WILTON – With the end of the school year on the horizon and summer just around the corner, the Parent Teacher Friends of Wilton decided to give something back to teachers in their school community.

Early Friday morning, parent volunteers were busy preparing coffee and making breakfast for the annual teacher appreciation get-together. Teachers had the chance to enjoy their breakfast and visit among themselves as the parents were the ones doing all the work.

“It’s nice to be able to show them all that we appreciate them,” said parent volunteer Judy Igoe.

One teacher was greeted with an unexpected gift from the Wal-Mart in Farmington. Brenda LaVerdiere, a third- and fourth-grade teacher at Academy Hill School received the Teacher of the Year award from Peter Zanoni, who handles community relations for the local store.

Zanoni called her selection a unanimous one and thanked her for her outstanding achievement in education. In the nomination form submitted on LaVerdiere’s behalf, the teacher was recognized for assisting students in reading, environmental issues and encouraging them to ask questions and participate.

“The students come out of her class more knowledgeable, confident and happy,” according to the nomination.

Along with a plaque and custom blue Wal-Mart vest of her own, Laverdiere received a $1,000 check in appreciation for all her work in the Wilton school system.

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