Michelina B. Fazzino
Michelina was born in the town of Cerrito Sannita in the province of Benevento, Italy. She immigrated to the United States at the age of four and became a United States citizen at the age of 12. She earned her Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Albertus Magnus College and received her Master’s Degree in teaching from Southern Connecticut State University. After teaching for several years, she returned to Southern where she completed her 6th year in Interdisciplinary Science. She began teaching at BHS (Branford High School) in 1975 and continued until her retirement in 2010. At various times during her 35-year tenure, she has taught all three levels of chemistry, algebra, and introductory science courses as well as serving as the Chemical Hygiene Officer for the district. Throughout her career in Branford, she was known for her high standards and her caring attitude toward her students. Based on the performance of her students, Micky was selected the Outstanding Chemistry Teacher of the Year by the New Haven Chapter of the American Chemical Society.
Mrs. Fazz, as she was affectionately called, was hard to forget! Her students looked forward to her class. They could count on her energetic and strange outlook as well as her constant supply of hugs, warm drinks, and snacks. Students realized that she cared about them as people and wanted them to be successful. Mrs. Fazz would cheer at sporting events, applaud at plays and made students feel important. She was the Class Advisor for three different classes following them through graduation and even helped decorate the old gym for countless Junior Proms. She was an active member of the Scholarship, Independent Study, and National Honor Society selection committees, chairing the latter for several years. She assisted with the Science Club, the Science Bowl Teams and tutored students for the American Chemical Society National Competition. Additionally, she was always available to her students for extra help during lunches, prep time, as well as before and after school.
Before she retired, Micky was a contributing member of numerous career-related organizations including the New England Association of Chemistry Teachers and the Branford Education Association. She served as a union representative and Political Action Committee member for BHS for many years. Locally, she served on the board of the East Shore Chapter of the Albertus Magnus Alumni Society and is an active member of the Italian American Social Club. Presently, Micky volunteers her time mentoring; working with the Friends of the Blackstone Library Children’s Book Sort Group and is active in both the LIONS Club and Delta Kappa Gamma. She received the Mary Streeto Award for outstanding service and sisterhood from the Italian American Club and the BHS Class of 2009 honored her by planting a flowering pear tree at the BHS athletic complex.
Micky has been married for over 38 years to Joseph Fazzino who is a retired teacher, coach, and administrator. They have two children; Anthony Fazzino, a medical technician at a local diagnostic facility and Maria Fazzino Sadowski, a teacher at the Walsh Intermediate School. In her spare time, Micky enjoys reading, playing bocce and spending time with her family.
Mrs. Fazz, as she was affectionately called, was hard to forget! Her students looked forward to her class. They could count on her energetic and strange outlook as well as her constant supply of hugs, warm drinks, and snacks. Students realized that she cared about them as people and wanted them to be successful. Mrs. Fazz would cheer at sporting events, applaud at plays and made students feel important. She was the Class Advisor for three different classes following them through graduation and even helped decorate the old gym for countless Junior Proms. She was an active member of the Scholarship, Independent Study, and National Honor Society selection committees, chairing the latter for several years. She assisted with the Science Club, the Science Bowl Teams and tutored students for the American Chemical Society National Competition. Additionally, she was always available to her students for extra help during lunches, prep time, as well as before and after school.
Before she retired, Micky was a contributing member of numerous career-related organizations including the New England Association of Chemistry Teachers and the Branford Education Association. She served as a union representative and Political Action Committee member for BHS for many years. Locally, she served on the board of the East Shore Chapter of the Albertus Magnus Alumni Society and is an active member of the Italian American Social Club. Presently, Micky volunteers her time mentoring; working with the Friends of the Blackstone Library Children’s Book Sort Group and is active in both the LIONS Club and Delta Kappa Gamma. She received the Mary Streeto Award for outstanding service and sisterhood from the Italian American Club and the BHS Class of 2009 honored her by planting a flowering pear tree at the BHS athletic complex.
Micky has been married for over 38 years to Joseph Fazzino who is a retired teacher, coach, and administrator. They have two children; Anthony Fazzino, a medical technician at a local diagnostic facility and Maria Fazzino Sadowski, a teacher at the Walsh Intermediate School. In her spare time, Micky enjoys reading, playing bocce and spending time with her family.