It all began for Vinal Tech Science teacher, Deborah Luster, in October of 1990 when she first walked through the doors at 60 Daniels Street.  Nineteen years later, she has been crowned Teacher of the Year.  Deborah first began her love of science in 1969 when she worked for the Loctite Corporation in Newington, Connecticut as an Analytical Chemist Technician and Research Chemical Specialist. 

In 1974, Deborah graduated from the University of Hartford with a B.A. in Biology.  In 1987, she received her Master of Education in which she majored in Administration and Supervision.  She began her teaching career as a substitute teacher in 1975 and in 1978 she began teaching at West Hartford Continuing Adult Education as a chemistry instructor.  During the next twelve years, Deborah has held positions as a science instructor at various high schools such as Hall, Windsor, Northwest Catholic, Conard, Loomis Chaffee Prep School, Westminster Prep School, South Windsor, Newington and Manchester before finding her “niche” here at Vinal Tech.

Deborah has served as Vinal’s Chemical Hygiene Specialist since 1995; Best Mentor and Best Portfolio Scorer since 1996; Class Advisor from 1990 to 1998 and 2004 to 2008 – currently Class Advisor for the class of 2012 and a thirteen-year member of the Science Steering Committee.  Deborah’s list of committee memberships is long, extensive and impressive and she has also served as an AEP tutor and has privately tutored many students during her time as a teacher. She has served on State of Connecticut Educational Committees and is currently on a committee.

She has been nominated as Teacher of the Year numerous times and has also been nominated for The Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Science three times in 1997, 2003, and 2009.  She has also received commendation for Project Search, as an environmental project participant.

Deborah’s community service activities are also extensive.  She has served as a Junior Achievement advisor, American Cancer Program Chair, Vocational Agriculture Legislative Committee member, Hartford Jewish Federation volunteer and CT Public Television Auction volunteer.  She has also been a Leukemia Drive chairperson and has planned, organized and implemented formal dinners for Congresswoman Barbara Kennelly, CT Representative Bruce Morrison and Senator Joseph Lieberman.  Deborah is also a member of the Brandeis Woman’s Organization serving as a board member and Chairwoman of study groups.

Deborah has enjoyed 40 plus years of wedded bliss to her husband Mark and has one child, a daughter named Jodi.  In her spare time she enjoys reading, exercise, spoon and doll collecting. 

The Vinal Tech administration, faculty and staff would like to congratulate Deborah on this much deserved honor and distinction.