This past month, CSEA held our annual Bernard McCusker Memorial Scholarship Award Ceremony, recognizing 67 students with $1,000 scholarships to help with their higher education aspirations. Bernard McCusker was the President of CSEA when he passed unexpectedly, and in his memory, CSEA created the memorial scholarship, which has awarded well over 1,000 scholarships totaling over $1,000,000 throughout the past 60+ years.

This scholarship is more important than ever as the price of higher education has surged, with our public higher education systems right here in Connecticut facing tuition hikes and staff and faculty layoffs. CSEA members have been active in the fight to reduce public higher education costs and address the student loan crisis. Unions are critical to uplifting working families - from securing affordable health insurance and stable employment to competitive wages and paid time off to make precious memories with our loved ones.

CSEA President Travis Woodward was joined by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and State Representative Kate Farrar who addressed the awardees. 

Without the hard work and dedication of our McCusker Trustees, judges, and staff lead Valeria Lattarulo, these students would not have been awarded these scholarships. They work throughout the year to collect donations, create the application, judge the applicants, and put on a celebration which is often dubbed, ‘the best day of the year at CSEA.’

And of course, the McCusker Scholarship is only made possible through generous donations from our members, chapters, and councils throughout the year. In 2024 we were able to raise over $67,000 - with your help, we can beat this for 2025! Donate online HERE!

2024 MCCUSKER JUDGES:

Judy Brod 
Eleanor Carbonaro
Allison Dubrosky 
Sara Fitzgerald
Careen Jennings 
Rebecca Lewis
Mary Masayda
Peaches Miller
Jean Sawicki 
Dan Strebig

2024 MCCUSKER TRUSTEES:

Don Gladding - Chair           Council 400
Janet Brutcher                     P3B
Kara Chandler                     P4
Tawanda Kitt - Treasurer     CSC 
Keryn Felder                        P3A
Elisa Tuozzoli                      Inspectors
Edna Morales                     School Bus Drivers
Jacqueline Ulloa                 Child Care Providers

2024 MCCUSKER DONATIONS:

2024 MCCUSKER AWARDEES:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    J’Nae Alvarado is the child of Renee Simpson. Renee is a ParaEducator for the Fairfield Board of Education and a member of the ParaEducator Council.  J’Nae will be a freshman at University of Maryland Eastern Shore majoring in Forestry.

Elizabeth Anderson is the child of Stephen.  Stephen is a member of Chapter 401 of Retiree Council 400.  Elizabeth is in the graduate program at Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies for her Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling.

Aiden Bordelon is the child of Portia and Ian. Ian is a State School Teacher for the Department of Correction and a member of the P3B Council. Aiden will be a freshman at Maine Maritime Academy majoring in Marine Systems Engineering.

Grace Chagnon is the child of Amy. Amy is a State School Teacher for the Department of Correction and a member of the P3B Council. Grace will be a freshman at Worcester Polytechnic Institute majoring in Chemical Engineering.

Jennifer Chyra is the child of Susan and Tom.  Tom is an Engineer for the Department of Public Health and a member of Chapter 87 of the P4 Council.  Jennifer will be a freshman at the University of Hartford majoring in Health Science.

Mario Orlando Cueva-Chavez is the child of Marjorie and Mario.  Mario is a Transportation Engineer Trainee for the Department of Transportation and a member of Chapter 97 of the P4 Council.  Mario will be a junior at the University of Connecticut majoring in Neurobiology and Physiology.

Evan DeMarco is the grandchild of JoAnn Devine and Joseph DeMarco who are members of Chapter 411 of Retiree Council 400. Evan will be a freshman at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

Carolyn Ducharme is the child of Deirdre. Carolyn is an Education Consultant for the Department of Education and a member of the P3A Council.  Carolyn will be a freshman at Bryant University majoring in International Business.

Aidan Erickson is the child of Tricia and John.  John is an Information Technology Analyst for the Department of Workers Compensation and a member of Chapter 33 of the P4 Council.  Aidan will be a freshman at the University of Connecticut majoring in Biochemistry or Chemical Engineering.

