On Wednesday, October 17, 2007, the Connecticut Technical High School System (CTHSS) honored staff and alumni for their outstanding contributions and exemplary work. The Annual Celebration of Excellence Dinner held at Saint Clement's Castle in Portland, Connecticut paid tribute to the Teachers of the Year, the Administrators of the Year, the Nurses of the Year, the Building Maintenance Supervisor of the Year and the Alumni of the Year.

Dr. Abigail Hughes, Superintendent of the CTHSS spoke to the honorees, their families and other members of the CTHSS. Hughes thanked all of the honorees for their hard work and dedication in educating the thousands of students who attend Connecticut's Technical High Schools. She stressed how important their work is to the future of Connecticut. Also in attendance were State Board of Education members Donald Coolican, Theresa Hopkins-Staten, Dr. Alice L. Carolan, and Betty Bobroske. 

One of the highlights of the dinner was a short concert by the United States Coast Guard Academy's "Idlers" Glee Club. Speeches were then given by System Principal of the Year Gene Laporta (Platt Technical High School), System Assistant Principal of the Year Russell Duffy (Wilcox Technical High School), and System Teacher of the Year Martin Sagendorf (Kaynor Technical High School). Plaques were presented to each of the honorees by Dr. Hughes and Assistant Superintendents Dr. Anne Druzolowski, Dr. Ceferino Lugo and Robert Lombardi.