By Marisa Dawson, Photos Courtesy of Bennington Public Schools
Bennington Public Schools has named Paige Wright and Chelsy Scholtz as its February recipients of the district’s Shine Your Light Award, a monthly recognition celebrating staff members who go above and beyond in their service to students, colleagues, and the school community.
The award is based on nominations submitted by students, parents, and fellow staff members, with two to three employees selected each month for their positive impact and dedication.
Wright (pictured below with her class), a paraprofessional at Heritage Elementary, was recognized for her patient and caring approach to supporting students each day. Nominators described her as deeply dedicated and instrumental in creating a welcoming, positive learning environment. Colleagues noted that her kindness and genuine connection with students often leave them returning to class smiling, an indication of the meaningful relationships she builds. Her steady support of both students and staff has made her an important part of the Heritage Elementary community.
Scholtz, a second-grade teacher at Stratford Elementary, was also honored for her compassion and commitment to helping every student succeed. Her nominations highlighted her strong work ethic, her ability to maintain a supportive and structured classroom, and her genuine desire to see each child grow academically and personally.
For Scholtz, receiving the award was especially meaningful because the recognition came from those she works with and serves each day. “I love my job, but it takes a lot of energy and effort to give it your all. Having that effort recognized means the world to me,” Scholtz said. “It means even more knowing that the people around me that do the same for their own students and classrooms are the ones that nominated me.”
In her classroom, Scholtz focuses heavily on student growth, recognizing that every child learns at a different pace. She said her goal is to help each student feel confident and capable. “All students are different and learn new things at their own pace. What motivates me most as a second grade teacher is helping all students feel confident and successful in their learning,” she said.
Scholtz (pictured below with her class) previously taught first grade and said it has been rewarding to watch some of those same students return in second grade with increased independence and a better understanding of how they learn best.
Creating a supportive classroom environment, she said, requires responding to both academic and social-emotional needs as they arise. She emphasizes a growth mindset and encourages students to measure success by their own progress rather than comparing themselves to others.
“The best way for me to create a supportive classroom environment is by responding to what my students need,” Scholtz said. “Teaching a growth mindset is really important to me. Students in my room know that the only person they are in competition with is themselves and they should strive to do better than they did the day before.”
While academic milestones are important, Scholtz said the moments that resonate most are when she sees students grow in kindness and confidence. “I will always celebrate with them, no matter how small their achievement. However, my favorite moments as a teacher are the ones where I can see them growing as a person,” she said, noting that simple gestures, like a cheerful greeting or a thoughtful note from a student, serve as reminders of why she chose the profession.
Through their daily dedication, Wright and Scholtz exemplify the spirit of the Shine Your Light Award, demonstrating how compassion, patience, and commitment can make a lasting difference in the lives of students and in the culture of their schools.
