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Carver Board Member Jillian Kaminski Honored for Outstanding Volunteer Service

Jillian Kaminski and Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin

Carver proudly congratulates Board of Directors member Jillian Kaminski on receiving the Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award at The 47th Annual Darien Volunteer Celebration, hosted by The Community Fund of Darien on April 23, 2026.

Jillian was honored for her dedicated volunteer service to Carver, where she brings exceptional professional expertise as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Vice Chairman and Global Head of Alumni Relations at BlackRock. Through her board service, Jillian helps Carver strengthen community relationships, deepen alumni engagement, and expand the networks of support that help young people thrive.

This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as The Community Fund of Darien marks its 75th Anniversary by honoring 75 extraordinary volunteers—the largest group recognized in the event’s history. The annual tradition began in 1979 and celebrates Darien residents whose time, talent, and commitment benefit nonprofit organizations locally and beyond.

Carver is deeply grateful for Jillian’s leadership, generosity, and belief in the promise of every student we serve. Her recognition is a testament to her service and to the power of volunteer leadership in advancing Carver’s mission.

Thirty-Three Years of Service: Farewell to Elizabeth Finn

Elizabeth Finn, center-middle, white sweater

Carver celebrates a leader whose steady hand shaped The Carver for a generation.

33+ Years of service. 3.5 Years at Carver. 10 Years with P2P.

On a warm spring day recently, surrounded by colleagues, community members, and dear friends, the Carver bid a heartfelt farewell to Elizabeth Finn — a financial leader whose dedication, wisdom, and warmth have been woven into the fabric of this organization.

The going-away party was held at the Carver Community Center — itself a living testament to Elizabeth's impact. The building is currently under construction through the summer to complete a two-story Teen Center and sweeping renovations that include a new entrance and elevator. That transformation is possible, in no small part, because of Elizabeth's leadership and fiscal excellence over the years.

The celebration

Led by Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin, the party was filled with heartfelt tributes from staff and community members who gathered to honor everything Elizabeth has given to Carver. One after another, colleagues spoke of her steadying presence, her generosity of spirit, and the quiet confidence she brought to even the most complex financial challenges.

"Elizabeth brought more than financial stewardship to Carver — she brought integrity, grace, and a genuine belief in the mission we share,” said Novelette Peterkin, CEO.

Stories flowed freely — of budget meetings navigated with calm and clarity, of guidance offered generously to all staff, of the kind of institutional memory that simply cannot be replicated.

A legacy built to last

  • Nearly 13 years of combined nonprofit financial leadership across Carver and Person-to-Person

  • A culture of fiscal transparency and accountability that will endure for years to come

Elizabeth's journey in nonprofit finance is remarkable. She first joined Person-to-Person in November 2012 as a Finance Associate, rising to Chief Operating Officer before becoming Chief Financial Officer at Carver in December 2022. Before her nonprofit career, she served as Vice President at Signet Bank of Virginia and Assistant Vice President at Chemical Bank, bringing with her an MBA from the University of Richmond and deep financial expertise she ultimately devoted to the public good.

What's next

Elizabeth steps into this next chapter having earned every moment of it. Whether she is exploring new adventures, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying a well-deserved rest, the entire Carver family wishes her joy and good health in every mile and year ahead.

The Carver extends its deepest gratitude to Elizabeth Finn for her extraordinary service. We are better because of you — and we will carry your example forward.

Carver 5th Grade Scholars Shine in 2026 Technovation Celebration

An inspiring initiative designed to introduce 5th graders to the power of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship was once again available to students in the Carver Scholars Program, thanks to Dr. Cynthia Barnett and Amazing Girls Science. Over 12 weeks, from December through April, students from Brookside, Fox Run, Jefferson, Kendall, Silvermine, and Tracey Elementary Schools worked in teams to identify real-world problems, think through challenges, and build app-based solutions.

The culminating Technovation Celebration brought together families, mentors, judges, and Carver supporters to honor the girls’ hard work and creativity. Team after team took the stage to present the problems they identified, the challenges they overcame, and the apps they designed to make a difference.

