MVP Spotlight Archives

June GCVS MVP – Kirk Varjian aka Mr. V.
Nominated by Shannon Beauregard and Sue Powers

Kirk Varjian has been a valued member of the GCVS community since 2022. He has held several roles: family engagement liaison, paraprofessional, and substitute teacher. His flexibility and willingness to step in wherever he’s needed make him an invaluable part of our team. Kirk is a dedicated and hardworking educator who truly embodies the mission of GCVS. No matter how you meet him—whether in a Zoom session, at a school event, or for the first time—you’re always welcomed by his warm, friendly smile and genuine demeanor. He has been praised by families for the way he engages students in the classroom by bringing real life examples to lessons. He is respectful of every student while making them feel important and involved. He supports our families with kindness, empathy, and a deep commitment to their success. We are incredibly fortunate to have Kirk as a member of our staff and school community!

May 2025 GCVS MVP – Michelle Hamel, High School Art Teacher
Nominated by Stephanie Powers and Karen LaFleur

This month, we’re proud to highlight Michelle Hamel, a passionate and innovative art teacher at GCVS! Her dedication to celebrating student creativity led her to launch the Artist Spotlight, which showcases the unique talents of our virtual learners. In addition, she has served as yearbook advisor, leading to GCVS winning first place for cover design and third place for overall yearbook for the 2023 school year, as well as an honorable mention for a video submission celebrating school spirit for 2024. With her leadership and encouragement, GCVS received an invitation to the 2025 Teen Invitational at MASS MoCA in North Adams where the artwork of six of our students was exhibited. Judges awarded three top prizes as well as 100 honorable mentions; all six of our students received an honorable mention! Thank you for inspiring young artists and bringing statewide recognition to our students and school!

GCVS MVP – Animesh “Ary” Bose – High School Math Teacher
Nominated by Shannon Beauregard

High school math teacher Ary Bose is an amazing educator whose passion for teaching truly shines in the classroom. Though humble by nature, Ary has a remarkable ability to connect with his students, inspiring excitement and curiosity in every lesson. His students don’t just learn math – they utilize what they learn bringing real-world relevance to their final projects. Ary’s dedication to student growth and unwavering support for his colleagues make him a valuable member of our team!

GCVS February MVP – Bill Marrapese, School Nurse
Nominated by Karina Tuting and Shannon Beauregard

Nurse Bill goes above and beyond to support not only our students and families but also our staff. Whether he’s lending a hand, offering a listening ear, or sharing thoughtful advice, Bill is always there when you need him. Beyond his nursing role, Bill plays an essential part in our grade 10 Wellness class as a co-teacher. His presence fosters a safe, supportive, and uplifting atmosphere where students feel encouraged to be themselves and have fun. What truly sets Bill apart is his unwavering positivity. He shows up every day with a smile, helping us all find the silver lining—no matter the challenge. His dedication and uplifting spirit make our school a better place for everyone.

GCVS January MVP – Maura Sleeth
Nominated by Members of the HS Support Team

Maura Sleeth is a high school special education teacher who has also stepped into the role of special education coordinator this year. Maura collaborates with other special education staff, guidance, and the high school VP on scheduling, co-teaching, shared support, and transitional support for students. She has a quiet, contemplative demeanor that enhances her thoughtful and focused support of students and communication with families. Maura is open to other perspectives, reflecting on her own practices, and is an invaluable member of the Special Education Team, the High School Team, and the entire GCVS school community!

GCVS December MVP Courtney Hampton – Substitute Teacher/General Ed Para – Grade 8
Nominated by Sue Powers, Vice Principal, Elementary School

Courtney Hampton has been with GCVS for two years working as a substitute teacher and general ed paraprofessional. In that time, she has established strong relationships with students and staff and her contributions across various grade levels have been remarkable and much appreciated. It is evident to see the pride she takes in her work. She not only supports our students but is also a wonderful support to her colleagues. Courtney’s positive attitude and dedication make her a valued member of our team!

