special privilege to recognize two fellow Alma Exley Scholars as Teachers of the Year,” Mr. Nesmith said. “Their achievements reflect not only their individual dedication and talent but also the lasting impact that great educators have on the lives of students every day.”

Both honorees have master’s degrees from the University of Saint Joseph. Ms. Oliver has a bachelor’s degree from Temple University, and Ms. Kelly has a bachelor’s degree from Trinity College and a Sixth-Year Administrative Certificate from Central Connecticut State University.