Students tackled issues ranging from reporting signs of violence and helping animals in need to making healthier nutrition choices, conserving water, supporting caregivers with health alerts, and saving money by cooking at home. Their app ideas included Safe Circle, Helping Paws, Heart Harvest, Water Hero Adventure, My Health Solution, and Cultural Cooks.

The event also highlighted the caring adults who helped guide the girls throughout the journey. The participating teams were mentored by Jodi Flom Nathanson, Audra Good, Yana Rankine, Kristen Castro, Maria Paris, Fabiola Estevez, Verónica Ochoa, Anna McCormick, and Clare Woodman, and presentations were evaluated by judges Lauren Sweeney, Uchenna Pratt, and Maryann Murillo. Students were scored using a rubric that measured the strength of their problem and project description, their technical presentation, and their learning journey.

Families filled the room with pride as the girls shared not just what they created, but what they learned. The day is celebrated far more than technology alone. It showcased confidence, teamwork, public speaking, problem-solving, and the joy of seeing young people realize that they can create solutions for issues that matter in their communities.

At the end of the celebration, prizes were awarded to the top teams, with $100 for first place, $50 for second place, and $25 for third place. Every participant also received an ice cream token to Stew Leonard’s — a sweet reminder that every one of these young innovators had earned a moment to celebrate.

Carver is deeply grateful to Dr. Cynthia Barnett and Amazing Girls Science for sponsoring this program, to the Scholars Directors and mentors at every school, to the judges, and to the families whose encouragement filled the room. Most of all, we celebrate the girls themselves. They showed up. They solved problems. They built. They presented. And they shone!

Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy Takes Top Honors at Carver Innovators Robotics Showcase at NHRL

Excitement, teamwork, and school pride filled the arena on April 21 as The Carver’s middle school robotics students gathered at NHRL in Norwalk for the Carver Innovators Student Showcase: Robotics. With two teams from each of Norwalk’s four middle schools—Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, Roton Middle School, Nathan Hale Middle School, and West Rocks Middle School—the event brought together students, families, teachers, and supporters to celebrate creativity, persistence, and hands-on learning.

Throughout the showcase, students put their skills to the test in a series of lively robotics challenges, including Precision Parking, Tunnel Run, Retrieval & Transport, and the Line Follow Sprint. Using the ERIC robot, they demonstrated not only growing knowledge of gears, motors, sensors, and structural design, but also the patience, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving that are at the heart of STEM learning.

Mary Martini, The Carver’s Manager of Middle and High School Programs, served as the emcee, guiding the event with energy and encouragement. Novelette Peterkin, CEO of The Carver, and Rafael Soliven of Conair served as judges, while NHRL staff were on hand throughout the competition to help troubleshoot and support students as needed.

After a terrific afternoon of competition, Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy took top prize, with Nathan Hale Middle School earning second place. But the real victory belonged to all of the students who stepped into the spotlight, rose to the challenge, and showed what can happen when young people are given opportunities to explore innovation in a fun, supportive environment.

The Carver extends heartfelt thanks to the many people and partners who made this special event possible. Thank you to our wonderful teachers and families for encouraging and cheering on our students. Special thanks to our sponsors—NHRL, Conair, Sound Control Technologies, BMW of Darien, and Terex—for investing in opportunities that help students build confidence and skills. We are also especially grateful to The McChord Foundation for its valued support of Carver Innovators and its belief in the power of hands-on learning to inspire young people.

And thank you to NHRL for hosting this exciting showcase and for helping make robotics more accessible to the next generation of builders, makers, and problem-solvers.

Programs like Carver Innovators remind us that when students are encouraged to experiment, collaborate, and persevere, they do far more than build robots. They build confidence. They build skills. And they begin to imagine bigger futures for themselves.