Nicolas Eveno is the child of Pilar and Louis.  Louis is a Transportation Engineer for the Department of Transportation and a member of Chapter 88 of the P4 Council.  Nicolas will be a freshman at Penn State University majoring in Business.

Makenzie Finnegan is the grandchild of Joseph Dubin who is a member of Chapter 401 of Retiree Council 400. Makenzie will be a freshman at Emerson College majoring in Business of Creative Enterprises.

Ariana Forbes is the child of Donatella.  Donatella is an Information Technology Analyst for the Department of Administrative Services and a member of Chapter 148 of the P4 Council.  Ariana will be a sophomore at Florida International University majoring in Business and Marketing.

Cian James Fox is the child of Roisin and David.  David is a Transportation Engineer for the Department of Transportation and a member of Chapter 9 of the P4 Council.  Cian will be a freshman at UMass Amherst majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

Rebecca Fuller is the child of Sarah Ann and David. Sarah Ann is a ParaEducator for the Wethersfield Board of Education and a member of the ParaEducator Council.  Rebecca will be a freshman at Manchester Community College majoring in Biology/Biological Science.

Swathi Ganesh is the child of Geetha and Ganesh.  Geetha is an IT Analyst for the Department of Social Services and a member of Chapter 33 of the P4 Council.  Swathi will be a freshman at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign majoring in Electrical Engineering.

Alexa Glynn is the child of Lindsay and Jimmy.  Lindsay is a Security worker at Joel Barlow High School and a member of Council 760.  Alexa will be a freshman at the University of Connecticut majoring in Business.

Aiden Goiangos is the child of Kirsten and Eric. Kirsten is a SSD Case Examiner for the Department of Social Services and a member of the P3B Council. Aiden will be a junior at the University of Connecticut majoring in Computer Science.

Lucas Grafton is the child of Lisa and Donald.  Donald is a Transportation Engineer 3 for the Department of Transportation and a member of Chapter 15 of the P4 Council.  Lucas will be a freshman at Roger Williams University majoring in Marine Biology.

Jacob Guilmartin is the child of Jennifer and Wayne.  Wayne is a Information Technology Analyst 2 for the Department of Administrative Services/BITS and a member of Chapter 148 of the P4 Council.  Jacob will be a freshman at CT State Community College, Asnuntuck majoring in Advanced Manufacturing-Machining.

Kelli Haggerty is the child of Dawn and John.  John is a Maintenance Planner for the Department of Transportation and a member of Chapter 9 of the P4 Council.  Kelli will be a freshman at High Point University majoring in Exercise Science.

Zachary Hempel is the child of Kristen and David. David is a School Administrator for the Department of Education and a member of the P3B Council. Zachary will be a senior at Swarthmore College majoring in Philosophy.

Lynette Jurczyk is the child of Lorianne and James.  James is a member of Chapter 404 of Retiree Council 400.  Lynette will be a 1st year graduate student at the University of Southern California majoring in Occupational Therapy.

Michelle Justice is the child of Rosalie Landry.  Rosalie is a member of Chapter 426 of Retiree Council 400.  Michelle will be a sophomore at  Keiser University majoring in Nursing.

Kayla Killian is the child of Stacie.  Stacie is a Paraprofessional for the New Fairfield Board of Education and a member of the ParaEducator Council.  Kayla will be a sophomore at the University of Connecticut majoring in Biomedical Engineering.

Monica Luis is the child of Nelia and Antonio.  Nelia is a DTI Teacher Assistant for the Cheshire Board of Education and a member of the ParaEducator Council.  Monica will be a freshman at the University of New Haven majoring in Pre-Architecture.

Sasha Manzione is the grandchild of Vivian Manzione who is a member of Chapter 416 of Retiree Council 400.  Sasha will be a freshman at Fordham University majoring in Political Science.

Shannon Massey is the child of Randy Massey.  Randy is a member of Chapter 427 of Retiree Council 400.  Shannon will be a junior at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Rylan Mayo is the child of Kelly Mero. Kelly is an Education Consultant for the Department of Education and a member of the P3A Council.  Rylan will be a sophomore at CT State Community College majoring in Criminology.

