Toni Cartisano
In the field of education, no one stands taller than Toni Cartisano. Whether in the classroom, on the court, or behind the scenes, Toni's work consistently defines excellence.
Toni is the perfect blend of athlete and artist. A 1966 graduate of Greenwich High School, she was captain of all the girls' sports teams, a member of the All-State Band, as well as a member of the auditioned group, Senior Choir. At SCSU she performed in the Concert Band and played on the softball team. Her thirty-five year teaching career began and ended at Branford High School. Miss "C" brought her enthusiasm and knowledge to thousands of students in her Physical Education (don't say "Gym") and Health Education classes. Her caring teaching style, along with her vibrant personality and honesty, fostered frank and open discussions in the Health classroom. She was rewarded with the title of Connecticut's Sexuality Educator in 1997.
Toni coached field hockey, basketball, track and volleyball. She was responsible for bringing a softball program to the girls at BHS. Under her coaching, the volleyball team played in five state championship games and won the title three times. In 1984, Toni was named Connecticut's Volleyball Coach of the Year. She was inducted into the Connecticut State Volleyball Hall of Fame and was nominated twice for the National Volleyball Coach of the year. In 1993 she was inducted into the Branford Sports Hall of Fame for all of these accomplishments.
Passionately devoted to bridging the gap between generations, her contributions did not stop in the classroom or on the court; nor did they stop with her retirement from teaching. She continues to devote her time and energy to both the Leo and Gay/Straight Alliance Clubs. As advisor to the Leo Club, she works as liaison between members of the Branford Lion's Club and high school students as they participate in various charitable projects on the local and international level. Her tireless work with GSA helps to inform and educate the community about teenage sexuality issues while providing a safe haven for concerned teens.
Perhaps her crowning achievement in the field of education is her behind-the-scenes role as the twenty-year veteran director for the spring musicals at BHS. Along with Cathyann Roding, Toni has brought the magic of the Broadway stage to thousands in our community culminating with the 2006 performance of Beauty and the Beast. Their program provides the ultimate experience in a high school theatrical performance, and according to audience members, rivals that of professional productions.
If you're lucky, you just might hear Toni belt out a few tunes from the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" is the guiding force behind this vibrant woman. Her forte is the way she performs rather than just the end product she produces. As an outspoken advocate for equity and equality, Toni empowers those around her to make wise decisions about real issues. She encourages creativity, leadership and most of all, mutual respect. Excellence follows.
Toni Cartisano's gifts to all that know her are her quick wit, vibrant sense of humor, infectious laugh, honest nature and, most of all, her lasting friendship.
Toni is the perfect blend of athlete and artist. A 1966 graduate of Greenwich High School, she was captain of all the girls' sports teams, a member of the All-State Band, as well as a member of the auditioned group, Senior Choir. At SCSU she performed in the Concert Band and played on the softball team. Her thirty-five year teaching career began and ended at Branford High School. Miss "C" brought her enthusiasm and knowledge to thousands of students in her Physical Education (don't say "Gym") and Health Education classes. Her caring teaching style, along with her vibrant personality and honesty, fostered frank and open discussions in the Health classroom. She was rewarded with the title of Connecticut's Sexuality Educator in 1997.
Toni coached field hockey, basketball, track and volleyball. She was responsible for bringing a softball program to the girls at BHS. Under her coaching, the volleyball team played in five state championship games and won the title three times. In 1984, Toni was named Connecticut's Volleyball Coach of the Year. She was inducted into the Connecticut State Volleyball Hall of Fame and was nominated twice for the National Volleyball Coach of the year. In 1993 she was inducted into the Branford Sports Hall of Fame for all of these accomplishments.
Passionately devoted to bridging the gap between generations, her contributions did not stop in the classroom or on the court; nor did they stop with her retirement from teaching. She continues to devote her time and energy to both the Leo and Gay/Straight Alliance Clubs. As advisor to the Leo Club, she works as liaison between members of the Branford Lion's Club and high school students as they participate in various charitable projects on the local and international level. Her tireless work with GSA helps to inform and educate the community about teenage sexuality issues while providing a safe haven for concerned teens.
Perhaps her crowning achievement in the field of education is her behind-the-scenes role as the twenty-year veteran director for the spring musicals at BHS. Along with Cathyann Roding, Toni has brought the magic of the Broadway stage to thousands in our community culminating with the 2006 performance of Beauty and the Beast. Their program provides the ultimate experience in a high school theatrical performance, and according to audience members, rivals that of professional productions.
If you're lucky, you just might hear Toni belt out a few tunes from the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" is the guiding force behind this vibrant woman. Her forte is the way she performs rather than just the end product she produces. As an outspoken advocate for equity and equality, Toni empowers those around her to make wise decisions about real issues. She encourages creativity, leadership and most of all, mutual respect. Excellence follows.
Toni Cartisano's gifts to all that know her are her quick wit, vibrant sense of humor, infectious laugh, honest nature and, most of all, her lasting friendship.