Carver Innovators Challenge Kicks Off with Exciting Speed Chess Showcase at The SoNo Collection

The Carver Innovators Challenge launched an exciting new chapter yesterday, April 20, 2026, with the Carver Innovators Student Showcase: Chess at The SoNo Collection. The Chess event brought together students from Fox Run Elementary School, Tracey Elementary School, and the CASPER program at Carver Community Center, along with their families, educators, sponsors, and community supporters. We witnessed and celebrated strategic thinking, perseverance, and the power of hands-on enrichment in action.

This Fairfield County initiative connects students, educators, and corporate partners through immersive learning in robotics, chess, and strategic problem-solving. Over six weeks, K–8 students from Fox Run Elementary School, Tracey Elementary School, Roton Middle School, Nathan Hale Middle School, and the CASPER program at the Carver Community Center have been working alongside Carver educators, corporate mentors, and professional instructors to build skills in engineering, collaboration, leadership, and critical thinking.

A Showcase of Strategy and Focus

Yesterday’s event featured a lively speed chess tournament, where students competed in timed, one-on-one games and earned points based on their performance. The fast-paced format challenged students to think quickly, stay focused under pressure, and apply strategy with confidence.

The showcase began with welcome and opening remarks from Tricia Ciccone, Carver Director of Elementary School Programs, who thanked students and their families, recognized The SoNo Collection for hosting the event, and acknowledged the support of the program’s sponsors.

During her remarks, she highlighted Carver’s commitment to helping students develop critical life skills through STEM-based enrichment programs, including chess. Through hands-on, project-based learning, Carver continues to create opportunities for students to strengthen critical thinking, patience, problem-solving, and confidence.

First-place winners who tied in the Carver Innovators Student Showcase Chess Tournament at The SoNo Collection on April 20, 2026.

Following the opening, Waid Ramsubhag, Carver Manager of CASPER and Jr. YDP at the Carver Community Center, reviewed the rules of play before the tournament officially began. Students then competed across five rounds of play, with each round lasting approximately 10–15 minutes, including transitions. The tournament built excitement round by round as students advanced through the competition and spectators cheered them on.

The afternoon concluded with awards and final thoughts from Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin, who also shared Carver’s enthusiasm about expanding the program to include additional schools next year.

Sponsors and Community Partners

Carver proudly recognized the organizations that helped make the program possible:

  • ConAir

  • Sound Control Technologies

  • BMW of Darien

  • Terex

  • National Havoc Robot League (NHRL - Presenting Sponsor)

  • The SoNo Collection (event host)

  • Special thanks to The McChord Foundation

What’s Next: Robotics Showcase Today

The excitement continues today, April 21, with the second public event in the Carver Innovators Challenge:

Carver Innovators’ Robotics Showcase

April 21, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 PM
National Havoc Robot League (HAVOC/NHRL)

This second showcase will spotlight the engineering, creativity, and teamwork students have been developing throughout the program, giving the community another opportunity to celebrate their innovation and growth.

The Carver Innovators Challenge is a powerful investment in students’ futures. By bringing together schools, families, educators, and corporate partners, Carver is helping young people discover their strengths and build the confidence to thrive in STEM and beyond.

Free Weekly SMART Teens and Family & Friends Support Groups on Zoom

Positive Directions is offering a free weekly support group designed especially for teens ages 16–18 who are looking to make positive changes in their lives while coping with substance misuse or mental health challenges. The SMART Teens group began on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, and now meets every Tuesday from 6–7 p.m. on Zoom. Teens can access the Zoom link at Positive Directions’ groups page.

This free offering creates a safe, accessible space for young people to find support, strengthen coping skills, and take meaningful steps toward healthier choices. By making the group available online, Positive Directions is helping ensure that teens can connect with guidance and encouragement from wherever they are.

Positive Directions is also continuing its free SMART Family & Friends online support group for loved ones of people struggling with unhealthy or addictive behaviors. That weekly group helps participants build coping skills, improve communication, and restore balance in their own lives. It meets on Thursdays from 6–7 p.m., with Zoom access also available through the Positive Directions groups page.

Together, these free supports offer help not only for teens in need of encouragement, but also for the families and friends who care about them most.

