2025 Award Winners
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2025 Parade Marshal- Todd Arslanian
Todd Arslanian was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. He is a 1981 graduate of Cathedral High School. For the past forty- three years, Todd has been an Auto and Heavy Truck Mechanic. While working at Century Towing Service, he met his wife Michelle and it was love at first sight! They will be married 29 years this June. He is the proud father to two amazing kids, Meg, a member of the 2018 court and hairdresser, and Joe, who is following in his dad's footsteps as a truck mechanic.
Todd is proud to celebrate his Irish roots in Agawam. His family comes from the McDonnells and Malone's Ventry Area County Kerry. His aunt, Vera Conway, was a long timemember of the committee and proudly shared her Irish heritage with all. Her dedication to the committee is what prompted Todd to join the committee in 2018.
2025 Anne Sullivan Award Winner- Judith Christian
Judith Kennedy Christian was born in Springfield to the late Matthias and Doris Kennedy. She began her nursing career at Massachusetts General Hospital before returning to Springfield and eventually settling in Agawam with her husband, James Christian, where they have lived for 54 years. Together, they raised seven children and are proud grandparents of ten. Throughout her life, Judith has remained a devoted and active volunteer, leaving a lasting impact on the community she loves.
Judy truly exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism. Before starting her own family, she dedicated her time to Brightside and Mont Marie, where she was known for baking apple pies to support fundraising efforts and assisting foster children. She also contributed countless hours to St. John’s Church and Saint Thomas School. Judy is incredibly honored to receive the Anne Sullivan Award and to march in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade in March. Her legacy of love, service, and unwavering dedication continues to inspire those around her.
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2025 Vera A. Conway Citizenship Award Winner- Dawn DeMatteo
Dawn DeMatteo grew up in Hampden MA and graduated from MinnechaugRegional High School in 1988. She has lived in Feeding Hills for the past 27 years. She is married to David DeMatteo for the past 3 years and has 2 children Madison and Matthew Dube and 2 “bonus” children Kelsey and Josh DeMatteo. She has been an early childhood educator for over 33 years, the past 21 of
them being spent at Smart Start Preschool in Agawam where she is currently the Director. One of her most cherished community roles is serving as an elected member of the Agawam School Committee, a position she has held for the past seven years. In this capacity, she is proud to contribute to making the Agawam School District one of the best places to send children. Additionally, she is currently volunteering on the New High School Building Committee, where she continues her commitment to enhancing the educational environment for future generations.