Nylah McCloud is the child of Alisha and Brandon.  Brandon is a Correctional Lieutenant for the Department of Correction and a member of the Corrections Supervisors Council.  Nylah will be a sophomore at the University of Connecticut majoring in Psychological Sciences.

Riley McDermott is the grandchild of Regina McDermott who is a member of Chapter 405 of Retiree Council 400.  Riley will be a sophomore at Eastern Connecticut State University majoring in Elementary Education.

Sean McDermott is the sibling of Riley.  Sean will be a senior at Springfield College majoring in Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

Veronica McKenna is the child of Stephanie and Joseph.  Joseph is a Behavior Specialist for the Wethersfield Board of Education and a member of the ParaEducator Council.  Veronica will be a sophomore at Eastern Connecticut State University majoring in Physical and Health Education.

Seeger McLarney is the child of Jennifer and Timothy.  Jennifer is a ParaEducator for the Tolland Board of Education and a member of the ParaEducator Council.  Seeger will be a freshman at the University of Rhode Island majoring in Electrical Engineering.

Jacob Merson is the child of Rebeka and Sean.  Sean is a Transportation Engineer for the Department of Transportation and a member of Chapter 56 of the P4 Council.  Jacob will be a junior at Syracuse University majoring in Film and Media Arts.

Aaron Mickiewicz is the child of Cheryl and Mark.  Mark is a Property Agent 2 for the Department of Transportation and a member of Chapter 9 of the P4 Council.  Aaron will be a freshman at Clark University majoring in Computer Science.

Isabella Mucciacciaro is the child of Laurie.  Laurie is a Supportive Services Supervisor for the Town of Farmington and a member of Council 760.  Isabella will be a freshman at Quinnipiac University majoring in Nursing.

Kiara Darysha Oquendo is the child of Sonia Pabon.  Sonia is a member of the Family Child Care Provider Council.  Kiara will be a freshman at the University of New Haven majoring in Criminal Justice.

Zachary Palmer is the child of Kayon and Dennis.  Kayon is an Information Technology Analyst 2 for the Department of Administrative Services/BITS and a member of Chapter 33 of the P4 Council.  Zachary will be a freshman at the University of Connecticut majoring in Statistics.

Brooke Rankin is the child of Kathleen and Donald.  Kathleen is an Environmental Analyst for the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and a member of Chapter 24 of the P4 Council.  Brooke will be a sophomore at the University of Connecticut majoring in Psychology.

Matthew Reed-Brown is the child of Cynthia and David. Cynthia is an Education Consultant for the Department of Aging and Disability Services and a member of the P3A Council.  Matthew will be a freshman at the University of Connecticut majoring in Computer Science.

Lorenzo Resto is the child of Maribel and Martin. Martin is an Information Technology Analyst for the Workers Compensation Commission and a member of Chapter 55 of the P4 Council.  Lorenzo will be a sophomore at the University of Connecticut majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

Izabella Ricciardi is the child of Kaylan. Kaylan is an Education Consultant for the Department of Education and a member of the P3A Council.  Izabella will be a senior at Central Connecticut State University majoring in Business Marketing.

Zachary Richard is the child of Elaine and Brian.  Elaine is a Transportation Engineer for the Department of Transportation and a member of Chapter 9 of the P4 Council.  Zachary will be a sophomore at the University of Rhode Island majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

Isabelle Richards is the child of Janett and Gilbert.  Gilbert is an Environmental Analyst for the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and a member of Chapter 24 of the P4 Council.  Isabelle will be a sophomore at Berklee College of Music majoring in Music Industry Leadership and Innovation.

Jasmine Ritter is the child of Roxanne and Peter. Roxanne is a Paraprofessional for the Enfield Board of Education and a member of the ParaEducator Council.  Jasmine will be a senior at Nazareth University majoring in Music Performance.

Michael Roise is the child of Michelle.  Michelle is a Transportation Engineer for the Department of Transportation and a member of Chapter 9 of the P4 Council.  Michael will be a senior at the University of Maine majoring in Surveying Engineering Technology.

Stephanie Salinas is the child of Maria.  Maria is a member of the Family Child Care Provider Council.  Stephanie will be a senior at the University of Connecticut majoring in Graphic Design.