Conair Visits Carver Innovators Robotics Team at Ponus Ridge, Inspiring Students Ahead of Showcase

From right to left, Conair team members Nick Sheth of the IT Department, Rafael Soliven, a Product Engineer, and Elena Rebimbas, a college student working in Conair’s Engineering Department through a Co-op Program. On the left is Carver’s Manager of Middle and High School Programs:, Mary Martini.

Carver was proud to welcome representatives from Conair, an early sponsor of the Carver Innovators Challenge, to meet with the 6th- and 7th-grade students on the Carver Innovators Robotics Team at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy.

The Carver Innovators Challenge is an exciting new Fairfield County initiative designed to connect students, educators, and corporate partners through hands-on learning in robotics, chess, and strategic problem-solving.

During the visit, students shared their experience building Eric the robot, a challenging project that called for patience, teamwork, and problem-solving. Many of the robot’s parts were created using the school’s 3D printer, giving students the opportunity to see how design ideas can become real working components.

The students also heard from Rafael about his work as an engineer, including the process of designing, developing, and testing products such as hairdryers. His remarks helped students make a powerful connection between what they are learning now and the kinds of careers they may pursue in the future.

Mary spoke proudly about how much the students have grown since the first day of the program and said she is excited to build on this year’s success by increasing the level of difficulty in the future. That growth was on full display as students described the collaboration, persistence, and creativity required to bring their robot to life.

Now, the Ponus Ridge team is looking ahead to next week’s Carver Innovators’ Robotics Showcase, where they hope to take the top prize for their school. Conair team members are looking forward to cheering them on, and Rafael is expected to return as one of the judges.

The Carver Innovators Challenge brings together K–8 students from Norwalk schools with corporate mentors and professional instructors for six weeks of immersive enrichment focused on engineering, strategy, collaboration, and leadership. Through the program, students gain hands-on experience in robotics engineering and coding, build strategic thinking skills, grow in confidence through public competition, and develop abilities that support future STEM learning and careers.

Carver Innovators’ Robotics Showcase
April 21 | 4:00–6:00 PM
National Havoc Robot League (HAVOC/NHRL)

These events celebrate student creativity, perseverance, and innovation while bringing the community together to recognize the power of STEM learning. Sponsorship of the program lets companies invest directly in the future workforce of Fairfield County and engage employees in meaningful community service.

Carver is grateful for the leadership support of The McChord Foundation, NHL, Conair, Sound Control Technologies, Terex, and BMW of Darien, whose partnership is helping make these opportunities possible for students across Norwalk.

A Season of Celebration: Norwalk Public Schools Shares Key End-of-Year Dates

As the school year moves toward its final chapter, Norwalk Public Schools has announced several important dates that will help families prepare for a season filled with celebration, reflection, and milestone moments.

The official last day of school will be Wednesday, June 24. Students will be dismissed two hours early on both Tuesday, June 23, and Wednesday, June 24. Norwalk Public Schools will also be closed on Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

The district has also approved the 2026 high school graduation and middle school promotion schedule, marking a special time for students, families, educators, and the entire Norwalk community.

High School Graduation Dates
Center for Global Studies — June 12 at 6 p.m. in the BMHS Auditorium
Norwalk High School & P-TECH Norwalk — June 16 at 11 a.m. at Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport
Brien McMahon High School — June 17 at 6 p.m. on Jack Casagrande Field at BMHS

Middle School Promotion Dates
Roton Middle School — June 15, 5 p.m. at BMHS Auditorium
Nathan Hale Middle School — June 15, 5:30 p.m. at NHS Auditorium
Concord Magnet School — June 15, 6 p.m. at CMS/Ponus Ridge Campus Auditorium
West Rocks Middle School — June 15, 7 p.m. at Norwalk Concert Hall
Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy — June 15, 7:30 p.m. at BMHS Auditorium

These dates represent more than calendar milestones. They mark the close of one year of learning and growth and the beginning of new journeys for Norwalk students across the district. From middle school promotions to high school graduations, June will be a time for families and school communities to come together and celebrate the hard work, perseverance, and promise of Norwalk’s young people.