» Mayrand receives highest award from Worcester Education Development Foundation

Mayrand receives highest award from Worcester Education Development Foundation

By Ellie Castano	October 11, 2012
UMass Medical School Communications

Sandra Mayrand, director of the UMMS Regional Science Resource Center and the STEM Pipeline Network of Central Massachusetts, has received the 2012 Steve Mills Founders Award from the Worcester Education Development Foundation. She was cited for her leadership and her commitment to public education and the mission of the Foundation. She also received a key to city from the Worcester School Committee; the key was made by students at Worcester Technical High School.

The WEDF was founded in 2005 to support students and teachers in the Worcester Public Schools. Mayrand is the outgoing WEDF president, having served a three-year term in which she guided the foundation in the development of a strategic plan and establishment of financial policies and procedures, as well as strengthening of public relations through networking and communications.

“I was very surprised and greatly honored by the award, especially one named for Steve Mills, an incredible educational leader in so many ways and a wonderful person,” said Mayrand. “He established the WEDF for the sole purpose of helping support the students and educators in the Worcester Public Schools. The WEDF motto says it all—‘Helping students and teachers thrive!’ WEDF provides many ways that the Worcester community can do just that.” She added that the Coats for Kids event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 11, and the 2nd Annual Distinguished Alumni and Friends of the Worcester Public Schools Banquet will take place on Thursday, Nov. 8.

Mayrand has won numerous awards for work in building partnerships that support students and teachers, including the 2008 Manuel Carballo Award for Excellence in Public Service.