Guadalupe Shields is the child of Daniel. Daniel is a Paraprofessional for the East Haven Board of Education and a member of the ParaEducator Council.  Guadalupe will be a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame majoring in Chemical Engineering.

Dane Song is the child of Eun and Won.  Won is a Transportation Engineer for the Department of Transportation and a member of Chapter 9 of the P4 Council.  Dane will be a freshman at Lehigh University majoring in Computer Science and Business.

Dara Song is the sibling of Dane.  Dara will be a sophomore at the University of California Santa Barbara majoring in Psychological and Brain Science.

Angus Sprague is the child of Lee-Anne and George. Lee-Anne is a Paraprofessional for the Stafford Springs Board of Education and a member of the ParaEducator Council.  Angus will be a freshman at the University of Connecticut majoring in English.

Amber-Lynn Rose Steck-Quick is the grandchild of Mary Jane Quick who is a member of Chapter 427 of Retiree Council 400.  Amber-Lynn will be a freshman at Western Connecticut State University majoring in Health and Wellness Management.

Alissa Supik is the child of Mary Ann and Christopher. Christopher is a School Teacher for the Department of Correction and a member of the P3B Council.  Alissa will be a sophomore at Nichols College majoring in Business/Marketing.

Sonia Temfack is the child of Sabine and Maurice.  Sabine is an Information Technology Analyst 3 for the Evaluation and Research Department and a member of Chapter 148 of the P4 Council.  Sonia will be a freshman at Boston College majoring in Political Science.

Kayla Thomson is the child of Susan and Steven.  Susan is a Paraprofessional for the Fairfield Board of Education and a member of the ParaEducator Council.  Kayla will be a senior at Ohio State University majoring in Psychology and Criminology.

Adrina Tuozzoli is the child of Elisa and Michael. Elisa is a Police Inspector for the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office and a member of the Inspectors Council.  Adrina will be a freshman at the University of Tampa majoring in International Business.

Alberto Velasquez-Maineri is the child of Terese and Mateo. Terese is an Education Consultant for the Department of Education and a member of the P3A Council.  Alberto will be a freshman at the University of Rhode Island majoring in Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Yaselie Veras is the child of Yasmin and Jose. Yasmin is the Receptionist/Clerk for CSEA SEIU Local 2001.  Yaselie will be a sophomore at Capital Community College majoring in Nursing.

Mary Catherine Viera is the child of Julie.  Julie is a Civil Engineer for the Town of West Hartford and a member of Council 760.  Mary Catherine will be a freshman at Quinnipiac University majoring in History.

Brianna Wallen is the child of Andrea and Cadian.  Andrea is a School Teacher for the Department of Children and Families and a member of the P3B Council.  Brianna will be a sophomore at Southern Connecticut State University majoring in Journalism.

Cadian Wallen Jr. is the brother of Brianna.  Cadian will be a junior at the University of Hartford majoring in Computer & Electronic Engineering.

Jackson Wallick is the child of Nancy and Steven.  Steven is an Information Technology Analyst 3 for the Department of Administrative Services and a member of Chapter 148 of the P4 Council.  Jackson will be a sophomore at Middlesex Community College majoring in Computer Science.

Cyprus Weaver is the grandchild of Pamela Carney who is a member of Chapter 410 of Retiree Council 400. Cyprus will be a freshman at Lesley University majoring in Expressive Art Therapy.

Ella Webster is the child of Johanna and Jason. Jason is the Operations Director for CSEA SEIU Local 2001. Ella will be a freshman at Worcester Polytechnic Institute majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

Jillian Webster is the sibling of Ella.  Jillian will be a freshman at Fitchburg State University majoring in Game Art.

Lincoln Wittwer is the child of Martha and Dean. Martha is a Paraprofessional for the Voluntown Board of Education and a member of the ParaEducator Council.  Lincoln will be a freshman at University of Southern Maine majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Alexis Woods is the child of Thelma and Andrew.  Andrew is a member of Chapter 402 of Retiree Council 400.  Alexis is a junior at Western Connecticut State University majoring in Nursing.