GCVS MVP – Guidance Team
Nominated by Kris Provost, Coordinator of the Student Support Center

The Guidance team plays an invaluable role at GCVS. Consisting of high school counselors Brittany French, Jason Lesard, and Rob Moreau; coordinator of guidance counseling services and middle school counselor, Jennifer Ruhle; and administrative assistant, Christina Fisher, they advise students on the importance of utilizing best practices to improve their performance in school and in life. They have been the driving force in launching the Career Cafe Conversations, stepping up to provide students with valuable information on understanding who they are, things that interest them, and possible careers to explore. The Guidance team inspires students to reach for the stars and achieve their highest potential!

Miss Jess – Special Education Paraprofessional Grades K–5
Nominated by Kelley Mathiesen, Liz Colantuono, Sara DeFronzo, Tarah Perna, Donald Cook, Cassie Iacolino, and Jamie Fonseca

As a special education paraprofessional, Miss Jess consistently goes above and beyond, infusing every classroom with joy and positivity. Her ability to connect with students and create an encouraging learning environment is truly exceptional. Jess’s unique perspective as a GCVS parent allows her to bridge communication between families and staff with insight and empathy. Her dedication to our school community and her commitment to making a difference every day make her a standout member of our team. Miss Jess is more than deserving of this recognition for her remarkable contributions and unwavering support!

Melissa Murphy – Paraprofessional
Nominated by Michael Bernstein – Parent of a 6th Grade Student

Melissa Murphy stepped in as a long-term substitute for 6th grade ELA this year. While that can be difficult for students, she made the change easy as she is so consistently kind, helpful, clear, and responsive. Melissa provides additional support to the students who need that, and her feedback during writing projects encourages students to find their individual voices, allowing them to see that receiving feedback can be a positive process. We feel extremely lucky that she has been our child’s teacher!

GCVS MVP Kaylee Cutler
Nominated by Karen LaFleur and Susan Powers

Eighth grade math teacher Kaylee Cutler has been with GCVS since 2014. We have watched her grow from a new teacher right out of college to one of our most experienced teachers and a mentor to new staff. She strives to inspire her students while sharing her love of math, offering encouragement, and support to help them succeed. Kaylee is a valued member of the middle school team, collaborating on team initiatives while offering thoughtful input. She is always willing to help whenever and wherever needed. Kaylee has a wonderful way about her and connects easily with students, their families, and staff. She has a great sense of humor and a laugh that fills the room. She brings joy to everyone at GCVS!

GCVS MVP Debby Gilmer, Special Education Teacher
Nominated by Samantha Houston, 3rd Grade Teacher

Debby is a special education teacher supporting the elementary team. She has formed great relationships with students and their families in addition to the elementary staff. Debby is very knowledgeable in special education practices and holds her students to high expectations while finding ways to incorporate their interests into each class. Debby is a wonderful addition to the elementary team!

GCVS MVP Samantha Houston, Grade 3 Teacher
Nominated by Debby Gilmer, Special Education Teacher

Samantha Houston is an exemplary elementary teacher and willing collaborator with the entire K–5 team. Her classroom lessons are engaging, interesting, and encourage maximum student participation. Ms. Houston is known for devoting considerable time and attention to developing positive working relationships with the learning coaches and parents of her students. She is always polite, professional, and diplomatic when working with others, and a welcomed addition to any project, meeting, or event. Her commitment to collaboration by always being willing to roll up her sleeves to help accomplish team goals and ability to adapt to meet the needs of all of her students is what makes her an MVP!

GCVS MVP Nicole Kahale, Elementary School Title I Reading Teacher
Nominated by Sarah Turgeon, Paraprofessional, Grades K–5

Nicole is managing a team that provides targeted reading intervention to at-risk students in grades K–5. After a change in the program, she was instrumental in the creation and implementation of new systems and protocols to enhance the scope of services provided. Nicole is also a positive contributor to the elementary school culture and is a valued, responsive, and respected member who is always willing to help her colleagues while making the team stronger. She truly cares about each and every student she comes in contact with and helps make GCVS a better place!